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1
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Wanhua, my nephew:
2
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By the time you get this letter
3
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your uncle may have breathed his last.
4
00:01:23,437 --> 00:01:26,429
Starting with your grandpa,
5
00:01:26,773 --> 00:01:29,606
the Mei family has sung opera,
6
00:01:30,277 --> 00:01:33,337
serving the palace and the people...
7
00:01:33,547 --> 00:01:36,380
careful never to incur catastrophe.
8
00:01:36,850 --> 00:01:40,650
Who dares not wear red
for the Empress Dowager's birthday?
9
00:01:40,888 --> 00:01:41,980
You have some nerve.
10
00:01:42,122 --> 00:01:44,215
My aunt just passed away.
11
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I'm still in mourning.
12
00:01:46,894 --> 00:01:49,055
Ouch! Sir.
13
00:01:49,196 --> 00:01:51,164
Beat me. I deserve it.
14
00:01:51,698 --> 00:01:56,226
Because of this,
they put a paper yoke on me.
15
00:01:56,370 --> 00:01:59,737
Sir, please don't make me wear this.
16
00:02:00,874 --> 00:02:02,933
Just beat me and be done with it.
17
00:02:03,076 --> 00:02:03,940
Move!
18
00:02:05,145 --> 00:02:07,204
What's happening to me?
19
00:02:07,347 --> 00:02:09,144
Rip the yoke and you die.
20
00:02:09,850 --> 00:02:10,544
Yes, sir.
21
00:02:10,784 --> 00:02:13,685
Even stars of the opera
22
00:02:13,921 --> 00:02:15,889
are being looked down upon.
23
00:02:16,623 --> 00:02:19,023
I don't want you to be beaten,
24
00:02:19,159 --> 00:02:21,627
and then have to say,"well done",
25
00:02:22,129 --> 00:02:25,860
or to wear such a yoke of shame.
26
00:02:26,567 --> 00:02:29,195
Wanhua, open up.
27
00:02:30,304 --> 00:02:32,397
Master Shisan is here to see you.
28
00:02:37,311 --> 00:02:38,835
What did your uncle's letter say?
29
00:02:44,251 --> 00:02:48,847
Quit the opera, leave this "garden".
30
00:02:49,056 --> 00:02:50,580
Take your final bow.
31
00:02:51,058 --> 00:02:53,117
Turn your back on the stage forever.
32
00:03:05,439 --> 00:03:07,771
We want Mei Lanfang,
33
00:03:08,075 --> 00:03:09,201
or our money back!
34
00:03:09,343 --> 00:03:12,005
Ten Years Later - The Republican Period
35
00:03:12,746 --> 00:03:15,840
Look at this, what can we do?
36
00:03:16,617 --> 00:03:17,413
Hurry.
37
00:03:17,551 --> 00:03:18,245
What a mess.
38
00:03:18,385 --> 00:03:18,783
Hurry, go.
39
00:03:18,919 --> 00:03:20,079
Yes.
40
00:03:24,091 --> 00:03:25,353
Hearing my love passed the exam.
41
00:03:25,492 --> 00:03:27,187
And was Number One in the Court.
42
00:03:27,327 --> 00:03:29,318
I prayed for him at the temple.
43
00:03:29,463 --> 00:03:34,730
And went to Hongdong
as another man's concubine.
44
00:03:34,868 --> 00:03:35,766
Mr. Song.
45
00:03:36,470 --> 00:03:37,266
What is this?
46
00:03:37,404 --> 00:03:38,701
You've got to hurry up.
47
00:03:38,839 --> 00:03:40,830
The audience at Virtue Hall
is about to riot.
48
00:03:40,974 --> 00:03:41,372
You want to go now?
49
00:03:41,508 --> 00:03:41,997
Yes.
50
00:03:42,142 --> 00:03:43,166
Mr. Wang will kill you.
51
00:03:43,310 --> 00:03:44,038
Oh, no.
52
00:03:44,177 --> 00:03:44,609
No way.
53
00:03:44,745 --> 00:03:47,475
She gave me a bowl of soup,
54
00:03:47,614 --> 00:03:50,708
and I passed it on to him.
55
00:03:50,851 --> 00:03:53,479
Oblivious to pending disaster,
56
00:03:53,620 --> 00:03:55,986
he drank it and made a sound,
57
00:03:56,123 --> 00:03:58,182
then collapsed to the floor.
58
00:03:58,325 --> 00:04:02,694
He bled and bled until he died.
59
00:04:02,829 --> 00:04:05,093
Is Mei Lanfang coming or not?
60
00:04:05,232 --> 00:04:06,358
Give us our money back.
61
00:04:07,901 --> 00:04:08,560
Give us our money back.
62
00:04:21,281 --> 00:04:23,647
What's this blood?
63
00:04:23,984 --> 00:04:26,817
Wanhua.
64
00:04:33,760 --> 00:04:34,658
Wanhua,
65
00:04:37,130 --> 00:04:38,495
You're a star.
66
00:04:43,603 --> 00:04:44,433
Soldier on.
67
00:05:23,076 --> 00:05:23,872
How's your foot?
68
00:05:24,377 --> 00:05:25,071
It's okay.
69
00:05:26,246 --> 00:05:27,008
Huifang.
70
00:05:28,048 --> 00:05:28,810
What is it?
71
00:05:32,552 --> 00:05:35,521
I've been waiting for you.
Come with me.
72
00:05:35,922 --> 00:05:37,514
The opera's only half through.
73
00:05:37,958 --> 00:05:40,290
Didn't you have to rush
somewhere afterwards?
74
00:05:41,328 --> 00:05:43,023
I'm going to a lecture.
75
00:05:43,163 --> 00:05:44,562
I'm afraid not.
76
00:05:46,066 --> 00:05:48,159
I've promised Master Lu.
77
00:05:51,738 --> 00:05:52,466
C'mon.
78
00:05:54,074 --> 00:05:54,802
Go on.
79
00:06:10,023 --> 00:06:11,047
Wanhua.
80
00:06:12,292 --> 00:06:14,852
Sir, I finally got him for you.
81
00:06:15,428 --> 00:06:16,258
Wanhua,
82
00:06:18,198 --> 00:06:20,996
come and sit.
83
00:06:21,701 --> 00:06:25,193
Or... sit here.
84
00:06:35,549 --> 00:06:36,641
I said sit here.
85
00:06:37,551 --> 00:06:38,279
Understand?
86
00:06:46,293 --> 00:06:47,385
Master Shisan is here.
87
00:06:48,562 --> 00:06:52,760
Bless you Master Shisan!
Fortune and health to you!
88
00:06:52,899 --> 00:06:54,491
Too kind. Thank you.
89
00:06:54,768 --> 00:06:56,292
Please, this way.
90
00:06:58,071 --> 00:07:00,096
You're late, Master Shisan.
91
00:07:05,111 --> 00:07:06,078
Chairman Feng.
92
00:07:06,213 --> 00:07:07,009
Yes, yes, yes.
93
00:07:07,247 --> 00:07:08,339
You invited me here tonight.
94
00:07:08,481 --> 00:07:09,243
Yes, yes, yes.
95
00:07:09,382 --> 00:07:10,644
You've honoured me.
96
00:07:10,784 --> 00:07:12,809
Yes... I mean, the honour is ours.
97
00:07:12,953 --> 00:07:14,545
So I thought,
98
00:07:14,754 --> 00:07:17,723
a wash and shave would be in order.
99
00:07:18,358 --> 00:07:19,290
But guess what?
100
00:07:19,593 --> 00:07:23,825
When the hot towel covered my face,
I fell asleep.
101
00:07:27,133 --> 00:07:29,101
Come, let me introduce you.
102
00:07:34,007 --> 00:07:35,167
He can be quite eccentric.
103
00:07:36,576 --> 00:07:38,271
He's very important.
104
00:07:40,247 --> 00:07:41,214
What's his background?
105
00:07:41,815 --> 00:07:44,306
He's a magistrate. Educated overseas.
106
00:07:44,784 --> 00:07:49,278
Is there a lawsuit involved, then?
107
00:07:53,226 --> 00:07:56,127
Please welcome our speaker,
108
00:07:56,329 --> 00:07:57,523
Magistrate Qiu Rubai.
109
00:08:04,037 --> 00:08:05,766
Tonight is just a casual chat.
110
00:08:06,940 --> 00:08:10,000
As it's just a chat,
if I say something wrong,
111
00:08:10,143 --> 00:08:11,440
please stand and refute me.
112
00:08:12,078 --> 00:08:15,741
Similarly, if I think
what you say is baseless,
113
00:08:16,049 --> 00:08:16,947
I'll argue back.
114
00:08:24,457 --> 00:08:25,287
This gentleman...
115
00:08:29,863 --> 00:08:33,594
Comes for the lecture. So why so tardy?
116
00:08:34,634 --> 00:08:38,070
If your audience came late,
could the opera begin?
117
00:08:39,706 --> 00:08:42,903
You're right. I am so sorry.
118
00:08:44,911 --> 00:08:47,004
Who does he think he is?
119
00:08:47,314 --> 00:08:48,941
I loved going to
the Peking opera in my youth.
120
00:08:50,550 --> 00:08:52,984
But there was something
I could never understand.
121
00:08:53,386 --> 00:08:55,445
Why does makeup in Peking Opera
122
00:08:55,588 --> 00:08:57,453
make facial expressions so rigid?
123
00:08:59,025 --> 00:09:02,688
Later I worked it out.
124
00:09:03,229 --> 00:09:06,027
It's to suppress
the expression of emotion.
125
00:09:06,766 --> 00:09:08,996
Female characters paste locks
of hair over their cheeks. Why?
126
00:09:09,903 --> 00:09:12,770
It's to stop them
from laughing heartily.
127
00:09:13,340 --> 00:09:14,637
A discreet smile is fine.
128
00:09:16,376 --> 00:09:20,506
The official characters all hold
their belts.
129
00:09:21,514 --> 00:09:23,641
That shows you how to posture.
130
00:09:26,653 --> 00:09:28,985
Opera is tied up in rules.
131
00:09:29,222 --> 00:09:31,554
In a word, hidebound.
132
00:09:33,927 --> 00:09:35,087
What're you saying? This is...
133
00:09:35,228 --> 00:09:36,160
The truth.
134
00:09:36,930 --> 00:09:40,024
Mr. Qiu, you invited us to refute you.
135
00:09:40,500 --> 00:09:43,333
I'd rather pay you a compliment.
136
00:09:44,270 --> 00:09:46,295
You truly understand opera.
137
00:09:47,774 --> 00:09:49,139
Even a rank outsider knows,
138
00:09:49,275 --> 00:09:53,541
that the makeup conveys dignity
and seriousness.
139
00:09:55,081 --> 00:09:56,105
And that's why,
140
00:09:56,649 --> 00:09:59,015
actors have no freedom in Peking opera.
141
00:09:59,319 --> 00:10:01,253
They let themselves be caged.
142
00:10:02,522 --> 00:10:03,955
But what about
their emotions and sensuality?
143
00:10:04,090 --> 00:10:05,489
Their happiness, anger, grief and joy?
144
00:10:05,825 --> 00:10:06,757
It's all hidden away.
145
00:10:07,660 --> 00:10:09,628
I must compliment you again.
146
00:10:10,096 --> 00:10:12,360
Such a magisterial
interrogation of the opera.
147
00:10:12,499 --> 00:10:14,126
Shows its crimes are truly great.
148
00:10:14,868 --> 00:10:16,768
Chinese should give up opera.
149
00:10:17,137 --> 00:10:18,001
Why go?
150
00:10:18,671 --> 00:10:19,660
But you can't keep them away.
151
00:10:20,206 --> 00:10:22,197
The theatres are packed to the rafters.
152
00:10:22,342 --> 00:10:24,242
You can't chase them away.
153
00:10:25,779 --> 00:10:28,043
Are there people who don't go? Sure.
154
00:10:28,815 --> 00:10:31,010
Those who don't get it.
155
00:10:32,652 --> 00:10:33,346
Young Fei.
156
00:10:33,486 --> 00:10:34,384
Yes?
157
00:10:34,521 --> 00:10:35,886
That was rude.
158
00:10:36,022 --> 00:10:36,681
Oh, sorry.
159
00:10:39,459 --> 00:10:40,653
In Peking opera,
160
00:10:41,728 --> 00:10:44,458
characters should be flesh and blood.
161
00:10:47,133 --> 00:10:50,125
Actors mustn't stick to the old ways
162
00:10:51,204 --> 00:10:53,035
both on stage and in life.
163
00:10:53,973 --> 00:10:55,235
Unlike the heroine Su San...
164
00:10:56,209 --> 00:10:58,040
they shouldn't have to suffer.
165
00:10:59,546 --> 00:11:02,674
Allowed only to petition,
but not to rebel.
166
00:11:04,084 --> 00:11:06,484
With obedient heroines like Su San,
167
00:11:08,221 --> 00:11:10,246
Chinese women were
taught to follow the rules.
168
00:11:13,426 --> 00:11:14,723
Whereas great theatre shows
169
00:11:16,129 --> 00:11:19,929
how to break rules.
170
00:11:22,168 --> 00:11:22,998
Mr. Qiu!
171
00:11:24,938 --> 00:11:25,802
Mr. Qiu,
172
00:11:26,206 --> 00:11:28,003
Your lecture was so interesting.
173
00:11:28,908 --> 00:11:30,432
You made such profound points.
174
00:11:31,010 --> 00:11:31,874
Profound?
175
00:11:33,279 --> 00:11:35,372
Why do they seem so obvious to me?
176
00:11:35,515 --> 00:11:38,712
Here are two tickets to an opera.
177
00:11:39,586 --> 00:11:41,383
I'd be honoured if you'd come.
178
00:11:41,721 --> 00:11:42,415
Chairman Feng.
179
00:11:42,555 --> 00:11:43,385
Yes?
180
00:11:43,690 --> 00:11:45,282
You know what?
181
00:11:45,792 --> 00:11:46,884
What?
182
00:11:47,026 --> 00:11:49,995
That friend of yours,
183
00:11:50,130 --> 00:11:51,324
he's... how should I put it?
184
00:11:51,464 --> 00:11:52,192
A good-for-nothing.
185
00:11:52,332 --> 00:11:53,094
A good-for-nothing.
186
00:11:53,233 --> 00:11:57,067
His words may be unpolished
but his logic is sound.
187
00:11:57,437 --> 00:12:00,235
It's time opera reforms itself.
188
00:12:00,373 --> 00:12:01,237
Really?
189
00:12:02,609 --> 00:12:04,338
What's Wanhua up to?
190
00:12:04,477 --> 00:12:06,342
Teaching the magistrate
how to speak Chinese.
191
00:12:06,479 --> 00:12:06,740
Oh?
192
00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:09,576
See you later.
193
00:12:09,716 --> 00:12:10,546
Hey!
194
00:12:13,853 --> 00:12:18,187
Tell Wanhua not to hang around
that Qiu fellow.
195
00:12:19,359 --> 00:12:20,189
Featherbrain!
196
00:12:20,927 --> 00:12:23,361
You ought to see Mei Lanfang perform.
197
00:12:24,464 --> 00:12:28,628
He's on soon.
Pity, tickets are hard to come by.
198
00:12:29,969 --> 00:12:31,129
I have two right here.
199
00:12:36,409 --> 00:12:38,809
Announcing Cai Yuanpei!
200
00:12:42,782 --> 00:12:46,309
Liberals like Cai Yuanpei
and Hu Shi are here.
201
00:12:46,686 --> 00:12:50,486
Announcing Imperial Scholar Zhang Zizhi!
202
00:12:50,957 --> 00:12:52,447
The new and the old, they're all here.
203
00:12:53,193 --> 00:12:56,424
All here to see Mei Lanfang.
204
00:12:56,563 --> 00:12:56,961
Chairman Feng.
205
00:12:57,096 --> 00:12:57,858
Announcing President Yuan Shikai!
206
00:12:57,997 --> 00:12:58,964
Master Shisan.
207
00:13:16,015 --> 00:13:17,380
Sit down.
208
00:13:29,596 --> 00:13:45,240
A sudden stirring...
209
00:13:48,281 --> 00:14:00,819
desires impossible to deny.
210
00:14:00,960 --> 00:14:03,895
Mr. Qiu,
211
00:14:08,501 --> 00:14:09,627
what you think?
212
00:14:11,170 --> 00:14:12,296
Isn't he...,
213
00:14:14,307 --> 00:14:16,468
more like a woman than the real thing?
214
00:14:17,510 --> 00:14:24,211
With no true love yet found.
215
00:14:24,817 --> 00:14:30,255
My youth...
