1 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:44,400 1977 BEIJING, CHINA 2 00:00:51,320 --> 00:00:53,120 Who are you? 3 00:00:56,200 --> 00:00:58,960 We're with the opera troupe. 4 00:00:59,080 --> 00:01:01,280 Oh, I didn't recognize you! 5 00:01:06,160 --> 00:01:08,360 I'm a great fan of you both. 6 00:01:09,240 --> 00:01:13,080 Is that so? 7 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:17,600 It's been over twenty years since you performed together, hasn't it? 8 00:01:20,960 --> 00:01:22,400 Twenty-one. 9 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:24,000 Twenty-two. 10 00:01:24,120 --> 00:01:26,600 Yes, twenty-two years. 11 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:31,200 And it's been ten since we last saw each other. 12 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:34,760 Eleven. Eleven years. 13 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:37,360 That's right, eleven years. Yes. 14 00:01:37,440 --> 00:01:40,800 It's due to the Gang of Four and the Cultural Revolution. 15 00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:47,120 Isn't everything? 16 00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:50,000 Things are better now. 17 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:58,160 That's for sure. Everything's fine now. 18 00:02:01,880 --> 00:02:05,640 Please, wait here a moment. I'll go turn on the lights. 19 00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:09,280 Sorry to trouble you. 20 00:02:39,280 --> 00:02:44,760 FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE 21 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:20,720 1 92 4 BEIJING THE WARLORD ERA 22 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:27,920 Hey, Yanhong, is that you? 23 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:30,520 It's been ages. I've really missed you. 24 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:36,920 Whore! 25 00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:53,160 Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the show! 26 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:32,760 Laizi is trying to run away again. 27 00:04:32,840 --> 00:04:35,720 Brat! See how far you get! 28 00:04:35,920 --> 00:04:36,960 Quick, go catch him! 29 00:04:39,640 --> 00:04:41,960 Gentlemen, please be patient. 30 00:04:43,760 --> 00:04:45,520 Sirs, do forgive us. 31 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:48,280 Trash! How dare you show yourselves around here? 32 00:05:04,400 --> 00:05:05,760 Fuck you all! 33 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:10,040 Don't anyone move. You'll get your money's worth! 34 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:12,360 Just as sure as my name is Shitou... 35 00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:14,360 I'll give you something to look at. 36 00:05:52,080 --> 00:05:56,840 What are you screaming for? I haven't even said hello yet! 37 00:05:56,960 --> 00:06:01,840 You're a disgrace. You couldn't even play a monkey right. 38 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:04,520 What are you going to do with your life? 39 00:06:04,640 --> 00:06:09,240 Thought you'd get away with that brick act, didn't you? 40 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:12,000 It's garbage. 41 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:36,480 Bring your knives for sharpening! 42 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:38,280 Sharpen your knives! 43 00:06:57,200 --> 00:07:00,040 This child isn't fated to be an actor. 44 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:02,280 Not with that extra finger. 45 00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:04,000 Think of it. 46 00:07:04,080 --> 00:07:09,840 He'd scare off the audience! 47 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:13,880 Sharpen your knives! 48 00:07:13,960 --> 00:07:15,960 I can afford to raise him... 49 00:07:16,080 --> 00:07:20,200 but he's getting too big to keep at the brothel. 50 00:07:21,240 --> 00:07:23,080 Help me. Please take him. 51 00:07:27,000 --> 00:07:31,400 If only you take him, you can do anything you like. 52 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:34,280 Don't look down on us. 53 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:37,480 Don't be foolish. 54 00:07:37,560 --> 00:07:40,520 Prostitutes and actors are equally despised by society. 55 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:44,360 But I have no place for him. What can I do? 56 00:08:12,360 --> 00:08:16,400 Ma, my hand is freezing. It feels like ice. 57 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:47,600 Ma! 58 00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:08,880 Get away from us, you son of a whore! 59 00:10:20,200 --> 00:10:22,120 It's from the whorehouse! Drop it on the floor! 60 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:51,200 It's freezing! 61 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:56,640 Are you bullying him? 62 00:10:58,960 --> 00:11:00,880 Come over here. Sleep with me! 63 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:13,040 You're really something! 64 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:17,000 Laizi, go snuggle up with the Little Monk. 65 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:22,440 Catch! 66 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:29,360 It's so cold outside... 67 00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:34,520 the piss froze on the tip of my dick. 68 00:11:34,640 --> 00:11:36,760 I nearly turned a somersault! 69 00:11:54,560 --> 00:11:57,840 If you belong to the human race, you go to the opera. 70 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:01,400 If you don't go to the opera, you're not a human being. 71 00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:05,720 Pigs and dogs don't listen to opera. 72 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:08,480 And are they human? They're beasts! 73 00:12:08,600 --> 00:12:11,440 And where there's opera, there's work for us actors! 74 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:19,240 Stop squealing! 75 00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:24,320 I'm not! 76 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:27,960 Straighten that back! 77 00:12:29,600 --> 00:12:32,360 If you think you're above everyone else... 78 00:12:32,480 --> 00:12:34,200 you'll learn the hard way. 79 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:38,120 This is just the beginning. Wait till you see what's in store. 80 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:46,480 Don't worry, Douzi. We're already halfway through. 81 00:12:49,640 --> 00:12:51,720 Just keep at it. 82 00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:55,400 Shitou, are you helping someone cheat? 83 00:12:55,480 --> 00:12:59,800 But, Master, I was looking up. I didn't notice what was on the floor. 84 00:12:59,880 --> 00:13:01,920 Bullshit! Get me my sword. 85 00:13:02,680 --> 00:13:03,720 And hurry up! 86 00:13:07,960 --> 00:13:09,400 Master! 87 00:13:24,360 --> 00:13:25,480 Get up! 88 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:35,000 Don't you have something to say? 89 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:37,760 Yes. '' Forming cliques is prohibited and will be punished.'' 90 00:13:44,960 --> 00:13:47,280 I'm not fucking scared of anything. 91 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:50,440 From the time opera began... 92 00:13:50,520 --> 00:13:54,840 it's never enjoyed such popularity as it does today! 93 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:57,160 You're lucky to be part of it! 94 00:13:57,240 --> 00:13:58,880 We are! 95 00:14:20,560 --> 00:14:23,520 '' Heaven's will, not a lack of material skill... 96 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:27,080 has doomed my kingdom of Chu.'' 97 00:14:30,920 --> 00:14:36,360 I've been practicing kung fu to keep myself warm. 98 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:40,320 It's cool outside, quite cool. 99 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:49,040 But I've become a man of fire. Get away from me. 100 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:11,760 I am so strong 101 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:15,880 I can uproot the mountains 102 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:24,120 My courage is renowned 103 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:28,160 I've fallen on bad times 104 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:31,120 Yet even my horse 105 00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:35,560 Won't run away to save itself 106 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:41,280 ''These are our rules. We must learn them well. 107 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:45,520 From ancient times, man has needed a skill. 108 00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:49,840 Having chosen this one, devote ourselves we will. 109 00:15:49,920 --> 00:15:53,400 In youthful striving lies the foundation for future fame.'' 110 00:15:56,720 --> 00:15:58,480 Now go off and practice! 111 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:02,280 Let's hear '' Fleeing by Night.'' 112 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:07,560 ''I look back at the Celestial Court and hurry onwards in flight... 113 00:16:07,680 --> 00:16:10,160 heedless of... heedless of...'' 114 00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:12,960 Heedless of what? 115 00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:15,040 '' Heedless of loyalty and filial piety.'' 116 00:16:16,600 --> 00:16:19,280 ''I am so strong, I can uproot the mountains. 117 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:20,720 My courage is renowned. 118 00:16:20,920 --> 00:16:22,720 I've fallen on bad times, yet even my horse... 119 00:16:22,840 --> 00:16:24,560 won't run away to save itself. 120 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:26,360 If it won't run away, what can I do? 121 00:16:26,480 --> 00:16:28,760 And my beloved concubine, what shall I do about her?'' 122 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:30,960 Excellent, not a word out of place. 123 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:32,600 Give me your hand. 124 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:39,120 This is so you'll remember to do as well the next time. 125 00:16:43,040 --> 00:16:48,520 ''At sixteen I am a nun. My hair is shorn at youth's prime.'' 126 00:16:50,440 --> 00:16:52,360 Go on. 127 00:16:52,440 --> 00:16:54,480 ''I am by nature a boy--'' Huh? 128 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:57,240 ''I am by nature a boy--'' 129 00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:02,720 You are by nature a girl! Can't you see you're wrong?! 130 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:05,880 I'll punish you, Laizi! 131 00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:10,120 You still can't get it right, can you? 132 00:17:11,640 --> 00:17:15,200 Don't hit me! I won't do it again! 133 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:20,160 Sing '' Dreaming of the World Outside the Nunnery.'' 134 00:17:21,720 --> 00:17:25,240 ''I am-I am by nature--'' 135 00:17:25,360 --> 00:17:27,640 Spit it out! 136 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:30,800 ''I am by nature a boy--'' 137 00:17:31,480 --> 00:17:34,640 Is a nun a male or a female? 138 00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:36,880 A-a boy-- 139 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:43,280 You really are in character. You can't even tell male from female. 140 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:59,120 ''I-I-I am by nature a boy--'' 141 00:18:00,840 --> 00:18:03,040 You've forgotten everything the master has taught you! 142 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:06,000 Do it again, and I'll beat you within an inch of your life. 143 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:09,200 Wrong! Wrong! 144 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:12,160 You'd better remember this. 145 00:18:37,840 --> 00:18:41,120 If by chance I'm beaten to death tomorrow... 146 00:18:43,120 --> 00:18:45,040 I want you to have... 147 00:18:45,160 --> 00:18:47,840 the three copper coins hidden under my mattress. 148 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:51,960 Careful! 149 00:18:53,480 --> 00:18:56,840 If your hand doesn't heal properly, your acting career's finished. 150 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:09,680 Douzi, in a few days, you'll be initiated into the troupe. 