The film follows the life of , the hard-working and diplomatic manager of a Beijing teahouse, across fifty tumultuous years of history:
The set design features "fragile fretwork decor," creating an airy yet aging atmosphere that mirrors the declining fortunes of the characters. Where to Watch Teahouse (1982) 1080p
The camera often moves to angles impossible for a theater audience, such as filming from under a table to highlight the obsequious behavior of characters. The film follows the life of , the