216
00:14:30,390 --> 00:14:31,379
Mr. Qiu, Mr. Qiu.
217
00:14:31,524 --> 00:14:32,354
Hush.
218
00:14:32,492 --> 00:14:33,424
Well...
219
00:14:35,695 --> 00:14:41,998
It did fly!
220
00:14:42,135 --> 00:14:51,168
No one knows
221
00:14:51,311 --> 00:14:59,047
the passions of my sleep.
222
00:14:59,218 --> 00:15:16,762
I must act proper and shy.
223
00:15:21,507 --> 00:15:22,667
Dear Mr. Mei Lanfang,
224
00:15:24,677 --> 00:15:26,406
it was my first time seeing you.
225
00:15:27,714 --> 00:15:28,703
I'm spellbound.
226
00:15:32,852 --> 00:15:34,251
Like everyone,
227
00:15:36,055 --> 00:15:39,183
I'm unsure if I think of you as a man...
228
00:15:40,626 --> 00:15:41,957
or a woman.
229
00:15:43,496 --> 00:15:44,588
It seemed the act of applauding,
230
00:15:45,465 --> 00:15:48,457
revealed some secret in my heart.
231
00:15:56,376 --> 00:15:58,503
Only one whose mind is clean and pure,
232
00:15:59,145 --> 00:16:03,445
could express passion
in such an exquisite manner.
233
00:16:05,551 --> 00:16:07,348
I've made a study
of the theatre overseas.
234
00:16:07,987 --> 00:16:09,921
If there's anything I can help you with,
235
00:16:10,256 --> 00:16:12,781
just say so and I'll be there.
236
00:16:16,829 --> 00:16:18,558
Ma, please try some of this.
237
00:16:19,766 --> 00:16:20,664
Master.
238
00:16:20,967 --> 00:16:23,094
A Mei Lanfang is at the gate.
239
00:16:23,269 --> 00:16:25,829
He's asking for you.
240
00:16:27,740 --> 00:16:28,729
I see.
241
00:16:36,449 --> 00:16:37,609
Mei Lanfang?
242
00:16:38,684 --> 00:16:41,152
The Mr. Mei of our acquaintance
243
00:16:41,287 --> 00:16:43,152
is no singer.
244
00:16:43,689 --> 00:16:44,417
Of course not.
245
00:16:44,557 --> 00:16:46,024
Tell him I can't see him.
246
00:16:49,128 --> 00:16:51,790
That's simple enough. Really!
247
00:16:53,533 --> 00:16:55,262
He left without saying where.
248
00:16:56,469 --> 00:16:58,027
Hard to say when he'll return.
249
00:16:59,038 --> 00:17:01,404
Wanhua, try again another day.
250
00:17:02,141 --> 00:17:04,632
I want him to be my mentor.
251
00:17:05,111 --> 00:17:06,078
Since he's not home.
252
00:17:06,412 --> 00:17:07,845
Please tell him.
253
00:17:08,748 --> 00:17:11,808
I received his letter
254
00:17:13,453 --> 00:17:14,442
and thank him.
255
00:17:17,223 --> 00:17:17,985
See you.
256
00:17:18,858 --> 00:17:19,620
See you.
257
00:17:24,730 --> 00:17:26,129
First you don't even like opera.
258
00:17:26,732 --> 00:17:29,030
Now you're writing fan letters.
259
00:17:29,302 --> 00:17:31,099
Fine. You court him. He comes.
260
00:17:31,237 --> 00:17:32,329
And you avoided him.
261
00:17:32,738 --> 00:17:34,729
I have no idea what's on your mind.
262
00:17:34,874 --> 00:17:36,842
You think I'm like that Master Lu?
263
00:17:38,678 --> 00:17:39,975
I'm a decent person.
264
00:17:41,781 --> 00:17:45,273
My motivation is pure.
265
00:17:55,127 --> 00:17:57,925
Master, this takes me back 10 years.
266
00:17:58,231 --> 00:18:00,256
Seeing the robe
the Empress Dowager gave you,
267
00:18:00,666 --> 00:18:02,065
still compels me to my knees.
268
00:18:02,201 --> 00:18:06,399
Enough ass-kissing. What's up?
269
00:18:06,839 --> 00:18:08,932
It's like this.
270
00:18:09,609 --> 00:18:12,737
Master Chen is not well enough to sing.
271
00:18:13,112 --> 00:18:15,603
Perhaps Wanhua could take his place.
272
00:18:23,256 --> 00:18:25,247
Wanhua, looking for someone?
273
00:18:25,525 --> 00:18:26,321
Master.
274
00:18:37,603 --> 00:18:46,807
My life has been so lonely and hard.
275
00:18:49,482 --> 00:19:08,596
I was orphaned when just a boy.
276
00:19:09,969 --> 00:19:11,027
Mr. Mei Lanfang
277
00:19:11,971 --> 00:19:14,405
Liu Yingchun waited 18 years
for her man's return.
278
00:19:15,641 --> 00:19:17,404
Now that he's at the door...
279
00:19:17,610 --> 00:19:19,703
How come she is more like a corpse,
280
00:19:19,845 --> 00:19:21,142
sitting there perfectly still?
281
00:19:22,214 --> 00:19:23,545
Wanhua.
282
00:19:23,683 --> 00:19:24,581
Yes?
283
00:19:27,453 --> 00:19:29,216
What's so urgent that
284
00:19:30,923 --> 00:19:36,190
Mr. Qiu writes
as soon as the opera's over?
285
00:19:40,099 --> 00:19:40,724
Master,
286
00:19:42,935 --> 00:19:44,527
I want to discuss something with you.
287
00:19:46,505 --> 00:19:47,164
Young Fei.
288
00:19:47,306 --> 00:19:48,136
Yes?
289
00:19:48,507 --> 00:19:51,738
Where's the little gift
I prepared for Wanhua?
290
00:19:51,877 --> 00:19:52,536
I'll get it.
291
00:20:02,555 --> 00:20:04,887
Now I'm relaxed, we can talk.
292
00:20:05,024 --> 00:20:05,683
Master, I've been thinking...
293
00:20:05,825 --> 00:20:06,883
Hold on.
294
00:20:08,461 --> 00:20:10,759
You want to make some changes, yes?
295
00:20:11,564 --> 00:20:14,795
To give your character
more movement, yes?
296
00:20:16,268 --> 00:20:17,166
Tell me.
297
00:20:18,270 --> 00:20:19,237
You're right.
298
00:20:28,447 --> 00:20:29,277
Wanhua,
299
00:20:31,250 --> 00:20:35,016
the focus should be on me.
300
00:20:36,322 --> 00:20:39,291
Master, about the opera...
301
00:20:39,625 --> 00:20:41,684
I could visit you tomorrow at noon
302
00:20:41,827 --> 00:20:43,226
to talk it through.
303
00:20:43,462 --> 00:20:47,057
I need to nap at noon to sing at night.
304
00:20:47,199 --> 00:20:48,359
What about the afternoon?
305
00:20:48,901 --> 00:20:52,393
I do my mental preparation then.
306
00:20:52,972 --> 00:20:55,065
Master would like you to have this.
307
00:20:55,207 --> 00:20:57,471
Enjoy it.
308
00:20:58,844 --> 00:20:59,674
Master.
309
00:21:00,012 --> 00:21:02,071
Then tomorrow I'll do
as I wish on stage.
310
00:21:02,214 --> 00:21:03,476
You'd dare?
311
00:21:10,823 --> 00:21:14,725
I married a girl...
312
00:21:14,960 --> 00:21:17,758
See that? Nothing's changed.
313
00:21:17,897 --> 00:21:19,694
From the Liu Family Village.
314
00:21:21,867 --> 00:21:34,337
But her parents thought me too poor.
315
00:21:35,581 --> 00:21:44,489
They chased us out from the family home.
316
00:21:46,559 --> 00:21:55,228
Husband and wife, condemned to roam.
317
00:21:55,568 --> 00:22:00,164
Until we found a broken down shack.
318
00:22:00,539 --> 00:22:05,033
It was tough,
with just clothes on our back.
319
00:22:05,277 --> 00:22:09,213
I'd no choice
but to bid my wife farewell.
320
00:22:09,348 --> 00:22:13,944
And turn to the soldiering life.
321
00:22:14,086 --> 00:22:17,351
Friends well met
and rebellions quelled,
322
00:22:18,257 --> 00:22:21,317
They shouldn't be applauding yet.
323
00:22:21,460 --> 00:22:24,429
With the king to the capital I did go.
324
00:22:24,563 --> 00:22:28,556
And asked for leave three days ago,
325
00:22:28,701 --> 00:22:31,932
to return for my Liu Yingchun.
326
00:22:32,071 --> 00:22:35,598
My wife, it seems
you can't believe your ears.
327
00:22:35,741 --> 00:22:38,073
Come, let's count,
328
00:22:38,210 --> 00:23:03,195
it's been eighteen years.
329
00:23:22,354 --> 00:23:22,945
Master.
330
00:23:23,189 --> 00:23:26,090
Are you happy now?
331
00:23:27,593 --> 00:23:29,026
Master, you were wonderful.
332
00:23:29,461 --> 00:23:31,452
We're truly of one mind.
333
00:23:34,900 --> 00:23:36,697
Am I an old conservative?
334
00:23:38,137 --> 00:23:39,968
Absolutely not!
335
00:23:41,040 --> 00:23:43,008
I don't care about traditions.
336
00:23:43,142 --> 00:23:44,632
I care about the lack of
337
00:23:44,777 --> 00:23:47,302
respect in which we are held.
338
00:23:47,813 --> 00:23:50,873
If you change things on a whim,
339
00:23:51,650 --> 00:23:56,212
they'll say we're capricious,
unreliable.
340
00:23:56,789 --> 00:23:59,257
But reform isn't mere capriciousness.
341
00:24:00,159 --> 00:24:02,650
They despise us.
342
00:24:03,796 --> 00:24:04,626
Right?
343
00:24:07,700 --> 00:24:08,689
That's irrelevant.
344
00:24:10,870 --> 00:24:12,303
The opera is all that's real.
345
00:24:12,471 --> 00:24:14,371
Forget it. Can't be done.
346
00:24:14,506 --> 00:24:16,167
But you see how great the results are.
347
00:24:16,408 --> 00:24:18,376
No one can stop greatness
from shining through.
348
00:24:18,611 --> 00:24:20,545
No one's stopping anyone from shining.
349
00:24:20,679 --> 00:24:21,646
Master.
350
00:24:23,148 --> 00:24:26,777
I fear you two will soon come to blows.
351
00:24:26,919 --> 00:24:28,250
We'd really become a joke.
352
00:24:28,854 --> 00:24:30,446
How's this for a solution?
353
00:24:31,257 --> 00:24:32,417
You each perform three shows
354
00:24:32,625 --> 00:24:35,093
for the people of Peking.
355
00:24:36,495 --> 00:24:38,156
You do yours the new way,
Master sticks to the old.
356
00:24:38,297 --> 00:24:39,059
It's not about sticking to old ways!
357
00:24:39,198 --> 00:24:41,723
True. I mean each does it his own way.
358
00:24:41,867 --> 00:24:43,459
And it'll be clear...
359
00:24:43,869 --> 00:24:46,667
who, uh, who gets...
360
00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:49,730
the better box-office.
361
00:24:50,175 --> 00:24:51,472
I can't challenge the Master.
362
00:24:51,610 --> 00:24:53,703
Isn't that what you did
on stage just now?
363
00:24:54,546 --> 00:24:57,071
Young Fei, I consent.
364
00:24:59,084 --> 00:25:00,711
It's up to Wanhua now.
365
00:25:01,553 --> 00:25:02,485
Wanhua,
366
00:25:04,657 --> 00:25:06,147
you don't have to do this.
367
00:25:07,559 --> 00:25:10,119
You can just buckle down
and continue as before.
368
00:25:11,263 --> 00:25:14,562
Master is happy to lead you
down your path of glory.
369
00:25:23,809 --> 00:25:25,071
Thank you for your support.
370
00:25:28,347 --> 00:25:31,282
Wanhua, is that a yes or a no?
371
00:25:32,718 --> 00:25:34,117
Wouldn't it be a challenge?
372
00:25:34,620 --> 00:25:36,645
Didn't I just thank Master
for his support?
373
00:25:41,193 --> 00:25:42,125
He agreed.
374
00:25:43,729 --> 00:25:44,991
I thought he wouldn't agree.
375
00:25:45,397 --> 00:25:50,232
You think I'd challenge a kid?
376
00:25:54,006 --> 00:25:56,668
Not unless you were afraid of him.
377
00:25:56,809 --> 00:25:57,639
Well?
378
00:26:12,825 --> 00:26:14,156
Those changes were brilliant.
379
00:26:14,893 --> 00:26:16,019
Listen up!!
380
00:26:17,830 --> 00:26:19,855
No need to talk behind my back.
381
00:26:20,265 --> 00:26:21,323
I'm not afraid.
382
00:26:23,302 --> 00:26:24,997
I'm telling you all straight up.
383
00:26:25,337 --> 00:26:27,430
From now on I'm devoting myself
384
00:26:27,573 --> 00:26:29,165
to Mei Lanfang's career.
385
00:26:29,475 --> 00:26:33,275
I'm with the opera now.
I'm done with all this!
386
00:26:40,552 --> 00:26:41,143
Uncle.
387
00:26:42,454 --> 00:26:44,183
Sir, what is it?
388
00:26:45,357 --> 00:26:47,484
Wanhua? I'll see you later.
389
00:26:50,963 --> 00:26:51,520
What's up?
390
00:26:51,663 --> 00:26:53,631
Uncle, my dear uncle.
391
00:26:53,766 --> 00:26:55,597
Did you really throw away your career?
392
00:26:55,734 --> 00:26:56,564
Sir, this is a grown-up matter.
393
00:26:56,702 --> 00:26:58,397
So this is what grown-ups do.
394
00:27:00,005 --> 00:27:03,941
Grandma is so angry she's fallen ill.
395
00:27:04,276 --> 00:27:05,675
Five generations of court officials,
396
00:27:08,047 --> 00:27:09,810
and now we produce a loser.
397
00:27:18,757 --> 00:27:19,621
Wanhua,
398
00:27:20,859 --> 00:27:22,918
I need to see my mother.
399
00:27:23,362 --> 00:27:24,624
I heard everything.
400
00:27:26,598 --> 00:27:27,496
It's true.
401
00:27:28,867 --> 00:27:29,993
I did quit.
402
00:27:32,071 --> 00:27:33,231
Now I'm free.
403
00:27:44,716 --> 00:27:47,583
These are sworn brothers
from ancient times.
404
00:27:48,087 --> 00:27:49,554
Because their country has fallen,
405
00:27:51,557 --> 00:27:53,821
they wouldn't eat food grown
on enemy soil.
406
00:27:54,293 --> 00:27:55,817
And starved together up on the mountain.
407
00:28:00,799 --> 00:28:02,232
You and I are like those brothers.
408
00:28:03,368 --> 00:28:05,097
As your sworn brother my first hope
409
00:28:06,105 --> 00:28:08,005
is to see you defeat Master Shisan.
410
00:28:10,843 --> 00:28:14,404
The victor won't be you
but this new era.
411
00:28:17,116 --> 00:28:18,378
Your time has come.
412
00:28:19,284 --> 00:28:20,148
The papers say Mei Lanfang
413
00:28:20,419 --> 00:28:22,478
accepts the challenge.
414
00:28:24,523 --> 00:28:26,821
So they told the press
415
00:28:26,959 --> 00:28:28,290
before they told me.
416
00:28:28,427 --> 00:28:29,223
Yes.
417
00:28:30,262 --> 00:28:31,456
Right.
418
00:28:32,030 --> 00:28:35,056
This Mei Lanfang thinks
he's really something.
419
00:28:35,200 --> 00:28:37,794
Barely out of diapers
and already challenging you.
420
00:28:38,303 --> 00:28:41,136
Victory will be as easy
as crushing a bedbug.
421
00:28:41,273 --> 00:28:44,538
Ma San. Get to the point.
422
00:28:47,146 --> 00:28:48,579
It's like this.
423
00:28:50,249 --> 00:28:51,807
I've put together a bet.
424
00:28:52,184 --> 00:28:54,311
Oh,
425
00:28:55,554 --> 00:28:57,454
Gambling on us, are you?
426
00:29:06,532 --> 00:29:07,123
What's this?
427
00:29:08,400 --> 00:29:11,961
Put your imprint here. If you win
428
00:29:12,104 --> 00:29:15,039
we'll cut you in at forty percent.
429
00:29:15,374 --> 00:29:15,840
Ma San.
