The debut feature by Lu Yue, one of the leading cinematographers in contemporary Asian cinema, Mr. Zhao is a psychologically complex portrayal of the dynamics of love and family relationships in contemporary Shanghai. The story concerns two women with markedly different lifestyles and values who are in love with the same man, a university professor who proves incapable of taking control of his life. Mr. Zhao’s wife, a factory worker who is laid off due to the economic crisis, discovers by chance that her husband is having an affair with a former student. What ensues transcends simple marital melodrama, as Lu Yue aims to reflect the changes and underlying tensions in modern Chinese society. Filmed using improvised performances and dialogue, this potent depiction of modern relationships captured the coveted Golden Leopard award at the Locarno Film Festival.