Raise the Red Lantern

Set in 1920s China, this beautifully-filmed period drama tell of a poor nineteen-year-old girl named Songlian whose only hope for happiness is to marry the wealthy Master Chen, becoming his fourth wife.  All seems well and good at first as Songlian's initially treated like royalty - foot massages, awesome meals, you name it.  She soon discovers, however, that all that luxurious treatment is exclusively handed out to only one concubine per day, effectively pitting all of the women against each other as they vie for Chen's attention and affection.  Think of it like an Ancient Chinese version of Survivor - only with red lanterns instead of immunity idols and a host that'll kill you if you do him wrong.  It all makes for an intriguing, sobering tale of conspiracy, adultery, and eventually insanity.  It's not, I repeat, NOT a date movie, but this masterfully-crafted foreign flick will definitely score you serious cred with your cinephile pals.