430
00:29:15,974 --> 00:29:18,909
If you want to bet on rooster
or cricket fights, fine.
431
00:29:21,246 --> 00:29:25,239
If your cricket wins,
it doesn't demand a cut.
432
00:29:26,351 --> 00:29:29,320
If it loses
you don't pay compensation either.
433
00:29:30,122 --> 00:29:33,148
Nicer than betting on a living person.
434
00:29:35,194 --> 00:29:36,855
Fifty-fifty, then.
435
00:29:38,997 --> 00:29:43,661
You could lose
if it's not a martial role.
436
00:29:44,002 --> 00:29:45,060
But you'll need to do acrobatics.
437
00:29:45,771 --> 00:29:49,332
You haven't performed
any of that for a while.
438
00:29:49,474 --> 00:29:50,463
Oh?
439
00:29:51,210 --> 00:29:53,940
Where's that little gift for Ma San?
440
00:29:54,279 --> 00:29:54,836
You're too kind.
441
00:29:54,980 --> 00:29:56,106
Where'd it go?
442
00:29:56,248 --> 00:29:57,875
It was just...
443
00:30:02,120 --> 00:30:03,917
Isn't it over here?
444
00:30:04,056 --> 00:30:07,287
Please forget I said that.
445
00:30:09,661 --> 00:30:11,629
I haven't agreed, you know.
446
00:30:12,698 --> 00:30:14,723
You think I'd really do this for money?
447
00:30:16,168 --> 00:30:19,831
I want to show opera fans
what I'm made of.
448
00:30:21,573 --> 00:30:22,972
I, Master Shisan.
449
00:30:23,842 --> 00:30:25,309
No one is your equal.
450
00:30:25,877 --> 00:30:28,778
Enough, enough.
451
00:30:32,284 --> 00:30:37,688
The Empress Dowager had reason
to bestow those gifts.
452
00:30:37,823 --> 00:30:38,847
Young Fei.
453
00:30:39,858 --> 00:30:41,485
Bring me my ink and seal.
454
00:30:41,927 --> 00:30:42,723
Master Shisan,
455
00:30:43,095 --> 00:30:46,394
opera king,
come see him fight and sing!
456
00:30:51,236 --> 00:30:51,861
Well?
457
00:30:52,070 --> 00:30:52,627
Not there.
458
00:30:54,606 --> 00:30:57,006
He's already made up.
Where could he have gone?
459
00:30:57,276 --> 00:30:59,767
The curtain goes up in ten minutes.
460
00:31:07,552 --> 00:31:09,179
Congratulations.
461
00:31:09,321 --> 00:31:11,289
The theatre is jam-packed.
462
00:31:11,423 --> 00:31:14,415
Wanhua's is only two-third full.
463
00:31:15,794 --> 00:31:16,522
Two-third.
464
00:31:16,662 --> 00:31:17,526
Two-third.
465
00:31:19,364 --> 00:31:21,559
Couldn't be.
466
00:31:34,513 --> 00:31:36,879
Wanhua, what are you doing here?
467
00:31:40,952 --> 00:31:43,512
I can't remember a single line.
468
00:31:43,922 --> 00:31:45,651
The princess has stolen a pass for me,
469
00:31:45,791 --> 00:31:47,383
happiness wells up in my heart.
470
00:31:47,526 --> 00:31:49,551
At the palace gate I call on the guard.
471
00:31:52,564 --> 00:31:57,433
Prepare my steed,
472
00:32:19,224 --> 00:32:38,805
I'll ride beyond the wall.
473
00:32:52,391 --> 00:32:53,187
I think
474
00:32:53,358 --> 00:32:55,588
the problem lies with the program.
475
00:32:55,927 --> 00:32:58,418
You know what I really want to perform?
476
00:32:59,431 --> 00:33:01,763
A Strand of Mourning.
477
00:33:02,701 --> 00:33:04,635
But that's not only a new opera,
478
00:33:05,170 --> 00:33:09,072
but a tragedy.
People spend money on tickets.
479
00:33:09,207 --> 00:33:12,199
They want a laugh and be entertained.
480
00:33:12,344 --> 00:33:14,676
No one has dared to perform
A Strand of Mourning,
481
00:33:15,313 --> 00:33:16,507
for fear of poor box office.
482
00:33:18,383 --> 00:33:21,477
I lost today's round.
I'll take my chance.
483
00:33:22,754 --> 00:33:24,722
It's too risky.
484
00:33:27,292 --> 00:33:29,021
Success comes from risk taking.
485
00:33:30,562 --> 00:33:31,859
What if it flops?
486
00:33:32,330 --> 00:33:35,891
This is a serious contest.
487
00:33:43,008 --> 00:33:45,442
Didn't Brother Qiu say my time has come?
488
00:33:48,713 --> 00:33:49,407
Young Li.
489
00:33:49,614 --> 00:33:50,273
Yes?
490
00:33:50,615 --> 00:33:53,277
Raise that lintel. Two inches.
491
00:33:53,485 --> 00:33:54,247
Okay.
492
00:33:54,786 --> 00:33:55,115
Hanju.
493
00:33:55,253 --> 00:33:56,117
Yes?
494
00:33:56,755 --> 00:33:58,518
Plaster every street,
every alley with these posters.
495
00:33:58,657 --> 00:33:59,919
Don't stop till the sun comes up.
496
00:34:00,258 --> 00:34:02,123
Spread the word at the universities.
497
00:34:02,260 --> 00:34:04,728
Mei Lanfang is to
debut a modern tragedy.
498
00:34:05,730 --> 00:34:07,254
Once they see it they'll know
499
00:34:07,399 --> 00:34:08,991
that Mei is with them in spirit.
500
00:34:09,134 --> 00:34:11,193
And they should stand by him.
501
00:34:12,037 --> 00:34:13,470
You're lecturing.
502
00:34:14,806 --> 00:34:16,865
We just want them to come.
503
00:34:17,042 --> 00:34:18,566
That's easy enough.
504
00:34:23,315 --> 00:34:26,876
Master Mei, can we
really sell out tonight?
505
00:34:28,320 --> 00:34:30,117
What story does the opera tell?
506
00:34:32,457 --> 00:34:33,355
It's a new one.
507
00:34:33,492 --> 00:34:35,255
Come see Mei Lanfang
508
00:34:35,393 --> 00:34:37,293
debut a modern tragedy.
509
00:34:37,429 --> 00:34:39,989
Couple in arranged
marriage die for love!
510
00:34:45,637 --> 00:34:47,400
Master Shisan, opera king...
511
00:34:47,539 --> 00:34:48,301
Get lost.
512
00:35:07,759 --> 00:35:10,523
I've been so sick,
513
00:35:11,062 --> 00:35:15,089
what's this strand of
mourning in my hair?
514
00:35:15,233 --> 00:35:19,795
Miss, are you feeling better?
515
00:35:20,672 --> 00:35:24,904
I am back in the world
516
00:35:25,243 --> 00:35:29,543
But your husband, he has passed away.
517
00:35:47,766 --> 00:35:53,466
My husband has passed away?
518
00:35:53,638 --> 00:35:59,634
Looking after you,
he grew ill, and died.
519
00:35:59,778 --> 00:36:03,441
Looking after me,
520
00:36:03,615 --> 00:36:06,675
he grew ill and died?
521
00:36:06,885 --> 00:36:08,318
Yes.
522
00:36:09,054 --> 00:36:11,818
No! Heaven help me!
523
00:36:15,427 --> 00:36:19,090
I scorned him as stupid,
524
00:36:19,497 --> 00:36:23,866
yet he was the noblest of men.
525
00:36:24,336 --> 00:36:29,797
How can I ever repay him?
526
00:36:48,560 --> 00:36:49,322
Ma San.
527
00:36:49,995 --> 00:36:53,123
Look. Only sixty percent full.
528
00:36:54,232 --> 00:36:56,666
Great. I just lost two courtyard houses.
529
00:36:58,136 --> 00:37:03,597
And I thought him invincible.
The old bastard.
530
00:37:03,742 --> 00:37:11,945
My prince,
531
00:37:13,685 --> 00:37:19,351
in the netherworld wait for me.
532
00:37:19,491 --> 00:37:24,895
I'll follow you there,
533
00:37:25,463 --> 00:37:35,771
joining you in death.
534
00:37:36,541 --> 00:37:38,873
Master Mei! Master Mei!
535
00:37:39,010 --> 00:37:40,500
Thank you, thank you.
536
00:37:43,281 --> 00:37:45,340
Everyone looks over here.
537
00:37:46,518 --> 00:37:47,075
Huifang.
538
00:37:47,218 --> 00:37:49,846
Wanhua, you were fabulous.
539
00:38:01,599 --> 00:38:04,397
But I didn't put a foot wrong.
540
00:38:04,669 --> 00:38:05,431
Ha.
541
00:38:05,570 --> 00:38:08,733
If that's so, why'd you lose?
542
00:38:11,843 --> 00:38:12,832
Ma San!
543
00:38:14,879 --> 00:38:17,404
The stage deserves respect.
544
00:38:18,616 --> 00:38:20,379
I won't tolerate its desecration.
545
00:38:23,288 --> 00:38:24,516
Ma San.
546
00:38:32,464 --> 00:38:35,558
In any case,
there'll be no show tomorrow.
547
00:38:37,102 --> 00:38:40,265
Sing again and
I'm out another few thousand.
548
00:38:40,739 --> 00:38:41,763
Don't think to stop me.
549
00:38:44,409 --> 00:38:47,674
You lost. What's the point?
550
00:38:47,979 --> 00:38:50,174
Losing makes me even more determined.
551
00:38:55,120 --> 00:38:56,781
Then you'll have to compensate me.
552
00:38:56,921 --> 00:38:57,182
Ma San.
553
00:38:57,322 --> 00:38:57,811
Fine.
554
00:38:57,956 --> 00:38:59,514
Master, he's talking a lot of money.
555
00:38:59,657 --> 00:39:01,124
We should think it over.
556
00:39:01,259 --> 00:39:03,489
By coincidence
557
00:39:04,129 --> 00:39:05,653
I need it tomorrow morning.
558
00:39:06,131 --> 00:39:10,500
It couldn't worth more than me.
559
00:39:11,002 --> 00:39:12,230
See this?
560
00:39:12,370 --> 00:39:13,530
Yeah.
561
00:39:13,671 --> 00:39:17,004
The Empress Dowager gave me
this jade ornament.
562
00:39:17,142 --> 00:39:18,109
Oh.
563
00:39:20,745 --> 00:39:21,871
It's yours.
564
00:39:22,413 --> 00:39:23,380
Okay.
565
00:39:23,882 --> 00:39:28,148
I've another gift from her at home.
566
00:39:29,420 --> 00:39:30,910
You've seen the robe in the glass case.
567
00:39:31,456 --> 00:39:32,923
You can have that too.
568
00:39:34,092 --> 00:39:35,184
Is that enough?
569
00:39:36,294 --> 00:39:39,229
Without your jade
and the imperial robe,
570
00:39:39,364 --> 00:39:43,528
you won't be yourself, surely.
571
00:39:45,804 --> 00:39:48,432
You're on good terms with Mei's family.
572
00:39:49,040 --> 00:39:50,667
I never told you.
573
00:39:50,842 --> 00:39:52,469
But I went to their house.
574
00:39:53,044 --> 00:39:54,511
His grandmother was beside herself.
575
00:39:54,679 --> 00:39:56,306
She won't let him sing tomorrow.
576
00:39:56,447 --> 00:39:59,007
So you went to see his family.
577
00:39:59,217 --> 00:40:00,047
Yes.
578
00:40:00,251 --> 00:40:02,583
No need to go crawling to Mei Lanfang.
579
00:40:06,124 --> 00:40:09,025
Just show me some respect.
580
00:40:09,294 --> 00:40:11,524
And we'll let bygones be bygones.
581
00:40:12,030 --> 00:40:12,826
What do you say?
582
00:40:13,865 --> 00:40:14,854
Ma San,
583
00:40:16,401 --> 00:40:17,732
I've given you face.
584
00:40:19,437 --> 00:40:23,305
Bow to me again and we'll call it quits.
585
00:40:30,081 --> 00:40:30,945
Master,
586
00:40:33,218 --> 00:40:35,709
one has to bow sometime.
587
00:40:36,654 --> 00:40:40,351
Especially when living
in a house with low ceilings.
588
00:40:41,326 --> 00:40:43,453
I choose when to bow!
589
00:40:49,868 --> 00:40:52,530
Ma San, come back.
590
00:40:59,077 --> 00:41:00,635
Take that chair with you.
591
00:41:03,748 --> 00:41:06,273
You dirtied it by sitting on it.
592
00:41:08,987 --> 00:41:09,976
Fine!
593
00:41:11,222 --> 00:41:12,348
You're tough.
594
00:41:14,392 --> 00:41:18,192
Why else would they
say you're invincible?
595
00:41:20,865 --> 00:41:22,196
Don't forget,
596
00:41:22,467 --> 00:41:25,300
I want my money first thing tomorrow.
597
00:41:29,407 --> 00:41:30,135
Ma San.
598
00:41:30,275 --> 00:41:30,866
I'll see myself out.
599
00:41:31,142 --> 00:41:31,733
Get out!
600
00:41:31,876 --> 00:41:33,844
You'll see.
601
00:41:43,755 --> 00:41:44,653
Master.
602
00:41:47,759 --> 00:41:48,817
Young Fei.
603
00:41:49,560 --> 00:41:50,390
Yes, sir.
604
00:41:53,398 --> 00:41:55,332
You really went to Mei's house?
605
00:42:01,839 --> 00:42:04,467
Master, let's not sing tonight.
606
00:42:04,842 --> 00:42:05,968
Up to you.
607
00:42:07,645 --> 00:42:12,241
Your decision, nothing to do with me.
608
00:42:16,587 --> 00:42:17,815
Master,
609
00:42:19,223 --> 00:42:22,215
please allow me
to offer a word of advice.
610
00:42:22,627 --> 00:42:25,061
We're among friends.
Let's lay it on the table.
611
00:42:26,431 --> 00:42:28,797
You have no choice.
612
00:42:32,437 --> 00:42:35,964
Face or survival?
You can only choose one.
613
00:42:38,309 --> 00:42:43,645
If you really don't
care about survival, sing tonight.
614
00:42:46,184 --> 00:42:48,675
Are you trying to frighten Wanhua?
615
00:42:50,321 --> 00:42:54,917
Has he ever lacked courage?
616
00:43:01,099 --> 00:43:02,259
Don't stop him.
617
00:43:03,735 --> 00:43:04,963
Waste of time.
618
00:43:07,705 --> 00:43:12,267
No one's talking me
out of performing tonight.
619
00:43:13,177 --> 00:43:14,166
You're back.
620
00:43:14,746 --> 00:43:15,576
Yes.
621
00:43:18,049 --> 00:43:18,879
Have a seat.
622
00:43:28,092 --> 00:43:29,684
It seems that Master Shisan's whole life
623
00:43:32,663 --> 00:43:34,927
has been in preparation for tonight.
624
00:43:35,466 --> 00:43:36,728
Wanhua,
625
00:43:38,169 --> 00:43:42,902
there's no shame in losing,
only in being afraid.
626
00:43:44,308 --> 00:43:47,539
Brother, should I sing?
627
00:43:51,749 --> 00:43:52,647
I don't know.
628
00:44:18,009 --> 00:44:18,907
Master,
629
00:44:20,711 --> 00:44:21,575
you can polish it.
630
00:44:35,259 --> 00:44:42,756
Petals fall, petals fly,
631
00:44:46,871 --> 00:44:59,045
petals fill the sky.
632
00:45:00,718 --> 00:45:03,710
The General is a tiger among men,
633
00:45:03,855 --> 00:45:07,814
but sadly, he's growing old!
634
00:45:24,475 --> 00:45:31,108
Pure of essence, pure they stay,
635
00:45:32,817 --> 00:45:39,746
into dirt they must not fall.
636
00:45:41,959 --> 00:45:49,229
Spring goes, loveliness fades,
637
00:45:51,235 --> 00:46:00,701
people and flowers are lost to all.
638
00:46:00,845 --> 00:46:03,040
I must take the town within ten days.
639
00:46:03,181 --> 00:46:05,615
Hold the seal of the general in my hand.
640
00:46:05,750 --> 00:46:07,877
If in ten days
I can't conquer this land,
641
00:46:08,019 --> 00:46:10,419
my head from the gate should sway!
642
00:46:10,555 --> 00:46:18,553
Come, bring my horse, and we'll go!
643
00:46:35,146 --> 00:46:58,698
I will conquer Dingjun Mountain!
644
00:47:55,192 --> 00:47:56,591
Wanhua.
