Who are you?
We're with
the opera troupe.
Oh, I didn't recognize you!
I'm a great fan of you both.
Is that so? Thank you.
It's been over twenty years since
you performed together, hasn't it?
Twenty-one.
Twenty-two.
Yes, twenty-two years.
And it's been ten years
since we last saw each other.
Eleven. Eleven years.
that's right, eleven years. Yes.
It's due to the g*ng of Four
and the Cultural Revolution.
Right!
Yeah, that's right.
Things are better now.
that's for sure.
Everything's fine now.
Please, wait here a moment.
I'll go turn on the lights.
Sorry to trouble you.
Yanhong, is that you?
I've really missed you.
wh*re!
Ladies and gentlemen,
enjoy the show!
You, cunning as*h*le!
Laizi is trying to run away again.
Brat! See how far you get!
Quick, go catch him!
I'm sorry.
Gentlemen, please be patient.
Trash ! how dare you
show yourselves around here?
f*ck you all !
Just as sure as my name
is Shitou. . .
I'll give you something
to look at.
What are you screaming for?
I haven't even said hello yet!
You're a disgrace to
the opera troupe.
You couldn't even
play a monkey right.
Thought you'd get away
with that brick act, didn't you?
It's garbage.
Sharpen your knives!
Sharpen your knives!
This child isn't fated
to be an actor.
Not with that extra finger.
He have a good face,
but he can't.
Sharpen your knives!
I can afford to raise him. . .
but he's getting too big
to keep at the brothel.
If only you take him,
you can do anything you like.
Don't look down on us.
don't be foolish.
prostit*tes and actors
are equally despised
by society.
Just go away.
Ma, my hands are freezing.
They feel like ice.
Ma!
Get away from us,
you son of a wh*re!
It's from the wh*re house!
Drop it on the foor!
Are you bullying him?
Come over here.
Sleep with me!
You're really something !
Laizi, go snuggle up
with the Little Monk.
Catch !
It's so cold outside. . .
the piss froze
on the tip of my d*ck.
I nearly turned
a somersault!
If you belong to the human
race, you go to the opera.
Pigs and dogs
don't listen to opera.
If you don't go to the opera,
you're not a human being.
And where there's opera,
there's work for us actors!
Stop squealing !
Straighten that back!
If you think
you're above everyone else. . .
you'll learn the hard way.
This is just the beginning.
Don't worry, Douzi.
We're already half way
through.
Shitou, are you helping
someone cheat?
Master, I was looking up.
I didn't notice what was on the floor.
Bullshit! Get me my sword.
And hurry up!
Get up!
Don't you have something to say?
Yes. Forming cliques is
prohibited and wi'll be punished.
He's not f*cking scared
of anything.
From the time opera began. . .
It's never enjoyed such
popularity as it does today!
You're lucky to be part of it!
We are!
Heavens will...
not a lack of material skill. . .
I've been practicing
kung fu
to keep myself warm.
It's cool out side, quite cool.
But I've become a man of fire.
Get away from me.
I am so strong,
I can uproot the Mountains. .
My courage is renowned
I've fallen on bad times
Yet even my horse
Won't run away to save itself.
These are our rules.
We must learn them well.
From ancient times,
man has needed a skill.
If you devote yourself to this,
you'll get paid off.
Now go off and practice!
Let's hear Fleeing by Night.
I look back at the Celestial Court
and hurry on wards in fight. . .
Heedless of. . . heedless of. . .
Heedless of what?
Heedless of loyalty
and filial piety.
I am so strong,
I can uproot the mountains.
Yet even my horse
Won't run away to save itself.
And my beloved concubine,
what shall I do about her?
Excellent, not a word out of place.
Give me your hand.
This is so you'll remember
to do as well the next time.
I am a nun. .
At sixteen I am a nun.
My hair is shorn at youth's prime.
Go on.
I am by nature a boy...
I am by nature a boy...
You are by nature a girl !
I'll punish you, Laizi !
You still can't get it right, can you?
Don't hit me!
I won't do it again !
I am. . . I am by nature. . .
Spit it out!
I am by nature a boy. . .
Is a nun a male or a female?
A. . .
A boy. . .
You really are in character.
You can't even tell male from female.
I-l-l am by nature a boy. . .
You've forgotten everything
the master has taught you!
Do it again, and I'll beat you
within an inch of your life.
You'd better remember this.
If by chance
I'm beaten to death tomorrow. . .
The three copper coins
hidden under my mattress.
Careful !
Don't water your hand !
Douzi, in a few days, you'll be
initiated into the troupe.
Just pretend you're a girl,
and don't mess up the lyrics again.
Laizi, have you ever eaten
sweet pea cakes?
Whats the big deal
about sweet peacakes?
How about millet rolls?
Basin cakes?
The're about as f*cking
special as dog farts.
So what do you like?
There's nothing yummier
than a stick of candied crab apples.
If I make it big, I'll eat candied
crab apples every day for dinner.
Candied crab apples for sale!
Candied crab apples for sale!
Don't look at us like that.
We're not sticks of apple.
Laizi,
you're drooling !
Laizi,
What the hell are you doing?
Wow, so many big kites!
Douzi, we got only 2 days
to go.
Run for it!
Come back!
Douzi !
we got 2days. .
Don't forget the money
under my pillow.
You're worthless.
Get out of my sight!
Where'd you get that?
Forget Shitou.
I'm spending your money now.
Ten apples on each stick.
I'll give you two.
What's wrong with you?
I have to pee real bad.
