Flowers of Shanghai

Audience emotional responses for 'Flowers of Shanghai' are dominated by a profound sense of Sadness and Melancholy, stemming from the stifling atmosphere of the 1880s Shanghai brothels and the often tragic fates of the courtesans who 'fade, or connive, or despair.' Empathy is very high, as viewers connect deeply with the women's limited choices and struggles. Love is present, reflecting the 'Romance' genre, but it's often complex, transactional, and tinged with sorrow. Hope exists in the characters' aspirations for freedom or a better life, though frequently unfulfilled, leading to underlying Anxiety about their precarious futures. Nostalgia and Curiosity are also significant, driven by the film's exquisite period detail and the audience's interest in this unique historical and cultural setting.