645
00:47:58,629 --> 00:47:59,527
Master.
646
00:48:00,064 --> 00:48:00,860
Sit.
647
00:48:01,632 --> 00:48:02,360
Thanks.
648
00:48:12,376 --> 00:48:18,576
What's up? You came without changing?
649
00:48:20,351 --> 00:48:23,980
Wearing your costume into the real world
650
00:48:24,922 --> 00:48:28,289
can sully the character
you play on stage.
651
00:48:29,427 --> 00:48:33,158
Don't do it again.
652
00:48:34,365 --> 00:48:35,297
Oh.
653
00:48:36,600 --> 00:48:41,469
They're still waiting for
you to take your bows?
654
00:48:44,508 --> 00:48:45,406
Yes.
655
00:48:53,417 --> 00:48:59,322
Our performance of Fen River Bay
was so good.
656
00:49:03,327 --> 00:49:04,225
I know.
657
00:49:06,197 --> 00:49:08,927
We did it brilliantly.
658
00:49:11,736 --> 00:49:15,331
Your performance was
absolute perfection.
659
00:49:15,506 --> 00:49:17,531
Absolute perfection?
660
00:49:19,043 --> 00:49:23,639
If Fei hadn't read
Mr. Qiu's letter to you,
661
00:49:24,949 --> 00:49:28,214
I wouldn't have known
what you were going to do.
662
00:49:42,633 --> 00:49:43,565
Wanhua.
663
00:49:44,802 --> 00:49:49,034
You'll be very successful, world-famous.
664
00:49:49,974 --> 00:49:52,499
Do your best to raise our status
665
00:49:52,643 --> 00:49:54,474
in people's eyes.
666
00:49:55,546 --> 00:49:58,447
I've fought for this my whole life
667
00:49:59,917 --> 00:50:01,407
and failed.
668
00:50:04,722 --> 00:50:07,213
I heard you're getting married.
669
00:50:07,892 --> 00:50:09,951
I've a gift for you.
670
00:50:10,428 --> 00:50:13,522
It's in the other room, in the box.
671
00:50:14,565 --> 00:50:15,657
Go get it.
672
00:50:51,469 --> 00:50:52,561
Master Shisan!
673
00:51:00,344 --> 00:51:01,572
Master Shisan!
674
00:51:02,146 --> 00:51:08,016
'King of Actors'
675
00:51:49,293 --> 00:51:49,952
Zhifang,
676
00:51:52,096 --> 00:51:52,892
I didn't know that you've come.
677
00:51:55,633 --> 00:51:56,759
There's soup for you.
678
00:51:59,537 --> 00:52:00,469
Drink it all up.
679
00:52:06,644 --> 00:52:07,702
Don't slurp so loudly.
680
00:52:12,716 --> 00:52:14,650
I watched you taking your bows.
681
00:52:16,186 --> 00:52:18,154
Bowing is enough,
682
00:52:19,089 --> 00:52:20,386
no need to wave at them.
683
00:52:22,960 --> 00:52:24,450
I only signed a memorandum
684
00:52:24,595 --> 00:52:26,256
with the American promoters.
685
00:52:26,564 --> 00:52:29,089
But it's still legally valid.
686
00:52:30,467 --> 00:52:34,096
That's why it's scary.
He can't change his mind now.
687
00:52:35,172 --> 00:52:37,197
It's up to Wanhua,
688
00:52:37,341 --> 00:52:39,832
and he still hasn't agreed.
689
00:52:41,779 --> 00:52:43,679
But it was his idea to tour.
690
00:52:43,814 --> 00:52:45,941
Why wouldn't he agree to go?
691
00:52:47,151 --> 00:52:51,611
It's Mei Lanfang's tour. You're not him.
692
00:52:53,857 --> 00:52:55,916
I'm his sworn brother.
693
00:52:56,827 --> 00:52:59,887
I've already convinced the bank's board...
694
00:53:00,097 --> 00:53:01,894
into lending him � 100,000
for expenses.
695
00:53:02,032 --> 00:53:03,624
But we'll have to mortgage his house.
696
00:53:05,502 --> 00:53:08,300
The paperwork is a mere formality.
697
00:53:08,739 --> 00:53:12,266
I still need Wanhua's approval
before signing.
698
00:53:14,612 --> 00:53:19,049
But what if the tour's a flop?
699
00:53:19,617 --> 00:53:22,848
Be positive.
700
00:53:24,321 --> 00:53:25,481
That way you won't fail.
701
00:53:28,392 --> 00:53:31,259
That's how you triumphed
over Master Shisan.
702
00:53:33,931 --> 00:53:36,695
Didn't we agree not to
bring that up again?
703
00:53:38,969 --> 00:53:40,834
It's hard to forget
704
00:53:45,009 --> 00:53:46,374
the day the Master died.
705
00:53:47,077 --> 00:53:51,309
Mr. Fei had gone to fetch a doctor.
706
00:53:54,485 --> 00:53:55,645
Later Mr. Fei told me...
707
00:53:56,820 --> 00:54:00,722
Master was hanging on for me,
not the doctor.
708
00:54:05,062 --> 00:54:08,896
He sat there and then he was gone.
709
00:54:15,839 --> 00:54:18,603
Mr. Feng, Brother...
710
00:54:18,742 --> 00:54:19,572
Yes?
711
00:54:20,744 --> 00:54:22,575
Will that happen to me too?
712
00:54:23,881 --> 00:54:24,347
Mrs. Song.
713
00:54:24,481 --> 00:54:25,345
Yes?
714
00:54:25,683 --> 00:54:28,982
There's talk of mortgaging this house.
715
00:54:29,119 --> 00:54:29,915
Oh?
716
00:54:37,061 --> 00:54:39,689
Why are there so many westerners
in the audience?
717
00:54:42,099 --> 00:54:43,589
They must be American guests
of Brother Qiu.
718
00:54:44,468 --> 00:54:46,095
Did he consult with you first?
719
00:54:48,005 --> 00:54:50,496
Does it matter?
An audience is an audience.
720
00:54:52,176 --> 00:54:53,370
But did he consult you?
721
00:54:56,914 --> 00:54:57,642
Zhifang.
722
00:55:00,918 --> 00:55:03,648
Never mind. You get ready.
723
00:55:07,257 --> 00:55:09,225
Zhifang, you're here.
724
00:55:09,426 --> 00:55:11,553
Mr. Feng, Brother Qiu.
725
00:55:11,695 --> 00:55:12,457
Yes?
726
00:55:13,263 --> 00:55:16,596
Your plan to stake this house
on the American tour.
727
00:55:20,437 --> 00:55:21,301
I've read it.
728
00:55:22,506 --> 00:55:25,498
Let me value what we have first.
729
00:55:25,642 --> 00:55:26,609
If the final sum...
730
00:55:27,177 --> 00:55:28,769
can cover your � 100,000 loan.
731
00:55:28,912 --> 00:55:30,777
Then no problem. We'll sign.
732
00:55:33,317 --> 00:55:34,306
And if it doesn't?
733
00:55:34,485 --> 00:55:35,509
Then I am sorry,
734
00:55:36,887 --> 00:55:38,115
leave our house alone.
735
00:55:38,589 --> 00:55:42,081
I wouldn't want Wanhua to sleep
on the street.
736
00:55:42,226 --> 00:55:45,753
It's just a formality.
737
00:55:45,896 --> 00:55:49,161
Then why don't you
mortgage your house?
738
00:55:50,768 --> 00:55:53,794
If I could, I'd have done so already.
739
00:55:53,937 --> 00:55:55,302
You're different.
740
00:55:55,806 --> 00:55:58,172
You gave up everything for him.
741
00:55:58,842 --> 00:56:02,073
Wanhua can never repay you for that.
742
00:56:03,180 --> 00:56:06,638
That's why you dared organize
this behind his back.
743
00:56:16,360 --> 00:56:17,258
Here.
744
00:56:18,295 --> 00:56:21,059
As his wife you should keep
the big picture in mind.
745
00:56:22,399 --> 00:56:23,457
True.
746
00:56:24,301 --> 00:56:27,099
That's why our home is
one continuous feast.
747
00:56:27,304 --> 00:56:28,566
At which all walks of life,
748
00:56:28,705 --> 00:56:30,400
stars, has-beens...
749
00:56:30,541 --> 00:56:32,566
the poor, the rich,
friends and strangers...
750
00:56:32,709 --> 00:56:34,836
just sit down and eat at will.
751
00:56:36,647 --> 00:56:37,477
Every special occasion,
752
00:56:37,614 --> 00:56:39,707
we give stage veterans fruit
and mooncakes,
753
00:56:39,850 --> 00:56:42,478
lucky money at New Year.
I haven't missed one.
754
00:56:43,287 --> 00:56:46,552
All because I don't keep
the big picture in mind!
755
00:56:50,794 --> 00:56:54,025
Zhifang, you've got a sharp tongue.
756
00:56:54,164 --> 00:56:55,062
Mr. Feng,
757
00:56:56,266 --> 00:56:58,097
I also need to borrow some money.
758
00:56:58,969 --> 00:57:00,732
Don't you keep all our money too?
759
00:57:00,938 --> 00:57:06,638
What are you implying?
760
00:57:08,412 --> 00:57:11,506
I have Wanhua deposit
his money in our bank
761
00:57:11,648 --> 00:57:14,481
so that he can earn the most interest.
762
00:57:14,785 --> 00:57:17,845
He can deposit or withdraw at any time.
763
00:57:17,921 --> 00:57:20,082
He's free to do whatever he likes.
764
00:57:20,324 --> 00:57:21,757
Since the day I married him,
765
00:57:22,092 --> 00:57:23,354
I've never seen him free
766
00:57:23,493 --> 00:57:24,983
to do anything.
767
00:57:30,367 --> 00:57:31,265
I'm off.
768
00:57:36,573 --> 00:57:38,734
The westerners who came today told me,
769
00:57:40,110 --> 00:57:41,600
news of your American tour,
770
00:57:43,013 --> 00:57:44,480
has already made headlines in New York.
771
00:57:45,315 --> 00:57:49,979
Mr. Feng, Brother, don't force me.
772
00:57:56,460 --> 00:57:57,688
Wanhua?
773
00:57:58,028 --> 00:57:59,655
Where's Wanhua?
774
00:57:59,830 --> 00:58:02,060
The orchestra's been playing for ages.
775
00:58:02,199 --> 00:58:03,564
I thought he was with you.
776
00:58:04,201 --> 00:58:04,997
He's gone.
777
00:58:09,206 --> 00:58:12,266
We'll excuse ourselves.
778
00:58:17,915 --> 00:58:18,813
Good for nothing.
779
00:58:25,722 --> 00:58:28,122
Mr. Feng's having a party tomorrow.
You coming?
780
00:58:28,825 --> 00:58:30,520
I don't need to follow you everywhere.
781
00:58:36,300 --> 00:58:38,359
Oops, I forgot the towel for our feet.
782
00:58:55,986 --> 00:58:58,011
Venerable Master Mei, I'll see you in.
783
00:58:58,388 --> 00:58:59,047
Please, no need.
784
00:59:00,958 --> 00:59:01,982
But what did you just call me?
785
00:59:02,726 --> 00:59:04,489
Aren't you Venerable Master Mei Lanfang?
786
00:59:05,996 --> 00:59:09,523
Master Mei will do.
787
00:59:17,374 --> 00:59:18,272
Master Mei.
788
00:59:25,349 --> 00:59:26,043
Thank you.
789
00:59:26,783 --> 00:59:28,182
Were you waiting for someone else?
790
00:59:28,318 --> 00:59:30,684
My uncle.
791
00:59:31,054 --> 00:59:32,487
I'll go get him in a moment.
792
00:59:33,690 --> 00:59:34,657
Are you in the opera as well?
793
00:59:36,259 --> 00:59:38,955
Sort of. Just a handmaiden
to the 'painted faces'.
794
00:59:40,297 --> 00:59:41,423
In a moment
I'll introduce you to some people.
795
00:59:42,532 --> 00:59:44,898
Brother Feng, this is Miss Meng.
796
00:59:45,969 --> 00:59:50,429
Wanhua, are you kidding? "Miss Meng"?
797
00:59:50,574 --> 00:59:54,635
Try "Emperor Dong",
the opera's top male impersonator!
798
00:59:54,778 --> 00:59:55,335
Meng Xiaodong?
799
00:59:55,479 --> 00:59:56,446
Yes.
800
00:59:56,813 --> 00:59:58,940
Mr. Feng, I'm not that well known.
801
00:59:59,082 --> 01:00:00,549
Master Mei wouldn't have heard of me.
802
01:00:01,151 --> 01:00:03,244
You're really very famous.
803
01:00:04,121 --> 01:00:05,611
It's only that we've never met.
804
01:00:05,922 --> 01:00:07,389
Actually, I once took a photo with you.
805
01:00:07,524 --> 01:00:08,889
That counts, doesn't it?
806
01:00:09,059 --> 01:00:09,855
Of course.
807
01:00:10,527 --> 01:00:11,789
I'd just finished opera school.
808
01:00:11,928 --> 01:00:14,158
Our entire class posed for
a photo with you.
809
01:00:15,232 --> 01:00:17,325
Miss Meng has an excellent memory.
810
01:00:17,501 --> 01:00:18,331
Brother.
811
01:00:18,502 --> 01:00:19,298
Yes.
812
01:00:19,436 --> 01:00:20,300
You're Mr. Qiu.
813
01:00:20,437 --> 01:00:21,597
Qiu Rubai.
814
01:00:22,706 --> 01:00:25,174
They say you're Master Mei's mentor.
815
01:00:26,076 --> 01:00:28,772
I wouldn't presume.
816
01:00:30,047 --> 01:00:32,538
Friends, brothers...
817
01:00:32,949 --> 01:00:35,918
We are missing a player
for the bearded role.
818
01:00:36,520 --> 01:00:40,752
Luckily Xiaodong is here.
819
01:00:41,058 --> 01:00:42,286
Come, Xiaodong.
820
01:00:48,899 --> 01:00:52,995
What about an excerpt
from Lost Battle?
821
01:00:53,136 --> 01:00:54,865
I'd rather sing Plum Dragon Town.
822
01:00:55,005 --> 01:00:55,869
Oh?
823
01:00:56,673 --> 01:00:58,072
But I need a Phoenix Li.
824
01:00:58,442 --> 01:01:01,240
Pick someone then.
825
01:01:03,747 --> 01:01:04,805
Master Mei.
826
01:01:13,457 --> 01:01:14,583
What is Plum Dragon Town,
827
01:01:14,724 --> 01:01:18,888
but Frolicking Dragon Teases
the Phoenix.
828
01:01:28,605 --> 01:01:31,403
Crescent moon o'er the land does shine.
829
01:01:31,541 --> 01:01:35,238
Where's your home, o soldier of mine?
830
01:01:35,378 --> 01:01:38,472
Miss, don't ask from whence we roam.
831
01:01:38,615 --> 01:01:42,881
Where he lays his head
is a soldier's home.
832
01:01:50,160 --> 01:01:50,990
When you're not made up,
833
01:01:52,362 --> 01:01:54,023
you look like a man to me.
834
01:01:56,666 --> 01:01:57,564
When you are not made up,
835
01:01:59,002 --> 01:02:01,937
you look just like a woman.
836
01:02:02,105 --> 01:02:03,003
What nonsense.
837
01:02:03,840 --> 01:02:05,205
Anyway, one of you is a man
838
01:02:05,342 --> 01:02:07,810
and the other a woman.
839
01:02:08,111 --> 01:02:11,478
It depends on whether
you're on stage or off.
840
01:02:11,615 --> 01:02:14,948
Miss, don't ask from whence we roam.
841
01:02:15,085 --> 01:02:18,179
Where he lays his head
is a soldier's home.
842
01:02:18,321 --> 01:02:22,451
The soldier's ways are too carefree,
843
01:02:23,293 --> 01:02:24,954
Brother, you asked for Lost Battle.
844
01:02:25,095 --> 01:02:26,119
Yes?
845
01:02:26,263 --> 01:02:28,458
But she insists on Frolicking Dragon.
846
01:02:30,667 --> 01:02:34,262
Don't tease nice girls like me.
847
01:02:34,404 --> 01:02:37,100
Nice girl, bad girl, I wouldn't dare,
848
01:02:37,240 --> 01:02:39,800
but for the blossom
you have in your hair.
849
01:02:39,943 --> 01:02:42,741
It's in at such a jaunty angle,
850
01:02:42,879 --> 01:02:46,508
suggestively it there does dangle.
851
01:02:46,650 --> 01:02:49,517
Of my crab-apple flower
852
01:02:49,653 --> 01:02:51,883
a joke you make.