151 00:19:09,800 --> 00:19:13,920 Just pretend you're a girl, and don't mess up the lyrics again. 152 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:30,400 Laizi, have you ever eaten sweet pea cakes? 153 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:33,000 What's the big deal about sweet pea cakes? 154 00:19:33,080 --> 00:19:34,640 Have you ever had millet rolls? 155 00:19:34,720 --> 00:19:36,280 '' Basin cakes''? 156 00:19:36,360 --> 00:19:38,160 They're about as fucking special as dog farts. 157 00:19:38,960 --> 00:19:41,360 So what do you like? 158 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:47,560 There's nothing yummier than a stick of candied crab apples. 159 00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:52,360 If I make it big, I'll eat candied crab apples every day for dinner. 160 00:19:53,720 --> 00:19:59,480 Candied crab apples for sale! 161 00:20:05,040 --> 00:20:10,000 Don't look at us like that. We're not sticks of candied crab apple. 162 00:20:10,120 --> 00:20:13,000 Laizi, you're drooling! 163 00:20:21,920 --> 00:20:24,520 What the hell are you doing? Get back here. 164 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:25,920 Wow, so many big kites! 165 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:27,200 Come back! 166 00:20:45,520 --> 00:20:46,960 Douzi! 167 00:20:47,040 --> 00:20:48,760 Run for it! 168 00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:52,800 Hold it right there! 169 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:57,960 Douzi! 170 00:21:00,160 --> 00:21:04,200 Don't forget the money under my mattress. 171 00:21:12,080 --> 00:21:15,120 You're worthless. Get out of my sight! 172 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:27,800 Where'd you get that? 173 00:21:27,880 --> 00:21:29,320 I bought it with your three copper coins. 174 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:32,400 Forget Shitou. I'm spending your money now. 175 00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:35,960 Ten apples on each stick. I'll give you two. How about it? 176 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:37,280 What's wrong with you? 177 00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:38,920 I have to pee real bad. 178 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:40,760 Not in the middle of the street. 179 00:21:40,840 --> 00:21:41,720 Come on! 180 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:42,840 It's Manager Wang! 181 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:47,080 The stars have arrived! Here, come this way. 182 00:21:54,760 --> 00:21:58,120 My dear sir, this is like a visit from Heaven! 183 00:22:01,920 --> 00:22:06,640 All you need to do is sneeze and you get a standing ovation. 184 00:22:06,720 --> 00:22:08,840 We've put you to so much trouble. 185 00:22:11,320 --> 00:22:13,920 We'll be lucky if no one is trampled to death in there! 186 00:22:39,240 --> 00:22:42,520 BEIJING OPERA '' FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE'' 187 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:47,000 I'll sit on your shoulders for a while, then you sit on mine. 188 00:22:53,640 --> 00:22:56,240 The king! It's the King of Chu! 189 00:23:23,640 --> 00:23:29,320 What does it take to become a star? 190 00:23:31,240 --> 00:23:33,040 How many beatings? 191 00:23:35,160 --> 00:23:37,840 When will I ever enjoy such fame? 192 00:24:12,160 --> 00:24:15,440 Hey! You're pissing all over me! 193 00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:18,320 What the hell are you doing? 194 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:31,560 I knew you'd go back. 195 00:24:31,640 --> 00:24:34,240 You couldn't live without Shitou! 196 00:24:34,320 --> 00:24:38,560 We're going to get a taste of the sword. But I'm not afraid. 197 00:24:38,640 --> 00:24:42,480 For me, it's like having an itch scratched. 198 00:24:42,560 --> 00:24:45,360 I've eaten my candied crab apple. I'm a fucking star already. 199 00:24:45,440 --> 00:24:47,280 Who the hell do I have to be afraid of? 200 00:24:50,920 --> 00:24:54,680 You little runts, you've come back after all. 201 00:24:55,040 --> 00:24:57,520 Good! I deserve it! 202 00:24:57,640 --> 00:25:01,200 Why the hell did you let them go? 203 00:25:05,120 --> 00:25:08,280 I've had it with you! 204 00:25:11,720 --> 00:25:15,480 Skipping class and running away must be punished! 205 00:25:15,560 --> 00:25:19,400 Master, I'll never do it again. Please let me go! 206 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:22,760 I wouldn't dare do it again, Master. I was wrong. 207 00:25:22,840 --> 00:25:26,400 Who told you to let them go? I'll kill you! 208 00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:49,120 Master, it was I who ran away. He had nothing to do with it. 209 00:25:50,680 --> 00:25:52,000 Beat me instead! 210 00:26:50,880 --> 00:26:54,080 Didn't you think you'd get yours? I'll kill you! 211 00:26:55,880 --> 00:26:58,840 Douzi, speak! Say something! 212 00:26:58,960 --> 00:27:01,840 Beg for mercy! Say he's beaten you well! 213 00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:04,720 I'll kill you! Running away?! 214 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:07,120 Speak! 215 00:27:08,440 --> 00:27:10,840 Let's just disband the troupe! 216 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:19,960 You're killing Douzi! 217 00:27:24,360 --> 00:27:26,680 I won't let you do this! 218 00:27:32,600 --> 00:27:36,560 Master Guan! Something terrible has happened! 219 00:27:36,640 --> 00:27:38,080 Laizi, he-- 220 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:33,400 The opera '' Farewell, My Concubine''... 221 00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:37,240 tells the story of the struggle between the Chu and Han kings. 222 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:41,000 What sort of man was the King of Chu? 223 00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:44,160 A peerless and invincible hero... 224 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:49,520 a bold and resourceful general capable of defeating vast armies. 225 00:28:50,760 --> 00:28:53,760 But fate wasn't on his side. 226 00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:59,800 At Gaixia he was outwitted... 227 00:28:59,880 --> 00:29:02,000 by the Han king. 228 00:29:03,840 --> 00:29:06,320 As they prepared for battle, Han's troops sang victory songs... 229 00:29:06,400 --> 00:29:10,360 which carried on the wind and echoed through the valley. 230 00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:13,800 Fearing the rest of their land was already conquered... 231 00:29:13,880 --> 00:29:17,240 the Chu warriors fled in a great panic. 232 00:29:17,360 --> 00:29:19,840 Even the king was weeping. 233 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:25,600 No matter how resourceful you are... 234 00:29:25,680 --> 00:29:28,560 you can't fight fate. 235 00:29:30,280 --> 00:29:33,920 The king had once been all-powerful, but in the end... 236 00:29:34,120 --> 00:29:38,440 all he had left was one woman and one horse. 237 00:29:38,520 --> 00:29:42,840 He tried to get his steed to run away, but it wouldn't go. 238 00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:46,480 He wanted his concubine to flee, but she stayed too. 239 00:29:46,600 --> 00:29:50,440 For the very last time, Concubine poured wine for her king... 240 00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:53,480 and danced for him with a sword... 241 00:29:53,600 --> 00:29:59,080 then cut her throat with it, faithful to the king unto death. 242 00:30:03,200 --> 00:30:08,760 There's a lesson in this story for all of us... 243 00:30:10,080 --> 00:30:13,360 that each person is responsible for his or her own fate. 244 00:30:22,080 --> 00:30:24,480 I am so strong 245 00:30:24,560 --> 00:30:28,320 I can uproot the mountains 246 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:33,880 My courage is renowned 247 00:30:35,880 --> 00:30:39,040 I've fallen on bad times Yet even my horse 248 00:30:39,160 --> 00:30:43,360 Won't run away to save itself 249 00:30:43,560 --> 00:30:47,680 If it won't run away What can I do 250 00:30:56,400 --> 00:30:59,680 Old Man Zhang has commissioned you to hire an opera troupe. 251 00:30:59,760 --> 00:31:02,840 You're like a fairy godmother to us. 252 00:31:02,920 --> 00:31:06,880 With your patronage, the children will have new clothes to wear. 253 00:31:09,280 --> 00:31:11,000 Clothes are not a problem. 254 00:31:11,080 --> 00:31:13,560 Good opera, however, is not so simple. 255 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:15,600 When he was a palace eunuch... 256 00:31:15,680 --> 00:31:18,560 Old Man Zhang attended operas with the Empress Dowager herself. 257 00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:22,680 So you can't put anything over on him. Not that anyone would try. 258 00:31:22,800 --> 00:31:25,960 You realize that if the performance doesn't make the grade... 259 00:31:26,160 --> 00:31:29,200 I could lose a lot of respect. But that's nothing. 260 00:31:29,320 --> 00:31:30,920 He could have you locked up! 261 00:31:31,040 --> 00:31:32,840 I understand. 262 00:31:33,800 --> 00:31:35,640 This kid's got something. 263 00:31:35,720 --> 00:31:37,360 How many years has he been in training? 264 00:31:37,440 --> 00:31:42,920 Douzi, come here and pay your respects. 265 00:31:57,600 --> 00:32:00,080 He's got a nice little figure too. 266 00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:02,600 Can you sing any old-style operas? 267 00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:04,200 Yes, two. 268 00:32:05,760 --> 00:32:07,680 '' Dreaming of the World Outside the Nunnery''... 269 00:32:07,760 --> 00:32:09,480 is the hardest female role. 270 00:32:09,600 --> 00:32:11,400 Let's hear a bit of it. 271 00:32:13,120 --> 00:32:16,600 ''At sixteen I am a nun... 272 00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:22,040 my hair shorn at youth's prime. 273 00:32:22,360 --> 00:32:28,000 Yet I am by nature a boy, not a girl. 274 00:32:29,160 --> 00:32:31,280 Why--'' 275 00:32:34,520 --> 00:32:38,440 Mister Na, I am terribly sorry! 276 00:32:38,560 --> 00:32:40,560 He's usually very good. 277 00:32:40,680 --> 00:32:43,720 Master Guan, I'll see you some other time. 278 00:32:43,840 --> 00:32:47,000 You screwed up bad! I'll teach you a lesson. 279 00:32:52,360 --> 00:32:54,280 Open your mouth. Open it! 280 00:32:59,160 --> 00:33:03,000 You've screwed it up for all of us! 281 00:33:03,120 --> 00:33:07,120 I'll teach you to keep getting that line wrong! 282 00:33:10,200 --> 00:33:11,160 Come here! 283 00:33:40,320 --> 00:33:43,960 ''I am by nature a girl, not a boy.'' 284 00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:06,120 ''At sixteen I am a nun... 285 00:34:06,320 --> 00:34:09,840 my hair shorn at youth's prime. 286 00:34:09,960 --> 00:34:13,480 Yet I am by nature a girl, not a boy. 287 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:17,120 Why must I wear these sexless robes? 288 00:34:17,240 --> 00:34:19,520 I see the joyful couples pass... 289 00:34:19,640 --> 00:34:21,440 in their splendid brocades. 290 00:34:21,560 --> 00:34:23,480 Despite myself, desire burns in my heart... 291 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:25,680 and I rend my Buddhist gown.'' 292 00:34:25,760 --> 00:34:29,240 For year upon year '' FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE'' 293 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:32,680 All over the land 294 00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:38,720 I've followed my king 295 00:34:38,800 --> 00:34:44,200 On his military campaigns 296 00:34:54,720 --> 00:34:59,440 Enduring the wind 297 00:34:59,640 --> 00:35:05,280 And frost and hard toil 298 00:35:07,680 --> 00:35:12,560 I hate only the lawless tyrant Who has plunged our people 299 00:35:13,920 --> 00:35:17,840 Into an abyss of misery 300 00:35:34,640 --> 00:35:36,080 This little boy... 301 00:35:37,400 --> 00:35:38,640 Master Guan... 302 00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:43,840 Mister Zhang, may you live as long as South Mountain. 303 00:35:43,920 --> 00:35:46,720 This... little boy-- 304 00:35:46,800 --> 00:35:50,840 The people have suffered Untold hardship and pain 305 00:35:50,920 --> 00:35:53,520 The king has returned to the camp 306 00:35:58,800 --> 00:36:02,040 Your Highness 307 00:36:09,920 --> 00:36:18,440 I've caused you so much grief 308 00:36:28,800 --> 00:36:30,920 This is a token... 309 00:36:31,040 --> 00:36:36,680 of the old man's appreciation for the two young actors. 310 00:36:36,880 --> 00:36:37,720 Yes, sir! 311 00:36:37,840 --> 00:36:41,080 The Chu king would have won with this sword! 