Original subtitles

In a wild era, people have discovered the secret to immortality: simply stop dreaming!

A person that doesn't dream is like a candle that no longer burns, they can exist forever!

Those who continue to dream in secret are called "Deliriants."

They bring pain to reality, chaos to history, and send time into spasms.

There was one "Deliriant" whose face no one knew, because

he hid inside an ancient, forgotten history that is Cinema!

Those who can see through the "Deliriant's" illusions are called the "Big Others."

To bring these "Deliriants" back to reality,

they transform into the gentlest forms within the "Deliriant's" hearts.

Poppies! Could this "Deliriant" be hiding in an opium den?

Serving Girl: "Hurry up! The masters aren't satisfied yet!"

"Feed the monster more, we need it to produce more tears."

Danger!!!

The "Deliriant" didn't want to hurt her, only to give her the flowers. But these illusions would swallow her whole.

To break free from the illusion, the "Big Other" uses her eye as a mirror, forcing the "Deliriant" to see his ugly reflection.

"Stop dreaming! Your life will burn to ash, and the fire will spread."

"Even though the illusion is painful, it is incredibly real. I don't want to live in that false world! Please, kill me!"

She didn't know what the "Deliriant" was clinging to. So she quietly took him away.

She cleared the "Deliriant's" memories of poppies, trying to find this monster's shrouded heart. To see what his heart was made of.

The spinning device in the "Deliriant's" heart reminded her of a feeling long forgotten!

It was a sensation very different from the poppies! Stranger, more dangerous, more free! The feeling of dreaming!

She closed the "Deliriant's" eyes.

Deciding to kill him in this special way.

These remaining film scraps,

at the moment of the "Deliriant's" death,

extended his dream

by one hundred years.

The "Deliriant's" life continued to drain away.

He fell into an even deeper place.

He couldn't tell

if that monster carrying the heavy shell was him,

or if the person in the mirror right now was him.

He heard a terrifying sound.

A sound that made him feel immense danger.

Sir, the music is here.

Take him back.

A sharp object entered from the left side of the neck,

causing the blood vessel to rupture.

Death by excessive blood loss.

What about the ears?

The deceased has puncture wounds in both ears.

Damage to the ear canal,

eardrums and other structures are severely damaged.

It appears to be self-inflicted.

"Station Spy Murder Suspect Investigation"

"Suspect: Qiu Moyun, Male, other details unknown, suspected mental confusion."

What's going on?

You have the wrong number.

Did you remember something?

Wake up.

A room.

What kind of room?

A room covered in mirrors.

I couldn't tell...

which of the reflections was truly me.

Qiu Moyun.

What was your reason for killing him?

That room was like a maze.

I was trapped in there for so long.

Only he found me.

He tried to get me out.

Then he went mad.

Qiu.

The train is coming.

Don't be afraid.

Qiu, don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid, the train is coming.

Qiu

You know what?

In order to hear...

Your voice...

To hear it...

I am willing to let the world...

go quiet.

Go quiet.

What tune did he hum before he died?

Think carefully.

There was a number.

478.

Sir, listen.

It's all that sound.

What's the urgency?

Sorry to trouble you, sir.

The murderer.

Bring him out alive.

Name your price.

Lets cooperate one last time.

This secret weapon...

code name Qiu.

Is a mentally deranged man...

worth all this trouble?

I thought people like us only cared about money.

This time I must insist,

keep him alive, and don't investigate on your own.

I'll reimburse your ticket.

I heard someone say,

you're just like that musician of ours,

that can play...

the strange theremin.

"Physical Evidence"

Decode immediately and report directly to me. Yes sir.

"Returning to port with the box."

Put him down.

What was your relationship with the deceased?

Commander

I can't explain it clearly.

He said the sounds I made...

were more beautiful...

than his music.

Did he have a special box?

There was a box.

He carried it with him everywhere.

What did it look like?

Very heavy.

About two feet long.

Connected with metal on top.

There was a black mesh on the side.

The opening...

seemed to be on the back.

I wanted to open it.

But the bombers came.

Everything was left in that room.

Tickets, tickets.

I want to buy three tickets.

Are you guys looking for a box?

Commander

You know what?

There's a type of frog nearby.

They croak desperately all night long.

Just to attract a mate.

The louder they croak,

the easier they are found by their predator, the bat.

So,

on spring nights,

they croak with hunger,

while terrified of being eaten by bats.

The more afraid it is,

the hungrier it gets,

the louder it wants to croak.