853
01:02:52,022 --> 01:02:54,456
This flower I will throw away,
854
01:02:54,591 --> 01:02:58,687
and never wear another, from this day.
855
01:02:58,828 --> 01:03:02,161
Phoenix Li, don't be like that,
856
01:03:02,299 --> 01:03:04,824
a flower shouldn't lay
on the floor like a mat!
857
01:03:04,968 --> 01:03:10,907
Pick up the flower for this soldier man.
858
01:03:15,011 --> 01:03:22,816
Come... I'll dress
your hair as best I can.
859
01:03:24,020 --> 01:03:28,013
Wear this
860
01:03:28,892 --> 01:03:36,196
crab-apple blossom.
861
01:03:40,904 --> 01:03:43,737
I came specially to hear you sing.
862
01:03:44,808 --> 01:03:48,539
I didn't imagine I'd be singing with you
863
01:03:48,845 --> 01:03:52,474
Or sheltering you with my umbrella.
864
01:03:54,217 --> 01:03:57,277
But to be honest,
865
01:03:57,988 --> 01:04:01,151
you didn't sing as well as I expected.
866
01:04:06,663 --> 01:04:09,131
I couldn't concentrate.
867
01:04:09,399 --> 01:04:11,367
I'm not worth your attention,
is that it?
868
01:04:13,236 --> 01:04:14,931
That's not what I meant.
869
01:04:15,305 --> 01:04:16,329
Then what did you mean?
870
01:04:16,740 --> 01:04:19,504
You two will perform together,
871
01:04:20,910 --> 01:04:22,002
it's settled.
872
01:04:23,079 --> 01:04:24,910
If that's what you wish.
873
01:04:25,048 --> 01:04:26,174
Good.
874
01:04:26,549 --> 01:04:29,780
If Master Mei isn't willing,
then forget it.
875
01:04:32,489 --> 01:04:33,717
I am willing.
876
01:04:37,394 --> 01:04:38,918
He's got no sense of humour.
877
01:04:39,896 --> 01:04:40,760
It's time we were off.
878
01:04:41,464 --> 01:04:42,192
Okay.
879
01:04:42,565 --> 01:04:43,395
Mr. Qiu,
880
01:04:46,202 --> 01:04:48,693
perhaps you could be my mentor too.
881
01:04:55,011 --> 01:04:55,875
You're good.
882
01:05:08,892 --> 01:05:09,688
Miss Meng!
883
01:05:19,035 --> 01:05:19,524
Mr. Feng.
884
01:05:19,869 --> 01:05:20,358
Jasmine tea?
885
01:05:20,503 --> 01:05:21,265
Lovely.
886
01:05:21,404 --> 01:05:22,996
Careful, it's hot.
887
01:05:26,276 --> 01:05:30,110
Madam, the Master borrowed
someone's umbrella.
888
01:05:30,380 --> 01:05:33,440
It's been here for days.
I'm afraid it'll get taken.
889
01:05:35,585 --> 01:05:36,517
Put it over there.
890
01:05:36,653 --> 01:05:37,620
Yes.
891
01:05:41,024 --> 01:05:42,514
Mr. Feng, you're here.
892
01:05:44,260 --> 01:05:45,750
I'm here for my lesson.
893
01:05:49,199 --> 01:05:53,033
Tonight's the last show.
I should get there early.
894
01:05:54,337 --> 01:05:56,396
This entire month of
rehearsals and shows,
895
01:05:56,539 --> 01:05:58,507
there's not a day you didn't go early.
896
01:06:02,879 --> 01:06:05,143
The box office has been great.
897
01:06:05,281 --> 01:06:06,373
Can it possibly flop?
898
01:06:06,783 --> 01:06:09,251
In a show that features
the best in opera
899
01:06:10,186 --> 01:06:13,519
I should check it out myself.
900
01:06:13,823 --> 01:06:15,654
I've been too busy up till now.
901
01:06:17,560 --> 01:06:18,390
Go on then,
902
01:06:19,729 --> 01:06:22,323
return that umbrella to its owner.
903
01:06:33,309 --> 01:06:35,777
Master Mei, you're early.
904
01:06:36,780 --> 01:06:39,112
You're not too late yourself.
905
01:06:41,384 --> 01:06:42,851
Why don't you go in?
906
01:06:47,157 --> 01:06:48,419
I'm waiting for the key.
907
01:06:56,399 --> 01:06:57,559
Oh! It is open...
908
01:07:10,280 --> 01:07:11,247
Then I'll see you on stage.
909
01:07:12,081 --> 01:07:13,048
See you on stage.
910
01:07:39,709 --> 01:07:40,539
I've brought you a flower.
911
01:07:41,110 --> 01:07:43,544
I'm really quite hopeless.
912
01:07:44,013 --> 01:07:45,241
It's men who give women flowers.
913
01:07:45,548 --> 01:07:46,708
Never the other way round.
914
01:07:47,984 --> 01:07:50,953
But the one you
915
01:07:51,754 --> 01:07:54,882
You've already thrown
it at me nine times.
916
01:07:55,091 --> 01:07:56,991
And others before me too.
917
01:07:57,293 --> 01:07:58,191
For the last show tonight,
918
01:07:59,329 --> 01:08:00,353
wear a new one.
919
01:08:02,232 --> 01:08:03,324
Just don't thank me.
920
01:08:04,000 --> 01:08:05,194
Or I'll take it back.
921
01:08:08,838 --> 01:08:09,770
Thank you.
922
01:08:13,810 --> 01:08:14,708
You're welcome.
923
01:08:17,514 --> 01:08:21,678
A woman's nails are long,
924
01:08:21,818 --> 01:08:23,945
but these can't reach you.
925
01:08:24,087 --> 01:08:25,076
I have to tell them,
926
01:08:25,855 --> 01:08:28,449
it gets better every night.
927
01:08:28,591 --> 01:08:32,118
Girl, you don't miss a trick.
Touch the rough hands.
928
01:08:32,962 --> 01:08:35,123
I wouldn't know. It's my first time.
929
01:08:35,265 --> 01:08:37,790
I order you!
930
01:08:38,368 --> 01:08:40,268
You want me to touch your hand?
931
01:08:40,403 --> 01:08:41,529
Yes.
932
01:08:41,971 --> 01:08:43,871
In that case
933
01:08:44,974 --> 01:08:46,566
I won't!
934
01:08:46,709 --> 01:08:49,371
Why not?
935
01:08:49,512 --> 01:08:52,106
Stretch your hands out flat.
936
01:08:52,248 --> 01:08:55,274
Fine, flatter still.
937
01:08:55,552 --> 01:08:59,886
I'll touch touch touch, I will...
938
01:09:00,023 --> 01:09:02,719
Ha ha ha
939
01:09:03,393 --> 01:09:06,123
You're so right.
940
01:09:07,964 --> 01:09:09,864
There's real emotion there.
941
01:09:11,234 --> 01:09:14,635
Didn't I say that?
942
01:09:14,771 --> 01:09:17,331
Nice girl, bad girl, I wouldn't dare.
943
01:09:17,473 --> 01:09:20,237
It's in at such a jaunty angle,
944
01:09:20,376 --> 01:09:24,005
suggestively it there does dangle.
945
01:09:24,147 --> 01:09:26,945
Of my crab-apple flower.
946
01:09:27,083 --> 01:09:29,381
A joke you make.
947
01:09:29,519 --> 01:09:32,010
This flower I will throw away
948
01:09:32,155 --> 01:09:36,057
and never wear another, from this day.
949
01:09:40,296 --> 01:09:42,264
Zhifang, you're angry with me.
950
01:09:42,799 --> 01:09:44,460
You shouldn't make fun of him.
951
01:09:45,668 --> 01:09:47,465
You make it hard for them both.
952
01:09:47,604 --> 01:09:48,662
Of course they act with real feeling.
953
01:09:48,805 --> 01:09:50,568
You wouldn't want them
to fake it, would you?
954
01:09:52,642 --> 01:10:00,208
Come... I'll dress your hair
as best I can.
955
01:10:01,517 --> 01:10:05,419
Wear this...
956
01:10:06,356 --> 01:10:13,660
crab-apple blossom.
957
01:10:36,119 --> 01:10:37,177
Bravo!
958
01:11:13,423 --> 01:11:14,617
I've come to return your umbrella.
959
01:11:21,431 --> 01:11:22,898
When you stood at the corridor,
960
01:11:23,032 --> 01:11:24,932
I saw you had my umbrella with you.
961
01:11:25,368 --> 01:11:27,461
I thought you wanted to keep it.
962
01:11:27,670 --> 01:11:28,602
If I had returned your umbrella then,
963
01:11:30,073 --> 01:11:33,304
I have no excuse to come again.
964
01:11:37,547 --> 01:11:38,514
Come in.
965
01:11:43,553 --> 01:11:44,520
Mr. Qiu.
966
01:11:44,654 --> 01:11:45,416
Yes?
967
01:11:46,155 --> 01:11:48,020
Is there something urgent?
968
01:11:48,291 --> 01:11:51,385
Should I go in and
announce your presence.
969
01:11:52,562 --> 01:11:53,756
What's the rush?
970
01:11:55,531 --> 01:11:56,555
Here's a paper swallow.
971
01:11:58,101 --> 01:11:59,363
It can fly very high.
972
01:12:06,375 --> 01:12:07,433
That's not so high.
973
01:12:10,079 --> 01:12:11,512
But I made it from a programme.
974
01:12:12,381 --> 01:12:14,611
Two names are on it.
975
01:12:14,751 --> 01:12:15,843
Whose names?
976
01:12:16,085 --> 01:12:17,484
Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong.
977
01:12:17,720 --> 01:12:18,550
Whose?
978
01:12:23,793 --> 01:12:25,158
Another acid-tongue!
979
01:12:25,695 --> 01:12:27,185
Is your wife like that too then?
980
01:12:29,031 --> 01:12:29,827
She's a good person.
981
01:12:34,070 --> 01:12:37,699
She had me under control.
982
01:12:38,875 --> 01:12:39,705
Is that possible?
983
01:12:40,309 --> 01:12:41,276
Not really.
984
01:12:54,023 --> 01:12:55,251
Know what I prayed for?
985
01:12:57,093 --> 01:12:58,151
Can you guess...
986
01:13:00,496 --> 01:13:01,656
my wish?
987
01:13:01,798 --> 01:13:02,787
Don't tell.
988
01:13:08,805 --> 01:13:09,863
My worst fear is that
989
01:13:11,374 --> 01:13:12,432
it's not what I'd hoped for.
990
01:13:15,945 --> 01:13:19,745
If I could sing
with Mei Lanfang forever,
991
01:13:21,484 --> 01:13:22,314
that would be wonderful.
992
01:13:25,354 --> 01:13:27,549
Are you waiting for me?
993
01:13:29,225 --> 01:13:31,159
You forgot the celebration banquet.
994
01:13:31,928 --> 01:13:33,759
Everyone's waiting for you.
995
01:13:34,730 --> 01:13:35,856
I'm not going.
996
01:13:36,399 --> 01:13:39,732
More people speaking words of flattery.
997
01:13:40,536 --> 01:13:42,766
I told Mr. Feng I wasn't going.
998
01:13:44,707 --> 01:13:47,972
Also, that ceremony
next week for the plaque.
999
01:13:48,878 --> 01:13:50,140
Please decline for me.
1000
01:13:54,851 --> 01:13:58,480
It's tough being
as close to him as I am.
1001
01:13:59,021 --> 01:14:03,424
A hundred businesses honouring him
with a gold plaque.
1002
01:14:04,093 --> 01:14:05,355
And he decides not to go,
just like that.
1003
01:14:07,463 --> 01:14:08,862
There are four characters
on the plaque.
1004
01:14:08,998 --> 01:14:09,896
Brother.
1005
01:14:11,634 --> 01:14:12,760
Which four characters?
1006
01:14:13,703 --> 01:14:14,761
He won't let me say.
1007
01:14:17,206 --> 01:14:20,073
You'll disappoint them
if you don't go.
1008
01:14:20,276 --> 01:14:21,971
You should go to
the banquet tonight, too.
1009
01:14:22,311 --> 01:14:24,609
The show can't begin
without its star.
1010
01:14:26,782 --> 01:14:28,477
Xiaodong's understanding.
1011
01:14:28,784 --> 01:14:30,911
You have to receive that plaque too.
1012
01:14:37,260 --> 01:14:38,454
See you, Xiaodong.
1013
01:14:39,395 --> 01:14:40,293
See you.
1014
01:14:43,799 --> 01:14:44,663
Zhifang.
1015
01:14:45,401 --> 01:14:47,892
Did you see a note
in the pocket of my white suit?
1016
01:14:49,171 --> 01:14:51,765
See it? I tore it up.
1017
01:14:51,908 --> 01:14:54,775
It has an important address.
1018
01:14:56,946 --> 01:14:58,743
7 Beitangzi Hutong.
1019
01:15:00,416 --> 01:15:02,043
7 Beitangzi Hutong, right.
1020
01:15:02,251 --> 01:15:03,115
It's Meng Xiaodong's address.
1021
01:15:03,252 --> 01:15:04,617
You don't have to tell me.
1022
01:15:05,354 --> 01:15:06,218
Zhifang.
1023
01:15:09,325 --> 01:15:10,189
You want to tell her that
1024
01:15:10,326 --> 01:15:12,351
you're not going, right?
1025
01:15:28,811 --> 01:15:29,869
By the gift of this plaque,
1026
01:15:30,746 --> 01:15:33,340
you honoured me greatly.
1027
01:15:34,884 --> 01:15:35,942
But it strikes me that
1028
01:15:36,652 --> 01:15:40,588
the title "King of Actors"
makes it hard for me.
1029
01:15:42,024 --> 01:15:45,118
If I sing well, I'm the King.
1030
01:15:46,963 --> 01:15:50,865
If I don't, I'm still the King.
1031
01:15:54,203 --> 01:15:55,670
I'm only an opera singer.
1032
01:15:57,139 --> 01:15:58,970
All I want is to sing
1033
01:16:02,044 --> 01:16:03,170
for the rest of my life.
1034
01:16:04,113 --> 01:16:05,045
Thank you all very much.
1035
01:16:18,794 --> 01:16:19,692
Hey!
1036
01:16:32,975 --> 01:16:41,474
'King of Actors'
1037
01:16:49,492 --> 01:16:51,687
'7 Beitangzi Hutong'
1038
01:16:56,499 --> 01:16:57,397
Mr. Qiu,
1039
01:16:59,735 --> 01:17:00,793
What are you doing here?
1040
01:17:03,806 --> 01:17:04,636
Xiaodong,
1041
01:17:05,808 --> 01:17:08,242
I urgently need your help.
1042
01:17:09,478 --> 01:17:10,308
What's up?
1043
01:17:10,713 --> 01:17:14,410
Wanhua must go to America. He has to.
1044
01:17:14,683 --> 01:17:17,652
He won't just be
the star of the Far East.
1045
01:17:19,088 --> 01:17:22,819
But possibly the biggest star
in the world.
1046
01:17:23,626 --> 01:17:27,255
Please help. He listens to you.
1047
01:17:34,236 --> 01:17:35,168
Brother.
1048
01:17:37,173 --> 01:17:38,834
Wanhua? You're here too.
1049
01:17:41,510 --> 01:17:42,772
Brother.
1050
01:17:42,912 --> 01:17:43,879
Oh.
1051
01:17:44,113 --> 01:17:46,013
How'd you know where I live?
1052
01:17:50,886 --> 01:17:54,219
A friend told me. A reporter.
1053
01:17:54,890 --> 01:17:57,825
That Mei Lanfang often visits
Xiaodong's place.
1054
01:17:59,028 --> 01:18:02,691
It'll be the talk of
the town by tomorrow.
1055
01:18:04,467 --> 01:18:06,867
Brother. Just like you,
1056
01:18:07,069 --> 01:18:09,128
Wanhua's here tonight
for the first time.
1057
01:18:13,008 --> 01:18:17,809
Xiaodong, please do me that favour.
1058
01:18:18,114 --> 01:18:18,546
I'll be off now.
1059
01:18:18,681 --> 01:18:21,081
Brother, I'll go with you.
1060
01:18:26,655 --> 01:18:29,783
Be my guest for lunch tomorrow
at Yanchun House.
1061
01:18:31,127 --> 01:18:31,957
This way.
1062
01:18:45,107 --> 01:18:46,404
Hey, singer!
1063
01:18:49,979 --> 01:18:52,413
Thank you, sir, thank you!
1064
01:18:56,152 --> 01:18:57,176
Was that Huifang?
1065
01:18:58,454 --> 01:18:59,887
I didn't recognise him.
