Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi directed Princess Yang Kwei Fei. When first we see her, the "princess" (Machiko Kyo) is a mere servant girl. The reigning princess dies, and the emperor chooses the servant as his wife. Jealousy and back-stabbing doom this union from the start. Mizoguchi charactistically explores the plight of women in the face of a repressive, chauvinistic society--in this instance, 8th century China. Princess Yang Kwei Fei was originally released as Yokihi. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide