Blush (1995 film)

Blush, also known as Han Yan (Chinese: 㗓顏), is a 1995 Chinese film directed by Li Shaohong. The film is based on a novella of the same name by writer Su Tong.

The film is set in a small, unnamed town in China during the early 1980s. It tells the story of two young women, Blush (played by He Saifei) and her friend, both of whom work in a silk factory. The factory’s women are known for their loose morals, having been left by their husbands and fiancés who went to work in other provinces. Blush finds herself caught in a complex love triangle, navigating the societal pressures and limitations placed on women in post-Cultural Revolution China. The arrival of a new cadre member further complicates the situation.

Blush explores themes of female sexuality, societal expectations, and the changing landscape of China in the reform era. It offers a critical look at the lingering effects of traditional values and the struggles of women seeking autonomy in a rapidly evolving society. The film is noted for its strong performances, particularly by He Saifei, and its evocative depiction of the small-town setting.