Original subtitles

Who are you?

We're with the opera troupe.

Oh I didn't recognize you.

I'm a great fan of you both.

Is that so? Thank you.

It's been over twenty years since you performed together, hasn't it?

Twenty-one.

Twenty-two.

Yes, twenty-two years

and it's been ten years since we last saw each other.

Eleven years.

That's right, eleven years. Yes.

That's due to the Gang of Four and the Cultural Revolution.

Right.

Yeah, that's right.

Things are better now.

That's for sure.

Everything's fine now.

Please wait here a moment. I'll go and turn on the lights.

I'm sorry to trouble you.

Yanhong, is that you? I've really missed you.

Whore!

Ladies and gentlemen

enjoy the show.

You cunning asshole.

Laizi's trying to run away again. You brat! See how far you get.

Quick, go and catch him.

I'm sorry.

Gentlemen, please be patient.

You trash, how dare you show yourselves around here!

Fuck you all.

Just as sure as my name's Shitou

I'll give you something to look at.

What are you screaming for? I haven't even said hello yet.

You're a disgrace to the opera troupe.

You couldn't even play a monkey right.

You thought you'd get away with that brick act, did you?

It's garbage.

Sharpen your knives.

Sharpen your knives.

This child isn't fated to be an actor:

not with that extra finger.

He has a good face, but he can't act.

Sharpen your knives.

I can afford to raise him

but he's getting too big to keep at the brothel.

If only you'll take him, you can do whatever you like.

Don't look down on us.

Don't be silly. Prostitutes and actors alike

are equally despised by society.

Just go away.

Ma, my hands are freezing. They feel like ice.

Ma...

Get away from us, you son of a whore.

It's from the whore house. Drop it on the foor.

Are you bullying him?

Come over here. Sleep with me.

You're really something.

Laizi, go and snuggle up with Little Monk.

Catch.

It's so cold outside

the piss froze on the tip of my dick.

I nearly turned a somersault.

If you belong to the human race, you go to the opera.

Pigs and dogs don't listen to opera.

If you don't go to the opera

you're not a human being.

And where there's opera, there's work for us actors.

Stop squealing.

Straighten that back.

If you think you're above everyone else

you'll learn the hard way. This is just the beginning.

Don't worry, Douzi.

We're already half way through.

Shitou, are you helping someone cheat?

Master, I was looking up. I didn't notice what was on the floor.

Bullshit. Get me my sword.

And hurry up.

Get up.

Don't you have something to say?

Yes. Forming cliques is prohibited and will be punished.

He's not fucking scared of anything.

From the time opera began

it's never enjoyed such popularity as it does today.

You're lucky to be part of it.

We are.

Heaven will not a lack of material skill.

I've been practicing kung fu

to keep myself warm.

It's cool outside, quite cool

but I've become a man of fire. Get away from me.

I'm so strong, I can uproot the mountains.

My courage is renowned.

I've fallen on bad times

yet even my horse won't run away to save itself.

These are our rules. We must learn them well.

Since ancient times, man has needed a skill.

If you devote yourself to this, you'll be well paid.

Now go away and practice.

Let's hear Fleeing by Night.

I look back at the Celestial Court and hurry on wards in fight

heedless of...

Heedless of what?

...heedless of loyalty and filial piety.

I am so strong, I can uproot the mountains

yet even my horse won't run away to save itself.

And my beloved concubine: what shall I do about her?

Excellent! Not a word out of place. Give me your hand.

This is so that you'll remember to do as well the next time. 7 I am a nun.

At sixteen I am a nun. My hair is shorn at youth's prime.

Go on.

I am by nature a boy

I am by nature a boy.

You are by nature a girl.

I'll punish you, Laizi. You still can't get it right, can you?

Don't hit me. I won't do it again.

I am by nature

Spit it out.

I am by nature a boy.

Is a nun a male or a female?

A

A boy.

You really are in character. You can't even tell male from female.

I am by nature a boy

You've forgotten everything the master's taught you.

Do it again and I'll really thrash you.

You'd better remember this.

If by chance I'm beaten to death tomorrow

there are three copper coins hidden under my mattress.

Be careful.

Don't water your hand.

Douzi, in a few days you'll be initiated into the troupe.

Just pretend you're a girl, and don't mess up the lyrics again.

Laizi, have you ever eaten sweet pea cakes?

Whats the big deal about sweet peacakes?

How about millet rolls?

Basin cakes?

They're about as fucking special as dog farts.

So what do you like?

There's nothing yummier than a stick of candied crab apples.

If I make it big, I'll eat candied crab apples every day for dinner.

Candied crab apples for sale. Candied crab apples for sale.

Don't look at us like that. We're not sticks of apple.

Laizi, you're drooling.

Laizi, what the hell are you doing?

Wow. So many big kites.

Douzi, we've only got 2 days to go.

Run for it.

Come back.

Douzi, we've got just 2 days.

Don't forget the money under my pillow.

You're worthless. Get out of my sight.

Where'd you get that?

Forget Shitou. I'm spending your money now.

Ten apples on each stick. I'll give you 2.

What's wrong with you?

