Farewell My Concubine (1993)

[bunniefuu]

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.

FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE.



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 has 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 & will 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 have
a lack of material skill...

I've been practicing kung fu...

to keep myself warm.

It's cool outside, 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 onwards 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.. I.. I 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, &
don't mess up the lyrics again.

Laizi, have you ever eaten sweetpea cakes?

What's the big deal about sweetpea cakes?

How about millet rolls?

Basin cakes?

They'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 2 days.

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
& you get a standing ovation.

Thanks for coming here.

BEIJING OPERA, "FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE"

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 will I 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 & 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 you'd 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!

You're 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 & 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 tactics...

the Chu armies fled 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 be 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.

There's 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 youth's 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 youth's 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 have fallen
into an 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, kids!

That's a real blade!

No need to run!

What's wrong?

The sweat stings the scratches.

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 &
stunning in any style of clothing.

That's it!

Oppose Japan's invasion of North China!

Damn! It's those students again.



Down with Japanese imperialism!

Aren't they the opera actors?

How can you put on make up
& 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.

SHITOU AND DOUZI, NOW FAMOUS ACTORS...

HAVE TAKEN THE STAGE NAMES
DUAN XIAOLOU AND CHENG DIEYI

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.. To misery...

the distinction between theater and..
Male and female?

He is now at the level of.

Your highness.

I've 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 & facets of opera.

I may probably be...

as you say.

Please give us the benefit
of your advice & 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.

I'm 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 she's 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! m*therf*ckers!

All right, let's 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 today's a special day?

That we decided to announce
our engagement today?

That's right!

Today is the lady's 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 Panjinlian's husband.

Does this mean there's
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 it's 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 teacher's 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, haven't we?

It's not enough.. Should be a lifetime.

One day, even one second
less makes it less than a lifetime!

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 sang 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 heartbreaking.

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 of the 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.

Miss Juxian. Excuse me, I must be going.

Xiaolou...

At the House of Blossoms
if you hadn't 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 k*ll myself.

What a dragonlady!

When's 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 you're overplaying your part.

Dieyi, shes going to
be your sister-in-law.

Also, at the engagement party tonight.

I haven't 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 one's most intimate friend.

What do you say?

Mr. Cheng..
Will 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?

BEIJING OPERA, THE DRUNKEN CONCUBINE.

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 blackmailing 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.
Miss Juxian, 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.

We're 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?

There's 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 are they 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.

Alcohol, gambling and
women And even crickets?

You f*cking ruined opera's tradition!

Nothing's wrong to beat you with
a cigarette 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 doesn't 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, I'd get a
swelled head & wouldn't work hard.

Do you still want to sing opera?

Yes, even if I have to
beg to support myself!

What's your name?

Xiao Si.

Xiao Si.



AS CHIANG KAI-SHEK'S
NATIONALIST ARMY RETAKES BEIJING.

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 a flashlight is
not allowed in the theater.

Even the Japanese
didn't do this sort of thing.

Everyone's 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 still want to arrest him?

What for?

Cheng Dieyi betrayed the
country to the Japanese.

Move it!

On what basis?

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 Dieyi's 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 mustn't blame Dieyi.

I see.

The reason why Dieyi
performed for Japanese...

wouldn't 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 & 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 & 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.

Goodbye...

This way, Mr. Cheng.

NATIONALIST HEADQUARTERS

The commander has arrived.

Attention!

KUEN-STYLE OPERA “PEONY PAVILION”

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 flows to the sea.

But what problem lies between
our concubine and our king?

Talked to each other already.
The Han king enters the city!


EVACUATION TO TAIWAN.

THE COMMUNISTS HAVE SURROUNDED THE CITY.

For better or worse, we
Manchus ruled for three centuries.

The Republic's only just begun,
& already it's being overthrown.

But even the Communists
need 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 their ragtag troops?

Of course, I'll fight them..
If they don't behave themselves.

Unless you had Master Yuan's class...

we are capable of fighting them.

Do you recognize me?

Cigarettes! Buy one!

Mr. Zhang...

don't you know us?

Buy a pack!


LIBERATION ARMY ENTERS BEIJING.

Song of sorrow & grief of my king...

cause me to shed tears...

to console my saddened heart by sadness...

I'd rather dance & 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 motherland...

with hopes of the
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
& 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 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 fine 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 to
be was a coolie, a stagehand..

A follower, a bit player!

How dare you!

How can you say such rubbish!

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 & you my concubine!

Why does the concubine have to die?

Dieyi...

why are you so impossible?

That's the play, for heaven's sake!



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 minds.

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.

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 & 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 Cow
Demons and Snake Spirits!

Scholars & 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, & 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 & talk of revolution.

If spirit gets excited, body gets tensed.

Han's troops take our land.

Chu's on on all the sides.

"THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION
IS A POWERFUL WEAPON...

IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE'S CONGRESS."

ELEVEN YEARS LATER

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!

Too hard.

I'm old.

Catching my breath.

I'm a nun.

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 concunbine.

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 Beijing 1990.

An opera performance
was held to commemorate...

the 200th anniversary of Beijing
Opera [ANHUI OPERA TROUPES].