Croak, croak, croak.

What's inside?

Sir.

It seems you still don't understand what I'm saying.

Our fates...

are tied to the same rope.

Rumor has it this "box"

makes people lose their minds.

I think you're starting to get a bit confused yourself.

If this goes on, you'll end up like the musician.

While the fog is heavy these few days,

find a way to hand him over at the old spot.

Underneath that burning tree.

Go dance.

Yes

Good day, sir.

Air raid siren! Air raid siren!

Sir! Are you crazy?

The fog is so thick tonight, how can there be an air raid?

"Mirror Shop"

Open it.

This is a theremin!

Commander

"The Box" is the code name that agent gave me.

There really is a sound inside my body.

This sound scares me.

I want to find a place to hide.

I don't want others to hear it.

Which organization do you belong to?

I only belong to myself.

In order to hear your voice,

I am willing to let this world...

go quiet.

To keep him sleeping,

she sealed the "Deliriant's" ears tight.

More than twenty years later,

in a season where it never snows,

the "Deliriant," swaying and drifting,

had grown used to his constantly changing appearance.

Little mongrel.

Which way?

What do we do?

Slow down.

Lift it up. Can't move it, can't move it.

Get it up.

Can't budge it.

Just moving the stuff inside is enough.

Such a wild thing,

why carry it back?

It's exhausting.

Pack it up.

Pack it up.

Let's go.

It's too cold.

Hurry up and pack, let's go eat something hot.

Let's go, pack up.

Eat something hot.

Alright, let's go.

Captain.

We've packed everything.

I don't smoke.

You've returned to secular life now.

When Buddha established the precepts,

he didn't know what nicotine was.

Just now I saw movement inside.

This thing is so heavy,

could there be something in it?

I don't know either.

When I was at this temple,

this Buddha wasn't here yet.

Little mongrel.

You need to be honest.

Captain, I really don't know.

Cherish the chance I'm giving you.

If you don't believe me,

I'll crack it open for you to see.

The Buddhas have taken up

all the seats on the truck.

You stay behind.

Wait for tomorrow's team.

Take their truck back.

The mongrel says:

"It hurts so bad."

I'll show some mercy,

I'll tell you how to cure a toothache.

Use your tongue to find the bitterest piece of rubble.

Use that stone to knock on your tooth.

You must knock hard, do you hear me?

This is a sacred Buddhist place,

Don't fool around here.

You little mongrel.

How did you fling me so far?

Don't hide.

Who exactly are you?

I am a Bitter Spirit.

A spirit who is about to become a Buddha.

Everything bitter

that grows on this land

comes from my spiritual cultivation.

If you're about to become a Buddha, why climb over the wall?

I already promised the Buddha

not to use supernatural powers in this place.

But haven't you turned into a human?

Don't blame me for this.

Actually, this appearance of mine

is determined by your heart.

I want to ask you a favor.

I'm just one step away

from becoming a Buddha.

You're already enlightened.

How can I help you?

When I was living in your tooth,

I felt your heavy sins.

I just want to figure out

the taste of this sin.

Once you step out of this temple gate,

Buddha can't control me anymore.

What does your becoming a Buddha have to do with me?

Lend me a light.

That day there was no sun or moon.

The moment I opened my eyes,

Buddha was standing in front of me.

He said,

"Although you are a Bitter Spirit,"

"you don't know what the most bitter thing in the world is."

I was curious, so I asked him,

"Then tell me,"

"what is the most bitter thing in this world?"

He told me,

"The day my statue shatters,"

"You will know."

What does that have to do with me?

I just touched that statue with my hand,

it shattered on its own.

This is fate.

After I become a Buddha,

I will make a vow

to absolve all your sins.

Here.

Take a puff.

I don't know how.

Doesn't even know how to inhale and exhale.

Every living thing can do it.

You think I'm dirty?

Mhm.

Having trouble?

Why must it be the bitterest stone?

I didn't say it had to be that one.

Any piece would work.

But that piece truly is the most bitter.

Because that guy,

he took a piss on my statue.

Can you change your appearance?

Like this.

I mean, can you change into someone else?

All forms

are illusory.

You must see the pig before the Tathagata.

"If one sees all forms as non-forms..."

That's how the saying goes.

Not "see the pig."

You're analyzing too much.

So pretentious, who taught you that?

My father.

Your current look is exactly how he looked when alive.

Except he was a teacher.

Not as vulgar as you.

Alright, alright, stop talking.

As long as you spit out that bitter fruit,

you can insult me however you like.