I have to pee real bad.

Not in the middle of the street.

It's Manager Wang.

The stars have arrived. Here. Come this way.

My dear sir, this is like a visit from heaven.

All you need to do is sneeze and you get a standing ovation.

Thanks for coming here.

We'll be lucky if no one's trampled to death in there.

I'll sit on your shoulders for a while, then you sit on mine.

The King. It's the King of Chu.

What does it take to become a star?

How many beatings?

When will I ever enjoy such fame?

You're pissing all over me. Are you nuts?

I knew you'd go back. You couldn't live without Shitou.

We're going to get a taste of the sword, but I'm not afraid.

For me, it's like having an itch scratched.

I've eaten my candied crab apple. I'm a fucking star already.

You little runts, you've come back after all.

Good. I deserve it.

Why the hell did you let them go?

Die, you runts.

Skipping class and running away must be punished.

Master, I'll never do it again. Please let me go.

You let them get away. Rogues!

Master

I wouldn't dare do it again, master. I was wrong.

Beat me instead.

Didn't you think you'd get yours? I'll kill you.

Douzi, speak up. Say something.

Beg for mercy. Say he's beaten you well.

Speak. Let's just disband the troupe.

You're killing Douzi.

I won't let you do this.

Master Guan

Laizi, he...

This opera tells the story of the war between the Chu and Han kings.

What sort of a man was the King of Chu?

A peerless and invincible hero

a bold and resourceful general, capable of defeating vast armies.

But fate wasn't on his side.

At Gaixia he was outwitted

by the Han king.

As they prepared for battle, the Han's troops sang victory songs.

Due to the Han's military tactics

the Chu armies fled in great panic

and had their country taken from them.

Even the king was weeping.

No matter how resourceful you are

you can't fight fate.

The king had once been all-powerful, but in the end

all he had left was one woman and one horse.

He tried to get his steed to run away, but it wouldn't go.

he wanted his concubine to go free, but she wouldn't.

For the very last time the concubine poured wine for her king

and danced for him with a sword

then cut her throat with it

to keep her fidelity.

There's a lesson in this story for all of us:

that each person is responsible for his or her own fate.

You'd do well to keep that in mind.

I am so strong, I can uproot the mountains.

My courage is renowned.

I've fallen on bad times

yet even my horse won't run away to save itself.

Old man Zhang has commissioned you to hire an opera troupe.

I heartily congratulate you.

With your patronage, the children will have new clothes to wear.

Good opera, however, is not so simple.

When he was a palace eunuch

old man Zhang attended operas with the Empress Dowager herself.

I could lose a lot of respect, but that's nothing.

Do you realize that if the performance doesn't make the grade...

This kid's got something.

How long has he been in training?

Douzi, come here

and pay your respects.

He's got a nice little figure too.

Can you sing any old-style operas?

Yes, two.

Fleeing by Night is for a male and Outside the Nunnery, for a female.

Let's hear a bit of the second one.

At sixteen I am a nun

my hair shorn at youth's prime.

Yet I am by nature a boy

not a girl.

Why...

Mr. Na, I'm terribly sorry.

He's usually very good.

Master Guan, I'll see you some other time.

Open your mouth. Open it.

You've botched it for all of us.

I'll teach you.

I am by nature a girl.

I am by nature a girl.

At sixteen I am a nun

my hair shorn at youth's prime.

Yet I am by nature a girl, not a boy.

Why must I wear these sexless robes?

I see the joyful couples pass

in their splendid brocades.

Despite myself, desire burns in my heart.

Year after year, all over the land

I've followed my king on his military campaigns

enduring wind and frost and hard toil.

Our people are fallen into an abyss of misery.

This little boy

Master Guan

Mr. Zhang, may you live as long as South Mountain.

The king's here.

Your Highness

the people have suffered untold hardship and pain.

This is a special reward

from Zhan, an old man for two kids

so take it.

Yes, sir.

The Chu king would have won with this sword.

If I were emperor, you'd be the queen of the palace.

Take that sword.

Careful, kiddies.

That's a real blade.

There's no need to run.

What's wrong?

The sweat stings in the scratches.

Have them go together.

Certainly not. It's an old rule around here.

Master Guan, I'm sorry if you don't understand.

The concubine has to die one way or the other.

Isn't that right?

Master?

Douzi

what year is this?

This is the year 1932.

Wrong. It's still the Ching dynasty.

Come over here.

I want to find Shitou.

I need to pee.

Pee into this.

Don't waste it. Just pee into this.

Come to me.

Douzi

what's happened to you?

Have you gone dumb? Speak to me.

Douzi

fate has determined each of our lots.

Leave him to his destiny.

All right. Look at the camera.

Gentlemen, you've done grandly for yourselves.

You look so dignified and stunning in any style of clothing.

That's it.

Oppose Japan's invasion of North China.

Damn. It's those students again.

Down with Japanese imperialism!

Aren't they the opera actors?

How can you put on make up and sing opera at a time like this?

Have you no feeling for your country?

We're Chinese too, Chinese to the core.

Look at us, God damn it.

The Chinese mustn't fight among themselves.

