Film Movement Classics

Ju Dou

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2026 Subscribers: This is NOT included in your Subscription. If you'd like to purchase it, you will need to login to view your special 50% off SRP pricing.

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Adam Maida) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

The film that put director Zhang Yimou and star Gong Li on the international cinema map follows beautiful young Ju Dou as she is married off to an egregiously cruel, and also impotent, owner of a dye mill in the Chinese countryside in the early 20th century. When the boss’ nephew arrives on the scene they fall for each other with lustful abandon. Their impassioned affair soon leads to a son. After the clandestine couple convinces the despotic husband that he is the father, the boy is raised as his long-awaited heir. However the myriad complications of infidelity lead to a visceral and psychological melee between the lovers and their ruler with explosively dramatic turns. With its stunning mise en scène and sumptuous use of color, Ju Dou was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards® and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest Chinese films ever made.

directed by: Zhang Yimou, Yang Fengliang
starring: Gong Li, Baotian Li, Wei Li, Zhang Yi
1990 / 95 min / 1.37:1 / Mandarin DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

Region A Blu-ray
Commentary by film critics James Marsh and Pierce Conran
Video essay by USC Professor Kin Tak Raymond Tsang
Contemporary Chinese Voices on Ju Dou video discussion
English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.85 / 5 from 40 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Ju Dou, directed by Zhang Yimou, is celebrated for its stunning mise en scène and sumptuous use of color. The film, starring Gong Li, has earned acclaim for its memorable moments and is considered one of the best films of the 90s. The treatment process is praised for its stellar sound and picture quality. Customers rave about Gong Li's performance and the overall cinematic experience.

Summary topics

Film Quality (41%): Many customers raved about the film, describing it as one of the best films of the 90s.
Film Release (19%): Many customers loved the film release, praising its great quality and memorable moments, making it a popular choice.
Gong Li's Performance (19%): Many customers raved about Gong Li's performance in the movie, praising her performance and cinematography.
Treatment Process (14%): It was reported by customers that the treatment process was on full display with stellar sound and picture.

Review topics: [colors, looks, film, gong li, release, movie, treatment, compositions, drama, give, performances, transfer, watch, cinematography, story].

Review highlights

"Love these film movement releases, the films are of great quality, and are very memorable." — JIANJIANG B.
"This really good drama release was a very engaging film to watch!" — Paul K.
"The peerless VS restoration treatment process was on full display with stellar sound and picture!" — Paul K.

Reviews

What an emotionally compelling story,

"What an emotionally compelling story, just the right balance of drama I needed. I really like the cover design, it’s a beautiful addition to my film collection."

— Ismael F. (5/5)

Keep the Gong Li /Zhang Yimou collabs coming!

"Generational silent rage and shame. Beholden to old ways of thinking and doing that restrict empathy, kindness and desire. Home as a hell. The tyranny of filial piety and cruelty passed down by what the blood knows and the walled-in environment compounds. A woman as an enslaved reproductive tool for an infertile man, beaten for not producing a child, but later, in a cruel twist of fate, her ability to give life is a further form of entrapment. Lives of toil drained of colour, save for the resplendent towers of fabric which are their labour, and serve as the striking symbol of sex and death. A fiery, inescapable fate. Fully restrained, youthful Gong Li on full power. Raise the Red Lantern next please, Film Movement!"

— Timothy E. (4/5)

A beautful upgrade

"A pleasant upgrade from the DVD I had. The colors more like when I saw it in a theater way back it premiered. Great extras. Great film, highly recommended."

— Hansi L. (5/5)

Good movie.

"The transfer of this film looks amazing. What a great performance from the lead actress."

— Guillermo M. (5/5)

This is one of master

"This is one of master director Zhang Yimou’s first films and like all of his early films it’s absolutely fantastic and I’m glad it received a Blu-ray release. I wish it received a better presentation as the one on this disc has lots of banding, smeary visuals and macroblocking."

— Nicolas K. (3/5)

Essential Yimou

"This is a classic . One of the most beautiful Chinese films, looks brilliant on this blu-ray. Hopefully a 4K is in the works but if not this is still an excellent release. Give it a buy."

— Kieran S. (5/5)

Film Movement

"Been enjoying everything Film Movement has been putting out. Blind bought this on a recommendation and have no regrets."

— Nathanial P. (5/5)

Beautiful Drama

"Ju Dou is a visually stunning drama that uses rich colors and striking compositions to tell a deeply tragic story. Zhang Yimou crafts a tense, emotionally charged atmosphere, while Gong Li delivers a powerful, unforgettable performance. It’s a slow-burning film, but its beauty and intensity make it incredibly impactful."

— Shawn M. (5/5)

Discovery

"I am in the habit of blind buying a lot of partner titles, and this was one of the most rewarding ones I’ve snagged in years. Will certainly be giving this a re watch soon."

— Jonathan G. (5/5)

Amazed

"It’s a very good transfer, color is vibrant with great care to preserve the original delicate composition. Soundmix sounds appropriately rich without an updated dynamic remix not consistent with original version Supplemental features are very informative. Booklet and packaging are nicely designed. Happy with purchase."

— JORGE M. (5/5)