Jeremy Irons stars as John, a British journalist living in Hong Kong. John has fallen in love with Vivian (Li), a bartender with a jaded past. Vivian is eager to secure her position in Hong Kong society and wants her successful boyfriend Chang, to marry her. When Chang proves to be indecisive about their relationship, Vivian turns to John. Giving in to their feelings in a brief but passionate affair, they now face inevitable change and unexpected obstacles in this touching and compelling film. Director Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club) creates a cinematic "love letter" to his native island Hong Kong.