1066
01:19:03,792 --> 01:19:05,692
He used to be such a prima donna.
1067
01:19:13,068 --> 01:19:15,866
I know you're doing this
for Brother Qiu.
1068
01:19:17,673 --> 01:19:21,040
You think I should go to America too.
1069
01:19:24,180 --> 01:19:25,169
But I'm terrified that
I may fail.
1070
01:19:25,548 --> 01:19:27,379
There's a lot to be afraid of.
1071
01:19:28,918 --> 01:19:31,512
A theatre that's half empty.
1072
01:19:31,887 --> 01:19:33,855
No applause on your entrance.
1073
01:19:34,089 --> 01:19:35,215
Giving your all on the night,
1074
01:19:35,357 --> 01:19:36,824
only to be panned by the critics.
1075
01:19:38,494 --> 01:19:43,397
Our livelihood depends
on the whims of others.
1076
01:19:46,168 --> 01:19:47,226
So true.
1077
01:19:48,103 --> 01:19:50,901
Do you know what
I prayed for that day?
1078
01:19:54,510 --> 01:19:58,571
Just to be able to see a movie
with you one day.
1079
01:20:04,086 --> 01:20:05,178
We could go today.
1080
01:20:13,262 --> 01:20:14,889
The three "cops"!
1081
01:20:15,464 --> 01:20:16,453
Mr. Feng, Brother.
1082
01:20:16,599 --> 01:20:17,793
Mr. Mei, at last.
1083
01:20:17,933 --> 01:20:20,367
You've got to save me! Save my show!
1084
01:20:23,906 --> 01:20:24,873
The audience is already in.
1085
01:20:25,007 --> 01:20:27,805
Please don't let me down.
1086
01:20:27,943 --> 01:20:30,605
I've an important engagement.
Can't make it.
1087
01:20:30,980 --> 01:20:33,244
More important than saving a show?
1088
01:20:35,884 --> 01:20:37,010
Master Zhu is ill.
1089
01:20:37,286 --> 01:20:39,516
I know you're from different troupes.
1090
01:20:39,888 --> 01:20:41,253
But they're demanding you -
1091
01:20:41,991 --> 01:20:43,891
or their money back.
1092
01:20:44,026 --> 01:20:45,220
Ask someone else to do it.
1093
01:20:45,361 --> 01:20:46,919
We need a star.
1094
01:20:47,196 --> 01:20:49,562
You're the biggest star there is.
Please.
1095
01:20:50,232 --> 01:20:51,699
And if I offend you by refusing?
1096
01:20:53,802 --> 01:20:56,464
You won't.
You're not that sort of person.
1097
01:20:56,639 --> 01:20:58,300
What sort am I, then?
1098
01:21:01,577 --> 01:21:03,169
Can't I even go watch
a film with Xiaodong?
1099
01:21:04,880 --> 01:21:05,847
Is it that hard?
1100
01:21:08,717 --> 01:21:11,584
Miss Meng, please help persuade him.
1101
01:21:12,855 --> 01:21:13,822
It's too late.
1102
01:21:18,761 --> 01:21:19,557
Wanhua.
1103
01:21:22,898 --> 01:21:25,025
Remember the paper yoke
your uncle had to wear?
1104
01:21:27,102 --> 01:21:28,899
You know the worst thing about it?
1105
01:21:29,772 --> 01:21:31,899
The thinness of the paper.
1106
01:21:32,041 --> 01:21:35,636
The tiniest force could've torn it.
1107
01:21:36,211 --> 01:21:37,769
But if they could have ripped it off,
1108
01:21:38,747 --> 01:21:41,739
your uncle and grandpa
would have done so already.
1109
01:21:42,151 --> 01:21:43,675
They couldn't.
1110
01:21:44,486 --> 01:21:45,612
Now it's on you.
1111
01:21:47,756 --> 01:21:50,884
Wanhua, Brother Qiu is saying,
1112
01:21:51,193 --> 01:21:52,683
that so long as it's on you,
1113
01:21:53,729 --> 01:21:55,424
you mustn't let it be torn.
1114
01:21:59,068 --> 01:22:00,126
Not even for one day?
1115
01:22:02,371 --> 01:22:03,463
No?
1116
01:22:12,748 --> 01:22:13,305
Stop.
1117
01:22:13,449 --> 01:22:14,677
Stop the car.
1118
01:22:41,009 --> 01:22:41,737
Xiaodong,
1119
01:22:46,048 --> 01:22:47,811
I need to talk to you.
1120
01:22:51,520 --> 01:22:55,547
You want me
to stay away from him, right?
1121
01:23:01,130 --> 01:23:01,994
Well, I won't.
1122
01:23:03,866 --> 01:23:05,163
I'll be there for him every day.
1123
01:23:08,203 --> 01:23:11,832
Every afternoon, hour,
1124
01:23:12,674 --> 01:23:13,766
and second.
1125
01:23:15,310 --> 01:23:16,277
It doesn't matter.
1126
01:23:17,579 --> 01:23:18,546
Xiaodong,
1127
01:23:21,016 --> 01:23:22,711
do you understand his loneliness?
1128
01:23:24,753 --> 01:23:25,549
It's inside him.
1129
01:23:28,624 --> 01:23:30,683
Wanhua has been
with us all these years.
1130
01:23:32,861 --> 01:23:34,886
And yet in his heart
he was always alone.
1131
01:23:38,267 --> 01:23:39,632
Until he met you.
1132
01:23:41,970 --> 01:23:46,930
But everything that he has,
1133
01:23:47,776 --> 01:23:50,267
comes from that loneliness.
1134
01:23:52,147 --> 01:23:54,047
If you destroy that loneliness,
1135
01:23:56,585 --> 01:23:58,610
you destroy Mei Lanfang.
1136
01:23:59,221 --> 01:24:00,313
I understand.
1137
01:24:01,290 --> 01:24:03,281
But I can't leave him.
1138
01:24:17,272 --> 01:24:18,705
Don't be too hard on Wanhua.
1139
01:24:28,784 --> 01:24:30,547
It's only Meng Xiaodong.
1140
01:24:31,186 --> 01:24:33,746
If he doesn't have a secret admirer,
1141
01:24:33,889 --> 01:24:35,789
I'd be the first to worry.
1142
01:24:36,792 --> 01:24:39,886
Don't fret. See you later.
1143
01:24:42,197 --> 01:24:44,961
Oh, see you.
1144
01:24:50,105 --> 01:24:52,164
Coming! The door's open.
1145
01:24:58,514 --> 01:25:00,038
Gave you a fright, did I?
1146
01:25:02,651 --> 01:25:05,620
You did. Please, come in.
1147
01:25:06,021 --> 01:25:07,613
Otherwise people might think
1148
01:25:07,923 --> 01:25:10,016
I was refusing you entry.
1149
01:25:11,093 --> 01:25:11,991
As if you'd dare.
1150
01:25:13,695 --> 01:25:16,391
Should I call you Elder Sister?
1151
01:25:18,033 --> 01:25:21,093
Call me Zhifang. It's more intimate.
1152
01:25:24,606 --> 01:25:26,096
Lovely little courtyard.
1153
01:25:27,643 --> 01:25:28,803
I'll get you some tea.
1154
01:25:30,345 --> 01:25:34,213
I only drink boiled water. It's cleaner.
1155
01:25:37,219 --> 01:25:38,880
Then I'll get you some.
1156
01:25:40,322 --> 01:25:41,220
Don't trouble yourself.
1157
01:25:41,823 --> 01:25:42,812
Not at all.
1158
01:25:43,158 --> 01:25:44,420
Anyway, I won't drink it.
1159
01:25:52,935 --> 01:25:55,495
Tell me what you came to say.
1160
01:25:55,637 --> 01:25:56,661
Alright, I will.
1161
01:26:01,176 --> 01:26:02,268
I'm not your equal.
1162
01:26:04,146 --> 01:26:05,340
I was once a singer too.
1163
01:26:06,348 --> 01:26:07,906
But when I married him,
1164
01:26:09,184 --> 01:26:10,708
I gave up my stage career.
1165
01:26:13,188 --> 01:26:14,587
I'm not your match.
1166
01:26:15,591 --> 01:26:19,687
The best actress in the land,
great future.
1167
01:26:20,028 --> 01:26:22,997
You didn't come to sing my praises.
1168
01:26:23,131 --> 01:26:24,063
True.
1169
01:26:25,467 --> 01:26:26,957
I came to plead with you.
1170
01:26:27,769 --> 01:26:29,634
Please leave Mei Lanfang
alone to sing opera.
1171
01:26:29,771 --> 01:26:30,829
Don't distract him.
1172
01:26:33,375 --> 01:26:34,569
Can you do that?
1173
01:26:40,616 --> 01:26:42,777
On my way here,
1174
01:26:44,553 --> 01:26:45,850
I told myself not to quarrel with you.
1175
01:26:48,156 --> 01:26:50,590
But see how useless I am.
1176
01:26:55,464 --> 01:26:56,954
I've come to tell you that
1177
01:26:59,835 --> 01:27:03,236
you don't own him and neither do I.
1178
01:27:05,240 --> 01:27:06,400
He belongs to his fans.
1179
01:27:26,261 --> 01:27:27,159
Xiaodong.
1180
01:27:27,329 --> 01:27:29,320
You startled me.
1181
01:27:31,533 --> 01:27:32,557
So you're going away?
1182
01:27:40,208 --> 01:27:41,140
I'm asking you.
1183
01:27:44,112 --> 01:27:45,010
Are you going away?
1184
01:27:46,381 --> 01:27:47,871
You never mince words, do you?
1185
01:27:59,194 --> 01:28:00,354
It's not that I'm going away.
1186
01:28:11,006 --> 01:28:12,633
It's that I'm leaving you. Forever.
1187
01:28:15,944 --> 01:28:18,174
You not only like to kid around
1188
01:28:20,382 --> 01:28:21,576
but you hold a grudge too.
1189
01:28:22,517 --> 01:28:25,384
I'm not kidding. It's for real.
1190
01:28:26,788 --> 01:28:30,189
Of course you're kidding.
How could you not be?
1191
01:28:30,559 --> 01:28:31,651
It's for real.
1192
01:28:32,160 --> 01:28:33,092
It's not for real.
1193
01:28:33,228 --> 01:28:33,819
It is.
1194
01:28:33,962 --> 01:28:34,360
It's not.
1195
01:28:34,496 --> 01:28:35,463
It is.
1196
01:28:40,602 --> 01:28:43,070
Meng Xiaodong will
never see Mei Lanfang again.
1197
01:28:46,808 --> 01:28:47,706
Get changed.
1198
01:28:49,244 --> 01:28:51,303
We're going to the movies.
1199
01:28:51,646 --> 01:28:52,670
I'm not going.
1200
01:29:06,561 --> 01:29:08,529
Mr. Feng is giving a party.
1201
01:29:10,065 --> 01:29:11,225
Will they both be there?
1202
01:29:11,366 --> 01:29:12,196
Oh yes.
1203
01:29:18,740 --> 01:29:21,004
I'll trade these for an invitation.
1204
01:29:25,313 --> 01:29:29,079
Look. Here, have them.
1205
01:29:42,097 --> 01:29:43,257
They're a beautiful couple.
1206
01:29:43,965 --> 01:29:44,761
Aren't they?
1207
01:29:46,935 --> 01:29:49,369
But sometimes I just have to interfere.
1208
01:30:14,329 --> 01:30:15,626
Meng Xiaodong.
1209
01:30:36,484 --> 01:30:38,850
Zhifang agreed to mortgage the house.
1210
01:30:46,127 --> 01:30:49,619
Wanhua, you can't afford to
fail in America.
1211
01:30:49,931 --> 01:30:50,863
There's no shame in losing,
1212
01:30:52,701 --> 01:30:53,725
only in being afraid.
1213
01:30:55,337 --> 01:30:58,738
But they wired saying don't come
because of the Depression.
1214
01:30:59,808 --> 01:31:01,036
How do we respond?
1215
01:31:02,010 --> 01:31:04,103
"Mei Lanfang is scared
to tour America."
1216
01:31:05,480 --> 01:31:06,344
How many words are there?
1217
01:31:10,018 --> 01:31:10,882
Seven.
1218
01:31:12,320 --> 01:31:15,289
And in "Mei Lanfang will
go to tour America?"
1219
01:31:16,458 --> 01:31:17,447
Seven too.
1220
01:31:19,261 --> 01:31:20,353
Help boost my courage.
1221
01:31:34,442 --> 01:31:36,876
I'll leave Peking tomorrow.
1222
01:31:37,012 --> 01:31:39,207
Oh, Xiaodong...
1223
01:31:39,347 --> 01:31:43,647
Brother, this is a letter for Wanhua.
1224
01:31:44,486 --> 01:31:45,976
Promise you'll give it to him
1225
01:31:47,522 --> 01:31:49,683
to read on his opening night in America.
1226
01:31:57,165 --> 01:31:57,824
I promise.
1227
01:32:05,707 --> 01:32:06,469
He hasn't come?
1228
01:32:07,442 --> 01:32:08,101
He's not on my list.
1229
01:32:08,243 --> 01:32:09,710
About that matter...
1230
01:32:22,457 --> 01:32:23,685
Something up?
1231
01:32:23,825 --> 01:32:24,484
No.
1232
01:32:24,626 --> 01:32:26,526
Brother, let me introduce you
1233
01:32:26,661 --> 01:32:29,095
to Mr. Tanaka Ryuichi of
the Japanese consulate.
1234
01:32:29,631 --> 01:32:30,359
Pleased to meet you.
1235
01:32:31,566 --> 01:32:32,396
The pleasure's mine.
1236
01:32:33,301 --> 01:32:34,768
Mr. Mei, a photo please.
1237
01:32:35,537 --> 01:32:36,265
Together.
1238
01:32:39,040 --> 01:32:42,203
Xiaodong. I'll see you out.
1239
01:32:52,721 --> 01:32:53,483
Hey!
1240
01:32:56,157 --> 01:32:57,647
Stop there, Meng Xiaodong!
1241
01:32:58,660 --> 01:32:59,524
Don't move!
1242
01:33:00,862 --> 01:33:03,160
What're you doing?
1243
01:33:03,865 --> 01:33:05,799
Put that gun down. Put it down.
1244
01:33:05,934 --> 01:33:06,901
Don't move!
1245
01:33:11,072 --> 01:33:12,232
Put that gun down.
1246
01:33:16,111 --> 01:33:17,169
I'm Mei Lanfang.
1247
01:33:18,113 --> 01:33:20,445
Everyone knows that.
1248
01:33:21,649 --> 01:33:23,173
Don't move! Don't anyone try to leave!
1249
01:33:26,621 --> 01:33:29,818
That thing's not loaded.
1250
01:33:30,892 --> 01:33:32,189
Says who?
1251
01:33:33,895 --> 01:33:35,453
Just do what you have to do.
1252
01:33:38,199 --> 01:33:39,393
All our friends are here,
1253
01:33:40,935 --> 01:33:42,163
and they can bear witness.
1254
01:33:44,172 --> 01:33:46,140
If it's in my power,
1255
01:33:46,975 --> 01:33:48,306
I'll give you what you want.
1256
01:33:48,710 --> 01:33:51,474
I want Meng Xiaodong
to leave Mei Lanfang.
1257
01:33:51,880 --> 01:33:53,848
Now!
1258
01:33:56,451 --> 01:33:57,179
Let go!
1259
01:34:07,796 --> 01:34:09,354
Alright. You can shoot me now.
1260
01:34:10,165 --> 01:34:13,566
Meng Xiaodong, I hate you.
1261
01:34:16,204 --> 01:34:17,262
If not for today,
1262
01:34:17,972 --> 01:34:20,839
Mei Lanfang would never
even set eye on me.
1263
01:34:21,109 --> 01:34:22,371
Or heard me say a single word.
1264
01:34:23,178 --> 01:34:25,646
How could I ever get close to him
like you do?
1265
01:34:28,383 --> 01:34:32,114
Since falling for him
and the roles that he plays
1266
01:34:35,990 --> 01:34:38,618
I have forgotten if I'm male or female.
1267
01:34:40,428 --> 01:34:42,225
Do you know what that's like?
1268
01:34:44,132 --> 01:34:45,724
Do you?
1269
01:34:48,236 --> 01:34:49,134
I do.
1270
01:34:54,976 --> 01:34:56,500
I only ever wanted my acting
1271
01:34:57,378 --> 01:34:58,811
to bring happiness to people.
1272
01:35:00,782 --> 01:35:02,977
I didn't hurt your feelings on purpose.
1273
01:35:04,185 --> 01:35:05,174
Hearing you speak,
1274
01:35:06,988 --> 01:35:09,422
I want to apologise.