We're all Chinese here.

Don't forget that.

How dare they pretend to be patriotic!

Why don't they go out and fight the Japanese soldiers?

Because you're craving for women and marriage.

Do something.

You just want to find a way out.

The one who was yelling the loudest would make a good actor.

Do you remember the first time we performed Farewell My Concubine?

Only you could remember something like that.

I know.

It was a lucky day for you.

Back then it was.

I went there yesterday.

I know you've been looking

for the sword, but it's long gone.

Long life for Deyie.

Candied crab apples for sale.

Candied crab apples for sale.

We've got a sea of people.

They're craning their necks to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Even master Yuan's here to see you. It's a great honor for us.

Go away.

Mr. Duan

they're getting impatient. Please hurry.

Trust me.

They won't feel like they're wasting their money.

Year after year, all over the land

I've followed my king on his military campaigns.

You be the judge. Hasn't he blurred...

I hate only the lawless tyrant who plunged our people into misery.

...the distinction between theater and male and female?

He is now at the level of

Your Highness

I've caused you

so much grief!

So Master Yuan has come to see us tonight.

I know. I sang so loudly

I drowned out the horns.

I'll show him how great we are without his patronage.

But Duan

Don't worry.

At key moments

I squeezed my waist with my hands

until it hurt.

Here?

Master Yuan.

It's an honor.

You deserve this.

The Empress Dowager herself

never bestowed such a gift

upon her favorite actors.

Master Yuan, how can our Dieyi be worthy of your favor?

Farewell My Concubine has a long history.

It evolved from the old-style opera story of the precious one.

Many famous actors have failed in this role.

I've never seen an actor

as great as you are.

Impressive.

For a moment or two

this Yuan fellow was so entranced

he believed Concubine Yu had actually come back to life.

Master Duan

when the king returns to camp and meets Concubine Yu

custom has it

he takes seven steps. You only take five.

If the King of Chu fails to bear himself with majestic dignity

he's little better than a gangster putting on airs.

Master Yuan, you're a master of the theater arts.

You're an expert in all the varieties and facets of opera.

I may well be

what you say.

Please give us the benefit of your advice and criticism.

If it's not beneath you

I'd like to invite you to my humble home for some wine.

There is still so much to be said about this opera.

Im terribly sorry, Master Yuan.

I've another drinking engagement with a courtesan.

With a courtesan!

Nice taste you have.

And Mr. Cheng?

Then we'll share our thoughts later.

Girls, take care of our guest.

Thank you for coming.

Dieyi, I'm leaving too.

Girls, come and entertain our guest.

Mr. Duan, this way please.

Long time no see, Mr. Duan. We've missed you.

I'd like to see Miss Juxian.

Ah how shall I put it?

You should have said that earlier.

She's not here at the moment.

What can we do? How about this?

Caifeng, come and keep Mr. Duan company.

I really want to see her.

Tell me the truth. Where is Juxian really?

Upstairs

or down?

The phoenix roosts on the highest branches, of course.

But she's pretty high-class. Do you believe she'll go for you?

Of course.

I specialize in high-class.

Ah Miss Juxian.

Bastards.

OK. We're bastards.

You fucking bitch, how dare you be so picky.

Cut it out.

Because you're pretty

Cut it out or I'll jump.

Jump. I'll follow on your heels.

No matter where you are

even after death, I'll be there.

Xiaolou

these guys are revolting.

They were forcing me to drink wine from their mouths.

Come on, you assholes. Jump. Now it's your turn.

Bastards! Rapists!

All right. Let's go.

Oh it's Mr. Duan.

Listen. We're all here to have a good time and spend lots of money

so let's not pick fights. OK?

Eech

Keep out of it and get lost.

Don't get upset.

Scared?

Juxian, you're to blame.

Didn't you tell these gentlemen, today's a special day?

That we'd decided to announce our engagement today?

That's right.

Today's the lady's happy day.

Drink a toast to me.

Aren't you going to offer your congratulations?

Do you think you can fool us?

Gentlemen, on this

my happiest day

allow me to drink to all of you.

And now, something to sober you up.

I heard, you got into a fight at the House of Blossoms.

You know the old story about Panjinlian's husband.

Does this mean there's a Panjinlian in your life?

What are you saying?

What do you want to hear?

I was just fooling around.

Come with me sometime. You'll find out what it's like.

It'll be exciting.

I'm sorry. I really am.

I wasn't thinking.

I really put my foot in it this time.

I'm a damn fool.

Have you forgotten the secret of our success?

Don't you remember our teacher's words?

Which words were they?

"Stay together till the day you die."

I want you to be with me.

How about

we stay together until death?

We've come this far together, havent we?

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

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

Dieyi, you really are obsessed.

Your obsession with the stage

carries over into your everyday life

but how are we going to get through the days

and survive in the real world among ordinary people?

Give me a hand with my makeup.

Concubine Yu

they're singing the song everywhere.

Our country's being ruined by the enemy.

Go and live out this God damned fantasy then.

My king

I'll tell you, even though it's heart-breaking:

Today is the day we say goodbye.

