Lou Ye’s second film is a tragic love story that takes place in the gloomy Shanghai of the beginning of the 21st century. Described as a seductive and atmospheric conundrum, and influenced by both Wong Kar-Wai and Hitchcock, the film sits within the Sixth Generation of Chinese cinema, sharing the movement’s characteristically anti-romantic vision, sense of disorientation and scepticism towards Chinese economic policy. After Lou Ye premiered Suzhou River without permission, the Chinese government banned him from making films for two years. Now, following a restoration overseen by the director, we can reveal this treasure once more.