Original subtitles

Hu du men

I thought I've thrown them all out...!

- It'll ruin your liver. - Don't worry.

Aunt ming!

"Look at you, madder than a wrinkled hatter!"

"And so scared like your soul has abandoned you!"

Stop drinking! You're nuts!

A middle-aged person, and you're still crazy.

"Why turn your back on me? Why turn your back on me?!

I'm giving you back this money. I don't want it.

Keep it. It may come in handy.

I don't need much money living here.

But you'll be spending American dollars over there, you know that?

What American dollars? I told you it's Australian dollars.

You decided to emigrate just like that.

I don't know how I'm going to spend the rest of my days.

How many years have you been with me?

You may not know it, but I've been serving you for 25 years.

- Are you really that old? - Is that long enough?

Hey, I have good stuff.

Excellent. They really smell!

That's right. Listen to the director and come back early for rehearsal.

Aunt ming, have a piece.

What about this guy? How many years has he been with you?

Dad, we have time.

Me and Jo Jo want to go shopping.

To buy more trading cards? Go see your mom backstage.

Uncle, you don't know the trend. Trading cards are out.

We're going to look baby-g.

We'll meet you inside the theater. Bye.

Bye, uncle.

Don't stay too long. We don't have much time.

Aunt ming, have a piece.

Why does she pull a long face every time I see her?

I haven't offended her.

You yourself have been pulling a long face at director lam.

A cantonese opera troupe hiring a director neither Chinese nor western...

I think that's really ridiculous!

But the show's improved. It's high time we reformed cantonese opera.

That kid didn't learn his trade in a troupe!

Can't even tell stage right from stage left!

Oh please! You want to be the lead, you work hard for it.

I never complained about these things.

I'm talking about your attitude.

Stop nagging me! I'm going to get changed.

- Lung! - Chan!

Smelly tofu! Got them at the best stall in causeway bay.

Let's eat together.

You already have smelly tofu? Who bought them?

I did. You don't suppose they grow on trees, do you?

- Everybody get changed! - So soon?

Put on the trousers first.

- Your daughter's becoming impossible. - Mimi?

Of course. You only have one daughter, don't you?

Have you been nagging her again? Be nice when you talk to her.

What? A father has to be nice talking to his own daughter?

That's the western way. And you want to emigrate?

Some mother you are!

Don't "mother" me.

I'm playing general diging. I have to get into the mood of being a man.

We'll talk about these trifles when we get home.

Trifles?

Sum, director lam and uncle tin are at it again.

I can't handle them. Will you please come out?

This hot weather is making all the men bad tempered.

What kind of an attitude is that?

Now she's going to take care of those trifles.

Well, I'm going to take a look myself.

Regulations are made by human beings. Bing is my disciple.

The way you handle it, you're just not giving me face.

It's nothing personal.

Bing never showed up for rehearsals, or he was late.

It stands to reason that I find a replacement.

What is it? Disciplinary action? We're not in the army!

Bing learned his trade in the troupe. He knows all his roles.

We're not doing a stage play.

Discipline, uncle tin. What I want is discipline.

Discipline my foot!

Bing is an adult. He doesn't need diapers!

So, everybody's here.

Well, director lam, shall we rehearse act 11?

Rehearse my foot!

Sum, he's using another guy to replace my bing.

Bing's always hiding away gambling, and doesn't show up for rehearsals.

Damny you! Don't you try to cut your teeth on me!

Replacing bing is no big deal. What counts is your performance.

Isn't that right, director lam?

Sum, acting is ensemble work...

Exactly! The showgirls in Macau do great ensemble work.

They stand in the chorus line...

They kick their legs, up and down and up and down.

That's ensemble work!

Lung is right.

In our trade, stars carry 70% of the show.

We've learned our trade and we know what we're doing.

I've been an actor for so many years...

Uncle tin, now you're challenging me.

I don't speak english. I did not "char-lun-ju" you!

Can I make a suggestion?

Bing, you missed your call and caused uncle tin to lose face.

As punishment, you don't perform tonight.

Director lam...

Come on, let's run through this one more time.

You just stop bullying me with english.

And I did not "chat-lun-ju" you.

Just get out of my way. Bing!

Sum, I...

We've had enough rehearsals.

Go get changed, okay?

Just do your part. I'll take care of uncle tin.

Sorry, sum.

Good, uncle tin. Uncle tin's my man.

Uncle tin, I brewed this ginsheng tea myself. Have a taste.

Careful, it's hot.

How is it?

That english word he said... He said I "char-lun-ju" him.

What did he mean?

He meant... he was in... trouble.

And he wanted you to... Give him some pointers.

You're always protecting him.

You're a great actor. You can afford to be generous. Give junior a break.