Not in the middle
of the street.
It's Manager Wang !
The stars have arrived !
here, come this way.
My dear sir, this is like
a visit from heaven !
All you need to do is sneeze
and you get a standing ovation.
Thanks for coming here.
We'll be lucky if no one
is trampled to death in there!
I'll sit on your shoulders
for a while, then you sit on mine.
The king !
It's the King of Chu!
What does it take
to become a star?
How many beatings?
When I'll ever enjoy
such fame?
You're pissing all over me!
Are you nuts?
I knew you'd go back.
You couldn't live without Shitou!
We're going to get a taste of
the sword. But I'm not afraid.
For me, it's like having
an itch scratched.
I've eaten my candied crab apple.
I'm a f*cking star already.
You little runts,
you've come back after all.
Good ! I deserve it!
Good ! I deserve it!
Why the hell did you
Let them go?
Die you runts!
Skipping class and running away
must be punished !
Master, I'll never do it again.
Please let me go!
You let them get away?
Assholes!
Master!
I wouldn't dare do it again,
master. I was wrong.
Beat me instead !
Didn't you think youd get yours?
I'll k*ll you!
Douzi,
speak! Say something !
Beg for mercy!
Say he's beaten you well !
Speak!
Let's just disband the troupe!
Youre k*lling Douzi !
I won't let you do this!
Master Guan !
Laizi, he-
This opera tells the story of w*r
between the Chu and han kings.
What sort of a man
was the King of Chu?
A peerless
and invincible hero. . .
a bold and resourceful general
capable of defeating vast armies.
But fate wasn't on his side.
At Gaixia he was outwitted. . .
by the Han king.
As they prepared for battle,
Han's troops sang victory songs. . .
because of Han's military tatics,
the Chu armies fed in a
great panic
had their country taken by Han.
Even the king was weeping.
No matter how resourceful
you are. . .
you can't fight fate.
The king had once been
all-powerful, but in the end. . .
all he had left was one woman
and one horse.
He tried to get his steed
to run away, but it wouldn't go.
he wanted his concubine to free,
but she wouldn't.
For the very last time, Concubine
poured wine for her king. . .
and danced for him
with a sword. . .
then cut her throat with it,
to keep her fidelity.
Theres a lesson in this story
for all of us. . .
that each person is responsible
for his or her own fate.
You better keep that
in your mind.
I am so strong,
I can uproot the Mountains
My courage is renowned
I've fallen on bad times
Yet even my horse won't
run away to save itself
Old Man Zhang has commissioned
you to hire an opera troupe.
I truly congratulate you.
With your patronage, the children
will have new clothes to wear.
Good opera, however,
is not so simple.
When he was a palace eunuch. . .
Old Man Zhang attended operas
with the Empress Dowager herself.
I could lose a lot of respect.
But that's nothing.
You realize that if the performance
doesn't make the grade...
This kids got something.
How long he's been in training?
Douzi, come here
and pay your respects.
he's got
a nice little figure too.
Can you sing any
old-style operas?
Yes, two.
Fleeing by Night is for male and
outside the Nunnery is for female...
Let's hear a bit of the last.
At sixteen I am a nun. . .
my hair shorn
at youths prime.
Yet I am by nature a boy,
not a girl...
Why-
Mr. Na, I am terribly sorry!
he's usually very good.
Master Guan,
I'll see you some other time.
Open your mouth. open it!
You've screwed it up
for all of us!
I'll teach you.
I am by nature a girl,
I am by nature a girl,
At sixteen I am a nun. . .
my hair shorn at youths prime.
Yet I am by nature a girl,
not a boy.
Why must I wear
these sexless robes?
I see the joyful couples pass. . .
in their splendid brocades.
Despite myself,
desire burns in my heart. . .
Year after year
All over the land
I've followed my king
on his military campaigns
enduring the wind
And frost and hard toil. .
Our people are fallen
into abyss of misery. .
This little boy. . .
Master Guan. . .
Mr. Zhang, may you live
as long as South Mountain.
The king is here.
Your highness
The people have suffered
untold hardship and pain
this is an old man Zhan's special
reward for two kids.
So take this.
Yes, sir!
The Chu king would
have won with this sword !
If I were emperor,
then you'd be queen of the palace.
Take that sword.
Careful, kidys!
That's a real blade!
No need to run !
What's wrong?
The sweat stings the scratchs
Have them go together.
No way.
It's an old rule around here.
Master Guan, I'm sorry
if you don't understand.
The concubine has to die
one way or the other.
Isn't it so?
Master?
Douzi !
What year is this?
This is. . . this is 1932.
Wrong !
This is still the Ching dynasty!
Come over here.
I. . . I want to find Shitou.
I need to pee.
Pee into this.
Don't waste it.
just pee into this.
Come to me!
Douzi !
What's happened to you?
Have you gone dumb?
Speak to me!
Douzi.
Fate has determined
each of our lots.
Leave him to his destiny.
All right, look at the camera!
Gentlemen, you have done
grandly for yourselves.
You look so dignified and stunning
in any style of clothing.
That's it!
Oppose Japans invasion
of North China!
Damn !
It's those students again.
Down with Japanese imperialism!
Are'nt they the opera actors?
How can you put on make up
and sing opera at a time like this?
Have you no feeling
for your country?
We're Chinese too,
Chinese to the core!
Look at us,
g*dd*mn it!
Chinese mustn't fight
among themselves!
we're all Chinese here!
And don ' t you forget it!
How dare they pretend
to be patriotic!