1275
01:35:11,359 --> 01:35:14,192
Go. Live your life well.
1276
01:35:29,043 --> 01:35:31,375
That's him!
1277
01:35:40,788 --> 01:35:42,085
What time is your train tomorrow?
1278
01:35:47,028 --> 01:35:47,960
Early.
1279
01:36:14,756 --> 01:36:15,518
Wanhua,
1280
01:36:18,259 --> 01:36:19,157
don't be afraid.
1281
01:37:06,140 --> 01:37:07,129
Don't cry.
1282
01:37:26,361 --> 01:37:27,191
Boss Wang.
1283
01:37:27,595 --> 01:37:28,254
Yes?
1284
01:37:30,198 --> 01:37:31,688
I won't sing Plum Dragon Village.
1285
01:37:33,334 --> 01:37:35,325
But that's what the audience wants.
1286
01:37:37,205 --> 01:37:38,194
I won't do it.
1287
01:37:41,276 --> 01:37:42,538
I'll sing anything but that.
1288
01:37:44,545 --> 01:37:45,842
Never that one again.
1289
01:37:49,917 --> 01:37:51,179
Never ever.
1290
01:37:52,887 --> 01:37:53,751
Understood?
1291
01:37:59,727 --> 01:38:04,687
1930 - New York
1292
01:38:33,428 --> 01:38:34,690
How can the NY Times
1293
01:38:34,829 --> 01:38:36,228
critic write this?
1294
01:38:38,433 --> 01:38:41,300
He hasn't even seen it
and he's already negative.
1295
01:38:43,071 --> 01:38:44,333
Add to that the Great Depression.
1296
01:38:46,674 --> 01:38:49,802
Of course, there's no point in regrets.
1297
01:38:52,480 --> 01:38:54,311
Why are you looking at me like that?
1298
01:38:54,449 --> 01:38:56,041
I hope you'll succeed.
1299
01:38:56,184 --> 01:38:59,745
It's not about me. It's Mei Lanfang.
1300
01:39:01,055 --> 01:39:02,386
It's us all.
1301
01:39:04,759 --> 01:39:08,217
Why concede defeat even
before the first show?
1302
01:39:09,831 --> 01:39:11,162
Why defeat ourselves?
1303
01:39:12,867 --> 01:39:13,765
I'm telling you,
1304
01:39:14,402 --> 01:39:15,869
he must succeed.
1305
01:39:20,641 --> 01:39:22,074
Accountant Zheng, what can I do for you?
1306
01:39:22,610 --> 01:39:24,077
It's like this.
1307
01:39:24,579 --> 01:39:28,037
Madam said not to hide
financial matters from you.
1308
01:39:28,549 --> 01:39:29,777
We paid "compensation"
to the assassin Liu Xichang.
1309
01:39:29,917 --> 01:39:32,078
It's quite a large sum
1310
01:39:32,620 --> 01:39:35,111
and was paid some time ago.
1311
01:39:35,556 --> 01:39:36,989
Here's Mr. Qiu's authorisation.
1312
01:39:51,939 --> 01:39:52,871
Wanhua,
1313
01:39:55,576 --> 01:39:56,668
who brought you the papers?
1314
01:40:05,720 --> 01:40:10,214
Brother, you paid Liu Xichang?
1315
01:40:20,868 --> 01:40:21,732
Wanhua.
1316
01:40:28,209 --> 01:40:31,144
This Liu Xichang,
he was a fan, poor thing.
1317
01:40:33,014 --> 01:40:34,641
I thought to give his family some money.
1318
01:40:36,350 --> 01:40:37,317
You're lying.
1319
01:40:39,554 --> 01:40:40,714
He's dead. He came back to life
1320
01:40:40,855 --> 01:40:42,516
to sign a receipt?
1321
01:40:48,596 --> 01:40:50,120
Or did you hire him beforehand?
1322
01:40:53,034 --> 01:40:53,898
Tell me.
1323
01:40:57,238 --> 01:40:58,262
You're right.
1324
01:40:59,106 --> 01:41:00,164
I hired him.
1325
01:41:01,843 --> 01:41:03,401
To stop Xiaodong,
1326
01:41:04,579 --> 01:41:06,479
to force her to leave you.
1327
01:41:09,984 --> 01:41:10,973
Wanhua,
1328
01:41:11,352 --> 01:41:14,014
you're approaching perfection.
1329
01:41:14,989 --> 01:41:16,786
I can't let anyone stand in your way.
1330
01:41:16,924 --> 01:41:19,392
Even if in this case
I did the wrong thing.
1331
01:41:20,928 --> 01:41:22,486
But you'll never be able to
1332
01:41:23,231 --> 01:41:26,098
bring him back to hear your apologies.
1333
01:41:26,467 --> 01:41:27,491
I don't regret it.
1334
01:41:33,374 --> 01:41:34,363
Get out!
1335
01:41:54,762 --> 01:41:56,389
Liu Xichang wasn't supposed to
kill anyone.
1336
01:41:56,764 --> 01:41:59,028
I didn't know his gun was loaded.
1337
01:42:03,170 --> 01:42:04,137
What you have done,
1338
01:42:05,439 --> 01:42:06,599
was despicable.
1339
01:42:09,377 --> 01:42:10,742
Criticise me all you like.
1340
01:42:13,247 --> 01:42:15,408
But tonight, we must stand together.
1341
01:42:19,720 --> 01:42:21,210
Wanhua, my nephew:
1342
01:42:21,956 --> 01:42:24,686
By the time you get this letter,
1343
01:42:24,825 --> 01:42:28,488
your uncle may have breathed his last.
1344
01:42:29,931 --> 01:42:31,558
What did your uncle's letter say?
1345
01:42:33,968 --> 01:42:34,832
Wanhua
1346
01:42:36,470 --> 01:42:37,596
Wanhua?
1347
01:42:37,738 --> 01:42:39,865
I want to dissuade you from singing.
1348
01:42:40,908 --> 01:42:45,709
But luckily you have no fear.
1349
01:42:47,081 --> 01:42:48,673
So sing and sing well.
1350
01:42:49,684 --> 01:42:52,244
And do your very best,
1351
01:42:52,486 --> 01:42:54,147
to endure the paper yoke.
1352
01:42:54,789 --> 01:42:59,783
Don't look back.
Give it your all until the end.
1353
01:43:38,699 --> 01:43:41,497
How come they're not applauding?
1354
01:43:41,636 --> 01:43:43,695
Mistress, kill him,
1355
01:43:44,338 --> 01:43:46,363
please be quick!
1356
01:43:48,376 --> 01:43:50,776
Kill him?
1357
01:43:50,911 --> 01:43:54,039
Stop causing trouble - get lost.
1358
01:44:34,522 --> 01:44:35,580
Your time has come.
1359
01:45:56,904 --> 01:45:57,893
Where'd you go?
1360
01:45:58,038 --> 01:45:59,869
What's this? What happened?
1361
01:46:00,007 --> 01:46:00,905
You need to ask?
1362
01:46:01,041 --> 01:46:02,235
See for yourself.
1363
01:46:02,376 --> 01:46:04,276
- What's going on, it's...
- Crazy?
1364
01:46:04,411 --> 01:46:05,537
They're going crazy!
1365
01:46:05,679 --> 01:46:06,509
Crazy, brother!
1366
01:46:07,681 --> 01:46:10,309
Crazy!
1367
01:46:10,985 --> 01:46:13,112
It's total madness!
1368
01:46:16,824 --> 01:46:17,552
Wanhua,
1369
01:46:17,958 --> 01:46:19,789
nine curtain calls are enough.
1370
01:46:19,927 --> 01:46:21,053
Never indulge your audience.
1371
01:46:21,195 --> 01:46:23,755
If you're too sincere
they'll think less of you.
1372
01:46:23,898 --> 01:46:27,026
Act aloof and
they'll fall at your feet.
1373
01:46:28,435 --> 01:46:29,595
That's true.
1374
01:46:32,339 --> 01:46:33,431
Please move out of my way.
1375
01:46:57,097 --> 01:46:58,894
Wanhua, get in.
1376
01:47:01,368 --> 01:47:02,198
I need a walk.
1377
01:47:06,440 --> 01:47:07,304
Wanhua,
1378
01:47:08,542 --> 01:47:11,238
I don't know when you'll read this.
1379
01:47:12,646 --> 01:47:14,443
If it's after the show,
1380
01:47:14,949 --> 01:47:18,009
then I congratulate your success.
1381
01:47:19,420 --> 01:47:21,081
If it's before,
1382
01:47:22,022 --> 01:47:23,421
I just want to say again,
1383
01:47:25,092 --> 01:47:27,788
Wanhua, don't be afraid.
1384
01:47:56,991 --> 01:47:59,050
I've come today,
1385
01:48:04,431 --> 01:48:05,227
to bid my farewell.
1386
01:48:09,403 --> 01:48:10,665
My worst fear has always been
1387
01:48:13,407 --> 01:48:14,897
that I can no longer perform on stage.
1388
01:48:18,712 --> 01:48:22,204
That day has come,
1389
01:48:23,450 --> 01:48:24,712
finally.
1390
01:48:27,354 --> 01:48:30,585
I wish you all peace and safety.
1391
01:48:34,295 --> 01:48:35,455
Wherever I go,
1392
01:48:41,101 --> 01:48:42,591
you'll be on my mind.
1393
01:48:46,407 --> 01:48:47,601
I thank you all.
1394
01:49:16,203 --> 01:49:17,261
Major Tanaka,
1395
01:49:17,738 --> 01:49:19,467
why are you so late?
1396
01:49:20,174 --> 01:49:23,007
I went to town to see
1397
01:49:23,143 --> 01:49:23,973
Mei Lanfang's performance.
1398
01:49:24,678 --> 01:49:28,808
So you were late on account of work.
1399
01:49:29,350 --> 01:49:32,478
I also happen to like
Mei Lanfang very much.
1400
01:49:33,354 --> 01:49:36,915
All previous foreign occupiers of China,
1401
01:49:37,057 --> 01:49:38,752
consolidated their rule
1402
01:49:38,892 --> 01:49:40,223
by assimilating Chinese culture.
1403
01:49:40,661 --> 01:49:43,528
The ethnic minority rulers
1404
01:49:43,664 --> 01:49:45,689
of the Qing Dynasty,
1405
01:49:45,833 --> 01:49:48,961
identified with China
by their love of Peking Opera.
1406
01:49:49,536 --> 01:49:54,303
Mei Lanfang is China's greatest actor.
1407
01:49:54,575 --> 01:49:57,567
The hundred or so characters
he has portrayed
1408
01:49:57,711 --> 01:50:00,111
symbolise the passions of the Chinese.
1409
01:50:02,516 --> 01:50:05,679
He represents the feelings
of his people.
1410
01:50:05,819 --> 01:50:10,586
And Chinese call this
their conscience.
1411
01:50:11,792 --> 01:50:15,091
If we can tame Mei Lanfang,
1412
01:50:15,229 --> 01:50:17,629
we can conquer China.
1413
01:50:18,065 --> 01:50:20,795
And Japan will succeed
1414
01:50:20,934 --> 01:50:24,768
where others have failed.
1415
01:50:26,874 --> 01:50:27,738
Brother,
1416
01:50:32,446 --> 01:50:33,845
are you packed?
1417
01:50:35,115 --> 01:50:39,745
I've been thinking. I'm not going.
1418
01:50:42,322 --> 01:50:45,485
You won't be singing.
What use will I be?
1419
01:50:47,628 --> 01:50:49,061
We've got the tickets already.
1420
01:50:50,064 --> 01:50:51,656
You decided to quit, just like that.
1421
01:50:53,067 --> 01:50:54,432
Three generations' blood,
1422
01:50:54,568 --> 01:50:55,967
sweat and tears. Thrown away.
1423
01:50:57,638 --> 01:50:59,367
You might be able to let it go,
but I can't.
1424
01:51:00,174 --> 01:51:01,505
If the Japanese don't leave,
1425
01:51:01,775 --> 01:51:03,367
does Peking Opera have to die?
1426
01:51:04,278 --> 01:51:05,768
If Germany occupied England,
1427
01:51:07,481 --> 01:51:10,109
would the English
have to give up Shakespeare?
1428
01:51:13,153 --> 01:51:15,986
If Peking opera survives,
the country will live on.
1429
01:51:17,024 --> 01:51:18,457
Really, it's best if you come.
1430
01:51:22,029 --> 01:51:23,656
I won't go to the station.
1431
01:51:27,768 --> 01:51:32,296
Take this as my farewell.
1432
01:51:40,314 --> 01:51:42,214
Don't let the opera die!
1433
01:52:02,169 --> 01:52:03,067
You startled me!
1434
01:52:07,307 --> 01:52:08,535
Don't just sit.
1435
01:52:08,675 --> 01:52:11,735
Help tidy up and
we'll be off to the station.
1436
01:52:20,687 --> 01:52:24,350
Brother Qiu was here for ages.
1437
01:52:25,425 --> 01:52:27,689
When you didn't come, he left.
1438
01:52:28,295 --> 01:52:30,763
Madam, I need to ask you something.
1439
01:52:30,898 --> 01:52:32,229
The master's phonograph records
1440
01:52:32,366 --> 01:52:34,425
aren't going with us, are they?
1441
01:52:34,902 --> 01:52:37,735
I packed them into that case.
They're staying.
1442
01:52:37,871 --> 01:52:38,838
Yes.
1443
01:52:52,553 --> 01:52:55,215
What are you doing?!
1444
01:52:56,190 --> 01:52:58,522
Madam, Master, this way!
1445
01:52:59,593 --> 01:53:00,321
This way!
1446
01:53:05,032 --> 01:53:07,125
The train to Shanghai is about to leave.
1447
01:53:13,106 --> 01:53:17,839
Give it to me. It's mine.
1448
01:53:17,978 --> 01:53:18,842
Stop fighting.
1449
01:53:19,112 --> 01:53:20,306
He's eating my toffee apples.
1450
01:53:21,548 --> 01:53:22,515
The kids have been saying
1451
01:53:23,350 --> 01:53:26,547
that once the Peking sweets
are gone, that's it.
1452
01:53:29,990 --> 01:53:31,287
Give daddy a taste.
1453
01:53:43,270 --> 01:53:44,532
Uncle Feng! Uncle Feng!
1454
01:53:44,671 --> 01:53:46,832
This is wonderful!
1455
01:53:46,974 --> 01:53:47,702
Uncle Feng!
1456
01:53:48,642 --> 01:53:50,769
Shanghai has no fried dough
1457
01:53:51,311 --> 01:53:53,404
but it does have sweet cakes.
1458
01:53:53,547 --> 01:53:54,673
Thank you, Uncle Feng!
1459
01:53:55,215 --> 01:53:57,911
Not so fast, you'll trip!
Watch the steps!
1460
01:53:59,019 --> 01:54:00,509
Zhifang, you've lost weight.
1461
01:54:00,887 --> 01:54:03,253
I feel so much better now
that I've seen you.
1462
01:54:06,760 --> 01:54:07,954
Go on, practice the piano.
1463
01:54:09,763 --> 01:54:10,559
Master Mei,
1464
01:54:11,531 --> 01:54:14,329
please perform at my theatre.
1465
01:54:22,976 --> 01:54:24,876
If you won't give me face,
1466
01:54:25,646 --> 01:54:26,544
there's nothing I can do.
1467
01:54:28,715 --> 01:54:31,878
But this is the French Concession.
1468
01:54:32,452 --> 01:54:34,215
There are no Japanese here yet.
1469
01:54:37,958 --> 01:54:39,357
Alright. See you later.
1470
01:54:40,794 --> 01:54:41,658
See you later.
1471
01:54:42,696 --> 01:54:43,594
Wanhua,
1472
01:54:47,234 --> 01:54:48,667
you don't want to sing?
1473
01:54:52,105 --> 01:54:52,833
I do.
1474
01:54:56,610 --> 01:54:57,201
Who's there?
1475
01:54:57,811 --> 01:54:59,676
Coming, coming.
1476
01:55:10,223 --> 01:55:11,781
There's a Japanese here.
1477
01:55:16,863 --> 01:55:21,493
Please accept Mr. Sun's
invitation to sing.
1478
01:55:22,269 --> 01:55:23,634
I just turned it down.
1479
01:55:26,440 --> 01:55:27,270
I meant it.
1480
01:55:30,977 --> 01:55:33,070
I thought I was doing a good deed.
1481
01:55:34,948 --> 01:55:36,176
Whatever happens to China,
1482
01:55:37,384 --> 01:55:38,817
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1483
01:55:40,454 --> 01:55:43,321
Would anyone wants to see
a tarnished Mei Lanfang?