312 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:45,400 If I were emperor, then you'd be queen of the palace. 313 00:36:45,520 --> 00:36:47,800 I want you to have a sword like this. 314 00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:51,160 Careful, my little man! 315 00:36:51,240 --> 00:36:53,000 That's a real blade! 316 00:36:55,960 --> 00:36:58,920 No need to run! 317 00:37:03,040 --> 00:37:04,120 What's wrong? 318 00:37:04,320 --> 00:37:06,880 The sweat stings the scratch over my eye. 319 00:37:07,000 --> 00:37:10,440 Aren't the two kids going in together? 320 00:37:10,520 --> 00:37:14,080 No. It's an old rule around here. 321 00:37:14,160 --> 00:37:18,880 Master Guan, I'm sorry if you don't understand. 322 00:37:18,960 --> 00:37:23,560 The concubine has to die one way or the other. 323 00:37:23,680 --> 00:37:25,400 Isn't it so? 324 00:37:30,560 --> 00:37:31,440 Master? 325 00:37:33,080 --> 00:37:34,120 Douzi! 326 00:38:11,800 --> 00:38:13,640 What year is this? 327 00:38:13,840 --> 00:38:18,640 This is... this is 1932. 328 00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:20,360 Wrong! 329 00:38:20,440 --> 00:38:23,720 This is still the Ching dynasty! 330 00:38:26,760 --> 00:38:28,800 Come over here. 331 00:38:29,280 --> 00:38:31,960 I... I want to find Shitou. 332 00:38:32,160 --> 00:38:34,160 I need to pee. 333 00:38:45,200 --> 00:38:48,720 Pee into this. Just pee into this. 334 00:38:48,920 --> 00:38:52,560 Don't waste it. Pee into this. 335 00:39:29,880 --> 00:39:32,680 Come to me! 336 00:40:07,760 --> 00:40:08,800 Douzi! 337 00:40:15,640 --> 00:40:17,840 What's happened to you? Say something! 338 00:40:19,760 --> 00:40:22,520 Have you gone dumb? Speak to me! 339 00:40:45,440 --> 00:40:49,200 Douzi. 340 00:40:49,280 --> 00:40:51,480 Fate has determined each of our lots. 341 00:40:53,120 --> 00:40:54,840 Leave him to his destiny. 342 00:41:36,200 --> 00:41:39,080 All right, look at the camera! 343 00:41:51,040 --> 00:41:53,840 Gentlemen, you have done grandly for yourselves. 344 00:41:53,920 --> 00:41:56,520 You look so dignified, absolutely striking... 345 00:41:56,600 --> 00:42:00,160 in any style of clothing. 346 00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:08,880 That's it! 347 00:42:10,600 --> 00:42:12,640 Oppose Japan's invasion of North China! 348 00:42:16,560 --> 00:42:18,480 Damn! It's those students again. 349 00:42:24,160 --> 00:42:28,840 1 937 ON THE EVE OF WAR WITH JAPAN 350 00:42:32,680 --> 00:42:36,040 Down with Japanese imperialism! 351 00:42:36,120 --> 00:42:38,720 Aren't those the two actors in the photograph? 352 00:42:40,440 --> 00:42:42,440 You're playing into the hands of theJapanese! 353 00:42:42,560 --> 00:42:44,680 How can you put on makeup and sing opera at a time like this? 354 00:42:44,760 --> 00:42:46,760 Have you no feeling for your country? 355 00:42:48,960 --> 00:42:51,280 Take a good look. 356 00:42:51,360 --> 00:42:53,400 We're Chinese too, Chinese to the core! 357 00:42:54,720 --> 00:42:56,640 Look at us, goddamn it! 358 00:42:59,320 --> 00:43:02,880 That's right, that's right, we're all Chinese here! 359 00:43:03,000 --> 00:43:05,280 Chinese mustn't fight among themselves! 360 00:43:05,360 --> 00:43:06,920 Chinese mustn't fight among themselves! 361 00:43:07,000 --> 00:43:10,160 We've all descended from the same ancestors! 362 00:43:10,280 --> 00:43:12,000 And don't you forget it! 363 00:43:16,680 --> 00:43:19,000 Who the hell do they think they are? 364 00:43:19,200 --> 00:43:22,360 Why don't they go out and fight the Japanese soldiers? 365 00:43:22,560 --> 00:43:24,160 Would they dare do that? 366 00:43:24,360 --> 00:43:25,920 Those students! 367 00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:31,000 They are only trying to find a way... 368 00:43:31,080 --> 00:43:34,360 to kill their spare time! 369 00:43:35,000 --> 00:43:38,080 The one who was yelling the loudest would make a good actor. 370 00:43:38,760 --> 00:43:42,120 Remember the first time we performed '' Farewell, My Concubine''? 371 00:43:42,400 --> 00:43:44,600 Only you remember that kind of thing. 372 00:43:44,880 --> 00:43:46,600 Master Duan! How could you forget? 373 00:43:47,000 --> 00:43:51,240 It was Mister Zhang's birthday party. I am the one who introduced you to him. 374 00:43:51,880 --> 00:43:53,520 Where you two became stars! 375 00:43:54,400 --> 00:43:57,160 Dieyi! It has become a coffin shop now! 376 00:43:57,280 --> 00:43:59,080 I went there yesterday. 377 00:43:59,200 --> 00:44:02,520 I know you've been looking for the sword, but it's long gone. 378 00:44:02,720 --> 00:44:05,400 SHITOU AND DOUZI, NOW FAMOUS ACTORS... 379 00:44:05,520 --> 00:44:10,000 HAVE TAKEN THE STAGE NAMES DUAN XIAOLOU AND CHENG DI EYI. 380 00:44:10,120 --> 00:44:12,880 Cheng Dieyi! Cheng Dieyi! 381 00:44:14,720 --> 00:44:19,720 Candied crab apples for sale! 382 00:44:21,800 --> 00:44:24,480 There's a sea of awestruck people in there... 383 00:44:24,600 --> 00:44:27,680 craning their necks to catch a glimpse of their idols. 384 00:44:27,760 --> 00:44:30,920 Master Yuan has come especially to see you perform tonight. 385 00:44:31,040 --> 00:44:32,440 It's a great honor for us. 386 00:44:40,240 --> 00:44:44,080 There'll be a slight delay! 387 00:45:03,520 --> 00:45:05,440 Mister Duan... 388 00:45:05,720 --> 00:45:09,280 the orchestra's been warming up for ages. Please hurry! 389 00:45:09,400 --> 00:45:13,400 I know. Let me first practice a few scales. 390 00:45:13,520 --> 00:45:16,560 That way they know they're getting their money's worth. 391 00:45:20,400 --> 00:45:21,480 Master Yuan! 392 00:45:31,440 --> 00:45:35,760 Year after year all over the land 393 00:45:35,840 --> 00:45:39,120 I've followed my king 394 00:45:40,360 --> 00:45:45,640 On his military campaigns 395 00:46:02,120 --> 00:46:08,760 Enduring wind 396 00:46:08,840 --> 00:46:14,680 And frost and hard toil 397 00:46:18,640 --> 00:46:20,240 You be the judge. 398 00:46:20,360 --> 00:46:22,960 Has he not blurred the distinction between theater and... 399 00:46:23,800 --> 00:46:26,400 male and female? 400 00:46:26,480 --> 00:46:31,080 I hate only the lawless tyrant Who plunged our people 401 00:46:31,200 --> 00:46:33,120 Into an abyss of misery 402 00:46:45,400 --> 00:46:47,480 Your Highness 403 00:47:01,200 --> 00:47:07,520 I've caused you 404 00:47:07,640 --> 00:47:13,280 So much grief 405 00:47:18,960 --> 00:47:22,880 So, Master Yuan has come to see us tonight. 406 00:47:23,080 --> 00:47:28,240 I know. I sang so loudly, I drowned out the horns. 407 00:47:28,360 --> 00:47:31,120 But I wanted him to know that even without his patronage... 408 00:47:31,240 --> 00:47:34,400 we'd still be the talk of the town here in Beijing. 409 00:47:34,480 --> 00:47:36,120 You shouldn't exert yourself like that. 410 00:47:36,200 --> 00:47:37,920 Don't worry. 411 00:47:38,040 --> 00:47:39,280 At key moments... 412 00:47:39,360 --> 00:47:41,600 I squeezed my waist with my hands... 413 00:47:41,760 --> 00:47:43,120 so I wouldn't run out of breath. 414 00:47:44,440 --> 00:47:45,520 Here? 415 00:47:45,600 --> 00:47:47,320 No. 416 00:47:47,440 --> 00:47:49,920 Here? 417 00:47:52,320 --> 00:47:54,440 Stop it! 418 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:08,920 Master Yuan! 419 00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:10,640 It's an honor. 420 00:48:10,720 --> 00:48:13,240 Your reputation turns out to be well-deserved. 421 00:48:13,320 --> 00:48:15,440 You're very kind. 422 00:48:25,400 --> 00:48:28,760 Please accept a small, rather slapdash token of my esteem. 423 00:48:39,320 --> 00:48:43,520 I don't believe the Empress Dowager herself... 424 00:48:45,080 --> 00:48:48,040 ever bestowed such a gift upon her favorite actors. 425 00:48:48,120 --> 00:48:50,360 If so, I never heard of it! 426 00:48:54,840 --> 00:48:58,480 Master Yuan, how can our Dieyi be worthy of your favor? 427 00:49:02,640 --> 00:49:07,120 '' Farewell, My Concubine'' has a long history. 428 00:49:07,240 --> 00:49:11,720 It evolved from the old-style opera ''Story of the Precious One.'' 429 00:49:12,960 --> 00:49:15,840 Many famous actors have fallen down in this role. 430 00:49:17,600 --> 00:49:22,480 Your evocation of Concubine Yu lifts it into a higher realm. 431 00:49:28,400 --> 00:49:30,040 Impressive. 432 00:49:36,560 --> 00:49:38,480 For a moment or two... 433 00:49:40,120 --> 00:49:42,320 this Yuan fellow was so entranced... 434 00:49:43,960 --> 00:49:47,040 he believed Concubine Yu had actually come back to life! 435 00:49:52,680 --> 00:49:53,560 Master Duan... 436 00:49:54,600 --> 00:49:59,800 when the king returns to camp and meets Concubine Yu... 437 00:49:59,880 --> 00:50:01,320 custom has it-- 438 00:50:01,400 --> 00:50:02,640 Yes, Master Yuan? 439 00:50:05,240 --> 00:50:10,440 Custom has it he takes seven steps. You take but five. 440 00:50:10,520 --> 00:50:14,160 If the King of Chu fails to bear himself with majestic dignity... 441 00:50:14,280 --> 00:50:18,080 he's little better than a gangster putting on airs! 442 00:50:19,360 --> 00:50:22,400 Master Yuan, you are a master of the theater arts. 443 00:50:22,520 --> 00:50:25,760 You are an expert in all the varieties and facets of opera. 444 00:50:25,880 --> 00:50:28,360 Could we doubt your word? 445 00:50:28,440 --> 00:50:32,880 Indeed, we are presumptuous to parade our meager talents... 446 00:50:32,960 --> 00:50:34,600 in the theaters of Beijing. 447 00:50:34,680 --> 00:50:37,280 Please give us the benefit of your advice and criticism. 448 00:50:39,600 --> 00:50:43,520 If it's not beneath you, I'd like to invite you... 449 00:50:43,600 --> 00:50:46,280 to my humble home for some wine. 450 00:50:46,400 --> 00:50:50,240 There is still so much to be said about this opera. 451 00:50:50,320 --> 00:50:53,480 I'm terribly sorry, Master Yuan. 452 00:50:53,600 --> 00:50:55,600 I've another drinking engagement... 453 00:50:58,000 --> 00:50:59,440 with a courtesan. 454 00:51:06,720 --> 00:51:09,200 You have other refined entertainments planned. 455 00:51:09,320 --> 00:51:10,640 Excellent. 456 00:51:11,880 --> 00:51:14,200 And Mister Cheng? 457 00:51:20,800 --> 00:51:25,040 Ah, then we shall exchange poetic thoughts some other day. 458 00:51:26,960 --> 00:51:28,000 Excuse me. 459 00:51:29,240 --> 00:51:31,080 Master Yuan, thank you for coming. 460 00:51:37,040 --> 00:51:39,720 Dieyi! I am leaving too. 461 00:51:45,280 --> 00:51:48,720 Girls! Come entertain our guest. 462 00:51:50,760 --> 00:51:53,800 Mister Duan, this way please. 463 00:51:53,920 --> 00:51:58,400 We haven't seen you for a while, Mister Duan. We've missed you. 464 00:51:59,960 --> 00:52:01,480 I'd like to see Miss Juxian. 465 00:52:01,560 --> 00:52:04,080 Ah, how shall I put it? 466 00:52:04,160 --> 00:52:07,320 You should have said something... earlier. 467 00:52:08,280 --> 00:52:10,600 She's not here at the moment. 468 00:52:10,680 --> 00:52:13,080 She was asked out to dinner. 469 00:52:13,280 --> 00:52:16,160 What can be done? How about this? 470 00:52:16,360 --> 00:52:18,760 We'll find you a good substitute. 471 00:52:18,840 --> 00:52:22,000 Caifeng, come keep Mister Duan company. 472 00:52:23,920 --> 00:52:27,000 I'll take my leave. 473 00:52:38,040 --> 00:52:43,480 Tell me the truth. Where is Juxian really? 474 00:52:45,800 --> 00:52:49,520 Upstairs or down? 475 00:52:51,560 --> 00:52:54,520 The phoenix roosts on the highest branches, of course! 476 00:52:56,040 --> 00:53:00,640 But she's pretty high-class. You reckon she'll go for you? 477 00:53:05,560 --> 00:53:07,640 You bet! 478 00:53:07,760 --> 00:53:10,240 I specialize in high-class. 479 00:53:14,480 --> 00:53:15,920 Oh, Miss Juxian-- 480 00:53:17,040 --> 00:53:18,960 Bastards! Okay, we're bastards! 481 00:53:19,080 --> 00:53:22,120 Go ahead then. What are you waiting for? 482 00:53:22,240 --> 00:53:24,640 I'll bet those guys make mincemeat out of you! 483 00:53:29,240 --> 00:53:32,120 I'm really angry now! 484 00:53:32,200 --> 00:53:34,040 We like it when you're angry! 485 00:53:34,800 --> 00:53:37,880 Cut it out or I'll jump! 486 00:53:40,640 --> 00:53:43,240 Jump! I'll follow on your heels. 487 00:53:43,320 --> 00:53:48,040 Such a death would be ecstasy. I'd be a very happy ghost. 488 00:53:48,120 --> 00:53:52,240 If you die, we'll all die and be the planks in your coffin. 489 00:53:56,280 --> 00:53:57,520 Xiaolou! 490 00:54:12,000 --> 00:54:13,840 These guys are revolting! 491 00:54:13,920 --> 00:54:16,880 They were forcing me to drink wine from their mouths. 492 00:54:18,440 --> 00:54:22,280 Come on, assholes. Jump! 493 00:54:22,360 --> 00:54:24,840 This lady has done it. Now it's your turn! 494 00:54:24,960 --> 00:54:27,640 Bastards! Pack of fucking sissies! 