Why don't they go out
and fight the Japanese soldiers?
Cause you're penniless
for women and marriage. .
Do something !
You just want to find
a way out...
The one who was yelling the
loudest would make a good actor.
Remember the first time we
performed Farewell, My Concubine?
Only you remember
that kind of thing.
I know.
It was your lucky day
for you.
Back then it was...
I went there yesterday.
I know you've been looking
for the sword, but it's long gone.
Long life for Deyie!
Candied crab apples for sale!
Candied crab apples for sale!
We've got a sea of people.
They're craning their necks
to catch a glimpse of their idols.
Even master Yuan is here to see
you. It's a great honor for us.
Go away!
Go away!
Mr. Duan. . .
They're becoming impatient,
please hurry!
Trust me.
They won't feel like they are
wasting their money.
Year after year
all over the land
I've followed my king
on his military campaigns
You be the judge.
Has he not blurred
I hate only the lawless tyrant
Who plunged our people. . .of misery
the distinction between theater
and. . . male and female?
He is now at the level of. .
Your highness
Ive caused you
So much grief
So, Master Yuan has come
to see us tonight.
I know. I sang so loudly,
I drowned out the horns.
I'll show him how great
we are without his patronage. .
But Duan. .
Don't worry.
At key moments. . .
I squeezed my waist
with my hands. . .
so it hurts. .
here?
Master Yuan !
It's an honor.
You deserve this.
the Empress Dowager herself. . .
never bestowed such a gift
upon her favorite actors.
Master Yuan, how can our Dieyi
be worthy of your favor?
Farewell, My Concubine
has a long history.
It evolved from the old-style opera
Story of the Precious one.
Many famous actors
have fallen down in this role.
I've never seen an actor
as great as you are.
Impressive.
For a moment or two. . .
this Yuan fellow
was so entranced. . .
He believed Concubine Yu
had actually come back to life!
Master Duan. . .
When the king returns to camp
and meets Concubine Yu. . .
custom has it-
He takes seven steps.
You take but five.
If the King of Chu fails to bear
himself with majestic dignity. . .
He's little better than a gangster
putting on airs!
Master Yuan, you are a master
of the theater arts.
You are an expert in all the
varieties and facets of opera.
I may probably be
as you say.
Please give us the benefit
of your advice and criticism.
If it's not beneath you,
I'd like to invite you. . .
to my humble home for some wine.
There is still so much
to be said about this opera.
Im terribly sorry, Master Yuan.
I've another drinking
engagement... with a courtesan.
With a courtesan...
Nice taste you have.
And MR. Cheng?
Then we'll share
our thoughts later. .
Girls! Take care of our guest.
Thank you for coming.
Dieyi ! I am leaving too.
Girls! Come entertain our guest.
MR. Duan, this way please.
Long time no see.
MR. Duan. We've missed you.
I'd like to see Miss Juxian.
Ah, how shall I put it?
You should've said that earlier. .
She's not here at the moment.
What can be done?
how about this?
Caifeng, come keep
MR. Duan company.
I really want to
see her,
Tell me the truth.
Where is Juxian really?
Upstairs?
Or down?
The phoenix roosts on the
highest branches, of course!
But shes pretty high-class.
You reckon she'll go for you?
You bet!
I specialize in high-class.
Ah, Miss Juxian-
b*stards!
Okay, we're b*stards!
You f*cking b*tch !
How dare you be so picky!
Cut it out!
Cause you are pretty!
Cut it out or I'll jump!
Jump!
I'll follow on your heels.
No matter where you are
even after death, I'll be there
Xiaolou!
These guys are revolting !
They were forcing me
to drink wine from their mouths.
Come on, assholes. Jump!
Now its your turn !
b*stards! Mother f*ck!
All right, lets go!
Oh, it's MR. Duan !
Listen, we're all here to have a
good time. . . spend lots of money.
So let's not pick fights, OK?
Eeechhh !
Keep out of it, and get lost.
Don't get upset.
Scared?
Juxian, you are to blame.
Didn't you tell these gentlemen
todays a special day?
That we decided to announce
our engagement today?
That's right!
Today is the ladys happy day.
Drink a toast to me!
Aren't you going
to offer congratulations?
You think you can fool us?
Gentlemen, on this,
my happiest day. . .
allow me to drink
to all of you!
And now,
something to sober you up.
I heard you got into a fight
at the house of Blossoms.
You know the old story. . .
about Panjinlians husband
Does this mean theres
a PanJinlian in your life?
What are you saying?
What do you want to hear?
I was just fooling around.
Come with me sometime.
You'll see what its like.
It'll be exciting.
I'm sorry. I really am!
I wasn't thinking.
I really put
my foot in it this time.
I'm a damn fool.
Have you forgotten
the secret of our success?
Don't you remember
our teachers words?
Which words were they?
Stick together
until the day you die.
I want you to be with me.
How about
we stay together until death?
We've come this far together,
havent we?
It's not enough. Should be a
lifetime.
One day, even one second less. . .
makes it less than a life time!
Dieyi, you really are obsessed.
Your obsession with the stage
Carries over into
your everyday life.
But how are we going
to get through the days. . .
and make it in the real world
among ordinary people?
Give me a hand with my makeup!
Concubine Yu
the song was sung everywhere. .
Out country is being ruined
by the enemy.
Go live out
this g*dd*mn fantasy, then.
My king.
I'll tell you even though
it's heart breaking
Today is the day we
say goodbye
you'll become a lady of virtue!