But has he any respect for me as a senior actor?

He's afraid you'd walk out on the show.

Am I so petty?

That's it. Of course you won't walk out on the show. How silly of him.

Would I let my reputation be at stake over some little punk?

I'd be the laughing stock among colleagues.

Uncle tin, give him a good show. Okay?

Show time, standby!

Okay!

You say "shi-ting-by" and I "shi-ting-by".

I'm much obliged, uncle tin.

"Full house"

Andy lau!

Your mom knows Andy?

That time he performed cantonese opera at a charity show...

Mom was his instructor.

Leon lai isn't even in Hong Kong. His manager must have sent it.

What a phoney!

Your mom is really cool.

Really!

Are you crazy? Stop fooling around! The show's starting.

"Who are you?"

"Princess sheung yeung!" "Emperor sheung yeung!"

"Let's have your name, and get ready to die!"

"I am diqing, supreme commander of the song dynasty!"

Your mom is so cool.

Who's more cool? She or I?

Watch the show.

A lot of people.

Yes, all the shows are sold it.

No other troupe can compete with us.

It's sum. She has so many fans.

How about Singapore?

It's no match for Hong Kong.

- Is there encore for cantonese opera too? - Just curtain calls.

They're all mad.

Here they come.

Sum!

Great show!

- This is for you. - Let's take a picture.

Thank you.

You turn now. Let us take a picture for you.

Sum, you're gorgeous. You're absolutely gorgeous tonight.

Come, another one.

I'll be happy if you'd be half as good as sum.

Pardon us. Sum has to get changed.

Please visit us another day.

Sum, let me introduce.

This is my buddy ah leung.

He just arrived from Singapore.

- Sum. - Ah leung, is that right?

- Sorry, it's a mess here. - Please don't stand on ceremony.

Sum, this is my daughter yuk-sheung... Say hi.

- Sum. - Sheung, is that right?

Yuk-sheung is an opera actress in Singapore.

- Really? - You must teach her.

Sum, you guys should get together some time.

Right. Let's meet at my place tomorrow.

Do you have time?

Yes. Sure. I won't take up any more of your time.

- No, that's okay. - We'll visit you tomorrow.

Yes. I'll see you to the door.

Those door keepers, they're not doing their job!

They've let the fans come in again! Backstage, no admission.

Jo, why are you wearing a boy's haircut? You think it looks good on you?

Doesn't it?

I've never had long hair all my life.

Short hair is good. I'm thinking about cutting my hair short myself.

Why? Your hair looks pretty good as it is.

Jo, where do you want me let you out?

Jo is sleeping with me tonight.

I already asked mom.

Excuse me, are you sum's husband?

Yes.

Really? Can I have your autograph?

We are sum's most faithful fans.

- You want my autograph? - Yes, if you don't mind.

Sum, sum, sum is coming.

Hurry, come in.

She got me again.

What happened?

There's a fan who pinches me every time she sees me.

Both my arms are bruised.

Really! Watch out she doesn't knife you one of these days.

Jo, change seats with me.

Why? You'll find out.

Here she comes. Sum's coming.

Sum, a letter for you.

They may get run over! Don't they know?

They're all mad, crazy people.

Aunt, you're right up there with Leon.

I just have a small turf.

Look, that's really funny.

They're really something.

"Peanuts!"

"Peanuts!"

"Peanuts!"

"Peanuts!"

"Sword of dragon spring, long hidden inside the case."

"Out of the sheath today, it gives off a brilliant glow."

"I join the army, subdue the red mane horse..."

"And go a fighting..."

Sissy, go inside!

"Go a fighting... in the land of xiliang."

Are you a pervert? Peeping on little girls!

What kind of nonsense is that?

Didn't you notice something strange about Jo?

What? You yourself are strange.

Them two girls are sleeping together.

So what?

Two girls sleeping together!

What's wrong with that?

You rather have Mimi sleep with a boy?

She's mad! Singing at the top of her voice early in the morning.

And you... going through your lucky draws!

Don't your eyes ever get tired?

No. This department store is really something.

You spend $500 and you get a lucky draw. If you win...

You have 10 minutes to take whatever you want.

You can take home the whole department store!

Good, this one's good.

I beg you, please spend more time with Mimi.

Okay.

Ask her to go with you to your english classes.

Okay.

Don't just okay me. Are you listening to what I say?

What is it?

You're never this serious about anything serious.

Are you know are your lucky draws.

No, I must relax. I must.

What's the english word for relax?

Or I'll never win a prize.

Do you know why I'm in such a hurry to emigrate?

Got it! I got it!

Really? How much?

- How much money? - Two dozen throaties.

I knew I was going to win when I got to the fifth number.