495 00:54:28,800 --> 00:54:33,480 All right, if we have to go down, let's go! 496 00:54:49,400 --> 00:54:51,720 Oh, it's Mister Duan! 497 00:54:54,000 --> 00:54:56,880 Listen, we're all here to have a good time... 498 00:54:57,080 --> 00:55:01,320 and spend lots of money. 499 00:55:02,920 --> 00:55:05,800 So let's not pick fights with each other. 500 00:55:09,160 --> 00:55:12,440 Keep out of it, and get lost. 501 00:55:12,520 --> 00:55:13,880 Don't get upset. 502 00:55:15,400 --> 00:55:17,240 Scared? 503 00:55:23,640 --> 00:55:26,720 Juxian, this is really all your fault. 504 00:55:28,160 --> 00:55:30,560 Didn't you tell these gentlemen today's a special day? 505 00:55:47,240 --> 00:55:50,600 That we decided to announce our engagement today? 506 00:55:57,880 --> 00:55:59,880 That's right! 507 00:56:00,000 --> 00:56:03,240 Today is the lady's happy day. 508 00:56:05,000 --> 00:56:08,800 Aren't you going to offer congratulations? 509 00:56:08,920 --> 00:56:12,000 Drink a toast to me! 510 00:57:00,520 --> 00:57:04,240 Think you can fool us with this little act? 511 00:57:04,360 --> 00:57:08,080 Gentlemen, on this, my happiest day... 512 00:57:08,200 --> 00:57:10,600 allow me to drink to all of you! 513 00:57:11,720 --> 00:57:13,920 And now, something to sober you up. 514 00:57:15,560 --> 00:57:17,120 Wish us well. 515 00:57:35,240 --> 00:57:39,160 I heard you got into a fight at the House of Blossoms. 516 00:57:40,400 --> 00:57:41,760 You know the old story... 517 00:57:41,840 --> 00:57:44,920 about Pan Jinlian's husband meeting the man who screwed her? 518 00:57:45,000 --> 00:57:47,040 Did he have any choice but to fight? 519 00:57:47,120 --> 00:57:50,480 Does this mean there's a Pan Jinlian in your life? 520 00:57:50,560 --> 00:57:52,960 What are you saying? What do you want to hear? 521 00:57:54,520 --> 00:57:56,440 I was just fooling around. 522 00:57:56,520 --> 00:57:58,440 You know, damsel in distress and all that. 523 00:58:00,840 --> 00:58:04,560 Come with me sometime. You'll see what it's like. 524 00:58:17,600 --> 00:58:21,560 I'm sorry. I really am! 525 00:58:23,760 --> 00:58:27,960 I wasn't thinking. I really put my foot in it this time. 526 00:58:29,800 --> 00:58:31,240 I'm a damn fool. 527 00:58:35,160 --> 00:58:38,240 Have you forgotten the secret of our success? 528 00:58:41,200 --> 00:58:43,320 Don't you remember our teacher's words? 529 00:58:46,120 --> 00:58:47,520 Which words were they? 530 00:58:48,880 --> 00:58:51,360 ''Stick together until the day you die.'' 531 00:58:51,680 --> 00:58:54,560 I want you to be with me. 532 00:58:55,880 --> 00:58:57,120 I mean... 533 00:58:57,240 --> 00:59:00,680 I want to be with you the rest of my life. 534 00:59:02,400 --> 00:59:05,000 We've come this far together, haven't we? 535 00:59:05,080 --> 00:59:07,760 It's not enough. I'm talking about a lifetime. 536 00:59:07,960 --> 00:59:10,640 One year, one month, one day, even one second less... 537 00:59:10,760 --> 00:59:12,480 makes it less than a lifetime! 538 00:59:19,840 --> 00:59:23,600 Dieyi, you really are obsessed. 539 00:59:25,040 --> 00:59:30,600 Your obsession with the stage carries over into your everyday life. 540 00:59:30,680 --> 00:59:35,400 But how are we going to get through the days... 541 00:59:35,480 --> 00:59:37,800 and make it in the real world among ordinary people? 542 00:59:39,600 --> 00:59:42,800 Give me a hand with my makeup, will you? 543 01:01:20,120 --> 01:01:23,080 So you want to become a rich man's wife! 544 01:01:25,880 --> 01:01:27,800 Go live out this goddamn fantasy, then. 545 01:01:27,880 --> 01:01:29,720 Don't think that when you walk out this door... 546 01:01:29,800 --> 01:01:31,720 you'll become a lady of virtue! 547 01:01:31,840 --> 01:01:34,400 You think the wolves and tigers won't recognize your scent anymore? 548 01:01:38,040 --> 01:01:39,320 I'm so scared! 549 01:01:41,800 --> 01:01:44,000 Let me tell you something. 550 01:01:44,080 --> 01:01:46,680 Once a whore, always a whore. 551 01:01:48,320 --> 01:01:49,960 Just remember that. 552 01:01:52,360 --> 01:01:53,880 This is your fate! 553 01:01:59,440 --> 01:02:01,840 Fine. See you around. 554 01:02:11,240 --> 01:02:14,320 Master Yuan has presented you with a pennant. 555 01:02:15,000 --> 01:02:18,040 It reads, ''The Beauty of the Age.'' 556 01:03:08,000 --> 01:03:09,760 What are you doing here? 557 01:03:13,680 --> 01:03:15,480 What is it, Juxian? 558 01:03:15,600 --> 01:03:17,600 Come on in! 559 01:03:18,280 --> 01:03:20,000 No, you come out! 560 01:03:23,920 --> 01:03:27,120 What are you doing barefoot on such a cold day? 561 01:03:29,800 --> 01:03:31,240 What's happened? 562 01:03:32,080 --> 01:03:33,440 I was kicked out. 563 01:03:33,520 --> 01:03:36,680 The House of Blossoms won't keep an engaged woman. 564 01:03:52,320 --> 01:03:55,880 Come. Let me introduce you. 565 01:03:57,200 --> 01:03:59,040 This is Miss Juxian. 566 01:04:00,000 --> 01:04:02,000 This is my stage brother, Dieyi. 567 01:04:02,120 --> 01:04:04,520 You may have seen him as Concubine Yu. 568 01:04:04,600 --> 01:04:09,280 Xiaolou speaks of you so often, I feel like we're old friends. 569 01:04:11,800 --> 01:04:15,040 Miss Juxian. Excuse me, I must be going. 570 01:04:24,640 --> 01:04:29,360 Xiaolou, that day at the House of Blossoms... 571 01:04:29,440 --> 01:04:33,960 if you hadn't caught me, I'd be six feet under by now. 572 01:04:38,440 --> 01:04:42,000 Remember, it was you who proposed to me. 573 01:04:43,720 --> 01:04:45,760 I'm used to hardship. 574 01:04:45,840 --> 01:04:47,760 If you take me in... 575 01:04:47,840 --> 01:04:50,240 I'll wait on you hand and foot. 576 01:04:51,600 --> 01:04:56,000 If you tire of me, I'll kill myself. 577 01:04:56,080 --> 01:04:58,600 No big deal, really. 578 01:05:11,440 --> 01:05:13,440 What a dragon lady! 579 01:05:15,560 --> 01:05:20,280 Incredible! This is a major production. 580 01:05:22,760 --> 01:05:24,280 When's the performance of... 581 01:05:24,400 --> 01:05:26,600 ''Candlelit Night in the Bridal Chamber''? 582 01:05:28,520 --> 01:05:29,760 Tonight. 583 01:05:30,440 --> 01:05:32,080 Hold on. 584 01:05:32,160 --> 01:05:36,200 I want a formal engagement ceremony... 585 01:05:36,360 --> 01:05:38,600 to which the entire company is invited. 586 01:05:38,680 --> 01:05:40,800 I want to enter your home as a proper bride. 587 01:05:42,240 --> 01:05:45,000 You don't think I plan to cut corners, do you? 588 01:05:45,120 --> 01:05:48,480 The formal engagement ceremony will be tonight. 589 01:05:48,560 --> 01:05:50,880 Gentlemen, we request the pleasure of your company. 590 01:05:56,320 --> 01:05:57,880 Miss Juxian... 591 01:05:59,200 --> 01:06:01,400 where did you study opera? 592 01:06:02,480 --> 01:06:06,800 Me, study opera? What makes you think I studied opera? 593 01:06:06,880 --> 01:06:09,960 Just the way you're overplaying your part. 594 01:06:14,840 --> 01:06:17,240 Dieyi, she's going to be your sister-in-law. 595 01:06:17,320 --> 01:06:19,240 Be nice. 596 01:06:19,360 --> 01:06:21,760 Also, at the engagement party tonight... 597 01:06:21,920 --> 01:06:24,120 I'd like you to be best man. 598 01:06:26,520 --> 01:06:29,880 I haven't learned the opera ''Gangster King and His Whore.'' 599 01:06:31,920 --> 01:06:34,120 Our teacher never taught us that one. 600 01:06:34,200 --> 01:06:35,920 What are you talking about? 601 01:06:36,040 --> 01:06:39,400 Dieyi, Xiaolou has only the nicest things to say about you.. 602 01:06:39,560 --> 01:06:42,280 both in public and in private. 603 01:06:46,760 --> 01:06:48,000 Don't leave! 604 01:06:51,840 --> 01:06:53,280 Where are you going? 605 01:06:55,000 --> 01:06:58,200 None of your business. 606 01:07:00,280 --> 01:07:02,120 Xiaolou! 607 01:07:03,440 --> 01:07:06,040 Please don't go! 608 01:07:06,160 --> 01:07:08,840 Master Yuan wants us to visit him tonight. 609 01:07:09,040 --> 01:07:10,920 He wants to become our patron. 610 01:07:12,280 --> 01:07:17,000 Who does he think he is? No one tells me what to do. 611 01:07:17,080 --> 01:07:21,000 I'm just a fake king. You really are Concubine Yu. 612 01:07:21,120 --> 01:07:23,120 Let him patronize you if you like. 613 01:07:23,200 --> 01:07:25,600 Xiaolou! 614 01:07:49,400 --> 01:07:52,840 This feather headpiece is rare and precious. 615 01:07:54,960 --> 01:07:59,640 The feathers are collected from the tails of live peacocks. 616 01:08:01,760 --> 01:08:04,560 That's the secret... 617 01:08:04,640 --> 01:08:08,200 to keeping the feathers soft and colorful. 618 01:08:09,840 --> 01:08:11,760 I'll be waiting for you. 619 01:08:49,720 --> 01:08:54,520 In this world, there is foulness in both men and women. 620 01:08:55,680 --> 01:08:59,520 Only the bodhisattva embodies both male and female essences. 621 01:09:03,160 --> 01:09:04,680 Such ecstasy! 622 01:09:21,000 --> 01:09:23,680 This sword has a history. 623 01:09:23,760 --> 01:09:26,280 It once belonged to the eunuch Zhang. 624 01:09:27,200 --> 01:09:31,920 When Zhang went bankrupt, I went to great trouble to acquire it. 625 01:09:33,440 --> 01:09:36,040 I can see from this... 626 01:09:36,120 --> 01:09:38,720 you're old acquaintances. 627 01:09:41,040 --> 01:09:43,720 Amazing. One searches far and wide for something... 628 01:09:43,800 --> 01:09:46,800 only to stumble upon it by chance. 629 01:09:54,360 --> 01:09:55,520 Like it? 630 01:09:56,840 --> 01:09:58,760 I-- 631 01:09:58,880 --> 01:10:03,280 Let's not have any vulgar talk of money between us. 632 01:10:05,960 --> 01:10:09,800 A precious sword is the classic gift for one's most intimate friend. 633 01:10:11,320 --> 01:10:13,560 Mister Cheng... 634 01:10:13,640 --> 01:10:17,200 will you be my most intimate friend? 635 01:10:17,280 --> 01:10:21,600 The soldiers of Han 636 01:10:21,680 --> 01:10:24,960 Have invaded 637 01:10:27,360 --> 01:10:29,640 The songs of Chu 638 01:10:29,760 --> 01:10:33,400 Can be heard on all sides 639 01:10:39,640 --> 01:10:43,080 Since the good king 640 01:10:43,160 --> 01:10:46,360 Has lost his fighting spirit 641 01:10:50,280 --> 01:10:55,240 Why should his humble concubine 642 01:10:55,440 --> 01:10:58,600 Value her life 643 01:11:05,440 --> 01:11:06,400 Don't! 644 01:11:07,360 --> 01:11:08,680 It's a real sword! 645 01:11:28,360 --> 01:11:32,200 ''A smile ushers in the spring. 646 01:11:34,960 --> 01:11:38,600 A tear does darken all the world. 647 01:11:40,920 --> 01:11:44,160 How truly does this befit you. 648 01:11:46,360 --> 01:11:51,840 Only you are possessed of such charm.'' 649 01:12:05,760 --> 01:12:09,680 Where are you going? 650 01:12:19,760 --> 01:12:21,480 He's crazy. 651 01:12:33,640 --> 01:12:36,720 Ah, Mister Cheng. I knew you'd come. 652 01:12:36,840 --> 01:12:39,600 We saved a seat at the head table for you. 653 01:12:43,720 --> 01:12:44,800 Xiaolou! Xiaolou! 654 01:12:52,360 --> 01:12:54,640 Well, if it isn't Dieyi! 655 01:12:54,760 --> 01:12:57,040 It's a good thing you showed up. 656 01:12:57,160 --> 01:12:58,680 Otherwise-- 657 01:12:59,440 --> 01:13:01,000 Have a look at this. 658 01:13:05,880 --> 01:13:07,400 What a sword! 659 01:13:12,200 --> 01:13:16,160 But we're not on stage. What would I want with a sword? 660 01:13:28,520 --> 01:13:30,320 Dieyi, you've come so late. 661 01:13:30,440 --> 01:13:33,320 I ought to punish you by making you drink this. 662 01:13:33,400 --> 01:13:35,400 Yes, drink up! 663 01:13:45,000 --> 01:13:46,920 My gratitude, Miss Juxian. 664 01:13:48,080 --> 01:13:50,000 Dieyi? Mister Cheng! 665 01:13:53,160 --> 01:13:54,880 Xiaolou... 666 01:13:55,000 --> 01:13:59,480 from now on, we'll no longer perform together. 667 01:13:59,600 --> 01:14:03,320 Mister Cheng, you can't do this! 668 01:14:03,440 --> 01:14:04,960 This isn't-The fans won't-- 669 01:14:06,760 --> 01:14:09,000 This is terrible! 670 01:14:09,080 --> 01:14:12,040 Japanese troops have entered the city! 671 01:14:33,840 --> 01:14:35,360 Dieyi. Where is Dieyi? 672 01:14:47,920 --> 01:14:52,040 BEIJING OPERA ''THE DRUNKEN CONCUBINE'' 673 01:15:12,680 --> 01:15:16,880 Dieyi said it looks better if the eyebrow is very high. 674 01:16:07,520 --> 01:16:10,960 Please! Your troops are upsetting the performance. 675 01:16:32,640 --> 01:16:34,560 Look at this, Mister Duan. 676 01:16:42,520 --> 01:16:47,320 I won't stand for it! Tell him to take it off immediately. 677 01:16:47,520 --> 01:16:48,360 Xiaolou! 678 01:17:11,760 --> 01:17:14,560 What's the fuss? It's only a costume. 679 01:17:14,640 --> 01:17:17,240 If it was the shroud from your grandma's coffin... 680 01:17:17,440 --> 01:17:19,840 you'd still have to give it to me. 681 01:17:19,920 --> 01:17:21,960 Understand me, lowlife? 682 01:17:56,080 --> 01:17:58,760 Tell the Japanese I'll be there right away. 683 01:17:59,240 --> 01:18:00,960 Hold on a moment. 684 01:18:01,920 --> 01:18:04,920 It's not some private party. 685 01:18:05,000 --> 01:18:07,600 They're blackmailing you to sing for them. 686 01:18:09,800 --> 01:18:12,480 On the other hand, you're the only one... 687 01:18:12,600 --> 01:18:14,480 who can save Xiaolou. 