Set in Kinmen in the 1960s and 1970s, the film focuses on Unit 831, a Republic of China Armed Forces military brothel in existence on the island from 1952 to 1990.

[1] In 1969, physically fit Taiwan native Lo Pao-tai (Ethan Juan) arrives in Kinmen as a new Republic of China Army conscript.

Army from his Shandong village and forced to leave the mainland—and Chang in turn arranges for his transfer to work in the military brothel known as Unit 831.

Chung Hua-hsing (Wang Po-chieh), a friend of Lo's from back home, works in a damp tunnel and is severely bullied by other soldiers.

Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Elizabeth Kerr praised the film's technical strength, but criticized the lack of character development with regard to the brothel workers, and described the storyline as a "serviceable tragic romance that shouldn’t be as shallow as it is.

"[2] The South China Morning Post's Yvonne Teh echoed praise for the film's technical aspects and positively reviewed Juan's performance.

[3] In Variety, Maggie Lee opined that the film was "beautifully acted" throughout, and drew attention to the portrayal of supporting characters.