"The scent of durians comes a-drifting, come and get it."

A fax from your brother?

Yes, he said the school in Australia wanted some papers from Mimi.

Did you ever ask her if she liked Australia?

I'm leaving my business behind...

To go there. And it's all for her!

Lately you seem not quite yourself.

You're the one who's not quite yourself! Going crazy over two dozen throaties!

It's you who's sick.

Is there a phone card for long distance calls?

Yes, $100 each.

One, please.

- You really shouldn't. - Oh, it's nothing.

Have a throatie. There're plenty.

Sum, your performance last night was just spectacular.

It's really an eye-opener for yuk-sheung.

Ah leung says he'd like yuk-sheung to start a career in Hong Kong.

And our troupe can use a first supporting actress.

Yuk-sheung has played leading roles in Singapore.

She's been on TV many times.

She looks really sweet after make-up.

Take a look at her photographs.

Yuk-sheung, are you not going to ask sum for advice?

Right. Sing something for sum. Go on.

Come over here. Yuk-sheung, right?

Yuk-sheung, come here.

Open your mouth.

That's it. Open it wide, like you're going to the dentist's.

No. Like this.

- Are they real or not? - They're real.

Really? Let me hear you sing "pissing every morning".

Pissing?

No, it's "arriving every morning".

Well, go ahead. Sing.

You have good diction.

Many Hong Kong opera actresses don't have good diction.

They have to pull out all their teeth and get a new set.

You don't have one false tooth, do you?

Let me hear you sing. Can you do this?

"Behold the autumnal wind and leaves of tung trees,"

"Nothing but the autumnal wind and leaves of tung trees."

"Every night I drown myself in sorrow over you."

Good. She really can handle high registers.

Is your teacher ting sheung-sheung?

How do you know?

Sum used to tour a lot and was a big star in southeast Asia.

Let's not talk about the old days.

Uncle leung, why not ask yuk-sheung to stay in Hong Kong?

Let her get used to things here.

That'll be great.

Yuk-sheung, say thank you to sum and uncle ha.

Thank you, sum, thank you, uncle ha.

He goes on and on. I don't know what he's talking about.

He said to take off all our clothes.

Yes... yes.

We go fifty fifty?

Foreigner. What a question!

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

How do you say "sum-mo-sung"?

Mun-mo-sung.

He's a foreigner. He doesn't understand cantonese opera.

Save your breath. It's like...

- Like what? - Like playing music to a bull!

Hello... it's me. What have you done today?

I may not be able to come back for a while.

Father has arranged a show for me.

It'll run until the end of this month.

I can't. I've given my word.

Besides, it's a major troupe.

He said it's better to do one show here than ten in Singapore.

No, he didn't.

I'll call again when I have time.

The phone card is running out. Keep talking. Talk to me.

Father!

Have you been talking to that punk again?

No!

Didn't I tell you not to call him? Come with me.

Give me the phone card!

How many times have I told you?

C'mon, two first class tickets to Europe.

Mom, I'm leaving.

Drink this for me.

No, I got to go.

- Then take it with you. - I'm going. Bye.

- Where're you off to? - I'm going camping.

Come back here. You can't go.

But I already asked mom.

I don't care if you've asked god.

- Mom. - What's the matter?

Here you are. Drink some of this for me.

Do you know where your daughter is going?

She's going camping with Jo.

Where? “Where?

What kind of a mother are you? Lang Kim-sum!

What's the matter with you? Chan yiu-Cho!

You never consulted me about anything!

Well, you decided that we should emigrate without consulting me.

I'm doing that for her own good.

It's also for her good I forbid her to go camping.

She's grown up. You got to allow her some freedom.

And freedom means total irresponsibility and indulgence?

Don't exaggerate. She's not going to a nudist camp.

You can't go. Now go back to your room.

Mr chan, lately you've been very hot-tempered.

What a nuisance!

Mimi, why are you still at home?

I can't come.

Why? What happened?

Mimi, don't be silly. What happened?

Dad wouldn't let me, and now he's fighting with mom.

What's going on? Don't cry, I'll be right over.

No, don't.

Why? I want to talk to your dad.

No. I don't want to see you quarrel.

Your dad's really too much. He's such an asshole!

I'm an asshole?

You dyke! You're a bad influence on my daughter!

Dad

You... low-down mean dirty obscene!

You hear that?

How can she be so lenient?

She should have said you're unbelievably mean...

Definitely dirty and obscene!

I've won! I've won a backpack!

Wow! A backpack!

Lung, uncle tin, before you make your entrance...

We have a sound cue and a light cue over there.

You enter only after the spotlight has come on. Okay?

Let's do it again. Thank you.

Whatever you say.

Music, please.