688 01:18:14,600 --> 01:18:18,800 On the other hand, if anything happened to you... 689 01:18:20,080 --> 01:18:22,360 this theater of mine would-- 690 01:18:23,800 --> 01:18:25,520 All right, go then. 691 01:18:25,640 --> 01:18:27,840 Miss Juxian, what are you doing? 692 01:18:27,920 --> 01:18:30,120 Mister Cheng isn't at home! 693 01:18:31,360 --> 01:18:32,720 Where's Dieyi? Dieyi? 694 01:18:32,800 --> 01:18:37,040 Hurry! I've heard the Japanese feed prisoners to their dogs! 695 01:18:37,120 --> 01:18:38,560 And you know Xiaolou's temper. 696 01:18:38,680 --> 01:18:41,640 If you delay, he might not have a life to save! 697 01:18:42,520 --> 01:18:43,760 Dieyi! 698 01:18:55,920 --> 01:18:59,880 But you allowed them to take him away in the first place. 699 01:19:00,840 --> 01:19:03,320 What are you saying? 700 01:19:03,400 --> 01:19:06,200 Xiaolou has looked after you since you were small. 701 01:19:09,640 --> 01:19:11,840 Glad you realize that. 702 01:19:27,760 --> 01:19:31,520 Mister Na, would you mind leaving the room for a moment? 703 01:19:31,720 --> 01:19:34,560 I have something to say to Dieyi in private. 704 01:19:35,920 --> 01:19:38,320 Everyone says Miss Juxian is quite clever... 705 01:19:38,400 --> 01:19:40,440 and her timing in this case certainly proves it. 706 01:19:40,520 --> 01:19:44,280 We're all trying to help Xiaolou. Talk it over. 707 01:19:48,000 --> 01:19:52,040 How about a clear answer? Are you going or not? 708 01:20:10,640 --> 01:20:12,280 Say something! 709 01:20:21,000 --> 01:20:22,800 I know what's on your mind. 710 01:20:24,240 --> 01:20:25,680 I have a proposal. 711 01:20:27,240 --> 01:20:30,200 If you can get Xiaolou out of there in one piece... 712 01:20:30,280 --> 01:20:33,000 I'll go back to the House of Blossoms. 713 01:20:34,320 --> 01:20:37,600 I'll keep away from both of you. How's that? 714 01:20:41,720 --> 01:20:46,520 At the House of Blossoms, you don't have to worry about much. 715 01:20:49,400 --> 01:20:51,600 Life is a lot simpler there. 716 01:20:57,440 --> 01:20:59,840 Just remember, you said it, not me. 717 01:21:01,680 --> 01:21:02,800 I give my word. 718 01:21:03,400 --> 01:21:07,520 KUEN-STYLE OPERA '' PEONY PAVILION'' 719 01:21:47,120 --> 01:21:52,760 The flowers have blossomed 720 01:21:53,640 --> 01:21:58,720 Their season is past 721 01:21:58,800 --> 01:22:04,280 All has fallen 722 01:22:04,400 --> 01:22:09,640 Into ruin and decay 723 01:22:37,360 --> 01:22:38,440 Xiaolou! 724 01:22:38,520 --> 01:22:39,960 My brother! 725 01:22:43,400 --> 01:22:45,800 Xiaolou, are you all right? 726 01:22:46,000 --> 01:22:47,240 Did you sing for theJapanese? 727 01:22:47,360 --> 01:22:49,560 There's one called Aoki. He genuinely likes opera. 728 01:22:50,720 --> 01:22:51,960 Xiaolou! 729 01:24:34,480 --> 01:24:37,240 All right. Come here! 730 01:24:37,360 --> 01:24:38,600 Let me have another drink! 731 01:24:39,920 --> 01:24:42,040 Okay. I'll drink one for you. 732 01:24:50,000 --> 01:24:51,440 Come on! 733 01:25:26,640 --> 01:25:29,120 I think this opera, '' Farewell, My Concubine''... 734 01:25:31,440 --> 01:25:35,840 has turned into... 735 01:25:36,040 --> 01:25:38,360 '' Farewell, My King.'' 736 01:25:38,520 --> 01:25:40,360 The king's really irrelevant. 737 01:25:57,720 --> 01:26:02,320 Drink this and your voice will pierce the heavens... 738 01:26:02,400 --> 01:26:05,480 yet be tender and more fluid than water. 739 01:26:10,000 --> 01:26:11,520 Don't move! 740 01:26:50,560 --> 01:26:52,200 Forget the opera. 741 01:26:53,800 --> 01:26:58,120 Let's just live a quiet life. 742 01:26:59,400 --> 01:27:01,320 We'll have a fat little baby boy. 743 01:27:02,160 --> 01:27:06,080 Then I'll have everything I want. That's enough. 744 01:27:07,920 --> 01:27:09,440 No more opera. 745 01:27:41,760 --> 01:27:43,400 Let's go! Let's go! 746 01:27:43,600 --> 01:27:46,680 See you around, Xiaolou! 747 01:27:47,440 --> 01:27:50,600 Wait! You forgot something. 748 01:27:58,280 --> 01:28:01,840 Don't think he's stupid! Give him back the money! 749 01:28:01,920 --> 01:28:04,240 We need the money! 750 01:28:08,920 --> 01:28:11,040 Get lost! 751 01:28:14,000 --> 01:28:16,520 Some friends they are! 752 01:28:16,680 --> 01:28:20,800 They only wanted to take advantage of us. 753 01:28:22,840 --> 01:28:24,640 Get a job? I am an actor. 754 01:28:24,840 --> 01:28:26,760 What else do you want me to do! 755 01:28:26,880 --> 01:28:30,200 You are the one who doesn't want me to sing opera anymore. Now what? 756 01:28:31,160 --> 01:28:36,160 Get a job? That's easy for you to say. I know nothing but opera. 757 01:28:37,320 --> 01:28:39,920 Happy now? 758 01:28:42,000 --> 01:28:45,160 You're not mad at me, are you? 759 01:28:46,440 --> 01:28:47,960 Here, take this. 760 01:28:48,640 --> 01:28:50,160 Are you finished? 761 01:28:51,600 --> 01:28:54,400 All right. I knew I shouldn't have said that. 762 01:28:56,320 --> 01:28:59,080 But your friends really leave me no choice. 763 01:28:59,200 --> 01:29:01,000 They are a bad influence! 764 01:29:03,600 --> 01:29:05,720 Master Kwang wants you to work for him. 765 01:29:06,560 --> 01:29:08,760 I am not going. How could I face my master? 766 01:29:15,120 --> 01:29:20,480 Watch out, here I come. 767 01:29:27,480 --> 01:29:29,680 Sir, they're here! 768 01:29:31,320 --> 01:29:33,520 Who? Dieyi and Xiaolou. 769 01:29:33,600 --> 01:29:37,240 They came as soon as they heard you wanted to see them. 770 01:29:38,520 --> 01:29:40,320 Oh, this really is something! 771 01:29:40,400 --> 01:29:41,280 Master! 772 01:29:41,360 --> 01:29:43,600 The two famous actors are here! 773 01:29:43,680 --> 01:29:45,400 We are unworthy of you. 774 01:29:45,520 --> 01:29:49,640 You are so kind to come by. 775 01:29:49,720 --> 01:29:51,560 I'm deeply honored. 776 01:29:51,640 --> 01:29:53,480 Please, have a seat. 777 01:29:53,560 --> 01:29:55,960 Let this decrepit old man pay his respects. 778 01:29:56,160 --> 01:29:58,160 Master, we wouldn't presume. 779 01:30:01,240 --> 01:30:05,920 Wouldn't presume! What wouldn't you presume?! 780 01:30:08,120 --> 01:30:10,040 Cheng Dieyi... 781 01:30:10,920 --> 01:30:15,920 Xiaolou helped make you what you are today. 782 01:30:18,000 --> 01:30:21,280 Now he's not singing anymore. 783 01:30:22,800 --> 01:30:26,920 It's time for you to give him a hand. 784 01:30:30,680 --> 01:30:32,320 Come on! 785 01:30:40,760 --> 01:30:42,560 Do it! 786 01:30:54,560 --> 01:30:56,960 Little Douzi! 787 01:30:57,040 --> 01:30:59,240 Little Shitou! 788 01:31:00,880 --> 01:31:04,800 There's been a lot of water under the bridge... 789 01:31:04,920 --> 01:31:08,360 since you were children. 790 01:31:10,360 --> 01:31:11,920 Now... 791 01:31:12,000 --> 01:31:15,760 you're great actors, but you're arrogant. 792 01:31:17,680 --> 01:31:20,080 But have you forgotten? 793 01:31:20,160 --> 01:31:24,840 Don't you have the heart for it anymore? 794 01:31:30,520 --> 01:31:35,120 Did I tell you to spoil and indulge him? 795 01:31:35,200 --> 01:31:39,160 Did I tell you to cover up for him? 796 01:31:39,240 --> 01:31:43,080 Did I tell you to sit by while he wastes his talents? 797 01:31:43,160 --> 01:31:45,280 Master! 798 01:31:46,240 --> 01:31:48,440 It's my fault. I'm a failure. 799 01:31:48,560 --> 01:31:50,360 Punish me! 800 01:31:50,480 --> 01:31:52,760 Listen to me, grandpa. 801 01:31:52,880 --> 01:31:54,880 Can you guess what I have to say? 802 01:31:54,960 --> 01:31:57,760 Xiaolou belongs to me these days. 803 01:31:57,840 --> 01:32:00,520 If you want to hit him, you've got to notify me first. 804 01:32:00,720 --> 01:32:01,680 Juxian! 805 01:32:01,880 --> 01:32:06,880 It's that girl from the House of Blossoms, isn't it? 806 01:32:06,960 --> 01:32:11,200 Today, you are our number one guest. 807 01:32:11,280 --> 01:32:13,200 Make yourself comfortable. 808 01:32:13,280 --> 01:32:17,120 Have a drink and a look around. 809 01:32:19,320 --> 01:32:21,360 Please. 810 01:32:27,680 --> 01:32:32,000 Did I teach you to indulge yourself and go whoring? 811 01:32:33,440 --> 01:32:36,680 Did I teach you to pawn your costumes? 812 01:32:36,800 --> 01:32:38,400 To desecrate the opera? 813 01:32:39,760 --> 01:32:42,360 Good! I deserve it! 814 01:32:43,880 --> 01:32:44,920 Hold on! 815 01:32:46,760 --> 01:32:50,400 If he's desecrating the opera, you ought to punish him. 816 01:32:51,920 --> 01:32:55,760 But don't you think his stage brother... 817 01:32:55,880 --> 01:32:57,600 has a part in it as well? 818 01:32:57,680 --> 01:32:59,120 Juxian! 819 01:33:01,720 --> 01:33:03,640 I'm from the House of Blossoms. 820 01:33:03,840 --> 01:33:07,280 This is none of my business... 821 01:33:07,480 --> 01:33:08,800 but as their teacher... 822 01:33:08,920 --> 01:33:11,320 shouldn't you listen to both sides of the story? 823 01:33:11,400 --> 01:33:14,680 Shut up! This is between us men! Keep out of it! 824 01:33:28,480 --> 01:33:30,480 Duan Xiaolou... 825 01:33:30,600 --> 01:33:32,320 you really are a tender soul! 826 01:33:33,960 --> 01:33:38,280 Hit me again! If you don't shut up, I'll kill you. 827 01:33:38,440 --> 01:33:39,880 Don't! 828 01:33:41,240 --> 01:33:43,160 Go ahead. 829 01:33:43,240 --> 01:33:46,880 You'll take two lives at once. 830 01:33:49,200 --> 01:33:51,680 The Duan family line will stop with you! 831 01:33:56,280 --> 01:33:58,680 Who told you to stand up? 832 01:34:01,200 --> 01:34:05,320 Shitou, are you paying attention? 833 01:34:05,400 --> 01:34:07,600 You're going to be a father. 834 01:34:08,840 --> 01:34:11,240 If you keep wasting your time and lose your skills... 835 01:34:11,360 --> 01:34:16,040 how are you going to afford a celebration for the baby? 836 01:34:16,920 --> 01:34:18,920 Kneel closer to one another! 837 01:34:21,240 --> 01:34:23,240 Closer! 838 01:34:32,560 --> 01:34:34,480 Get to work! 839 01:34:34,560 --> 01:34:38,120 Straighten up! 840 01:34:38,200 --> 01:34:40,600 Stretch those legs! Stretch! 841 01:34:53,080 --> 01:34:54,400 Wait a minute! 842 01:34:56,720 --> 01:34:59,480 You're practicing '' Fleeing by Night,'' aren't you? 843 01:34:59,600 --> 01:35:03,120 You're playing Lin Chong. Who's this Lin Chong? 844 01:35:03,240 --> 01:35:07,080 He's head of the palace guard, not some sneaky little thief. 845 01:35:07,920 --> 01:35:09,760 Take this. 846 01:35:09,840 --> 01:35:11,880 Attention, everyone! 847 01:35:12,040 --> 01:35:15,120 This is what a great hero is like. 848 01:35:19,240 --> 01:35:25,000 ''A man doesn't lightly shed his tears... 849 01:35:27,000 --> 01:35:30,560 unless his heart has broken.'' 850 01:36:49,880 --> 01:36:53,240 Don't! Master told me to kneel for seven days as punishment. 851 01:36:53,320 --> 01:36:55,040 The troupe has disbanded. 852 01:36:55,160 --> 01:36:56,960 What's the point of this idiotic kneeling? 853 01:36:57,080 --> 01:37:00,240 Master said that only you can make yourself a great actor. 854 01:37:01,200 --> 01:37:05,120 Everyone else has left. You ought to go home too. 855 01:37:05,240 --> 01:37:08,080 I was found on the street as a baby. I've got no other home. 856 01:37:10,680 --> 01:37:12,520 Do you know who found you? 857 01:37:12,600 --> 01:37:16,520 No! They said if I knew, I'd get a swelled head and wouldn't work hard. 858 01:37:17,400 --> 01:37:19,320 Do you still want to sing opera? 859 01:37:19,520 --> 01:37:21,440 Yes, even if I have to beg to support myself!. 860 01:37:26,320 --> 01:37:28,320 What's your name? 861 01:37:29,960 --> 01:37:31,800 Xiao Si. 862 01:37:35,520 --> 01:37:36,480 Xiao Si. 863 01:37:37,440 --> 01:37:40,040 1 945 THE JAPANESE SURRENDER... 864 01:37:40,120 --> 01:37:43,680 AS CHIANG KAI-SHEK'S NATIONALIST ARMY RETAKES BEIJING. 865 01:38:18,800 --> 01:38:21,840 I hear the talk of the soldiers 866 01:38:41,720 --> 01:38:44,760 Xiao Si, go tell the manager to avoid trouble. 867 01:38:46,200 --> 01:38:50,320 And it is all about running away 868 01:38:57,640 --> 01:38:59,840 What's this? Why aren't you singing? 869 01:39:02,320 --> 01:39:03,760 Don't make trouble! 870 01:39:12,000 --> 01:39:14,120 Don't go, Xiaolou. It's not worth it! 871 01:39:34,360 --> 01:39:36,480 Soldiers! Gentlemen! 872 01:39:39,160 --> 01:39:43,960 Waving flashlights is not acceptable behavior in the theater. 873 01:39:44,040 --> 01:39:46,520 Even the Japanese didn't do this sort of thing. 874 01:39:46,640 --> 01:39:49,800 Everyone's here for the opera. Please return to your seats. 875 01:39:54,480 --> 01:39:57,080 Well put. Back to your seats, everyone! 876 01:40:00,920 --> 01:40:04,760 But can we let him get away with speaking up for the Japanese? 877 01:40:04,840 --> 01:40:06,560 No! 878 01:40:06,680 --> 01:40:07,640 Get him! 879 01:40:09,440 --> 01:40:11,360 Fuck your mother! 880 01:40:16,560 --> 01:40:18,200 Xiaolou! 881 01:40:19,240 --> 01:40:20,960 Xiaolou! 882 01:40:39,760 --> 01:40:42,160 Leave him alone! 