You'll become a lady of virtue.

Wake up. Do you think

the wolves and tigers

won't recognize your scent anymore?

I'm scared.

Let me tell you something.

Once a whore, always a whore.

I'll keep that in mind.

Fine. I'll see you around.

Mr. Duan has presented you with a pennant.

The Beauty of the Age, it reads.

What are you doing here?

What is it, Juxian?

Come on in.

No. You come out.

What are you doing, barefoot on such a cold day?

What's happened?

The House of Blossoms won't keep an engaged woman.

Come on. Let me introduce you.

This is Miss Juxian.

This is my stage brother, Dieyi.

You may have seen him as Concubine Yu.

Xiaolou speaks of you so often, I feel as though we're old friends.

Miss Juxian, excuse me. I must be going.

Xiaolou

if you hadn't found me at the House of Blossoms

I'd be six feet under by now.

Remember: It was you who proposed to me.

I'm used to hardship.

If you take me in I'll wait on you hand and foot.

If you ever abandon me

I'll kill myself.

What a dragon lady!

When's the performance of

Candle Lit Night in the Bridal Chamber?

Tonight.

Hold on. I want a formal engagement ceremony

with the entire company invited.

I want to enter your home as a proper bride.

You don't think I plan to cut corners, do you?

The formal engagement ceremony will be tonight.

Gentlemen, we request the pleasure of your company.

Miss Juxian

where did you study opera?

Me? What makes you think that?

Just the way you are, overplaying your part.

Dieyi, she's going to be your sister-in-law.

What's more, for the engagement party tonight

I haven't learned the opera, Gangster King and his Whore.

Our teacher never taught us that one.

What are you talking about?

Dieyi, Xiaolou has spoken

well of you.

Don't leave.

Where are you going?

That doesn't concern you.

Xiaolou.

Please don't go.

Master Yuan's inviting us tonight. He wants to become our patron.

Who does he think he is? No one tells me what to do.

I'm just a fake king. You really are Concubine Yu.

Let him patronize you if you like.

Xiaolou

this feather headpiece is rare and precious.

The feathers are collected from the tails of live peacocks.

That's the secret

to keeping the feathers soft and colorful.

I'll be waiting for you.

In this world

there's foulness in both men and women.

only the bodhisattva embodies both male and female essences.

Such ecstasy.

This sword has a history.

It once belonged to the eunuch Zhang.

When Zhang went bankrupt, I went to great trouble to acquire it.

I can see from this

you're old acquaintances.

Amazing. One searches far and wide for something

Like it?

I

Let's not have any vulgar talk of money between us.

A precious sword is the classic gift for one's most intimate friend.

What do you say?

Mr. Cheng, will you be my most intimate friend?

The soldiers of the Han have invaded.

The songs of Chu can be heard on all sides.

Since the good king has lost his fighting spirit

why should his humble concubine value her life?

Don't.

It's a real sword.

A smile ushers in the spring.

A tear darkens the entire world.

How truly this befits you.

To you.

Only you are possessed of such charm.

Ah Mr. Cheng. I knew you'd come.

We've saved a seat for you at the head of the table.

You've come back?

It's a good thing you've shown up.

Have a look at this.

What a sword!

How did you acquire this tonight, out of nowhere?

Dieyi, you've come so late. You'd better drink up.

Yes, drink up.

My gratitude, Miss Juxian.

Dieyi? Mr. Cheng.

Xiaolou

from now on we'll no longer perform together.

Mr. Cheng, you can't do this. This isn't... The fans won't...

This is terrible.

Japanese troops have entered the city.

Dieyi. Where's Dieyi?

I'll fill up your glass with the finest wine

special wine.

So what's this wine called?

Wine of Overnight Drinking.

Fill it up.

Who'll be serving me tonight?

Dieyi looks like he's lifting his shoulders up.

Because a man's life is meaningless, it's like the dream of spring.

At your disposal.

I'll keep on drinking until

this night is over.

Don't waste my time. Just take it off.

Even if it belongs to your ancestor

you should let him put it on.

Do you understand me, you wretch?

Tell the Japanese I'll be there right away.

Hold on a moment.

It's not some private party.

They're manipulating you into singing for them.

On the other hand, you're the only one who can save Xiaolou.

On the other hand

if anything happened to you, this theater of mine would

All right. Go on then. Miss Juxian, what are you doing?

Mr. Cheng isn't at home.

Where's Dieyi? Dieyi...

Hurry up. I've heard the Japanese feed prisoners to their dogs.

If you delay, he might not have a life to save.

Dieyi.

But you allowed them to take him away in the first place.

Xiaolou has looked after you since you were small.

What do you mean?

Mr. Na, would you mind leaving the room for a moment?

I have something to say to Dieyi in private.

Everyone says Miss Juxian's quite clever.

We're all trying to help Xiaolou. Talk it over.

How about a clear answer? Are you going or not?

Say something.

I know what's on your mind.

I have a proposal.

If you can get Xiaolou out of there unharmed

I'll go back to the House of Blossoms.

I'll keep away from both of you. How's that?

At the House of Blossoms, you don't have much to worry about.

