Review
As China undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization, one of the unexpected side effects has been a rise in extramarital affairs—and with it, the emergence of what's now known as the "love industry." One branch of this industry is the "mistress dispeller"—professionals hired by couples to intervene in affairs, sever ties between a spouse and their lover, and attempt to restore the fractured trust in a marriage. Whether that trust can truly be rebuilt remains to be seen. This film is the second feature-length documentary by director Elizabeth Lo that closely follows one such real-life case involving Mr. Li, his wife, and a young woman named Fei Fei, offering an unfiltered glimpse into a side of Chinese society. Though the profession is a peculiar and unfamiliar one, the film avoids sensationalism. Instead, its subtle camerawork of the salon scene with the two women, poignant use of classical music, and most of all, the director's compassionate gaze lend the documentary a sort of dignity. (CHUN Jinsu)
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