Deeply evocative and supremely directed, Zhu Shilin's adaptation of Si Tak's ‘three-dime' novel is a character-driven story that explores the identity and social status of women at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Hsia plays Fang Mei, branded a jinx by her mother-in-law (Liu Shu) after the untimely death of her husband Shen Yicai (Xu Xian). The concern shown by Shen's best friend Liu Shijun (Bao Fong) only further antagonises the feudal-minded mother and benighted sister-in-law (Betty Loh Ti). Emotionally strained, Fang finally plucks up the courage to leave the family for good. Suffused with a profound sense of grief and loss, Zhu depicts an ordinary woman's extraordinary indomitable spirit to break free from social oppression, aided by Hsia's stirring and deeply felt performance, notably the heart-rending scene of the tear-streaked woman mourning at the husband's grave.

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.