Life's a lot simpler there.

Just remember: You said it, not me.

I give you my word.

The flowers have blossomed.

Their season is past. All have fallen.

Only the sun remains the same.

Into ruin and decay...

Xiaolou

my brother...

Xiaolou, are you all right?

Did you sing for the Japanese?

There's one of them called Aoki, who genuinely likes opera.

Xiaolou.

All right. Come here.

Let me have another drink.

OK. I'll drink one for you.

I think this opera, Farewell My Concubine

has turned into

"Farewell My King".

The king's really irrelevant.

Drink this.

Your voice will pierce the heavens.

All right. Come on.

Forget the opera.

Let's just live a quiet life.

We'll have a fat little baby boy.

Then I'll have everything I want. That's enough.

No more opera.

Let's go.

'Bye then.

Give me the money back.

Not the crickets, my money.

You borrowed the money on your host's credit, right?

Go on.

I can't believe a grown-up like you is busy playing

with insects and not working.

Working?

I'm an actor.

What else can I do other than acting on a stage?

Shall I carry coffins?

You should be satisfied by now.

There's no need to shout like that.

Here's the money.

What? Don't you need it?

I apologize if I was going too far.

Unless you're cautious they'll get you.

The master wants to see you.

No. I won't go.

Look at this sword.

Master, they've just arrived.

Who?

Dieyi and Xiaolou, the ones you've been wanting to meet.

What a great fucking honor!

What the hell are they are doing here?

Well, I finally have something to brag about.

A great fucking honor.

Take your seats there and bow to me.

Master.

You're finally here.

Dieyi

without my help you'd be nobody.

And I left the stage.

Now it's your turn to help me.

Hit me.

Come on.

Douzi

Xialou

now you're

all grown up

and

great actors now with fame.

Don't you remember your youth?

What's worrying you? Just hit him hard.

When did I tell you to look down on me?

Are you going to ruin opera?

It's your fault.

Take this.

I'm to blame.

Blame me.

Wait.

I need to tell you something.

Xialou is my master.

If you want to hit him, you need my permission.

That's enough.

I've heard of one bitch, and it was you.

So you must be the VIP today, right?

Take a seat

and make yourself at home, drinking tea.

Alcohol, gambling, women and even crickets?

You've fucking ruined opera's traditions.

There's nothing wrong in beating you with a cigarette stick for your disgrace.

For an opium addicted brother.

what's the crime?

Juxian

it's not a time for a whore to interfere.

Isn't that your way of listening to their excuse?

Shut the fuck up.

Don't be so stupid.

You're such a nice guy.

Hit him.

Unless you stay quiet, I'll cut his throat.

All right.

For you to kill one will be taking two lives.

Your family will be over.

Did you just ask me to stand up?

Xialou, are you listening to me?

You're becoming a father.

If I refrain from acting

I won't be able to buy a birthday present for my child.

Come closer.

Closer.

Practice.

Don't slacken.

Stretch out your legs.

Wait.

This play's called "Anger of Night".

You act Linchou for this.

He's head of the palace guard

not some sneaky little thief.

Take this.

Attention, everyone.

This is what a great hero is like.

A man doesn't shed tears lightly.

His heart must be broken.

Leave me alone. I'm just taking Master's purnishment.

The troupe's disbanded. You leave too.

Master said you

should learn to bear things in order to become a great actor.

Everyone else has left. You ought to go home too.

As a baby, I was found on the street. I have no other home.

Do you know who found you?

No. They said if I knew, I'd get a swelled head and wouldn't work hard.

Do you still want to sing opera?

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

What's your name?

Xiao Si.

Xiao Si.

CHIANG KAl-SHEK'S NATIONALIST ARMY RETAKES BEIJING.

I hear the talk of the soldiers...

Xiao Si, go and tell the manager to avoid trouble.

...and it's all about running away.

What's wrong? Why aren't you singing?

Don't make trouble. Don't go, Xiaolou.

Waving a flashlight around isn't allowed in the theater.

Even the Japanese don't do things like that.

Everyone's here for the opera. Please return to your seats.

Well put. Back to your seats, everyone.

But can we let him get away with speaking well of the Japanese?

Xiaolou...

Xiaolou...

Juxian:

We have to get her to a hospital.

Save her first.

There was just a minor disturbance.

Are you saying such a big disturbance was minor?

You can fine us.

Why do you need to arrest anyone?

The theater's been trashed, people beaten

and you still want to arrest him?

What for?

Cheng Dieyi betrayed the country to the Japanese.

Move it.

On what basis?

Teacher...

Mr. Duan, I'm afraid she's lost the baby.

Honey

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Go and help Dieyi, if he's so much more important to you.

I don't know whether Dieyi goes looking for trouble

or if it's trouble that comes looking for him.

Whenever you're with him, my heart's in my throat.

Now that I've lost our child

you're all I have left.

I don't care if I have to beg with you on the streets.

All I ask is peace of mind.

If you help him now, we'll no longer owe him anything.

Don't perform with him any more.

Promise me that.

No more performances after this.

Master Yuan

Dieyi's life's in your hands.