Why does your cigarette never end?

"Sweet"

"Bitter"

One day my dad went out,

and suddenly got bitten by a mad dog.

From that day onward,

he contracted a strange disease.

Afraid of wind.

Afraid of water.

Afraid of light.

Even became afraid of sound.

He didn't seem human at all.

He was a decent man.

Very prideful.

I knew he wouldn't want

to live on without dignity.

I knew sprouted potatoes were poisonous.

That day, I picked one for him.

He died that very night.

By late night, I started to regret it.

Because I suddenly realized,

I would never hear his snoring again.

She was heartbroken seeing the "Deliriant" as a dog.

Heartbroken that he swallowed the bitter fruit he planted himself.

Another ten years passed.

The "Deliriant" fell even further.

"Heavy Reward for Special Abilities"

This isn't petty money, enough here to buy a life.

Let me see.

If he comes back and sees us,

this good luck will be wasted.

Did you see the money I dropped?

Wrapped in newspaper.

Newspaper wrapped.

Yes, yes, yes.

Didn't see it.

He might come back, hurry and split it.

Half each then.

Anyone here?

Staying how long?

Until the end of the month.

You're also here to show "The Old Man" your skills?

Everyone wants to get rich.

Fortune truly favors the bold.

Let me tell you a secret.

"The Old Man" has a strange smell about him.

What strange smell?

A strong smell of formaldehyde.

My son is his guard.

He told me.

Valuables,

keep them safe.

How did he die?

He was exposed on the spot.

Some idiot used a bathroom break as an excuse,

thinking he could escape from there.

Thought the compound walls were easy to climb.

Got electrocuted as soon as he climbed over.

These people have really gone mad.

How could "The Old Man" be so easily fooled?

You know the game.

Let's be friends.

Make friends with fake money?

I need a partner.

Me?

Someone clever.

What about me?

A child.

Unwanted.

What can fill an entire room?

Money.

Sunlight.

Dummy.

What door can never be opened?

The mind.

What can one person do,

but two people can't?

Dream.

Here's one you definitely won't know.

A challenge.

This is the hardest riddle in the world.

No one knows the answer.

Riddles are childish.

I'll teach you to make money.

How?

Shuffle the deck.

Draw a card.

Don't let me see.

I can sense...

what card is in your hand.

Impossible.

Let's go.

Ten of Hearts.

How did you do that?

Pretty good.

Actually, I have special powers.

Special powers?

What are special powers?

Special powers...

are when the human body, under special circumstances,

unlocks infinite potential.

What kind of special circumstances?

Everyone is different.

For some, it's in times of great danger.

For others, it's in times of great sorrow.

Again.

Jack of Hearts.

Weird.

How much money can you pickpocket at the station?

Money's only good when you're alive.

Can't take it with you when you die.

You've got character.

Clubs...

Queen.

I can teach you special powers.

How did you get this ability?

Or are you...cheating?

Try again.

You're just relying on the glass.

That's why I need a partner.

Now that guy, that's real special powers.

He strapped a magnet to his thigh.

Hid a magnet in the cigarette butt too.

Under the table, he moves his thigh,

and the cigarette moves with it.

How do you know everything?

It's called reverse psychology.

How do we make money if I partner with you?

If everything goes well,

we split "The Old Man's" prize money half and half.

No.

You're pretty greedy.

How much do you want?

Besides the money,

I want you to use your reverse psychology

to help me solve a riddle.

What riddle?

What is that which, once lost,

a person can never get back?

Sanity.

Hmm, feels wrong.

Honesty?

Doesn't sound right either.

Is the answer that important?

To me,

it's the most important thing in the world.

Fine.

After we succeed, I'll help you solve your riddle.

Seven of Hearts.

Seven of Spades.

Five of Spades.

Not bad.

Amazing.

Okay, okay.

How did you guess?

Have a candy. Guess another one. More candy if you get it right.

Me too.

What number is this? Spades, right?

Can't guess this one, can you?

Five of Hearts. Seven of Hearts.

You even got that.

Between people,

communication doesn't always need words.

Observe the scammers in the station.

To avoid being detected,

they use glances and gestures as codes.

As for us...

We need to weave a set of codes no one can see through.

Two, three, four.

Five, six, seven.

Eight, nine, ten.

Jack, Queen, King.

Fist.

Ace.

Smart.

What about the suits?

Eyes, Nose.

Mouth, Ears.

Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds.

King of Hearts.

Nose.

Pinky finger.