- Yin, have a cup of tea. - Thank you, uncle ha.

I'm really sorry, uncle ha and sum.

Two weeks before the show opens, and I'm having my first baby in my old age.

What can we do?

I do admire pregnant old ladies. You're bad!

You really have guts. It's okay. We can manage.

Sum, it concerns our most important show. How're we going to manage?

It's okay. Don't worry. Anyway, don't worry.

Director lam. I don't like you changing the script at the time.

And you changed my lines without consulting me.

Right. The audience come to see us artists.

All your big words alone cannot reform cantonese opera.

Outrageous!

And all your "q" s, goodness! And you know is anti-tradition.

The truth is, you don't know shit!

Right on!

Cantonese opera has been reforming itself since day one.

The name of the association has changed,

the all-male cast has given way to a mixed cast...

Matinees have become evening shows,

and role types have become the six-pillars system.

Cantonese opera has always been changing.

So long as the changes are good changes...

Cantonese opera will grow and prosper.

I have good news: Yin is going to be a mother.

Really? Is it a boy or a girl?

It's only two months. You can't find out this early.

Director lam, let's call it a day.

Let's celebrate. We'll go and have coffee, okay?

All right. I'm treating.

I'm not going. I've not been feeling too well lately.

I can't take stimulants.

Yin, congratulations. I'll burn some incense for you.

May you give birth to a boy.

Thank you.

Lung, let's go.

Okay.

It's okay. Just pamper him a bit...

Do you know how?

Well...

Put away everything. Let's go.

Yuk-sheung, let's go.

No. Father is waiting for me at the hotel.

I think I'd better go on home.

Do come, it's early.

No, let her go home.

You go on home. We'll have coffee another day.

Can I talk to wong man-chun please?

How come you're here?

Aren't you happy to see me here?

You scared me!

Sorry. You're so silly.

And you're bad.

You just flew over without telling me. You scared me to death!

Did I really?

Where does it hurt? Let's me treat you.

Impudent!

You're only a med student!

- I missed you. - I missed you too.

When did you arrive? Where's your luggage?

I got here some time after three.

I came right over to look for you after I've checked in.

I called your hotel room, but no one answered.

So I waited for you from across the road.

I went to rehearsal. Did you see my father?

Yes. I saw him go into the hotel.

But he soon came out again.

- What is it? - Nothing.

Let me look.

No, I'm fine.

Let me look.

When did it happen?

I'm okay. And it doesn't hurt.

I'm going to talk to him.

Chun, I don't need you to talk to him.

But he's always beating you. When is he going to stop?

But it won't do any good for you to talk to him.

He'll just beat you up.

I can stand up to him if need be.

And where does that leave me?

But it pains me.

I'm fine. I've joined a major company.

Given time, I'll become the lead...

I'll be making money and he won't beat me again.

But it really pains me.

Does the name lang Kim-sum mean anything to you?

I'm now in her troupe.

I never watched cantonese opera.

A man or a woman?

A woman playing male roles.

It'll be great if you could stay a few more days.

Then you can come to our opening night.

I've taken a ten-days leave.

So long! What about school?

I'm smart and intelligent. Don't you worry.

Impudent!

True. You know I was really shy before I met you.

But I've forgotten all about it after I met you.

Spare me your sweet talk!

Hi, sum. Long time no see.

This one isn't any good.

How about this "hoi-ching"?

The sleeves aren't very good. Get me another one.

These things do bring back memories, don't they?

Consider it visiting old friends when you come here.

I mean them chickens. Feed them!

With peanuts? They'll choke to death.

- Look at youl! - You get them all over the place.

Nelly made this one herself.

She really put her heart into it.

Back in those days, making a "hoi-ching" cost a fortune.

By the way, where have Nelly and her son gone to?

It's easy enough for her to look for us.

Much easier than for us to look for her.

You're not bringing all this stuff to Australia, are you?

What for? There's no cantonese opera in Australia.

I'll give them to you for your dowry.

I don't want them. I don't sing cantonese opera.

They'll just be in my way.

I heard the kangaroos in Australia are really lewd animals.

They'll jump right into your house and take advantage of you.

Nonsense!

Lately chan is even more bad-tempered than kangaroos.

What happened? He look Liberty of you?

Let me look at your mouth.

Punch your mouth. You got such a dirty mouth.

It's like he's gone crazy, always scolding people for no good reason.

Is he on the rag?

At his age? He's had his menopause years ago.

I think I'm going to give these clothes to yuk-sheung.

Ouch. I might have hurt myself moving that wardrobe.

I'll do it.

Get a move on, okay?

Okay.

How come there're peanuts all over the place?

C'mon, get a move on.

You punk! Leave my daughter alone!

