American Beauty (1999 film) his family in happier times, and dies having had an epiphany that infuses him with "wonder, joy, and soul-shaking gratitude"—he has finally seen the world as it is. According to Patti Bellantoni, colors are used symbolically throughout the film, none more so than red, which is an important thematic signature that drives the story and "[defines] Lester's arc". First seen in drab colors that reflect his passivity, Lester surrounds himself with red as he regains his individuality. The American Beauty rose is repeatedly used as symbol; when Lester fantasizes about Angela, she is usually naked and surrounded by rose petals.
Men and Women (1999 film) Men and Women (1999 film) Men and Women () is a 1999 Chinese comedy-drama film directed by Liu Bingjian. The film was co-written by Cui Zi'en, one of the few openly gay writers in China. Cui also has a cameo-role in the film, as the host of an underground radio show. One of China's few films touching on LGBT-films, "Men and Women" was cast with openly gay actors. Unlike earlier films like Zhang Yuan's "East Palace, West Palace", "Men and Women" focused on the daily lives of its characters, rather than their underground existence in Chinese society. The film won