883 01:40:54,160 --> 01:40:55,280 Juxian! 884 01:40:57,600 --> 01:40:59,800 Hurry! 885 01:40:59,880 --> 01:41:01,040 I'm here, Juxian. 886 01:41:01,160 --> 01:41:03,080 Get her a stool. Hurry! 887 01:41:07,000 --> 01:41:08,920 We have to get her to a hospital. 888 01:41:09,120 --> 01:41:11,520 Save her first and worry about the baby later. 889 01:41:13,600 --> 01:41:15,440 Let us through! 890 01:41:20,800 --> 01:41:24,440 There was only a minor disturbance. 891 01:41:24,560 --> 01:41:27,720 Is such a show of force really necessary? 892 01:41:27,800 --> 01:41:30,200 You can fine us. 893 01:41:47,360 --> 01:41:49,480 Why do you need to arrest anyone? 894 01:41:49,560 --> 01:41:53,320 The theater's been trashed, people beaten... 895 01:41:53,400 --> 01:41:55,800 and you still want to arrest him? 896 01:42:01,680 --> 01:42:02,520 Why? 897 01:42:05,320 --> 01:42:06,360 What for? 898 01:42:08,000 --> 01:42:10,960 Cheng Dieyi betrayed the country to the Japanese. 899 01:42:13,080 --> 01:42:14,120 Move it! 900 01:42:14,800 --> 01:42:17,880 How can you say that about him? 901 01:42:17,960 --> 01:42:20,280 Teacher, teacher! 902 01:42:21,600 --> 01:42:23,440 Mister Duan! 903 01:42:23,520 --> 01:42:27,640 Mister Duan, I'm afraid she's lost the baby. 904 01:42:36,960 --> 01:42:41,000 Xiaolou, I'm so sorry. 905 01:42:43,960 --> 01:42:47,040 Go help Dieyi if he's more important to you. 906 01:43:07,440 --> 01:43:13,200 I don't know whether Dieyi goes looking for trouble... 907 01:43:13,400 --> 01:43:16,080 or if it's trouble that comes looking for him. 908 01:43:16,160 --> 01:43:19,240 But sooner or later, they always meet. 909 01:43:20,320 --> 01:43:24,600 Whenever you're with him, my heart's in my throat. 910 01:43:29,400 --> 01:43:35,080 Now that I've lost our child, you're all I have left. 911 01:43:36,040 --> 01:43:40,440 I don't care if I have to beg with you on the streets. 912 01:43:40,520 --> 01:43:44,200 All I ask... 913 01:43:45,640 --> 01:43:48,120 is peace of mind. 914 01:43:53,680 --> 01:43:57,040 If you help him now, we'll no longer owe him anything. 915 01:43:57,120 --> 01:44:00,000 Don't perform with him anymore. 916 01:44:01,440 --> 01:44:06,040 Promise me this. Put it in writing. 917 01:44:33,000 --> 01:44:35,280 Master Yuan... 918 01:44:35,400 --> 01:44:39,600 Dieyi's life is in your hands. 919 01:44:40,960 --> 01:44:46,600 Count this. If it's not enough-- 920 01:44:48,040 --> 01:44:51,880 If only you'll save Dieyi... 921 01:44:52,000 --> 01:44:54,680 we'll give all our earnings for the next three years. 922 01:44:56,120 --> 01:44:59,760 You think I need your money to keep my birds from starving? 923 01:45:04,160 --> 01:45:06,280 And this gentleman is...? 924 01:45:07,520 --> 01:45:10,480 Don't you recognize Xiaolou? 925 01:45:12,040 --> 01:45:15,400 He plays the king to Dieyi's concubine. 926 01:45:17,000 --> 01:45:19,040 Then it should be he who saves Concubine Yu! 927 01:45:20,680 --> 01:45:24,000 My dear man, that's only a play! 928 01:45:24,200 --> 01:45:29,400 All Beijing knows that Master Yu is the true king of the theater! 929 01:45:31,120 --> 01:45:32,560 It's true. 930 01:45:32,640 --> 01:45:37,240 Speaking of theater, I'd like to ask Mister Duan something. 931 01:45:37,360 --> 01:45:41,200 When the king returns to see Concubine Yu... 932 01:45:42,920 --> 01:45:45,600 how many steps should he take? 933 01:45:48,280 --> 01:45:49,800 Seven. 934 01:45:49,920 --> 01:45:51,560 Show me. 935 01:45:55,080 --> 01:45:56,920 Come on, show me! 936 01:45:58,240 --> 01:45:59,880 Master Yuan. 937 01:46:07,560 --> 01:46:11,120 Is this the honorable home of Mister Yuan? 938 01:46:13,600 --> 01:46:18,400 When a man called Cheng Dieyi was arrested, he said... 939 01:46:18,480 --> 01:46:20,520 the owner of this sword would be able to rescue him. 940 01:46:22,040 --> 01:46:25,320 Have a look. Do you recognize it? 941 01:46:39,120 --> 01:46:43,120 From your expression, I see I've come to the right place. 942 01:46:44,560 --> 01:46:48,400 Good. I'll put the sword here. 943 01:46:49,960 --> 01:46:54,440 I'm so relieved to have found its owner. 944 01:46:59,240 --> 01:47:03,360 But sometimes one's hopes are misplaced. 945 01:47:03,480 --> 01:47:07,960 Master Yuan, you mustn't blame Dieyi. 946 01:47:12,000 --> 01:47:13,640 I see. 947 01:47:15,560 --> 01:47:21,200 He didn't say I... I put him up to it, did he? 948 01:47:23,240 --> 01:47:25,800 If you were involved... 949 01:47:25,920 --> 01:47:29,480 he wouldn't be in trouble, would he? 950 01:47:29,640 --> 01:47:31,200 True! 951 01:47:34,640 --> 01:47:35,800 Oh, dear! 952 01:47:35,880 --> 01:47:38,560 There's a roomful of reporters waiting at home. 953 01:47:38,680 --> 01:47:40,400 Xiaolou, Mister Na, let's go. 954 01:47:40,480 --> 01:47:42,320 Wait a moment! Let's talk. 955 01:47:51,720 --> 01:47:54,960 Master Yuan asked me to talk to you. 956 01:47:56,120 --> 01:47:58,320 Tomorrow in court... 957 01:47:58,440 --> 01:48:02,160 say the Japanese put a gun to your head. 958 01:48:02,360 --> 01:48:04,560 Say they tortured you. 959 01:48:05,520 --> 01:48:08,200 Master Yuan has made arrangements for everything else. 960 01:48:18,080 --> 01:48:20,880 This is from Xiaolou. 961 01:48:30,080 --> 01:48:32,200 Dieyi, don't be angry with us. 962 01:48:32,840 --> 01:48:35,440 The death of Xiaolou's child... 963 01:48:44,440 --> 01:48:47,040 was karmic retribution for your partnership. 964 01:48:56,440 --> 01:49:00,760 After you get out of here, just go your own way. 965 01:49:22,160 --> 01:49:27,040 Cheng Dieyi betrayed the country by performing for theJapanese. 966 01:49:27,120 --> 01:49:30,400 You encouraged the enemy and disgraced your people. 967 01:49:32,520 --> 01:49:35,000 Aoki continued to resist even after Japan officially surrendered. 968 01:49:35,200 --> 01:49:38,280 That's why we shot him when we found him. 969 01:49:38,720 --> 01:49:41,520 We've collected these pictures as evidence... 970 01:49:41,600 --> 01:49:46,800 and they confirm the defendant sang for the Japanese. 971 01:49:50,920 --> 01:49:56,480 We call on the witnesses Yuan Shiqing, Duan Xiaolou and Na Kun. 972 01:50:03,960 --> 01:50:06,360 The government has always been good to me. 973 01:50:06,440 --> 01:50:08,560 I wouldn't dare deceive the court. 974 01:50:08,760 --> 01:50:13,080 Nor would I betray the laws of Heaven or my own conscience. 975 01:50:14,320 --> 01:50:19,800 Cheng Dieyi was taken away in handcuffs by the Japanese. 976 01:50:19,960 --> 01:50:25,840 They put a gun to the back of his neck. 977 01:50:28,240 --> 01:50:31,280 Duan Xiaolou! Uh, it's true. 978 01:50:31,400 --> 01:50:34,840 The Japanese beat up my stage brother. 979 01:50:34,920 --> 01:50:37,040 Exactly as Master Yuan has just described. 980 01:50:37,160 --> 01:50:38,960 Na Kun! 981 01:50:41,080 --> 01:50:43,360 He-- 982 01:50:45,480 --> 01:50:49,920 The prosecutor claims Cheng performed obscene material. 983 01:50:54,040 --> 01:50:55,840 That is ridiculous! 984 01:51:03,520 --> 01:51:08,680 Cheng performed highlights from '' Peony Pavilion'' that night. 985 01:51:09,840 --> 01:51:14,720 Anyone with any common sense knows that... 986 01:51:14,840 --> 01:51:17,320 '' Peony Pavilion'' is the quintessential Chinese opera. 987 01:51:17,520 --> 01:51:22,680 How can that be obscene to the prosecutor's eye? 988 01:51:26,440 --> 01:51:28,920 How dare they insult our tradition and culture like this! 989 01:51:30,200 --> 01:51:35,080 Who's disparaging Chinese tradition... 990 01:51:37,480 --> 01:51:40,640 and disrespecting its culture? 991 01:51:46,480 --> 01:51:48,800 We ask the accused, Cheng Dieyi: 992 01:51:49,920 --> 01:51:51,960 Have the witnesses told the truth? 993 01:51:59,720 --> 01:52:03,280 The court wishes to hear... 994 01:52:03,360 --> 01:52:07,120 what the accused has to say. 995 01:52:12,960 --> 01:52:14,120 Cheng Dieyi! 996 01:52:18,440 --> 01:52:20,720 I sang for the Japanese. 997 01:52:22,640 --> 01:52:24,560 I hate the Japanese too. 998 01:52:27,440 --> 01:52:31,640 But they didn't lay a hand on me. 999 01:52:35,880 --> 01:52:37,800 Cheng Dieyi... 1000 01:52:38,840 --> 01:52:44,400 you have the right and duty to clear your name. 1001 01:52:46,800 --> 01:52:52,560 Reconsider carefully and tell us again what happened. 1002 01:52:55,840 --> 01:52:58,600 If Aoki had lived... 1003 01:52:58,680 --> 01:53:02,160 he'd have taken the Beijing Opera to Japan. 1004 01:53:07,320 --> 01:53:08,880 Why don't you just kill me? 1005 01:53:12,800 --> 01:53:14,600 Master Yuan, Master Yuan! 1006 01:53:22,120 --> 01:53:24,400 How did you people get in here? 1007 01:53:31,960 --> 01:53:35,040 Please, Master Yuan, don't leave. 1008 01:53:35,160 --> 01:53:37,440 What does it matter? He's as good as dead. 1009 01:53:37,560 --> 01:53:43,000 Master Yuan, you can't go. If you go, he's finished for sure. 1010 01:53:43,120 --> 01:53:46,560 The court has made its decision. 1011 01:53:46,640 --> 01:53:50,680 The case of the traitor Cheng Dieyi is suspended. 1012 01:53:52,040 --> 01:53:56,720 The accused is released under bond. 1013 01:53:58,720 --> 01:54:00,280 Court dismissed! 1014 01:54:01,800 --> 01:54:04,400 What's going on? 1015 01:54:08,920 --> 01:54:12,840 Dieyi, are you playing with me, goddamn it? 1016 01:54:22,120 --> 01:54:26,360 Good-bye, Mister Cheng. 1017 01:54:31,920 --> 01:54:33,080 This way, Mister Cheng. 1018 01:54:33,560 --> 01:54:36,240 NATIONALIST HEADQUARTERS 1019 01:54:59,520 --> 01:55:01,640 The commander has arrived. 1020 01:55:04,520 --> 01:55:06,520 Attention! 1021 01:55:11,040 --> 01:55:14,200 KUEN-STYLE OPERA '' PEONY PAVILION'' 1022 01:55:27,920 --> 01:55:29,960 Chunxiang! 1023 01:55:30,040 --> 01:55:33,280 Miss! 1024 01:55:33,400 --> 01:55:39,040 How can one know spring's color... 1025 01:55:39,320 --> 01:55:44,320 unless one visits the garden? 1026 01:55:47,480 --> 01:55:51,800 '' Ma, did you get my last letter? 1027 01:55:51,920 --> 01:55:57,480 Everything's fine here. Don't worry about me. 1028 01:55:58,040 --> 01:56:02,840 My stage brother Xiaolou looks after me with great kindness. 1029 01:56:03,800 --> 01:56:09,440 We rehearse by day and perform at night... 1030 01:56:09,560 --> 01:56:12,720 just like before. 1031 01:56:13,400 --> 01:56:18,960 -The world's not what it used to be, but all we ask is a peaceful life. 1032 01:56:20,400 --> 01:56:25,560 We sing and get paid for it. What more could you want?'' 1033 01:56:26,320 --> 01:56:29,880 Lucky, the cat, wants you to blow more opium smoke at her. 1034 01:56:29,960 --> 01:56:32,680 See that? It sure makes her come to life! 1035 01:56:32,760 --> 01:56:36,480 Dieyi, should I mail this to...? 1036 01:56:36,600 --> 01:56:38,400 The usual address. Done! 1037 01:56:41,600 --> 01:56:46,200 All you classic consumptive heroines burn your letters. 1038 01:56:49,840 --> 01:56:53,560 Have you seen this? 1039 01:56:54,800 --> 01:56:57,520 Do you want it? 1040 01:56:57,600 --> 01:57:02,000 If you don't, I'll tear it up. 1041 01:57:04,600 --> 01:57:07,960 I'll do it! 1042 01:57:20,920 --> 01:57:23,120 Xiao Si! 1043 01:57:23,280 --> 01:57:26,000 I gave Master Duan the sword returned to you by Master Yuan. 1044 01:57:44,480 --> 01:57:47,840 The river's course is twisted, but in the end it flows to the sea. 1045 01:57:47,960 --> 01:57:51,400 But what gulf still lies between our concubine and our king? 1046 01:57:51,600 --> 01:57:53,120 Talk to each other already. 1047 01:57:53,240 --> 01:57:56,000 The Han king is about to enter the city! 1048 01:58:08,480 --> 01:58:11,840 1948 THE EVE OF THE NATIONALIST EVACUATION TO TAIWAN 1049 01:58:12,000 --> 01:58:15,680 THE COMMUNISTS HAVE SURROUNDED THE CITY. 1050 01:58:17,600 --> 01:58:20,840 For better or worse, we Manchus ruled for three centuries. 1051 01:58:20,920 --> 01:58:26,600 The Republic's only just begun, and already it's being overthrown. 1052 01:58:28,520 --> 01:58:31,680 But even the Communists have to have opera. 1053 01:58:31,760 --> 01:58:34,080 The empire may change hands, but rest assured... 1054 01:58:34,160 --> 01:58:37,920 you'll still get top billing at the celebrations for the new regime. 1055 01:58:39,560 --> 01:58:42,880 We're just waiting to see what their money looks like. 1056 01:58:43,080 --> 01:58:46,440 Well, do you still want to fight their ragtag troops? 1057 01:58:46,560 --> 01:58:50,080 Of course I'll fight them... if they don't behave themselves. 1058 01:58:50,200 --> 01:58:54,200 If you had Master Yuan's class, you'd prosper... 1059 01:58:54,320 --> 01:58:57,280 no matter who was in power. 1060 01:58:57,400 --> 01:58:59,280 It's not the same for us! 1061 01:59:16,080 --> 01:59:18,200 Do you recognize me? 1062 01:59:18,280 --> 01:59:20,600 Cigarettes! Buy one! 1063 01:59:26,160 --> 01:59:29,600 Mister Zhang, don't you know us? 1064 01:59:30,960 --> 01:59:33,160 Buy a pack! 1065 01:59:48,960 --> 01:59:51,680 1949 THE COMMUNIST PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY ENTERS BEIJING. 