I'll kill you.

Sum, sum.

Stop it... stop.

Sum - stop this nonsense!

Chun, leave... go.

Want your daughter miss the show?

No, sum. No.

You get drunk and beat up on people?

Now go on back.

Go.

This is good stuff.

Sum, I'm really sorry.

It's okay. You've joined the troupe and you're one of us.

Thank you, sum.

What's the legal age in Singapore?

Eighteen.

Haven't you thought about being independent? You're without talents.

I don't mean to pry into your family business.

But in the long run, this is going to affect your performance...

Unless you don't take acting seriously.

No, I like acting.

My mom's last wish was for me to become the lead.

Did she pass away when you were very young.

When I was in junior high, mom got run over by a car because of me.

Since then my father has always disliked me.

He'll get drunk and beat up on me.

A lot of times he'll hide himself in a corner and cry.

I never saw a man cry like that, so broken-hearted.

Men always hide themselves in a corner and cry after they've beaten up a woman.

Like they are the one who's suffering the pain.

But I was never truly angry with my father.

I want to make more money so he can have a comfortable life.

I like the opera, because for me the stage is the safest place.

Who's that boy?

He's a med student.

Have one. They're great for drinking.

You met him in Hong Kong?

No! We met in Singapore.

Last year I was hospitalized for an injury. He happened to be there.

That's how we met.

He chases you all the way to Hong Kong?

He's not one of those playboys, is he?

No, we're serious.

I'm sure you'll like him when you get to know him better.

Sum, shall we go?

If not my father...

Don't worry. If he ever lays a finger on you again, I'll beat him up.

Check.

Someone else has taken care of it.

Who?

Sum, I'm so glad to see you!

One of your fans?

Is she coming over?

No.

This one is a crackpot. She seriously thinks I'm a man.

Her husband died and she wants to marry me.

I can't handle her.

What's going on here? World war 11?

Dad scolded Jo Jo.

That's right. I forbid you to see her again!

No.

Say that again?

I said no! I can't live without Jo Jo!

Are you want me beating you?

Another father beating his daughter. Not again!

Have you been drinking? Are you drunk?

I'm more sober than you.

Do you realize what they're up to?

Lesbianism!

I can't live without Jo Jo.

You damned girl!

What're you doing?

Just kill me! I'm not going to Australia.

Push me further and I'll kill myself!

Did you see that? Are you happy now?

What're you talking about? Why should I be happy?

When did you really care for Mimi?

Did you ever fulfil your responsibilities as a mother?

What do you want me to do?

To scold her like you? And threaten to beat her?

Do I have the right to do that?

I'm not her mother.

So that's it.

You're not her mother, and she's not your daughter.

I know it's my fault.

You've been mad at me ever since I brought Mimi home.

I know you are a loyal person, and you're terrific to your friends.

And you treat Mimi the same way you treat your friends -

a loyal person and a terrific friend.

But you never felt she's your daughter.

Am I not right?

What're you having?

- Is Jo here? - Big Jo or small Jo?

- The boyish little girl. - There she is.

Uncle, no, auntie. How're you?

Do you come here every night?

It's my sister's bar. I work here part-time.

This is some goofy stuff. Great. Thanks.

Jo, did you ever wear a skirt?

I think you'd look fabulous in a skirt.

You seem to have long legs.

Auntie, you can be straight forward with me.

Okay, are you fond of Mimi?

I guess yes.

I like to be with her, I like that feeling.

Mimi feels the same about me.

But you're both girls.

There're no regulations against girls chasing girls, are there?

Then why do you dress up like a boy?

So do you!

I do not. I only play men on stage.

Off stage I'm a woman, I'm 100% woman.

A lot of men admire me. And I like that.

How do you know the men who admire you are not gay?

Gay? Will gay men like me?

Let me be honest with you.

You look so much better on stage than you are now.

As a woman, you're rather ordinary.

If you and uncle want to separate us...

I'm sorry, you're bound to fail.

I'm impressed.

All right. I'll leave Mimi to you.

Here are some forms for you to fill out. They're for entrance examinations.

You pass them, you go to Australia with Mimi.

How's that?

They're all in english. You're just making things difficult for me.

I can't do it.

That's not true. You want happiness, you fight for it.

The more difficult things are, the more necessary you overcome them.

To prove that you are really fond of Mimi.

Otherwise you're just cheating her.

I am not.

Fine. Then it's settled.

I'm giving you this medicated oil as well.

Use it when you get all dizzy from studying.

Excuse me, I'm waiting for someone.

This table is occupied.

Are you blind?

Am I pretty?

What's come over you today?

Do I smell good?

I'll charm you men to death!

Has something happened? Is there a disaster?

Is it chan?