Wake up.
You think
the wolves and tigers
won't recognize
your scent anymore?
I am scared.
Let me tell you something.
Once a wh*re, always a wh*re.
I'll keep that in my mind.
Fine. See you around.
MR. Duan has presented you
with a pennant.
The Beauty ofthe Age.
It reads,
What are you doing here?
What is it, Juxian?
Come on in !
No, you come out!
What are you doing barefoot
on such a cold day?
What's happened?
The house of Blossoms
won't keep an engaged woman.
Come. Let me introduce you.
This is Miss Juxian.
This is my stage brother, Dieyi.
You may have seen him
as Concubine Yu.
Xiaolou speaks of you so often,
I feel like we were old friends.
MissJuxian.
Excuse me, I must be going.
Xiaolou,
At the house of Blossoms. . .
if you had'nt caught me,
I'd be six feet under by now.
Remember, it was you
who proposed to me.
I'm used to hardship.
If you take me in. . .
I'll wait on you hand and foot.
If you ever abandon me,
I'll ki'll myself.
What a dragon lady!
Whens the performance of. . .
Candle-lit-night
in the Bridal Chamber?
Tonight.
Hold on. I want a formal
engagement ceremony. . .
to which the entire company
is invited.
I want to enter your home
as a proper bride.
You don't think I plan
to cut corners, do you?
The formal engagement
ceremony will be tonight.
Gentlemen, we request
the pleasure of your company.
Miss Juxian. . .
where did you study opera?
Me, what makes you think that?
Just the way youre over
playing your part.
Dieyi, shes going to be
your sister-in-law.
Also, at the engagement
party tonight. . .
I have'nt learned the opera
Gangster King and his wh*re.
Our teacher never taught us
that one.
What are you talking about?
Dieyi, Xiaolou has spoken
good of you.
Don't leave!
Where are you going?
None of your business.
Xiaolou!
Please, don't go!
Master Yuan invites us tonight.
he wants to become our patron.
Who does he think he is?
No one tells me what to do.
I'm just a fake king.
You really are Concubine Yu.
Let him patronize you
if you like.
Xiaolou!
This feather headpiece
is rare and precious.
The feathers are collected
from the tails of live peacocks.
That's the secret. . .
to keeping the feathers
soft and colorful.
I'll be waiting for you.
In this world,
there is foulness
in both men and women.
only the bodhisattva embodies
both male and female essences.
Such ecstasy!
This sword has a history.
It once belonged
to the eunuch Zhang.
When Zhang went bankrupt,
I went to great trouble to acquire it.
I can see from this. . .
you're old acquaintances.
Amazing. one searches
far and wide for something. . .
Like it?
I-
Let's not have any vulgar talk
of money between us.
A precious sword is the classic gift
for ones most intimate friend.
What do you say?
MR. Cheng... wl'll you be
my most intimate friend?
The soldiers of Han
have invaded
The songs of Chu
Can be heard on all sides
Since the good king
has lost his fighting spirit
Why should his humble
concubine value her life
Don't!
It's a real sword !
A smile ushers in the spring.
A tear does darken
all the world.
How truly does this befit you.
To you. .
only you are possessed
of such charm.
Ah, MR. Cheng.
I knew you'd come.
We saved a seat
at the head table for you.
You came back?
It's a good thing
you showed up.
Have a look at this.
What a sword !
How did you acquire this
out of nowhere tonight?
Dieyi, you've come so late.
You better drink up!
Yes, drink up!
My gratitude, Miss Juxian.
Dieyi? MR. Cheng !
Xiaolou. . .
From now on, we'll no longer
perform together.
MR. Cheng, you can't do this!
This isn't- The fans won't-
This is terrible!
Japanese troops
have entered the city!
Dieyi. .
Where is Dieyi?
I'll fill up your glass
with finest wine.
Special wine.
So what is this wine called?
Wine of overnight
drinking.
Fill it up.
Who will be serving me
tonight?
Dieyi looks like lifting
his shoulders up. .
Cause a man's life is meaningless
it's like dream of spring. .
At your disposal. .
I will keep on drinking
until
this night is over.
Don't waste my time
just take it off.
Even if it belongs to your ancestor
you should let him put it on.
Understand me,
low life?
Tell the Japanese
I'll be there right away.
Hold on a moment.
It's not some private party.
They're black mailing you
to sing for them.
On the other hand, you're the
only one. . .who can save Xiaolou.
on the other hand,
If anything happened to you. . .
this theater of mine would-
All right, go then.
MissJuxian, what are you doing?
MR. Cheng isn't at home!
Wheres Dieyi? Dieyi?
hurry! I've heard the Japanese
feed prisoners to their dogs!
If you delay, he might not have
a life to save!
Dieyi !
But you allowed them
to take him away in the first place.
Xiaolou has looked after you
since you were small.
What are you saying?
Mr. Na, would you mind
leaving the room for a moment?
I have something to say to Dieyi
in private.
Everyone says Miss Juxian
is quite clever. . .
Were all trying to help Xiaolou.
Talk it over.
How about a clear answer?
Are you going or not?
Say something !
I know what's on your mind.
I have a proposal.
If you can get Xiaolou
out of there in one piece. . .
I'll go back
to the house of Blossoms.
I'll keep away from both of you.
hows that?
At the house of Blossoms,
you don't have to worry about much.
Life is a lot simpler there.
Just remember, you said it,
not me.
I give my word.
The flowers have blossomed
Their season is past
All has fallen
Only the sun is still the same.