Count this and see if it's enough.

If you'll only save Dieyi

we'll give you all our earnings for the next three years.

Do you think I need your money to keep my birds from starving?

And this gentleman is...

Don't you recognize Xiaolou?

He plays the king to Dieyi's concubine.

Then he should be the one to save Concubine Yu.

My dear man, that's only a play.

All Beijing knows that Master Yu is the true king of the theater.

That's true.

Speaking of which, I'd like to ask Mr. Duan something.

When the king returns to see Concubine Yu

how many steps should he take?

Seven.

Show me how.

Come on. Show me.

Master Yuan.

Is this the honorable home of Mr. Yuan?

When a man called Cheng Dieyi was arrested, he said

the owner of this sword would be able to rescue him.

Do you recognize it?

From your expression, I see I've come to the right place.

Good. I'll put the sword here.

I'm so relieved to have found its owner.

But sometimes one's hopes are misplaced.

Master Yuan, you mustn't blame Dieyi.

I see.

The reason Dieyi performed for the Japanese

wouldn't be upon someone's request, would it?

If it was, he wouldn't have been arrested.

True.

There's a roomful of reporters waiting at home.

Xiaolou, Mr. Na, lets go.

Wait a moment. Let's talk.

Master Yuan asked me to talk to you.

Tomorrow in court

say the Japanese put a gun to your head.

Say they tortured you.

Master Yuan has made arrangements for everything else.

This is from Xiaolou.

Dieyi, don't be angry with us.

Xiaolou's child:

it's died.

Your karmic partnership with Xiaolou caused this.

After you get out of here just go your own way.

During the resistance

against Japan, Cheng Dieyi

betrayed the country by performing for Aoki and his colleagues.

You performed for their immorality.

The defendant also encouraged the enemy

and disgraced your people.

Aoki continued to resist even

after Japan officially surrendered.

We've collected these pictures as evidence

and they confirm the defendant sang for the Japanese.

We call on the witnesses Yuan Shiqing, Duan Xiaolou and Na Kun.

The government has always been good to me

and I'd never betray the laws of heaven or my own conscience.

Cheng Dieyi was taken away in handcuffs by the Japanese.

They put a gun to the back of his neck.

He couldn't help it.

Duan Xiaolou...

It's true. The Japanese beat up my stage brother

exactly as Master Yuan has just described.

Na Kun?

He

the prosecutor claims Cheng performed obscene material.

That's absurd.

Cheng performed highlights

from Peony Pavilion that night.

Anyone with any common sense knows that

Peony Pavilion is the quintessential Chinese opera.

How can that be obscene in the prosecutor's eyes?

How dare they insult our tradition and culture like this.

Who's disparaging China's traditions

and disrespecting its culture?

We ask the accused, Cheng Dieyi:

Have the witnesses told the truth?

The court wishes to hear

what the accused has to say.

The accused may speak now.

Cheng Dieyi.

I sang for the Japanese.

I hate the Japanese too

but they didn't lay a hand on me.

Cheng Dieyi

you have the right

and duty to clear your name.

Reconsider carefully

and tell us again.

If Aoki had lived

he'd have taken the Beijing opera to Japan.

Why don't you just kill me?

Master Yuan

Please, Master Yuan, don't leave.

What does it matter? He's as good as dead.

Master Yuan, you can't go. If you go, he's finished for sure.

The court has made its decision.

The case of the traitor, Cheng Dieyi is suspended.

The accused is released under bond.

Court dismissed.

Dieyi, are you playing with me, God damn it?

Mr. Cheng

good-bye.

This way, Mr. Cheng.

The commander has arrived.

Attention.

Chunxiang.

Miss.

How can one know the color of spring

unless one visits the garden?

Ma, did you get my last letter?

Everything's fine here.

Don't worry about me.

Xiaolou looks after me.

We rehearse by day

and perform at night

just as before.

The world's not what it used to be

but all we ask is a peaceful life

and that we sing and get paid for it.

What more could you want?

How about this? Well done, right?

Dieyi, where should I mail this to?

The usual address.

All you classic consumptive heroines burn your letters.

Have you seen this?

Do you want it?

If you don't, I'll tear it up.

I'll tear it up.

I'll do it.

Xiao Si

I gave Master Duan the sword returned to you by Master Yuan.

The river's course is twisted But in the end it flows to the sea.

So what problem lies between Our concubine and our king?

Talk to each other now. The Han king enters the city.

1948, THE EVE OF THE NATIONALIST EVACUATION TO TAIWAN

THE COMMUNISTS HAVE SURROUNDED THE CITY.

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

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

But even the Communists must have opera.

The empire may change hands, but rest assured

we're just waiting to see what their money looks like.

Well, do you still want to fight their ragtag troops?

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

Unless you had Master Yuan's class.

We're capable of fighting them.

Do you recognize me?

Cigarettes. Buy one.

Mr. Zhang

don't you know us?

Buy a pack.

1949: THE COMMUNIST PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY ENTERS BEIJING.

Singing of sorrow and grief for my king

causes me to shed tears

to console my saddened heart.