1066 02:00:37,880 --> 02:00:39,440 Xiao Si... 1067 02:00:39,520 --> 02:00:41,440 have them sing whatever the crowd wants to hear. 1068 02:00:41,520 --> 02:00:43,240 Just avoid a scene. 1069 02:00:47,760 --> 02:00:49,320 Honorable guests... 1070 02:00:50,080 --> 02:00:52,280 I'm very sorry. 1071 02:00:53,920 --> 02:00:57,080 Today my fellow actor is-- 1072 02:01:38,600 --> 02:01:42,320 Mister Cheng, if you can't take it, have another smoke. 1073 02:01:43,600 --> 02:01:45,320 Xiao Si, go call Mister Duan. 1074 02:01:46,080 --> 02:01:49,640 Down with the counter-revolutionary Yuan Shiqing! 1075 02:01:51,240 --> 02:01:54,800 Yuan Shiqing is an enemy of the People and he must die! 1076 02:01:57,760 --> 02:02:03,240 We must raise our level of vigil and see what has been going on! 1077 02:02:06,400 --> 02:02:10,720 Yuan Shiqing has always opposed... 1078 02:02:10,800 --> 02:02:13,800 the Communist Party and the People. 1079 02:02:13,880 --> 02:02:16,960 He has harmed his community and is guilty of monstrous crimes. 1080 02:02:17,920 --> 02:02:20,680 Only execution can satisfy the People's anger! 1081 02:02:23,200 --> 02:02:25,680 Down with the counter-revolutionary Yuan Shiqing! 1082 02:02:28,640 --> 02:02:31,520 Down with the tyrant of the opera world, Yuan Shiqing! 1083 02:02:34,600 --> 02:02:39,320 Death to Yuan Shiqing! 1084 02:02:39,400 --> 02:02:42,360 Execute Yuan Shiqing! 1085 02:02:42,480 --> 02:02:44,560 Take him away! 1086 02:03:04,040 --> 02:03:06,720 Only execution can satisfy the People's anger? 1087 02:03:10,080 --> 02:03:12,000 Just like that? 1088 02:03:14,000 --> 02:03:16,400 They're going to kill Master Yuan? 1089 02:03:16,520 --> 02:03:17,480 Keep your voice down. 1090 02:03:43,360 --> 02:03:45,840 Let me go! Release me! 1091 02:03:45,960 --> 02:03:48,720 Fuck you! 1092 02:03:50,480 --> 02:03:52,680 Stop carrying on! 1093 02:04:02,240 --> 02:04:06,200 Are you listening? You'll get over it with time. 1094 02:04:06,280 --> 02:04:08,680 Good, calm down. Everything will be okay. 1095 02:04:08,800 --> 02:04:10,320 Fuck you! 1096 02:04:15,680 --> 02:04:18,000 Cut it out or I'll hit you! 1097 02:04:40,800 --> 02:04:42,520 How is he? 1098 02:04:42,640 --> 02:04:44,280 We may need to wean him from the opium slowly. 1099 02:04:44,360 --> 02:04:46,200 Keep an eye on him. Don't let him hurt himself. 1100 02:04:46,280 --> 02:04:48,280 Don't go, Xiaolou. 1101 02:04:48,400 --> 02:04:50,680 If he really wants to overcome his addiction... 1102 02:04:50,800 --> 02:04:54,920 he's going to have to go through hell! This is just the start. 1103 02:05:31,160 --> 02:05:33,000 My hand is freezing! 1104 02:05:37,960 --> 02:05:42,480 It feels like ice. 1105 02:05:46,120 --> 02:05:48,240 My hand is freezing! 1106 02:05:51,400 --> 02:05:55,600 It feels like ice. 1107 02:05:59,080 --> 02:06:00,800 My hand is freezing. 1108 02:06:02,600 --> 02:06:04,160 It's okay. 1109 02:06:06,360 --> 02:06:07,720 Everything's all right. 1110 02:06:13,160 --> 02:06:15,360 The sky of the liberated areas is clear and blue. 1111 02:06:15,480 --> 02:06:18,840 The people of the liberated areas are all very happy. 1112 02:06:22,200 --> 02:06:23,720 Mrs. Duan! 1113 02:06:25,560 --> 02:06:27,360 Where were you? 1114 02:06:27,440 --> 02:06:29,360 A meeting. 1115 02:06:29,480 --> 02:06:31,000 A meeting? 1116 02:06:38,000 --> 02:06:39,720 Xiaolou, the whole troupe's come. 1117 02:06:39,840 --> 02:06:41,760 Come on in. Quick! 1118 02:06:46,160 --> 02:06:48,480 Ah, a costume change! 1119 02:06:51,320 --> 02:06:55,080 Thank you all for coming to see me. I'm fine now. 1120 02:06:55,160 --> 02:06:58,160 Sounds easy now. You didn't see him suffer! 1121 02:06:58,160 --> 02:07:00,080 Dieyi, get out of bed. 1122 02:07:00,160 --> 02:07:02,840 All of Beijing is waiting with bated breath... 1123 02:07:02,960 --> 02:07:06,280 for the next appearance of the King and his Concubine! 1124 02:07:06,400 --> 02:07:09,760 It'll be the goddamn golden hit of a golden era. 1125 02:07:17,120 --> 02:07:21,560 You've asked me to say a few words. I'm not sure how to put it. 1126 02:07:23,280 --> 02:07:26,640 I think these modern operas are interesting... 1127 02:07:27,880 --> 02:07:32,000 but the costumes aren't very attractive. 1128 02:07:32,880 --> 02:07:35,440 The backdrops are too realistic. Nothing pleases the eye. 1129 02:07:35,560 --> 02:07:38,040 Yet Beijing Opera puts great value on ambiance. 1130 02:07:38,120 --> 02:07:43,800 Song recital, movement and acrobatics are part of this ambiance. 1131 02:07:44,200 --> 02:07:47,720 But if you're wearing outfits like these... 1132 02:07:47,840 --> 02:07:50,880 and standing in front of those backdrops, it just doesn't work. 1133 02:07:51,000 --> 02:07:55,400 I fear that this will be the end of opera as we know it. 1134 02:07:55,480 --> 02:07:57,600 What do all of you think? 1135 02:08:02,200 --> 02:08:05,080 Are you saying that modern operas aren't Beijing Operas? 1136 02:08:05,960 --> 02:08:08,840 What is Beijing Opera after all? You can put it succinctly. 1137 02:08:08,920 --> 02:08:12,200 '' No sound is but a song, no movement is but a dance.'' 1138 02:08:12,280 --> 02:08:14,200 It must have beauty. 1139 02:08:14,280 --> 02:08:15,720 For instance-- 1140 02:08:15,840 --> 02:08:19,360 Teacher, I don't get it. 1141 02:08:21,880 --> 02:08:25,600 Practice. When you've sweated enough to fill buckets, you'll get it. 1142 02:08:25,720 --> 02:08:26,960 I still don't understand. 1143 02:08:27,040 --> 02:08:28,760 Xiao Si! 1144 02:08:28,880 --> 02:08:30,600 I just don't get it. 1145 02:08:30,680 --> 02:08:35,200 Why is it Beijing Opera when ancient heroes and beauties take the stage... 1146 02:08:35,280 --> 02:08:37,400 but not when the laboring masses do? 1147 02:08:37,520 --> 02:08:39,720 You're talking apples and oranges. Upstart! 1148 02:08:39,800 --> 02:08:42,480 What kind of attitude is that? 1149 02:08:44,200 --> 02:08:46,720 I'd like to hear from Teacher Duan. 1150 02:08:46,920 --> 02:08:48,520 Xiaolou! 1151 02:08:55,440 --> 02:08:58,680 It's going to rain. I've brought your umbrella. 1152 02:08:59,560 --> 02:09:01,200 Catch! 1153 02:09:08,560 --> 02:09:11,920 Yes, yes, run along home now. 1154 02:09:26,400 --> 02:09:30,720 Theoretical questions give me a headache. 1155 02:09:30,920 --> 02:09:36,600 I say if it uses the traditional forms, then it's Beijing Opera. 1156 02:09:38,000 --> 02:09:39,760 Am I right? 1157 02:09:40,600 --> 02:09:43,600 I'd like to say something. 1158 02:09:45,880 --> 02:09:51,080 I've been part of the New Society since giving my theater to the state. 1159 02:09:52,800 --> 02:09:55,760 Comrade Cheng, I believe you're wrong. 1160 02:09:57,400 --> 02:10:03,040 Modern opera is a new venture. It deserves our support. 1161 02:10:09,080 --> 02:10:13,120 If opera relied on being a smart-ass, you'd graduate with honors. 1162 02:10:13,200 --> 02:10:17,360 Opera requires practice, skill and talent. 1163 02:10:18,200 --> 02:10:19,920 There are no shortcuts! 1164 02:10:20,040 --> 02:10:22,240 By forcing me to kneel, you're breaking the law. 1165 02:10:23,480 --> 02:10:26,360 And if I don't punish you, you'll always be third-rate. 1166 02:10:26,440 --> 02:10:28,840 You want to be a great actor? Dream on! 1167 02:10:30,960 --> 02:10:35,640 And when did you ever seriously want me to succeed? 1168 02:10:35,760 --> 02:10:39,200 All you've ever wanted was a coolie, a stagehand... 1169 02:10:39,320 --> 02:10:41,240 a follower, a bit player! 1170 02:10:42,280 --> 02:10:46,960 How dare you! You're speaking absolute rubbish! 1171 02:10:51,680 --> 02:10:53,880 Kneel down! 1172 02:10:58,560 --> 02:11:00,000 You won't live to see the day! 1173 02:11:10,080 --> 02:11:12,120 Xiao Si! 1174 02:11:23,040 --> 02:11:27,240 Go, then! Be a bit player your whole life! 1175 02:11:31,960 --> 02:11:33,960 Mister Cheng... 1176 02:11:34,160 --> 02:11:37,600 I can hardly believe this. 1177 02:11:41,160 --> 02:11:45,280 It's like something out of the Old Society! 1178 02:11:46,920 --> 02:11:52,200 If I continue to get bit parts, I'll be unworthy of your patronage. 1179 02:12:35,840 --> 02:12:39,000 So, you know? 1180 02:12:42,240 --> 02:12:44,760 Uh, I just learned myself. 1181 02:12:44,840 --> 02:12:48,000 That's not true, Teacher Duan. 1182 02:12:48,120 --> 02:12:51,440 You were there at the meeting last night. 1183 02:12:55,960 --> 02:12:59,240 Xiao Si! You said you'd notify Dieyi that you were replacing him. 1184 02:12:59,320 --> 02:13:03,840 I had second thoughts. I decided you should tell him. 1185 02:13:04,040 --> 02:13:05,920 Don't you agree? 1186 02:13:06,120 --> 02:13:10,160 If you couldn't tell him, who could? 1187 02:13:14,080 --> 02:13:16,760 Take it off!. 1188 02:13:16,880 --> 02:13:17,920 Take it off!. 1189 02:13:18,040 --> 02:13:20,040 Don't. Don't be like that! 1190 02:13:21,000 --> 02:13:22,440 I won't fucking sing anymore! 1191 02:13:22,520 --> 02:13:25,120 Let whoever wants to perform do so. 1192 02:13:26,000 --> 02:13:28,080 Xiaolou, you mustn't go. 1193 02:13:34,720 --> 02:13:36,720 Comrade Duan... 1194 02:13:42,080 --> 02:13:44,960 that audience is made up of the laboring masses. 1195 02:13:46,120 --> 02:13:49,960 You decide whether you'll sing for them or not. 1196 02:14:05,000 --> 02:14:09,800 Xiaolou, the concubine is on stage. You'd better hurry. 1197 02:14:12,120 --> 02:14:15,000 Xiaolou... Mister Duan! 1198 02:14:16,040 --> 02:14:19,880 I've followed my king 1199 02:14:20,160 --> 02:14:24,200 On his military campaigns 1200 02:14:36,200 --> 02:14:41,840 Enduring the wind and frost 1201 02:14:43,280 --> 02:14:48,760 And hard toil year after year 1202 02:14:53,160 --> 02:14:58,800 I hate only the lawless tyrant 1203 02:15:00,080 --> 02:15:04,480 Who has plunged our people 1204 02:15:04,680 --> 02:15:10,440 Into an abyss of misery 1205 02:15:29,200 --> 02:15:34,960 The people have suffered 1206 02:15:35,160 --> 02:15:40,840 Untold hardship and pain 1207 02:15:42,640 --> 02:15:46,960 The king has returned to camp! 1208 02:15:48,600 --> 02:15:50,600 I'm here. 1209 02:16:01,520 --> 02:16:03,920 Your Highness. 1210 02:16:12,080 --> 02:16:17,000 I've caused you so much grief. 1211 02:16:21,960 --> 02:16:23,800 Thank you very much, Miss Juxian. 1212 02:16:36,360 --> 02:16:38,360 Dieyi! 1213 02:16:40,280 --> 02:16:41,920 Dieyi, open the door! Open up! 1214 02:16:42,680 --> 02:16:44,520 Dieyi! 1215 02:16:48,360 --> 02:16:51,600 Won't you accept my apology? 1216 02:16:58,600 --> 02:17:01,000 That little snake you rescued... 1217 02:17:02,360 --> 02:17:04,440 has turned into a veritable dragon! 1218 02:17:04,560 --> 02:17:09,640 You have to go along with it! What else can you do? 1219 02:17:11,840 --> 02:17:15,560 No matter what, as you told me, you have to keep on singing! 1220 02:17:15,680 --> 02:17:16,920 Come on out... 1221 02:17:17,000 --> 02:17:20,680 and see what's playing in the theater of life these days. 1222 02:17:23,720 --> 02:17:28,440 Douzi, listen to your stage brother. 1223 02:17:28,520 --> 02:17:32,840 Go with the times! I'll still be the king and you my concubine! 1224 02:17:32,920 --> 02:17:36,200 Why does the concubine have to die? 1225 02:17:40,800 --> 02:17:46,360 Dieyi, why are you so impossible? 1226 02:17:49,040 --> 02:17:51,240 That's the play, for heaven's sake! 1227 02:18:59,520 --> 02:19:04,240 1966 THE EVE OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION 1228 02:19:06,920 --> 02:19:10,680 Central People's Radio will now broadcast... 1229 02:19:10,760 --> 02:19:14,120 the decision of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee... 1230 02:19:14,200 --> 02:19:18,520 regarding the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution... 1231 02:19:18,640 --> 02:19:22,360 passed on August 8, 1966. 1232 02:19:25,160 --> 02:19:27,840 This new stage in socialist revolution... 1233 02:19:29,840 --> 02:19:33,120 is an event that will touch... 1234 02:19:33,200 --> 02:19:36,280 the very soul of the People! 1235 02:19:52,000 --> 02:19:53,720 A good Communist must be brave... 1236 02:19:53,800 --> 02:19:57,760 speak righteously and fight for the revolution. 1237 02:19:57,840 --> 02:20:00,240 The greatest virtue for a revolutionary soldier... 1238 02:20:00,440 --> 02:20:04,840 is to overthrow the reactionary powers. 1239 02:20:05,440 --> 02:20:08,600 This is the foundation of our revolutionary struggle. 1240 02:20:09,360 --> 02:20:12,120 If a soldier does not do this, he is not a true revolutionary. 1241 02:20:16,640 --> 02:20:19,720 Those who oppose the revolution... 1242 02:20:20,000 --> 02:20:22,960 will be sent to reform school to adjust their attitudes. 1243 02:20:25,560 --> 02:20:30,920 There they will find their anti revolutionary stance will diminish. 1244 02:20:31,040 --> 02:20:34,680 There are those who repeatedly complain... 