Third joint.

You've memorized it well.

But you lack some acting skills.

Before we deceive others, we must deceive ourselves first.

What works best for you?

Nose.

Then we'll call this move...

Olfactory Card Reading.

Deep breath.

Imagine it truly has a scent. Then act it out.

I smell the sea.

Deep in the sea hides a person's heart.

It is black.

The smell of my father.

Ace of Spades.

Done.

Have...

...you ever seen the sea?

The sea...

Seen it indeed.

Then you know...

what the sea looks like?

The sea is just blue water.

Nothing special.

Blue?

Isn't that just the reflection and refraction of sunlight?

Pretty smart.

This is the sea.

You're actually quite childish.

And the water is salty.

Like tears.

They say...

my dad ran off to a place by the sea.

The day he left,

he gave me a banknote.

That hardest riddle...

was written on that note.

Although I spent the money,

I feel like...

if I solve the riddle,

he might come back.

Seven of Diamonds.

"Poker"

My daughter has a keen nose.

Born with it?

No.

Brought out by a high fever.

Oh.

I always go out to play cards.

Once she insisted on following me.

That one time...

she used her nose to win me a lot of money.

Go away.

Don't be afraid.

Smell the right card...

and I'll take you to see the sea.

Spades.

Ace.

I'll draw another one.

If I smell it right,

will you really take me to see the sea?

I will.

This one...

is still the Ace of Spades.

Is it that simple?

It's that simple.

Do you really have special powers?

Go to sleep.

I won't be able to sleep if you don't tell me.

You were standing so far away.

How could you see the card?

I bribed that guard.

Guard?

He stood behind "The Old Man"

and signaled like this.

Spades.

Ace.

And you?

How'd you know that card was still the Ace of Spades?

Reverse psychology.

If it wasn't the Ace of Spades,

you would have found a way to tell me.

Pleasure doing business.

Thanks to your reverse psychology,

we made it through safely.

I'll give you a bigger share.

It's all real.

I don't think it's a pleasure.

You still don't know the answer to the riddle.

It's too late now.

When you wake up,

I'll tell you.

The farthest station.

"What is that which, once lost, a person can never get back?"

"A fart."

Got the money.

No wonder you looked for a kid.

This move is called "Stripping," right?

Take off the leather jacket.

I said give me your jacket.

What are you clutching in your hand?

Open it for me.

Is it night time now?

No.

Is the pool water blue?

Yes.

Is your father a liar?

No.

If you lie,

the needle on the lie detector will wobble.

I have a daughter.

We cut ties more than ten years ago.

The only thing she took when she ran away from home

was this lunchbox.

I carried it with me during the war.

She said she wanted to destroy it.

To erase any evidence

that I survived the war.

Some time ago,

I received news of her death.

A fire.

Only this lunchbox survived.

I recognized it at first glance.

Inside was a burnt letter.

I've exhausted virtually every scientific method,

and I still cannot fully restore it.

Now can you tell me...

what exactly it said?

Hello,

This is my first time writing to you.

I don't know what to call you anymore,

that is why...

the first line...

is blank.

She felt the "Deliriant's" breathing grow faint.

Time was running out.

The "Deliriant" arrived at the last night of 1999.

Let me down! Let me down!

Wait till I catch you guys!

Let me down if you have the guts!

Who is it? Who?

Don't move.

My mistake! My mistake!

I was wrong, brother!

Sorry! Sorry!

Let me go!

Put your leg down.

Sorry, sorry, brother.

What's the situation at the pier?

I don't understand what you're saying.

I said, what's the situation at the pier?

What time does the boat arrive?

The boat arrives at seven.

No, Boss.

Do you hear me?

Don't trust him.

Don't trust him.

Brother.

He's a liar.

Hello, Dangmai Request Station.

Hello.

I, uh, want to request a song for seven o'clock.

Yes sir, what song would you like to request?

Whatever.

Give me...

I like listening to that...

piano music.

Okay sir, what is your name and your message?

I don't need a message.

I'm using it as an alarm clock.

Aren't you afraid...

of being hunted by those guys in raincoats?

I'm not afraid of death!

Poisonous!

I'm not afraid either.

Save me!

Happy New Year!

End of the world!

What's your name?

I'm Apollo.

Oh cool.

Tai Zhaomei.

You have to turn the safety off first.

Idiot.

It's a toy gun.

If today is the end of the world...

why hasn't the world been destroyed yet?

The sun hasn't risen yet.

There's still time.

Do you have any regrets?