I prefer to dance and sing a song

of good heart

a dance for

my king.

Xiao Si, tell him to stay calm, no matter what.

Honorable guests, I'm very sorry.

Today my fellow actor is...

Move forward.

Our army's marching to the sun

stepping on the great motherland

with hopes of nation on our shoulders.

No enemy can keep us from our course.

Mr. Cheng, if you can't take it, have another smoke.

Xiao Si, go and call Mr. Duan.

Yuan Shiqing, the counter-revolutionary.

Yuan Shiqing is an enemy of the People. He must die.

Death to Yuan Shiqing.

Be alert.

Execute Yuan Shiqing.

Yuan Shiqing has always been against us.

He's harmed his community and is guilty of monstrous crimes.

Only his execution can satisfy the People's anger.

Down with the counter-revolutionary, Yuan Shiqing.

Destroy him.

Down with Yuan Shiqing, the tyrant of the opera world.

Satisfy the People's anger.

Death to Yuan Shiqing.

Execute Yuan Shiqing.

Take him away.

Let me go. I'll kill them all.

Stop this carrying on. Listen carefully.

Keep your voices down. Let me go. Release me.

Fuck you.

Cut it out or I'll hit you.

How is he?

We may need to wean him off the opium slowly...

Don't go, Xiaolou.

...if he really wants to overcome his addiction.

It feels like ice.

Mom

the river may freeze over.

It feels like ice.

It's freezing over.

Mom

so cold.

The sky of liberation is clear and blue.

Mrs. Duan.

Where were you?

A meeting.

A meeting?

Xiaolou, the whole troupe's come.

Ah a costume change.

Thank you all for coming to see me. I'm fine now.

It sounds easy now. You didn't see him suffer.

Dieyi, get out of bed.

All of Beijing's waiting

for the next appearance of the king and his concubine.

It'll be the God damned golden hit of a golden era.

You've asked me to say a few words. I'm not sure how to put it.

I think these modern operas are interesting

but the costumes aren't very attractive.

The backdrops are too realistic.

Yet Beijing opera places great value on ambiance.

Song, recital, movement and acrobatics are part of this ambiance.

but with these costumes on, the performance won't look good.

I know. It really concerns me.

What do you all think?

Are you saying modern operas aren't Beijing operas?

No mere sound amounts to a song;

no mere movement amounts to a dance.

It must have beauty. For instance

Teacher, I don't get it.

Practice. When you've sweated enough to fill buckets, you'll get it.

I still don't understand.

Xiao Si...

I just don't get it. What can I do?

Why is it Beijing opera when ancient heroes and beauties take the stage

but not when the laboring masses do?

You're talking apples and oranges, you upstart.

What kind of attitude is that?

I'd like to hear from Teacher Duan.

Xiaolou

it's going to rain.

I've brought your umbrella.

Yes. Run along home now.

Questions like these give me a headache.

I say if it uses the traditional forms

it's Beijing opera.

Am I right?

I'd like to say something.

I've been part of the new society since giving my theater to the state.

Comrade Cheng, I believe you're wrong.

Modern opera is a new venture.

It deserves our support.

Opera requires practice. Don't think you know it well.

Opera requires practice, skill and talent.

There's no easy way.

You're breaking the law.

You'll always be third-rate.

And when did you ever seriously want me to succeed?

All you've ever wanted was a coolie, a stagehand

a follower, a bit player.

How dare you!

How dare you say such rubbish!

Kneel down.

Master Cheng

you won't live to see the day...

Xiao Si

go on then. Be a bit player your whole life.

Mr. Cheng

what you're saying belongs to the past

doesn't it?

It's a death in the present day. If I end up being third rate

you won't keep your face.

So, do you know?

I just learned myself.

That's not true, Teacher Duan.

You were there at the meeting last night.

You said you'd notify Dieyi that you were replacing him.

I had second thoughts. I decided you should tell him.

Don't you agree?

If you couldn't tell him, who could?

Take it off.

Take it off.

Don't. Don't be like that.

I won't fucking sing any more.

Let whoever wants to perform do it.

Xiaolou, you mustn't go.

Comrade Duan

that audience consists of the laboring masses.

You decide whether you'll sing for them or not.

Xiaolou, the concubine's on stage.

You'd better hurry.

I've followed my king on his military campaigns

enduring the wind and frost and hard toil

year after year.

I hate only the lawless tyrant

who has plunged our people into an abyss of misery.

The people have suffered untold hardship and pain.

The king has returned to camp.

I'm here

Your Highness.

Thank you very much, Miss Juxian.

Dieyi

Dieyi, open the door. Open up.

Won't you accept my apology?

That little snake

you rescued:

he's turned into a veritable dragon.

You must go along with it. What else can you do?

No matter what, as you told me, you have to keep on singing

and see what's playing in the theater of life these days.

Douzi, listen to your stage brother.

Go with the times. I'll still be the king, and you my concubine.

Why does the concubine have to die?

Dieyi

why are you so impossible?

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

1966: THE EVE OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION

Central People's Radio will now broadcast

the decision of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee

regarding the great Proletarian Cultural Revolution

passed on August 8, 1966.