Into ruin and decay
Xiaolou!
My brother!
Xiaolou, are you all right?
Did you sing
for the Japanese?
Theres one called
Aoki genuinely likes opera.
Xiaolou!
All right. Come here!
Let me have another drink!
okay. I'll drink one for you.
I think this opera,
Farewell, my concubine. . .
has turned into. . .
Farewell, my king.
The king's really irrelevant.
Drink this.
Your voice
will pierce the heavens. . .
Alright, come.
Forget the opera.
Let's just live a quiet life.
We'll have
a fat little baby boy.
Then I'll have everything
I want. That's enough.
No more opera.
Let's go!
Then, bye.
Give me the money back.
Not the crickets,
my money.
You borrow the money
on your host's credit, right?
Go!
I can't believe such a grown-up
like you is busy playing
with bugs and
not working !
Work?
I'm an actor.
What else can I do other than
acting on stage?
Shall I carry coffins?
You should be satisfied by now.
No need to shout like that!
Here's the money?
What? Don't need it?
I'll apologize
if I were going too far.
Unless you take caution,
they will get you.
The master wants to
see you.
No, I won't.
Look at this sword.
Master, they've
just arrived here.
Who?
Dieyi and Xiaolou whom
you've wanted to meet.
What a great f*cking honor.
What the hell
they are doing here?
Well, I finally got something
to brag about.
A great f*cking honor.
Take your seats there
and bow to me.
Master.
You are finally here.
Dieyi.
Without my help,
you are nobody.
And I left the stage.
Now it's your turn to
help me.
Hit me !
Come on !
Douzi !
Xialou!
You are now
all grown up
and
now great
actors with fame
Don't remember your youth?
what's worrying you?
Just hit him hard.
When did I tell you to
look down on me?
Are you going to ruin operas?
It's your fault!
Take this!
I'm to blame.
Blame me.
Wait.
I have to tell you this.
Xialou is my master.
If you want to hit him
you need my permission. .
Knock it off!
I've heard of one b*tch,
and it was you!
So you must be the VIP
today, right?
Take your seat.
Feel at home drinking
some tea.
Alcohole, gambling and women. .
and even crickets?
You f*cking ruined opera's
tradition !
Nothing's wrong to beat you with
a cigaret stick for your disgrace.
For an opium addicted brother. .
what is the crime?
Juxian !
It's not time for a wh*re
to interfere. .
Isn't it your way to hear
their excuse?
Shut the f*ck up!
Don't be so stupid !
You are such a nice guy!
Hit him!
Unless you become quiet
I'll cut his throat!
Alright.
You k*ll one taking
two lives!
Your family will be over.
Did you just ask me
to stand up?
Xialou, are you
listening to me?
You are becoming a father.
If I stay away from
being an actor
I won't be able to buy
a birthday present for my kid !
Come closer!
Closer!
Practice!
Don't be slacking.
Stretch out your legs!
Wait.
This play is called Anger of Night.
You act Linchou for this.
He's head of the palace guard,
not some sneaky little thief.
Take this.
Attention, everyone!
This is what a great hero
is like.
A man does'nt
lightly shed his tears. . .
Unless his heart has broken.
Leave me alone. I'm just
taking master's purnishment.
The troupe has disbanded.
You leave too.
Master said that you.
Should learn how to endure
to become a great actor.
Everyone else has left.
You ought to go home too.
I was found on the street as a baby.
I've got no other home.
Do you know,
who found you?
No! They said if I knew, ld get
a swelled head and would'nt work hard.
Do you sti'll want
to sing opera?
Yes, even if I have to beg
to support myself! .
What's your name?
Xiao Si.
Xiao Si.
AS CHIANG KAl-SHEKS
NATIONALIST ARMY RETAKES BEIJI NG.
I hear the talk of the soldiers.
Xiao Si, go tell the manager
to avoid trouble.
And it is all about
running away.
What's this?
Why aren't you singing?
Don't make trouble!
Don't go, Xiaolou.
Waving flashlight is not
allowed in the theater.
Even the Japanese
didn't do this sort of thing.
Everyones here for the opera.
Please return to your seats.
Well put.
Back to your seats, everyone!
But can we let him get away
with speaking up for the Japanese?
Xiaolou!
Xiaolou!
Juxian !
We have to get her
to a hospital.
Save her first!
There was only
a minor disturbance.
Are you saying such a big
disturbance is minor?
You can fine us.
Why do you need
to arrest anyone?
The theater's been trashed,
people beaten. . .
and you sti'll want
to arrest him?
What for?
Cheng Dieyi betrayed the country
to the Japanese.
Move it!
On what base?
Teacher, teacher!
MR. Duan, I'm afraid
she's lost the baby.
Honey.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Go, help Dieyi.
If he's more important to you.
I don't know whether Dieyi
goes looking for trouble. . .
or if it's trouble
that comes looking for him.
Whenever you're with him,
my heart's in my throat.
Now that I've lost our child,
you're all I have left.
I don't care if I have to beg
with you on the streets.
All I ask. . .
is peace of mind.
If you help him now, we'll
no longer owe him anything.
Don't perform
with him anymore.
Promise me this.
No more performance
after this.
Master Yuan. . .
Dieyi's life is in your hands.
Count this.
If it's not enough-
If only you'll save Dieyi. . .
we'll give all our earnings
for the next three years.
You think I need your money
to keep my birds from starving?
And this gentleman is. . .?
Don't you recognize Xiaolou?
he plays the king
to Dieyis concubine.