1245 02:20:34,760 --> 02:20:37,080 that revolution is not appropriate... 1246 02:20:37,160 --> 02:20:39,360 that it's too violent... 1247 02:20:39,480 --> 02:20:42,040 that it's too aggressive... 1248 02:20:42,160 --> 02:20:44,440 that it's too abrupt for the people. 1249 02:20:46,840 --> 02:20:48,480 All of that is ridiculous. 1250 02:20:48,600 --> 02:20:51,560 How can you drink at a time like this? 1251 02:20:52,720 --> 02:20:54,800 I feel like it. 1252 02:20:59,120 --> 02:21:03,080 Anyway, jade cups were part of the ''Old Society.'' 1253 02:21:04,960 --> 02:21:08,640 We can't keep them, so we might as well use them one last time. 1254 02:21:29,520 --> 02:21:30,480 Come on! 1255 02:22:12,960 --> 02:22:14,880 It still won't break! 1256 02:23:04,560 --> 02:23:06,400 I'm so afraid! 1257 02:23:09,560 --> 02:23:14,920 I dreamed I was on top of a tall building alone amongst the clouds. 1258 02:23:17,120 --> 02:23:20,480 I wanted to jump. 1259 02:23:21,640 --> 02:23:23,840 Jump! I'd catch you. 1260 02:23:26,720 --> 02:23:29,680 You weren't there. 1261 02:23:35,640 --> 02:23:39,560 Xiaolou, you wouldn't leave me, would you? 1262 02:24:41,720 --> 02:24:43,840 Where did this sword come from? 1263 02:24:45,760 --> 02:24:48,440 Cheng Dieyi gave it to me. 1264 02:24:48,640 --> 02:24:51,880 How many times did he give it to you? 1265 02:24:52,080 --> 02:24:53,240 Twice. 1266 02:24:53,320 --> 02:24:56,120 When was the second time? 1267 02:24:56,200 --> 02:24:59,280 Shortly before the liberation of Beijing. 1268 02:24:59,360 --> 02:25:00,800 Where? 1269 02:25:00,920 --> 02:25:04,560 On... on the street in front of the theater. 1270 02:25:04,640 --> 02:25:07,440 What did you say to each other? 1271 02:25:09,160 --> 02:25:13,640 It was quite chaotic. I don't remember. 1272 02:25:14,520 --> 02:25:16,720 Think about it. 1273 02:25:18,280 --> 02:25:19,720 We didn't say anything! 1274 02:25:19,880 --> 02:25:21,520 Keep thinking. 1275 02:25:21,600 --> 02:25:24,480 If we did, I can't recall. 1276 02:25:25,160 --> 02:25:28,600 Something about what you'd do to the Communists? 1277 02:25:28,720 --> 02:25:34,080 No! Certainly not! 1278 02:25:34,760 --> 02:25:36,560 I'd stake my life on it. 1279 02:25:37,720 --> 02:25:40,120 But what if we've got a witness? 1280 02:25:40,240 --> 02:25:43,760 Who? Bring out the bastard! 1281 02:25:52,880 --> 02:25:54,600 Na Kun! 1282 02:25:54,720 --> 02:25:57,120 What did I say? 1283 02:25:57,200 --> 02:26:00,840 I'll give you a hint. 1284 02:26:02,360 --> 02:26:04,680 Something about ragtag troops. 1285 02:26:08,600 --> 02:26:11,280 Na Kun! This is pure slander! 1286 02:26:11,400 --> 02:26:15,320 You reactionary old theater boss! You only want to protect yourself!. 1287 02:26:15,440 --> 02:26:17,920 You said you'd take on their ragtag troops. 1288 02:26:18,000 --> 02:26:19,920 No! I never said that! 1289 02:26:22,800 --> 02:26:25,280 What I meant was-- 1290 02:26:25,480 --> 02:26:27,320 What I said was-- 1291 02:26:27,520 --> 02:26:29,320 No, I said nothing at all! 1292 02:26:30,560 --> 02:26:33,720 Mr. Na, help me. Mr. Na! 1293 02:26:37,880 --> 02:26:39,680 Duan Xiaolou... 1294 02:26:39,800 --> 02:26:42,640 you've been smashing bricks since you were a boy, haven't you? 1295 02:26:43,520 --> 02:26:45,840 Do one for us. 1296 02:26:47,080 --> 02:26:49,160 Do it! 1297 02:26:51,560 --> 02:26:53,800 Come on! 1298 02:27:19,400 --> 02:27:22,760 Duan Xiaolou, aren't you the '' King''? 1299 02:27:25,440 --> 02:27:27,080 No, I'm not. 1300 02:27:27,840 --> 02:27:29,760 But you've always been the '' King,'' haven't you? 1301 02:27:32,040 --> 02:27:33,880 That's just an opera. 1302 02:27:35,600 --> 02:27:37,320 It's not real life. 1303 02:27:37,400 --> 02:27:40,960 Did you go to brothels in the Old Society? 1304 02:27:42,120 --> 02:27:44,040 Yes. 1305 02:27:44,120 --> 02:27:46,800 Don't you think that's shameful? 1306 02:27:47,400 --> 02:27:50,640 Yes. 1307 02:27:50,840 --> 02:27:54,200 When you married Juxian, what was she? 1308 02:27:56,320 --> 02:27:58,240 A prostitute. 1309 02:28:00,520 --> 02:28:02,240 Good. 1310 02:28:03,600 --> 02:28:06,080 Now tell us what we need to know about Cheng Dieyi. 1311 02:28:06,200 --> 02:28:09,360 Of course, you don't have to tell us anything. 1312 02:28:09,440 --> 02:28:12,800 You saw what happened to Yuan Shiqing. 1313 02:28:13,680 --> 02:28:16,280 Make your own decision. 1314 02:28:17,680 --> 02:28:20,400 Sweep away all Cow Demons and Snake Spirits! 1315 02:28:20,480 --> 02:28:23,920 If the enemy doesn't surrender, we will destroy him! 1316 02:28:27,200 --> 02:28:30,080 Uncover the Black Gangs! Cut off the Black Hands! 1317 02:28:33,440 --> 02:28:36,600 Seize the Black Hands that have infiltrated the cultural world! 1318 02:28:39,560 --> 02:28:42,920 Revolution is no crime. Rebellion is justified! 1319 02:28:46,000 --> 02:28:48,960 Sweep away all Cow Demons and Snake Spirits! 1320 02:29:16,600 --> 02:29:18,400 Xiaolou! 1321 02:29:45,560 --> 02:29:47,480 Duan Xiaolou is the reactionary king! 1322 02:29:47,560 --> 02:29:49,200 Duan Xiaolou isn't telling the truth! 1323 02:29:49,280 --> 02:29:51,600 Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi are anti-Party elements! 1324 02:29:51,800 --> 02:29:54,560 Down with Duan Xiaolou! Down with Cheng Dieyi! 1325 02:29:57,040 --> 02:29:58,800 Talk! Talk! 1326 02:30:03,400 --> 02:30:05,320 Obliterate all class enemies! 1327 02:30:10,080 --> 02:30:11,720 Talk! 1328 02:30:11,920 --> 02:30:13,560 All right, I'll tell you. 1329 02:30:14,800 --> 02:30:18,840 He's totally mad about opera. He's obsessed! 1330 02:30:18,920 --> 02:30:20,560 Who? Make yourself clear. 1331 02:30:20,640 --> 02:30:23,640 Come on! 1332 02:30:24,000 --> 02:30:25,720 Cheng Dieyi! 1333 02:30:26,480 --> 02:30:28,040 All he cares about is opera. 1334 02:30:29,200 --> 02:30:32,640 No matter who was in the audience, which class they belonged to... 1335 02:30:32,720 --> 02:30:35,240 he'd still give it his all. 1336 02:30:36,680 --> 02:30:38,760 Stop avoiding the real issues. 1337 02:30:38,880 --> 02:30:40,680 You're not being straight with us! 1338 02:30:42,520 --> 02:30:47,600 If you don't give in, we will annihilate you. 1339 02:30:50,200 --> 02:30:54,800 At the start of the War of Resistance... 1340 02:30:56,600 --> 02:30:59,000 he sang for the Japanese. 1341 02:31:02,640 --> 02:31:07,720 He was a... a... a traitor! 1342 02:31:07,840 --> 02:31:09,640 Down with Cheng Dieyi! 1343 02:31:11,960 --> 02:31:13,120 Down with Cheng Dieyi! 1344 02:31:13,200 --> 02:31:15,320 He sang for wounded Nationalist soldiers... 1345 02:31:15,400 --> 02:31:17,320 for reactionary theater bosses. 1346 02:31:17,520 --> 02:31:19,440 He sang for capitalists, landlords, the idle rich... 1347 02:31:19,520 --> 02:31:20,600 their wives and daughters. 1348 02:31:20,680 --> 02:31:23,360 He sang for hooligans, for soldiers and policemen. 1349 02:31:23,480 --> 02:31:26,040 He sang for the tyrant of the opera world, Yuan Shiqing! 1350 02:31:26,160 --> 02:31:29,040 Down with Cheng Dieyi! 1351 02:31:29,120 --> 02:31:30,640 What else? Tell us. 1352 02:31:30,760 --> 02:31:32,560 Talk! 1353 02:31:32,680 --> 02:31:36,040 He smoked opium like there was no tomorrow. 1354 02:31:36,120 --> 02:31:40,840 He smoked away the blood and sweat of the laboring masses. 1355 02:31:40,920 --> 02:31:43,240 Keep going. Get to the point. 1356 02:31:43,400 --> 02:31:44,280 Speak! 1357 02:31:44,360 --> 02:31:46,280 Go on! 1358 02:31:46,400 --> 02:31:48,600 Down with Cheng Dieyi! 1359 02:31:49,760 --> 02:31:51,360 Talk! 1360 02:31:51,480 --> 02:31:52,800 Xiaolou! 1361 02:31:54,720 --> 02:31:56,160 Talk! 1362 02:32:08,080 --> 02:32:10,760 In order to get on Yuan Shiqing's good side-- 1363 02:32:13,320 --> 02:32:16,680 He-Did you or did you not? 1364 02:32:19,000 --> 02:32:21,880 He became Yuan Shiqing's-his-- 1365 02:32:21,960 --> 02:32:22,920 Xiaolou! 1366 02:32:23,040 --> 02:32:24,840 Didn't you? Didn't you? 1367 02:32:24,920 --> 02:32:27,920 You were-were-his-- 1368 02:32:31,480 --> 02:32:34,920 Sweep away all Cow Demons and Snake Spirits! 1369 02:32:38,760 --> 02:32:41,720 Scholars and beauties, kings and ministers. 1370 02:32:45,080 --> 02:32:47,080 Cow Demons and Snake Spirits. 1371 02:33:04,440 --> 02:33:06,280 You've all betrayed me! 1372 02:33:09,240 --> 02:33:11,360 Betrayed me! 1373 02:33:17,200 --> 02:33:19,240 I've got something to unmask as well! 1374 02:33:19,320 --> 02:33:23,520 I want to unmask the ugliness behind the glamorous facade. 1375 02:33:26,240 --> 02:33:29,560 Xiaolou, you've no conscience. 1376 02:33:29,680 --> 02:33:32,080 You are as greedy as a wolf, as cruel as a wild dog. 1377 02:33:32,160 --> 02:33:34,840 You're a shell of a man. 1378 02:33:34,960 --> 02:33:37,720 From the moment you got involved with this woman... 1379 02:33:37,840 --> 02:33:39,840 I knew you were finished. 1380 02:33:39,920 --> 02:33:41,760 Everything was finished. 1381 02:33:43,400 --> 02:33:47,320 You think disaster just falls from the sky? 1382 02:33:47,400 --> 02:33:49,520 No. 1383 02:33:50,680 --> 02:33:55,360 We have come step by step towards this fate. 1384 02:33:55,560 --> 02:33:57,280 It's retribution. 1385 02:33:58,720 --> 02:34:01,880 I'm despicable, and I have been so for a long time. 1386 02:34:02,000 --> 02:34:06,200 But now even the King of Chu is on his knees begging for mercy! 1387 02:34:06,320 --> 02:34:08,800 Can Beijing Opera survive this indignity? 1388 02:34:08,880 --> 02:34:11,000 It's doomed, is it not? 1389 02:34:13,040 --> 02:34:15,040 This is what's called retribution! 1390 02:34:15,120 --> 02:34:17,640 Karmic retribution! 1391 02:34:19,080 --> 02:34:21,560 And I have something else to unmask. 1392 02:34:21,640 --> 02:34:23,280 See that woman? 1393 02:34:25,120 --> 02:34:28,360 Who is she? I'll tell you. 1394 02:34:30,280 --> 02:34:33,160 Slut! 1395 02:34:33,240 --> 02:34:37,000 Top whore at the House of Blossoms! Pan Jinlian! 1396 02:34:38,040 --> 02:34:40,640 Fight against her! 1397 02:34:43,600 --> 02:34:45,720 Fight against her to the death! 1398 02:34:52,720 --> 02:34:56,360 Duan Xiaolou, is it true she was a prostitute? 1399 02:34:56,560 --> 02:34:58,480 Well, was she? 1400 02:34:58,680 --> 02:35:00,680 Tell us! 1401 02:35:01,640 --> 02:35:03,760 Yes. 1402 02:35:04,520 --> 02:35:06,160 Do you love her? 1403 02:35:07,960 --> 02:35:10,000 Do you? 1404 02:35:13,840 --> 02:35:15,560 No. 1405 02:35:17,560 --> 02:35:19,880 No, I don't love her! 1406 02:35:20,920 --> 02:35:22,360 Is this the truth? 1407 02:35:22,440 --> 02:35:24,840 Really! I really don't love her. 1408 02:35:24,960 --> 02:35:27,240 I'll never have anything to do with her again. 1409 02:35:30,520 --> 02:35:32,800 Nothing at all. 1410 02:35:34,560 --> 02:35:37,880 Leniency to those who confess, severity to those who resist! 1411 02:35:38,000 --> 02:35:41,360 Obliterate all class enemies! 1412 02:37:15,320 --> 02:37:20,320 Juxian! Juxian! 1413 02:37:36,640 --> 02:37:42,280 Listen to Grandma talk of revolution 1414 02:37:43,160 --> 02:37:48,520 a tale of heroism and tragedy 1415 02:37:49,880 --> 02:37:54,280 I was a child of the rain and wind 1416 02:38:44,720 --> 02:38:47,520 ''THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION IS A POWERFUL WEAPON... 1417 02:38:47,600 --> 02:38:50,360 IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE'S CONGRESS.'' 1418 02:39:06,120 --> 02:39:08,200 1977 ELEVEN YEARS LATER 1419 02:39:08,320 --> 02:39:10,920 My king, quickly give me your precious sword. 1420 02:39:13,120 --> 02:39:18,760 No, you mustn't take your life! 1421 02:39:21,080 --> 02:39:25,200 My king, quickly give me your precious sword. 1422 02:39:25,280 --> 02:39:27,400 No, you must not do this! 1423 02:39:34,800 --> 02:39:37,280 It's no good. 1424 02:39:38,240 --> 02:39:42,280 I'm old. I can't do it anymore. 1425 02:39:55,880 --> 02:39:58,760 At sixteen I am a nun. 1426 02:40:06,040 --> 02:40:08,520 My hair shorn at youth's prime. 1427 02:40:08,640 --> 02:40:10,360 I am by nature a boy. 1428 02:40:10,440 --> 02:40:11,800 Not a girl. 1429 02:40:12,360 --> 02:40:14,000 Wrong! You've done it again! 1430 02:40:24,920 --> 02:40:27,160 I am by nature a boy... 1431 02:40:29,360 --> 02:40:31,360 not a girl. 1432 02:40:35,680 --> 02:40:38,840 Come on, let's try it again. 1433 02:40:40,960 --> 02:40:44,800 My king, quickly give me your precious sword. 1434 02:40:46,920 --> 02:40:52,560 No, you mustn't take your life! 1435 02:40:54,960 --> 02:40:59,000 My king, quickly give me your precious sword. 1436 02:40:59,080 --> 02:41:01,200 No, you must not do this! 1437 02:41:01,480 --> 02:41:04,720 Give me your sword. 1438 02:41:06,280 --> 02:41:07,720 No, never! 1439 02:41:08,200 --> 02:41:13,480 My king, the soldiers of Han... they've entered the city! 1440 02:41:13,560 --> 02:41:15,680 Where? 1441 02:41:44,640 --> 02:41:46,920 Dieyi! 1442 02:41:53,840 --> 02:41:56,040 Douzi?