Didn't I tell you? What're you doing emigrating?

Consider that a favor. You'll become the lead when I'm gone.

Without you, it's meaningless even if I became emperor.

You think I really like emigrating.

Waiter, an xo, please.

So, how're you getting on with director lam?

You asked me to come out to talk about director lam?

No.

Don't think, answer me right away.

When is director lam's birthday? Where does he live?

What's his phone number? His pager number? His mobile phone number?

Right away! You going to apologize to him?

Good.

Now what's the matter with you?

You're not having an affair with him.

Are you sick?

It's been a long while since we came here.

Now let me ask you.

You like me playing a man? Or me as I am, a woman?

Or you never considered me a woman?

Answer me, quick.

Are you nuts?

Answer me, quick.

You're crazy.

Answer me, right away.

I don't know what you're asking me? How can I answer?

Are you gay?

No need to be that serious...

- Sum. - Thank you.

Good coffee.

Real Brazilian coffee. Not bad, eh?

Uncle tin, please have a cup.

What a wonderful aroma!

This for you.

No, I've done nothing to warrant a present from you.

But I bought this especially for you.

Bing has been really working hard...

And it's all because of you.

Director lam has given bing back his role.

Well, that punk does deserve a lesson from time to time.

- Bing. - Yes, sir.

Ensemble work is very important, you remember that.

Be disciplined, and get yourself "shi-ting-by".

Yes, sir.

Yin!

Yin, are you okay? Call her husband, quick!

My tummy really aches.

Call an ambulance.

Hold it. What about our show tonight?

I just need a little rest.

Take her to the hospital.

Sum, what do we do now?

We'll change the bill. Yuk-sheung, come here.

Which opera do you know best?

No need to change the bill. I can play yin's role.

Really?

I've been watching yin rehearse.

Director lam, rehearse a bit.

Feng, you too.

I can manage.

Let's get changed and standby.

Sum!

Nelly!

It's really been ages!

You don't know how we miss you!

Nelly, I've been looking for you everywhere.

Where've you been?

Chun is here.

My son?

- Where? - Fourth row, third seat.

- He in the checkered shirt? - That's him.

Sum!

Chun likes that girl.

He likes yuk-sheung?

Chun is here. So I have to look you up.

Sum, I beg you, promise me two things.

Stop them.

I don't want chun to fall in love with an opera actress.

Why?

Why?

Because I want to defy fate.

And the other thing...

You don't have to say it.

Rest easy, I won't.

Sum, you're on.

I know. What're we doing tonight?

Oh my god. Sum, are you okay?

Have you forgotten?

No, I remember, I remember.

I'm really worried.

Don't worry.

In our trade, once we step over this hu-du-men and make our first entrance.

We have to forget ourselves and become another person.

Mother, where are you?

My son!

My dear son!

Mother!

Are you packing already?

No.

You've won the lucky draw.

They called, but I didn't have time to tell you.

I won the lucky draw? Really?

Yes.

Maria and I got all this stuff in ten minutes.

You almost killed yourself, didn't you?

A long last you've won the big prize.

But my business has gone bust.

What?

I've meant to tell you.

Now you know why I'm in a hurry to emigrate.

What about your factories?

Gone! All three of them are going down the drain.

I have to close them down at the end of this month.

- Why? - Why?

Things are bad. I should give myself credit for surviving this long.

You lost all your money?

I still have enough to start over again in Australia.

I'm scared!

Scared I'm going to lose you.

Why didn't you tell me? I have money.

Now I have no sense of security whatsoever.

Please don't leave me.

You poor fool.

I'll stay with you always, hold your hand, and watch the world come to its end with you.

What is it?

It's okay. Dad and mom are okay.

Well, let me tell you.

I've saved up enough money to last us for the rest of our lives.

Dad's smiled! He's happy now! It's okay.

Nelly, eat this bird's nest soup while it's hot.

I made it myself.

Yuk-sheung is a nice girl.

No!

I don't want chun to get involved with you theater people.

All these years you never contacted me, so I thought...

You mustn't want me to get back my son.

You can say I'm being silly, so selfish.

But I'm really scared.

Don't, Nelly.

I gave you my word I wouldn't get him back and I'll keep my promise.

I'm very grateful to you chun has turned out as he is.

Why don't you come and stay with me?

You can tell him I'm his god-aunt.

Or his god-mother?

Chun doesn't know I've followed him here.

I brought you two durians.

I remember you always like smelly food.

Nelly, I just want to look at chun for a few more minutes.

One for you, and one for aunt ming.

I want to ask you something.

What?

You gave up chun for the opera...

Did you ever regret it?

Sum.

Are you not feeling well?

I feel so tired.

Yuk-sheung, life is so interesting.