Then it should be him
who saves Concubine Yu!
My dear man,
that s only a play!
All Beijing knows that Master Yu
is the true king of the theater!
It's true.
Speaking of which, I'd like to
ask MR. Duan something.
When the king returns
to see Concubine Yu. . .
how many steps should
he take?
Seven.
Show me.
Come on, show me!
Master Yuan.
Is this the honorable home
of MR. Yuan?
When a man called Cheng Dieyi
was arrested, he said. . .
the owner of this sword
would be able to rescue him.
Do you recognize it?
From your expression, I see
I've come to the right place.
Good. I'll put the sword here.
I'm so relieved
to have found its owner.
But sometimes one's hopes
are misplaced.
Master Yuan,
you must'nt blame Dieyi.
I see.
The reason why Dieyi
performed for Japanese
would'nt be by someone's
request, would it?
If it would, he wouldn't
have been arrested.
True!
There's a roomful of reporters
waiting at home.
Xiaolou,
MR. Na, lets go.
Wait, a moment! Let's talk.
Master Yuan asked me
to talk to you.
Tomorrow in court. . .
say the Japanese
put a g*n to your head.
Say they tortured you.
Master Yuan has made
arrangements for everything else.
This is from Xiaolou.
Dieyi, don't be angry with us.
Xiaolous child. . .
It's died.
Your karmic partnership
with Xiaolou caused this!
After you get out of here,
just go your own way.
During the resistance
against Japan Cheng Dieyi
betrayed the country by performing
for Aoki and his colleagues.
You performed for their
immorality.
The defendant also
encouraged the enemy
and disgraced
your people.
Aoki continued
to resist even
after Japan officially
surrendered.
We've collected these pictures
as evidence. . .
and they confirm the defendant
sang for the Japanese.
We call on the witnesses Yuan
Shiqing, Duan Xiaolou and Na Kun.
The government has always
been good to me.
Nor would I betray the laws
of heaven or my own conscience.
Cheng Dieyi was taken away
in hand cuffs by the Japanese.
They put a g*n
to the back of his neck.
He couldn't help. .
Duan Xiaolou!
It's true. The Japanese
beat up my stage brother.
Exactly as Master Yuan
has just described.
Na Kun?
He-
The prosecutor claims Cheng
performed obscene material.
That is ridiculous!
Cheng performed highlights
from Peony Pavilion
that night.
Anyone with any common
sense knows that. . .
Peony Pavilion is the
quintessential Chinese opera.
How can that be obscene
to the prosecutor's eye?
How dare they insult our
tradition and culture like this!
Who's disparaging
Chinese tradition. . .
and disrespecting its culture?
We ask the accused,
Cheng Dieyi:
Have the witnesses
told the truth?
The court wishes to hear. . .
what the accused has to say.
The accused may say now.
Cheng Dieyi !
I sang for the
Japanese.
I hate the Japanese too.
But they didn't lay
a hand on me.
Cheng Dieyi. . .
You have the right
and duty to clear your name.
Reconsider carefully
and tell us again.
If Aoki had lived. . .
he'd have taken
the Beijing opera to Japan.
Why don't you just k*ll me?
Master Yuan, Master Yuan !
Please, Master Yuan,
don't leave.
What does it matter?
he's as good as dead.
Master Yuan, you can't go.
If you go, he's finished for sure.
The court has made
its decision.
The case of the traitor
Cheng Dieyi is suspended.
The accused is released
under bond.
Court dismissed !
Dieyi, are you playing
with me, g*dd*mn it?
MR. Cheng.
Good-bye,
This way, MR. Cheng.
The commander has arrived.
Attention !
Chunxiang !
Miss!
How can one know
spring's color. . .
unless one visits
the garden?
Ma, did you get
my last letter?
Everything's fine here.
Don't worry about me.
Xiaolou looks after me.
We rehearse by day
and perform at night. . .
just like before.
The world's not
what it used to be,
but all we ask is
a peaceful life.
We sing
and get paid for it.
What more could
you want?
How about this?
Well done right?
Dieyi, should I mail this to. . .?
The usual address.
All you classic consumptive
heroines burn your letters.
Have you seen this?
Do you want it?
If you don't, I'll tear it up.
I'll tear it up.
I'll do it!
Xiao Si !
I gave Master Duan the sword
returned to you by Master Yuan.
The river's course is twisted,
but in the end it fows to the sea.
But what problem lies between
our concubine and our king?
Talk to each other already.
The Han king enter the city!
1948 THE EVE OF THE
NATIONALIST EVACUATION TO TAIWAN
THE COMMUNISTS HAVE
SURROUNDED THE CITY.
For better or worse, we Manchus
ruled for three centuries.
The Republics only just begun,
and already it's being overthrown.
But even the Communists
have to have opera.
The empire may change hands,
but rest assured. . .
We're just waiting to see
what their money looks like.
Well, do you still want to
fight heir ragtag troops?
Of course, I'll fight them. . .
if they don't behave themselves.
Unless you had
MasterYuans class,
we are capable of
fighting them.
Do you recognize me?
Cigarettes! Buy one!
MR. Zhang,
don't you know us?
Buy a pack!
1949 - THE COMMUNIST PEOPLES
LIBERATION ARMY ENTERS BEIJING.
Song of sorrow and grief
of my king
cause me shed
tears
to console my sadened
heart by sadness. .
I rather dance and
sing a song
of good heart.
A dance for
my king.
Xiao Si, tell him to stay
calm no matter what.
