Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011)

In the heart of 19th-century China, amidst the constraints of rigid social norms, a unique bond blossoms between two seven-year-old girls, Snow Flower and Lily. Matched as laotong, or "old sames", their destinies are interlaced for eternity, their friendship a beacon of hope in their isolated lives. Ingeniously, they devise a secret language, nu shu, meticulously etched between the folds of a pristine white silk fan, a clandestine method of communication that transcends their physical separation. Parallel to this historical narrative, in the bustling metropolis of modern-day Shanghai, a similar tale unfolds. Descendants of the laotong, Nina and Sophia, grapple with maintaining their own intimate childhood friendship amidst the whirlwind of demanding careers and complex love lives. The relentless evolution of Shanghai's landscape poses an additional challenge to their bond. The key to their enduring friendship lies hidden within the antique white silk fan, an emblem of their ancestral connection. Unaware of this treasured relic, Nina and Sophia must unravel the lessons of the past to understand their intertwined destinies. As they delve deeper, they are faced with a choice - decipher the story concealed in the folds of the fan, or risk the potential oblivion of their friendship. The narrative of 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' is an intricate tapestry of enduring friendship and subtle rebellion against societal norms, intricately woven across two vastly different eras. A tale that emphasizes the power of friendship, it is a testament to the timeless connections that echo through generations, setting a poignant reminder of how the past can shape the future.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a drama movie featuring Li Bingbing and directed by Wayne Wang.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Starz Apple TV Channel.

It is also possible to buy Snow Flower and the Secret Fan on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.