In 1938 China, with Imperial Japan intent upon expanding its rule, feudal leader Lord Wu rules both his community and his family with an iron fist. His wife, Madame Wu, grows weary of his dominance. Violating custom, she brings into the home a peasant girl to be concubine to Lord Wu as she pursues her own interests, leading her to an American priest and a forbidden liaison. © 2001 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.