This movie is about the life exploits of the famous (or infamous) Chinese prostitute in the at the end of 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, whose name is used for the title of this movie.This movie is disliked by both the nationalist and communist because it gives a sympathetic look on the protagonist who helped the Qing dynasty by using her charm and diplomatic maneuvre among foreigners, and thus were viewed as a controversial person. In the recent political reform in China, she was given a more honest and balanced judgment and portrayed as a positive figure in movies and TV series for her positive roles, but this movie is still banned in China.