The Flowers of Shanghai (1998)

At the end of the 19th century, Shanghai is divided into several foreign concessions. In the British concession, a number of luxurious "flower houses" are reserved for the male elite of the city. Since Chinese dignitaries are not allowed to frequent brothels, these establishments are the only ones that these men can visit. They form a self-contained world, with its own rites, traditions, and language. The men don't only visit the houses to frequent the courtesans, but also to dine, smoke opium, play mahjong and relax.