Shanghai, 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees escaping turmoil, gathering military forces, international business, and underworld culture. Two people caught in this maelstrom forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion: a beautiful Russian countess (Natasha Richardson), reduced by circumstances to supporting her family as a bar girl and taxi dancer; and a blind former diplomat (Ralph Fiennes), devastated by the loss of his family in political violence and disillusioned by the world's inability to make peace. The story revolves around "The White Countess," the elegant nightclub he creates to shut out the chaos and tragedy that surround him. Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day) wrote the screenplay for this final production from the team of James Ivory and the late Ismail Merchant.