I've never bitten anyone.

I've never kissed anyone.

Where are you going?

To die!

They said on the phone,

a cargo ship will dock tomorrow morning.

What color do you think it is?

Handsome, come in and play.

Tai Zhaomei.

Hey, wait a minute.

Where is she?

Hey brother.

Want to buy some pills?

What pills?

For endurance.

What kind of endurance?

Prolongs a man's vitality!

Get a pack?

I don't need it.

Why are you bragging?

Forget it if you don't believe me.

Look, the weather is so nice today.

It rotted so fast.

Tai Zhaomei.

If you've never bitten anyone,

why don't you bite me?

Where exactly are you going?

Want to play?

Want to play?

Lipstick.

Look.

At seven this morning,

a boat will dock at that pier.

If it's really the end of the world,

I won't see tomorrow's sun.

And if it's not,

Then I can see the first rays of the new century.

It's just a sunrise.

What's so good about it?

I don't know either.

Don't people just like seeing the sun rise?

This place surely still holds

the souls of many babies.

This used to be a nursery.

If you tease them like you tease a baby,

they will respond to you.

You said you'd let me go after tonight.

Has the sun risen yet?

The safety is on.

Hello, Mr. Luo.

I want to see today's sunrise.

It's all fleeting stuff.

What's so good about it?

Your vials...

are in the private room.

How to handle it?

The body stinks.

Throw it far away.

I'll handle it.

Laifu, let's go.

Mr. Luo.

Everything is arranged here.

Make way, everyone.

Go party inside.

Mr. Luo, please.

Hard to master a skill so rare

Love's barrier I can never cross

Can't cross the tender sweetness

Waving the sword yields no result

Water flows, cannot be cut

Love's knots cannot be broken

The knife is cold

Passion is not

Tai Zhaomei

The heart suffers even more

The ruthless knife knows no wrong

Fate allows only a sigh of helplessness

Facing death without fear

Parting brings sorrow to the heart

How many disappointments in life

Why did it have to choose me?

Wave the sword

Break the vow

Meeting you was destined to be a mistake

The ruthless knife knows no wrong

Fight me one-on-one!

Fate allows only a sigh of helplessness

Facing death without fear

Sit down.

Didn't you have a gun?

That's for protecting the person I love.

You don't even know my real name.

You won't return.

You really will die.

Take off your gloves.

Did you hear me?

Take off your gloves.

You see...

humans are fragile creatures.

Soon...

he will just die.

I don't want you to drink

blood that I haven't purified.

Because that blood,

will turn you into one of them.

Always seeking the meaning of existence.

I have been alive for a long time.

And been dead for a long time.

And yet,

I still don't know...

what it all means.

Dawn is coming.

I'm going to sleep.

Anyway...

For us, time moves very fast.

When I wake up, I'll forget everything.

Love the morning light,

buy a magnolia flower.

I feel like I'm rushing in a hurry,

on this hasty journey.

Love the morning light,

buy a magnolia flower.

Let it bloom in your

heart's field.

You are a traveler,

where are you going?

In this bustling sea of people.

Love the morning light,

buy a magnolia flower.

Let it nestle by your side,

dissolving sorrow.

It's seven o'clock.

Go.

Will there really be a boat?

A red boat.

It's all real.

The piano music is real too.

The endurance pills are also real.

Apollo is real too.

You are real too.

I'll go untie the rope.

I have a secret I haven't told you yet.

I knew it long ago.

Come on.

Left rudder.

Left rudder. Left rudder.

Full Power Ahead. Full Power Ahead.

Neutral.

Return to Right Udder.

Reverse.

Reverse. Reverse.

Full Power Ahead. Full Power Ahead.

Set off!

Set off!!!

You still don't know...

my real...

name.

I don't care.

And...

My age...

you don't know that either.

I don't care.

I died a long time ago.

I'm a vampire.

I really don't care.

It's almost dawn.

I'm scared.

I'm afraid of the pain.

Bite me.

At this point,

for her,

it had only been a few hours.

But for the "Deliriant,"

a hundred years had passed.

She broke into the "Deliriant's" final dream,

making him believe he had returned to his mother's side.

In the final moments of his death,

she finally understood what the "Deliriant" was clinging to.

So she decided to use that ancient,

forgotten language of cinema

to speak with him one last time.

But we were once all skeletons in history. Right now, you are outside the silver screen.

Farewell, even though this dream is filled with pain! Farewell, even though this dream has already collapsed!

The End

A Film by Bi Gan