颐和园

The film follows the turbulent lives of students in Beijing during the 1980s, focusing on their intense relationships, political awakening, and the personal sacrifices they make. It chronicles the passionate and destructive love affair between Yu Hong and Zhou Wei, set against the backdrop of societal changes and the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Their journey is marked by youthful idealism, sexual exploration, and the harsh realities of life and love.

Summer Palace received a mixed to positive critical reception, lauded for its artistic ambition, raw emotional power, and unflinching portrayal of a tumultuous period in Chinese history. However, its controversial subject matter and explicit content led to its ban in mainland China, limiting its wider distribution and impact within its home country.

• Praised for its bold exploration of youth, love, and political upheaval.
• Commended for its visual style and powerful performances, particularly from Hao Lei.
• Criticized by some for its lengthy runtime and sprawling narrative structure.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and its sensitive portrayal of young love and the complexities of growing up during a significant historical period in China. Some found the film's explicit nature challenging, while others admired its artistic courage.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Screened at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival.

The film was officially banned in mainland China by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) due to its sensitive political content and its depiction of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, as well as its explicit sexual content.