Honorable guests. . .
I'm very sorry.
Today my fellow actor is-
Move forward ! Move forward !
Our army is marching for
the sun.
Stepping on the great mother
land
with hopes of nation
on our shoulders
no enemy can stop us
from our course
MR. Cheng, if you can't take
it, have another smoke.
Xiao Si, go call MR. Duan.
The counter-revolutionary
Yuan Shiqing !
The counter-revolutionary
Yuan Shiqing !
Yuan Shiqing is an enemy
of the People, he must die!
Death to Yuan Shiqing !
Be alert!
Execute Yuan Shiqing !
Yuan Shiqing
has always opposed. . .
He has harmed his community
and is guilty of monstrous crimes.
Only execution can satisfy
the People's anger!
Down with the counter-
revolutionary Yuan Shiqing !
Destroy him!
Down with the tyrant
of the opera world, Yuan Shiqing !
Satisfy the People's anger!
Death to Yuan Shiqing !
Execute Yuan Shiqing !
Take him away!
Let me go!
I'll k*ll them all !
Stop carrying on !
Listen carefully!
Keep your voice down.
Let me go! Release me!
f*ck you!
Cut it out or I'll hit you!
How is he?
We may need to wean him
from the opium slowly.
Don't go, Xiaolou.
If he really wants to
overcome his addiction. . .
It feels like ice.
Mom!
The river may get frozen.
It feels like ice.
It's getting frozen.
Mom!
So cold.
The sky of the liberated
are as is clear and blue,
Mrs. Duan !
Where were you?
A meeting.
A meeting?
Xiaolou,
the whole troupe's come.
Ah, a costume change!
Thank you all for coming
to see me. I'm fiine now.
Sounds easy now.
you didn't see him suffer!
Dieyi,
get out of bed.
All of Beijing is waiting
for the next appearance
of the King and his Concubine!
It'll be the g*dd*mn golden
hit of a golden era.
You've asked me to say a few
words. I'm not sure how to put it.
I think these modern operas
are interesting. . .
but the costumes
aren't very attractive.
The backdrops are too realistic.
Yet Beijing opera puts
great value on ambiance.
Song recital, movement and
acrobatics are part of this ambiance.
But with these costumes on,
performance won't look good.
I know, it really concerns me.
What do all of you think?
Are you saying that modern
operas aren't Beijing operas?
No sound is but a song,
no movement is but a dance.
It must have beauty.
For instance-
Teacher, I don't get it.
Practice. When you've sweated
enough to fill buckets, you'll get it.
I still don't understand.
Xiao Si !
I just don't get it.
What can I do!
Why is it Beijing opera when ancient
heroes and beauties take the stage. . .
but not when
the laboring masses do?
You're talking apples
and oranges. upstart!
What kind of attitude is that?
I'd like to hear
from Teacher Duan.
Xiaolou!
It's going to rain.
I've brought your umbrella.
Yes, yes,
run along home now.
Questions like these
give me a headache.
I say if it uses the traditional
forms,
then it's Beijing opera.
Am I right?
I'd like to say something.
I've been part of the New Society
since giving my theater to the state.
Comrade Cheng,
I believe you're wrong.
Modern opera is a new venture.
It deserves our support.
Opera requires practice,
don't think you know it well !
Opera requires practice, skill
and talent.
No easy way.
You're breaking the law.
You'll always be third-rate.
And when did you ever
seriously want me to succeed?
All you've ever wanted
was a coolie, a stagehand. . .
a follower, a bit player!
How dare you!
How you say such rubish !
Kneel down !
Master Cheng.
You won't live to
see the day!
Xiao Si !
Go, then ! Be a bit player
your whole life!
MR. Cheng. . .
Your saying belongs to
the past.
Doesn ' t it?
It's a death in the present day.
If I end up being the third rate
You won't keep your face.
So, you know?
Uh, I just learned myself.
That's not true, Teacher Duan.
You were there
at the meeting last night.
You said you'd notify Dieyi
that you were replacing him.
I had second thoughts.
I decided you should tell him.
Don't you agree?
If you couldn't tell him,
who could?
Take it off! .
Take it off! .
Don't. Don't be like that!
I won't f*cking sing anymore!
Let whoever wants to
perform do so.
Xiaolou, you mustn't go.
Comrade Duan. . .
That audience is made up
of the laboring masses.
You decide whether you'll
sing for them or not.
Xiaolou, the concubine is
on stage.
You'd better hurry.
I've followed my king
on his military campaigns
Enduring the wind and
frost and hard toil
Year after year
I hate only the lawless tyrant
Who has plunged our people
into an abyss of misery
The people have suffered
untold hardship and pain
The king has returned to camp!
I'm here.
Your highness.
Thank you very much,
Miss Juxian.
Dieyi !
Dieyi, open the door! open up!
Won't you accept
my apology?
That little snake
you rescued...
He has turned into
a veritable dragon !
You have to go along with it!
What else can you do?
No matter what, as you told me,
you have to keep on singing !
and see what's playing in
the theater of life these days.
Douzi, listen
to your stage brother.
Go with the times! I'll still be
the king and you my concubine!
Why does the concubine
have to die?
Dieyi,
why are you so impossible?
That's the play,
for heaven's sake!
1966 - THE EVE OF
THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION
Central People's Radio
will now broadcast. . .
the decision of the Chinese
Communist Party Central Committee. . .
regarding the Great Proletarian
Cultural Revolution. . .
passed on August 8, 1966,
The bill for Cultural Revolution
has passed.