You'll never know what decision to make or what to wish for.

You want to go shopping?

Not anymore.

I've won a lucky draw and almost...

Bought the extire department store.

Want any rice cooker?

No, thanks. I'm meeting chun.

We want to do some shopping.

Where is he? When is he coming?

He should be here any minute now. There he is.

Sum, this is chun.

Nice to meet you.

I'm really grateful for your help last time.

That's okay.

Chun, let's take sum home first.

She's not feeling too well.

No, I'm not going home, I'm not going home.

But aren't you tired?

Not now. I love shopping.

Let's go shopping. Let's go.

Let's get this.

Isn't it nice?

- This tie here? - Yes, it's really nice.

It matches your round eyes. It's perfect.

- I bought you these toys. - For me?

This is for you.

- Thank you. - You shouldn't do this.

Let's get it.

- Really? - I'll look nice on you.

It's a present.

- No... - I insist.

Pick another one.

No, you mustn't do this. Let me buy it myself.

This one is nice!

How pretty. Isn't it pretty?

What a good looking young man!

Let's get it. Let's get this one too.

And this. Do you like these colors?

Well, some of them, and...

Let's get them all!

Get them all! Is there a lucky draw?

Are all famous opera stars like that?

I'm not a famous opera star.

When you become one, you'll be like that too?

Yeah, and I'm going to spend all your money.

Chun, how about underwear? You have enough?

Miss, give me four dozens. Both styles.

Wrap them up... you get a problem?

- Is it dirty? - No.

What a fine forehead you have.

Sum praises me.

Sum, I do admire your acting. You really become the character you play.

And you cry real tears.

I'll cry for you right now.

No, sum. Don't pay him any attention.

Yeah. Show me. Cry.

Let me gather myself a little bit.

Really?

You can learn from sum.

Do you have a kleenex?

Yes. I have a handkerchief.

Sum, you're really great!

I did okay? Yeah...

Are you half as good as sum?

You'll be 22 come December, right?

Yes. How do you know?

I can tell fortunes.

I was born on Christmas Eve.

- At six o'clock. - What?

Let me have this handkerchief, can 1?

Sure, go ahead. Please take it.

Do you like cantonese opera?

You're not going to believe me.

Last night was my first time at a cantonese opera.

Why?

His mom doesn't like opera, as well as us actors.

That's a bit too much.

Don't worry. I'll take care of your mom.

I've come all the way to Hong Kong to chase her...

Am I being silly?

Yes.

But you did the right thing.

To do the right thing, you've got to be a bit crazy.

There's no way I'm going to pass those exams.

That's okay. After you've graduated and saved up enough money...

You come to visit me in Australia.

If I get a full-time job here...

I can save up $2,000 a month.

And I can visit you in half a year's time, at the most eight months.

Remember. When I'm having summer vacation, it's Christmas here.

You're the studying type, but I'm not.

Your mom is right. I shouldn't be an obstacle to your education.

Work hard.

We'll show them.

"Congratulations, father-in-law, may you multiply and prosper."

"May you be forever young."

"A gold peach, a token of my respect."

Life is strange.

The more you try to run away from it, the more it reaches out to grasp you.

Finally we meet again, and there seems a range of mountains between us.

Nelly, all these years sum really missed you.

Oh no. That's my father-in-law?

Yes.

Wife, you told me the house with a big lantern is your father's residence.

That's right. So what did you do?

Well, I saw him and wished him "many happy returns".

But he chased me out with a broom!

What colour was the lantern?

Like your hairdo, blue with white words on it.

My goodness gracious!

It's taken sum a lot of hard work to get to where she is today.

In this profession...

If she hadn't dedicated herself, she wouldn't have such achievements.

Right?

You just put in the word "longevity" into every sentence.

I'm scared.

Come on.

You know, you really can't say who's right or who's wrong.

Nelly, chun will always be your son.

As to that business about his biological mother...

She's said she would never bring it up.

Prosperous father-in-law, I bring you longevity present!

A tortoise?

A male one!

I'm going to miss the stage, very much.

What I have, I get from cantonese opera.

I hope you will not forget me easily...

An artist who's struggled for over thirty years.

I, lang Kim-sum, have no regrets for my life!

Thank you.

Sum, don't go. I want to marry you!

I remember those days when sum started in southeast Asia...

Playing minor roles.

Yeah. One time she really made a fool of herself.

She made her entrance and slipped, and knocked the lead onto the floor.

It wasn't funny at all! That poor teacher of hers...

Her legs were shaking.

She made sum kneel down before the lead and apologize.

And that lead, she was so mean.

She said sum wasn't going to make it, and told her teacher to get another disciple.

And all because of these words...

Who's that lead?