The bill for Cultural Revolution has passed.

Cultural Revolution will reconstruct

the people's minds.

How can you drink at a time like this?

I feel like it.

Anyway, jade cups were part of the old society.

We can't keep them, so we might as well use them one last time.

It still won't break.

I'm so afraid.

I dreamed I was on top of a tall

building, alone among the clouds.

I wanted to jump.

You could jump. I'd catch you.

You

weren't there.

Xiaolou, don't leave me.

Where did this sword come from?

Cheng Dieyi gave it to me.

How many times has he given it to you?

Twice.

When was the second time?

Shortly before the liberation of Beijing.

Where?

On the street in front of the theater

What did you say to each other?

It was quite chaotic.

I don't remember.

Try.

We didn't say anything.

Keep thinking.

If we did, I can't recall.

Something about what you'd do to the communists?

No. Certainly not.

I'd stake my life on it.

But what if we have a witness?

Who? Bring out the bastard.

Na Kun

what did I say?

I'll give you a hint:

something about ragtag troops.

Na Kun, this is pure slander.

You reactionary old theater boss, you only want to protect yourself.

You said you'd take on their ragtag troops.

No. I never said that.

What I meant was

No. I said nothing at all.

Mr. Na... Help me, Mr. Na.

You've been smashing bricks since you were a boy, haven't you?

Do it for us.

Do it.

Come on.

Duan Xiaolou, aren't you the king?

No, I'm not.

But you've always been the king, haven't you?

That's just an opera.

It's not real life.

Did you go to brothels in the old society?

Yes.

Don't you think that's shameful?

Yes.

When you married Juxian, what was she?

A prostitute.

Good.

Now tell us what we need to know about Cheng Dieyi.

Of course, you don't have to tell us anything.

You saw what happened to Yuan Shiqing.

Make your own decision.

Sweep away all cow demons and snake spirits.

We will destroy him.

Cut off the black hands.

Uncover the black gangs.

Seize the black hands that have infiltrated the cultural world.

Sweep away all cow demons and snake spirits.

Xiaolou

Duan Xiaolou is the reactionary king.

Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi are anti-Party elements.

Down with Duan Xiaolou.

Down with Cheng Dieyi.

Speak up.

Speak up.

All right. I'll tell you. He's totally mad about opera.

Who? Make yourself clear.

Cheng Dieyi. All he cares about is opera.

No matter who was in the audience, what class they belonged to

he'd still give it his all.

You're not being straight with us.

If you don't comply, we'll annihilate you.

At the start of the War of Resistance

he sang for the Japanese.

He was a traitor.

Down with Cheng Dieyi.

He sang for wounded Nationalist soldiers

He sang for capitalists, landlords and the idle rich.

He sang for the tyrant of the opera world, Yuan Shiqing.

Down with Cheng Dieyi.

What else? Tell us.

He smoked opium like there was no tomorrow.

he smoked away the blood and sweat of the laboring masses.

Keep going. Get to the point.

Speak.

Down with Cheng Dieyi.

In order to get on Yuan Shiqing's good side

he... Did you or did you not?

He became Yuan Shiqing's... his

Didn't you?

You were his

Right.

Sweep away all cow demons and snake spirits.

Scholars and beauties, kings and ministers

you've all betrayed me.

I have something to reveal too.

I'll reveal everything.

Why do you think you sang for the Japanese?

You're a shell of a man.

Xiaolou, you have no conscience.

You're as greedy as a wolf.

From the moment you got involved with this woman

I knew you were finished.

Do you think disaster just falls from the sky?

No, not at all.

We've come step by step towards this fate.

It's retribution.

I'm despicable and I have been for a long time

but now even the King of Chu is on his knees begging for mercy.

Can Beijing opera survive? It's doomed, isn't it?

This is what's called retribution

karmic retribution.

And I have something else to reveal.

Do you see that woman?

Who is she? I'll tell you.

A slut

the top whore at the House of Blossoms, Panjinlian.

A whore. Struggle against her.

Struggle against her to the death. Duan Xiaolou, is it true she was a prostitute?

Well, was she?

Tell us.

Yes.

Do you love her?

Do you?

No. I don't.

Is that the truth?

Really. I really don't love her.

I'll never have anything to do with her again.

Nothing at all.

From now on we have no relationship.

Juxian

listen to Grandma and talk of revolution.

If the spirit gets excited, the body becomes tense.

The Han's troops take our land.

Chu's on all sides.

My king, quickly give me your precious sword.

No.

You mustn't take your life.

My king, quickly give me your precious sword.

No. You mustn't do this.

It's too hard.

I'm old.

I'm catching my breath.

I'm a nun.

My hair is shorn at youth's prime.

I am by nature a boy

not a girl.

Wrong.

I am by nature a boy

not a girl.

Let's do it again.

My king, give your sword to your concubine.

Never.

I can't let you die.

Your sword.

Nonsense.

I won't.

The Han's troops are entering the city.

Where?

Dieyi

Douzi

In the Beijing of 1990

an opera performance was held to commemorate

200 years of Beijing opera.