In ancient China, it was common for men to take concubines, mistresses and multiple wives. In modern China, the trend continues with wealthy men often subsidizing the lifestyles of ernai or xiaosan. But the film Chun Tao flips this situation on its head, asking the question of just what, exactly, a woman would do with two husbands.

Set in early 20th century Beijing, the film follows Chun Tao, a poor woman who makes a meager living trading foreign matches for bits of paper. She shares a run-down room with Xianggao, a man who calls her “wife,” but she calls “business partner.”

They’re happy together, but soon the reason for Chun Tao’s reluctance to marry becomes apparent. While working on the streets she runs into her first husband, Li Mao, who disappeared the night of their wedding amidst a bandit raid in their village. Unable to find Chun Tao after the carnage, Li Mao joined the army. When the two reuninte, he is a cripple, having lost both his legs in the war. Chun Tao takes him home, and much to the amusement of the neighborhood gossips, begins living with the two men.

A Hong Kong film released in 1989, Chun Tao’s plot development and characters are carefully crafted in a style reminiscent of 1950s Hollywood fare—grand sets, intricate plotlines, and strong character development. For the foreign viewer, it’s also a fascinating glimpse into life in Beijing during this time, with subplots including the sad fate of the laundry woman next door who is married to the local simpleton, and the ongoing issues with the neighborhood policeman and the constantly changing housing registry. Chun Tao makes for a great way to spend a winter afternoon. RMB40.

What: Chun Tao

Where: Broadway Cinematheque Moma，F3, Building T4, The North Area, Moma, 1 Xiangheyuan Road,

东直门香河园路1号当代Moma北区T4座

When: Every Sunday throughout January, 4pm

Tel: 8438-8258 ext. 8008