Cultural Revolution will
reconstruct
people's mind.
how can you drink
at a time like this?
I feel like it.
Anyway, jade cups were
part of the old Society.
We can't keep them, so we might
as well use them one last time.
It still won't break!
I'm so afraid !
I dreamed I was
on top of a tall
building alone
amongst the clouds.
I wanted to jump.
Jump! I'd catch you.
You
weren't there.
Xiaolou, don't leave me.
Where did this sword
come from?
Cheng Dieyi gave it to me.
How many times
did he give it to you?
Twice.
When was the second time?
Shortly before
the liberation of Beijing.
Where?
On. . on the street
in front of the theater...
What did you say to
each other?
It was quite chaotic.
I don't remember.
Try it.
We didn't say anything !
Keep thinking.
If we did, I can't recall.
Something about what
you'd do to the Communists?
No! Certainly not!
I'd stake my life on it.
But what if we've got
a witness?
Who? Bring out the b*stard !
Na Kun !
What did I say?
I'll give you a hint.
Something about
ragtag troops.
Na Kun !
This is pure slander!
You reactionary old theater boss!
You only want to protect yourself! .
You said you'd take on
their ragtag troops.
No! I never said that!
What I meant was-
No, I said nothing at all !
Mr. Na, help me. Mr. Na!
you've been smashing bricks
since you were a boy, haven't you?
Do it for us.
Do it!
Come on !
Duan Xiaolou,
aren't you the King?
No, I'm not.
But you've always been
the King, haven't you?
That's just an opera.
It's not real life.
Did you go to brothels
in the old Society?
Yes.
Don't you think
that's shameful?
Yes.
When you married Juxian,
what was she?
A prost*tute.
Good.
Now tell us what we need to know
about Cheng Dieyi.
Of course, you don't have
to tell us anything.
You saw what happened
to Yuan Shiqing.
Make your own decision.
Sweep away all Cow Demons
and Snake Spirits!
We will destroy him!
Cut off the Black hands!
Uncover the Black Gangs!
Seize the Black hands that have
infiltrated the cultural world !
Sweep away all Cow Demons
and Snake Spirits!
Xiaolou!
Duan Xiaolou
is the reactionary king !
Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi
are anti-Party elements!
Down with Duan Xiaolou!
Down with Cheng Dieyi !
Talk! Talk!
Talk!
All right, I'll tell you.
he's totally mad about opera.
Who?
Make yourself clear.
Cheng Dieyi !
All he cares about is opera.
No matter who was in the audience,
which class they belonged to. . .
he'd still give it his all.
You're not being straight
with us!
If you don't give in,
we will annihilate you.
At the start
of the w*r of Resistance. . .
he sang for
the Japanese.
He was a. . . a. . . a traitor!
Down with Cheng Dieyi !
He sang for wounded
Nationalist soldiers. . .
He sang for capitalists,
landlords, the idle rich. . .
He sang for the tyrant of
the opera world, Yuan Shiqing !
Down with Cheng Dieyi !
What else?
Tell us.
He smoked opium like
there was no tomorrow.
he smoked away the blood ,
sweat of the laboring masses.
Keep going.
Get to the point.
Speak!
Down with Cheng Dieyi !
In order to get
on Yuan Shiqing's good side-
he- Did. . .
you or did you not?
he became Yuan Shiqing's- his-
Didn't you? Didn't you?
You were- were- his-
Right!
Sweep away all Cowdemons
and Snake Spirits!
Scholars and Beauties,
Kings and Ministers,
You've all betrayed me!
Betrayed me!
I've got something
to unmask as well !
I'll reveal everything.
Why do you think you sang
for the Japanese?
You're a shell of a man.
Xiaolou, you've no conscience.
You are as greedy as a wolf,
From the moment you got
involved with this woman. . .
I knew you were fiinished.
You think disaster just falls
from the sky?
No.
No way.
We have come step by step
towards this fate.
It's retribution.
I'm despicable, and I have
been so for a long time.
But now even the King of Chu
is on his knees begging for mercy!
Can Beijing opera survive?
It's doomed, is it not?
This is what's called
retribution !
Karmic retribution !
And I have something else
to unmask.
See that woman?
Who is she?
I'll tell you.
sl*t!
Top wh*re at the house of
Blossoms! Panjinlian !
wh*re!
Fight against her!
Fight against her to the death !
Duan Xiaolou, is it true
she was a prost*tute?
Well, was she?
Tell us!
Yes.
Do you love her?
Do you?
No.
No, I don't love her!
Is this the truth?
Really!
I really don't love her.
I'll never have anything to do
with her again.
Nothing at all.
From now on,
we got no relation.
Juxian !
Listen to Grandma
and talk of revolution.
If sprit gets excited
body gets tensed
Han's troops take our
land. .
Chu's on on all the side.
My king, quickly give me
your precious sword.
No!
You mustn't take your life!
My king, quickly give me
your precious sword.
No, you must not do this!
To hard.
I'm old.
Catching my breath. .
I'm a num.
My hair is shorn
at youth's prime.
I am by nature a boy...
not a girl.
Wrong !
I am by nature a boy. .
not a girl.
Let's do it again.
My king give your sword
to your concumbine.
No way!
I can't let you die.
Your sword.
Nonsense!
I won't.
Han's troops are
entering the city.
Where?
Dieyi !
Douzi. .
In Beizing 1990. .
an opera performance
was held to commemorate. .
200 years of Beizing opera.
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Farewell My Concubine (1993)
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