Ting sheung-sheung. She was a big star.

Feng, come here.

We're here to celebrate sum's retirement.

Sum...

Please say a few words.

Sum, say a few words.

I have an announcement to make.

What is it?

Are you taking a disciple before you retire?

Indeed I've met a nice girl who's very dedicated.

I would like her for a god-daughter.

Her name is ip yuk-sheung.

Oh great!

My god-daughter, isn't she pretty?

Thank you, sum.

That's sum's family.

Her daughter's all grown up.

I'm telling you, times have changed.

From now on yuk-sheung is sum's daughter.

Dare you treat her badly!

Got you.

Stop drinking. Quit it.

Okay, I'll quit.

This is chun.

Is that yuk-sheung's boyfriend?

A family portrait, with mother and son.

Mother and son?

What're you doing standing on hu-du-men?

Don't want to make my entrance.

Why?

I make my entrance and you'll think I'm acting.

And even if it comes from my heart, you won't take me seriously.

Well, tell me.

It's very hard to see you go.

You. You should get down to business and word hard.

Yeah. Give me another lecture.

There won't be another one ever again.

Expand your repertory.

"Farewell under the scholartree"?

"The guilty son of sixth brother".

"Farewell my lovely".

"Yue fei's mother's lecture".

Find yourself a wife, before you lose all your hair.

That's right. I don't have as much hair as your darling director lam.

Another one from the heart?

I want to say something to thank you...

But I'm at a loss for words.

Can't stand retirement? Got all your emotions bottled up?

Guanyin

I see. So it's guanyin.

Pardon this mortal. I have no idea you've come to this world.

Speak nothing of pardon. Why are you all alone by yourself.

Tears I have, but I shed them not.

For they've not touched where it truly hurts.

Speak freely.

When I was a poor exile in a foreign land...

Good Nelly was there to ease my pain.

Bring me daylight, and scatter clouds of sorrow.

She knew my heart, and helped me fulfil my aspiration.

Out of her own volition, she brought chun up to be a man.

How can I repay such kindness? How I miss her!

Times have changed, and by a stroke of fate...

A new union is today made.

Where's Nelly? I have to find her.

She's gone.

She left you this.

You're in a bad mood. Look at it some other day.

No.

Don't! I don't want to see you cry.

Come, let's get out of here.

If I shed one tear, may I get run over by a car.

And I shall never see you again.

I said I wouldn't shed one tear.

How can I afford never to see you again?

Let's go have a drink.

This is the last time.

- Let me have my way for once. - All right. Let's get very drunk.

Did I hurt you?

- No, it's okay. - Don't move.

I was thinking, why did you decide to play male roles when you started?

Are you telling me you've always looked at me as a man?

Don't be silly. Tell me.

I've had enough of men walking over me.

I wanted to take charge on stage.

This piece won't come out.

You have a very big piece of ear wax. Don't move.

I've decided not to emigrate.

I know you don't want to give up cantonese opera.

We'll just send Mimi to go to school in Australia.

And I'll stay here with you.

- Are you kidding or what? - Of course I'm serious.

This is outrageous!

Thanks to you, I told the world I'm retiring, emigrating.

How can I go back on my words?

You just go tell the world: I'm coming back!

- You're crazy! - No, I'm not.

That's what Leslie cheung and Anita mui did!

It's no big deal. Just tell the public.

Are you saying...

I'm a loose woman who can't stand widowhood?

You may curse me, but I've decided. You do you "mun-mo-sung".

And I can carry your parasol.

You're no good for a crab general, and too old for a shrimp soldier.

Then I'll be happy playing a loose woman.

Well, lie down, loose woman. You want me to do the other ear or not?

You're bad!

All this emigration business. You're terrible!

It's all a game to you!

Good morning.

For women our age, it's easy enough to get a double chin.

I do this every morning... To tighten this here.

And also, if you want to tighten here, you open your mouth like this.

Five to six times continuously. We have to keep it.

And this is what I do every morning for my waist.

Try it. It really works. Seriously.

Look. Let me demonstrate.

Look at this move. Like this.

Turn this way. Your waist should be like this.

Now turn the other. This is a waist exercise.

This is called heaven and earth.

And this is stretching the bow.

What good does it do?

Well, it...

Try it. It works.

You keep yourself pretty fit, I say.

But it's a bit too much for me.

"Dear sum, how're you?"

"I am really grateful for your help when I was in Hong Kong."

"Yuk-sheung told me you've taught her a lot of things.""

"Things are fine here in Singapore.

"Seems she's changed her attitudes towards yuk-sheung."

"I'm planning to visit you and yuk-sheung after Chinese new year."

"Warmest regards, chun."

No emigration!

No emigration! Yeah!