1484
01:55:48,762 --> 01:55:49,888
He turned it down.
1485
01:55:51,598 --> 01:55:52,622
I'm sorry.
1486
01:55:54,334 --> 01:55:57,633
Yes. I know.
1487
01:56:02,909 --> 01:56:05,434
My commanding officer wants to see you.
1488
01:56:08,382 --> 01:56:10,247
When can you go?
1489
01:56:12,786 --> 01:56:13,775
You mustn't go.
1490
01:56:17,290 --> 01:56:20,384
It's unavoidable.
Might as well get it over with.
1491
01:56:24,531 --> 01:56:25,520
You have to tell me...
1492
01:56:26,299 --> 01:56:27,459
Where are you taking him?
1493
01:56:34,841 --> 01:56:37,708
Mr. Mei will be received
with courtesy.
1494
01:56:53,660 --> 01:56:54,388
Take him away.
1495
01:56:58,598 --> 01:56:59,155
Major Tanaka!
1496
01:56:59,299 --> 01:57:00,231
Where're you taking him?
1497
01:57:00,367 --> 01:57:01,857
Calm down. Listen.
1498
01:57:02,002 --> 01:57:02,525
Out of my way!
1499
01:57:03,136 --> 01:57:04,068
Major Tanaka.
1500
01:57:34,768 --> 01:57:35,530
Major Tanaka.
1501
01:57:37,204 --> 01:57:38,637
Let him wait inside.
1502
01:57:52,953 --> 01:57:56,445
Mr. Mei, have you thought it over?
1503
01:58:05,565 --> 01:58:06,589
The answer to your question,
1504
01:58:07,467 --> 01:58:10,061
I've already told Mr. Tanaka.
1505
01:58:11,338 --> 01:58:12,327
What did he say?
1506
01:58:13,039 --> 01:58:14,301
He said he already gave
1507
01:58:15,642 --> 01:58:18,702
Major Tanaka his answer.
1508
01:58:18,845 --> 01:58:20,938
Tell him to answer me.
1509
01:58:21,515 --> 01:58:22,311
Mr. Mei...
1510
01:58:29,689 --> 01:58:30,713
I won't perform.
1511
01:58:36,329 --> 01:58:37,318
What did he say?
1512
01:58:38,265 --> 01:58:40,256
He won't perform.
1513
01:58:40,400 --> 01:58:41,367
Why not?
1514
01:58:42,202 --> 01:58:44,898
You know how many times
I've seen you perform?
1515
01:58:45,038 --> 01:58:47,472
What?! Speak Japanese!
1516
01:58:49,776 --> 01:58:50,504
When you first went to Japan,
I was only 15.
1517
01:58:50,644 --> 01:58:51,804
My father had died in battle.
1518
01:58:51,945 --> 01:58:53,708
So my uncle took me to see you.
1519
01:58:57,417 --> 01:58:59,544
He said when you first
performed in Japan,
1520
01:59:00,320 --> 01:59:03,619
his uncle took him to see you.
1521
01:59:03,757 --> 01:59:07,693
He was 15. His father
had died in battle.
1522
01:59:18,505 --> 01:59:19,403
Tell him,
1523
01:59:20,206 --> 01:59:25,769
he just prances around
the stage playing stupid women.
1524
01:59:26,413 --> 01:59:27,345
Our chief says
1525
01:59:27,981 --> 01:59:33,476
you just prance around
the stage playing women.
1526
01:59:38,191 --> 01:59:39,158
Tell him,
1527
01:59:40,026 --> 01:59:43,325
but off stage I'm a man.
1528
01:59:43,763 --> 01:59:47,290
He says, off stage he's a man.
1529
01:59:49,536 --> 01:59:58,137
This blade has cut off the
heads of many enemies.
1530
01:59:58,712 --> 02:00:03,376
Why wouldn't it cut your head off too?
1531
02:00:07,387 --> 02:00:11,346
Japanese soldiers mustn't treat
Mr. Mei like this.
1532
02:00:11,491 --> 02:00:15,689
What? Say that again.
1533
02:00:18,531 --> 02:00:22,729
I beg you.
1534
02:00:48,428 --> 02:00:51,659
Do you remember me
from Mr. Feng's place?
1535
02:00:53,366 --> 02:00:55,800
I recognised you
when you came to my house.
1536
02:00:56,670 --> 02:00:59,400
You were our guest that time.
1537
02:01:01,107 --> 02:01:02,267
You left your cigarette case behind.
1538
02:01:08,281 --> 02:01:11,682
My father left this to me.
1539
02:01:13,853 --> 02:01:14,717
Thank you.
1540
02:01:55,595 --> 02:01:56,960
Will they come back?
1541
02:01:58,398 --> 02:02:01,799
Japanese Military base
outskirts of Peking
1542
02:02:03,136 --> 02:02:05,229
This is Mr. Qiu Rubai.
1543
02:02:07,807 --> 02:02:08,933
Tanaka Ryuichi.
1544
02:02:11,411 --> 02:02:12,105
We've met.
1545
02:02:15,882 --> 02:02:16,780
What d'you want?
1546
02:02:18,818 --> 02:02:19,716
Tell me.
1547
02:02:20,086 --> 02:02:22,350
Mr. Tanaka wants you to ask Mr. Mei
1548
02:02:22,789 --> 02:02:27,886
to give two shows in Shanghai
at the end of the year.
1549
02:02:28,661 --> 02:02:29,753
He gives you his word
1550
02:02:30,597 --> 02:02:32,121
the shows are strictly commercial.
1551
02:02:32,432 --> 02:02:33,956
And not for any other purpose.
1552
02:02:35,635 --> 02:02:36,966
Mr. Tanaka hopes
1553
02:02:38,004 --> 02:02:41,496
Mei Lanfang can sing forever.
1554
02:02:43,576 --> 02:02:45,510
What makes you think,
1555
02:02:48,047 --> 02:02:50,413
I could talk him out of retirement?
1556
02:02:51,217 --> 02:02:54,209
Because you're like his other half.
1557
02:02:57,590 --> 02:02:59,649
No matter who wins this war,
1558
02:03:01,361 --> 02:03:04,524
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1559
02:03:06,099 --> 02:03:10,195
Your accomplishments will be immortal.
1560
02:03:18,611 --> 02:03:19,339
Goto,
1561
02:03:19,813 --> 02:03:22,907
give our Shanghai address to Qiu Rubai.
1562
02:03:48,541 --> 02:03:49,803
Stop, stop, stop!
1563
02:03:50,343 --> 02:03:51,640
What the hell are you doing?
1564
02:04:00,119 --> 02:04:03,282
You know you're
plagiarising Mei Lanfang?
1565
02:04:04,290 --> 02:04:05,052
I know.
1566
02:04:05,225 --> 02:04:05,816
You know.
1567
02:04:12,098 --> 02:04:14,066
So you've stolen his moves.
1568
02:04:14,734 --> 02:04:16,759
But why not do them properly?
1569
02:04:19,472 --> 02:04:21,804
Do you know what this scene depicts?
1570
02:04:21,941 --> 02:04:24,569
Why don't you enlighten me?
1571
02:04:25,011 --> 02:04:26,672
It's not a bawdy play.
1572
02:04:30,350 --> 02:04:31,612
Not a bawdy play!
1573
02:04:31,751 --> 02:04:33,548
Precious Concubine Gets Drunk is about
1574
02:04:33,686 --> 02:04:36,211
a jilted concubine who,
1575
02:04:36,356 --> 02:04:37,618
though cast out and heartbroken
1576
02:04:37,757 --> 02:04:41,158
remains dignified and noble.
1577
02:04:42,528 --> 02:04:45,520
You're one to talk about dignity.
1578
02:04:54,207 --> 02:04:55,367
I'll show you some acting!
1579
02:04:56,376 --> 02:04:57,502
You want a fight?
1580
02:05:14,227 --> 02:05:15,194
Hello?
1581
02:05:16,496 --> 02:05:19,363
Oh, Master Mei.
1582
02:05:23,870 --> 02:05:27,237
Master Mei, I'd been puzzled.
1583
02:05:27,974 --> 02:05:29,965
You've always been
so good to your audience.
1584
02:05:30,243 --> 02:05:31,801
You've always cared for them.
1585
02:05:32,478 --> 02:05:34,036
How could you not perform?
1586
02:05:37,383 --> 02:05:41,444
I'll stage the show
and it'll be a sell-out!
1587
02:05:43,022 --> 02:05:45,582
Good, alright, see you soon.
1588
02:06:16,356 --> 02:06:17,414
Central News.
1589
02:06:17,557 --> 02:06:19,548
The Red Cross confirms
1590
02:06:19,692 --> 02:06:23,025
on December 13, 1937 Japanese troops
1591
02:06:23,162 --> 02:06:25,096
occupied Nanjing.
1592
02:06:41,481 --> 02:06:43,847
You tricked me. Lied to me.
1593
02:06:44,984 --> 02:06:47,248
You said they wouldn't
be used for propaganda.
1594
02:06:47,387 --> 02:06:48,945
You planned it as a victory
1595
02:06:49,088 --> 02:06:50,419
celebration all along.
1596
02:06:50,556 --> 02:06:52,547
You're so despicable.
1597
02:06:54,427 --> 02:06:57,191
But didn't you call the radio station?
1598
02:06:58,498 --> 02:07:03,197
I was confused, I'm a bastard!
1599
02:07:03,736 --> 02:07:05,567
Just leave Mei Lanfang alone.
1600
02:07:05,938 --> 02:07:09,032
Last night Mei Lanfang called in
1601
02:07:09,275 --> 02:07:11,106
to say he'd return to the stage.
1602
02:07:11,244 --> 02:07:16,511
Just as the Japanese occupy Nanjing.
1603
02:07:16,682 --> 02:07:17,273
Of course...
1604
02:07:25,591 --> 02:07:28,424
We don't even need to ask.
1605
02:07:28,661 --> 02:07:30,219
It could only be Qiu.
1606
02:07:30,696 --> 02:07:32,823
Don't even mention that name.
1607
02:07:32,965 --> 02:07:34,262
Since Wanhua met him,
1608
02:07:34,400 --> 02:07:35,867
it's like he's been kidnapped.
1609
02:07:37,403 --> 02:07:39,871
Wanhua, what'd you do
1610
02:07:40,006 --> 02:07:41,769
to make him want to hurt you like this?
1611
02:07:41,941 --> 02:07:44,569
Madam, some awful person
1612
02:07:44,710 --> 02:07:46,803
threw this rock over the wall.
1613
02:07:49,082 --> 02:07:50,913
It broke a window.
1614
02:07:51,050 --> 02:07:53,450
I thought you'd want to know.
1615
02:07:55,655 --> 02:07:56,349
Mrs. Song.
1616
02:07:56,489 --> 02:07:57,353
Yes?
1617
02:07:57,757 --> 02:07:58,655
Throw it away.
1618
02:07:59,158 --> 02:07:59,886
Yes.
1619
02:08:04,931 --> 02:08:06,398
No amount of explanation,
1620
02:08:08,101 --> 02:08:10,365
can clear the air on this.
1621
02:08:29,188 --> 02:08:31,053
The Japanese
have entered the Concessions.
1622
02:09:27,213 --> 02:09:29,147
Deliver the press
conference invitation
1623
02:09:29,282 --> 02:09:31,147
to Mei Lanfang yourself.
1624
02:09:35,254 --> 02:09:35,982
Yes sir.
1625
02:09:36,255 --> 02:09:37,017
Get out.
1626
02:09:38,024 --> 02:09:38,888
Out!
1627
02:09:39,025 --> 02:09:40,049
Madam, please.
1628
02:09:40,193 --> 02:09:41,125
Get out.
1629
02:09:41,794 --> 02:09:43,159
Go or I'll summon the police.
1630
02:09:43,296 --> 02:09:44,558
Madam, please, don't...
1631
02:09:46,199 --> 02:09:46,927
Zhifang.
1632
02:09:47,066 --> 02:09:48,226
Don't call me Zhifang.
1633
02:09:48,568 --> 02:09:49,159
Wife of my Brother.
1634
02:09:49,302 --> 02:09:50,360
You're not one of us.
1635
02:09:50,503 --> 02:09:52,903
Can't I just give Wanhua a script?
1636
02:09:53,039 --> 02:09:53,937
Get out. Sir.
1637
02:09:54,073 --> 02:09:54,903
What's wrong?
1638
02:09:55,208 --> 02:09:57,233
Master Qiu, Mr. Qiu,
1639
02:09:57,810 --> 02:09:59,209
can't you just let him be?
1640
02:09:59,345 --> 02:10:01,279
Can't you leave him alone?
1641
02:10:01,414 --> 02:10:03,279
I beg you, I beg you.
1642
02:10:03,416 --> 02:10:04,713
I plead with you.
1643
02:10:04,850 --> 02:10:06,340
Madam...
1644
02:10:06,485 --> 02:10:07,884
you'll injure yourself.
1645
02:10:08,020 --> 02:10:11,148
Sir, you won't like me saying so.
1646
02:10:11,290 --> 02:10:13,758
If I were you I wouldn't have come.
1647
02:10:14,060 --> 02:10:15,823
I'd be too ashamed.
1648
02:10:15,962 --> 02:10:17,486
I beg you, I beg you.
1649
02:10:17,630 --> 02:10:18,289
Zhifang.
1650
02:10:18,431 --> 02:10:23,698
Madam, please calm down.
1651
02:10:23,836 --> 02:10:24,928
Please calm down.
1652
02:10:38,017 --> 02:10:38,949
Brother,
1653
02:10:40,753 --> 02:10:42,846
I'm not here to apologise.
1654
02:10:46,626 --> 02:10:50,187
As a Japanese once said to me:
1655
02:10:51,097 --> 02:10:53,793
No matter who wins this war,
1656
02:10:55,568 --> 02:10:57,297
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1657
02:10:59,105 --> 02:11:01,733
You're quite a boot licker.
1658
02:11:02,008 --> 02:11:03,475
So that's your rationale
1659
02:11:03,609 --> 02:11:05,076
for trapping the man
1660
02:11:05,211 --> 02:11:07,338
you've always supported.
1661
02:11:10,983 --> 02:11:13,679
And the noble Qiu family
1662
02:11:14,153 --> 02:11:16,383
produced a traitor.
1663
02:11:18,724 --> 02:11:20,954
Move. I'm not speaking to you.
1664
02:11:22,795 --> 02:11:23,819
Brother,
1665
02:11:26,432 --> 02:11:28,992
I... I never...
1666
02:11:30,569 --> 02:11:31,900
I'd never set him up!
1667
02:11:40,846 --> 02:11:42,143
You normally win,
1668
02:11:43,349 --> 02:11:44,907
but not this time.
1669
02:11:55,394 --> 02:11:56,292
Wanhua,
1670
02:11:57,530 --> 02:11:59,430
there's a war every other year.
1671
02:12:01,467 --> 02:12:03,332
You are sacrificing your art.
1672
02:12:05,438 --> 02:12:10,171
Everything will be reconciled,
dissolving into thin air.
1673
02:12:11,844 --> 02:12:13,607
That's how the ordinary world works.
1674
02:12:14,146 --> 02:12:15,078
But you...
1675
02:12:20,686 --> 02:12:24,884
You are not meant for an ordinary world.
1676
02:12:27,560 --> 02:12:31,428
You should know what's right.
1677
02:12:33,766 --> 02:12:36,132
Even if people misunderstand you.
1678
02:12:37,403 --> 02:12:38,734
But you once told me.
1679
02:12:41,107 --> 02:12:45,635
It's not good enough to live,
but one must live for the good.
1680
02:12:46,545 --> 02:12:51,482
Live well, live right,
live without fear.
1681
02:12:54,787 --> 02:12:58,848
Those were your words.
Have you forgotten?
1682
02:13:14,640 --> 02:13:16,073
I won't see anyone for a few days.
1683
02:13:19,879 --> 02:13:21,847
Bring me Dr. Wu's number.
1684
02:13:23,382 --> 02:13:24,280
The morning of the press conference,
1685
02:13:25,284 --> 02:13:26,649
he'll give me a typhoid shot.
1686
02:13:27,853 --> 02:13:29,013
I heard that it makes you sick,
1687
02:13:29,321 --> 02:13:30,481
run a high fever.
1688
02:13:31,957 --> 02:13:34,949
Your lips will crack.
1689
02:13:38,464 --> 02:13:41,831
That's how I'll appear
at the press conference.
1690
02:13:44,670 --> 02:13:49,437
Also, we should pay off
our debt to Mr. Feng.
1691
02:13:49,575 --> 02:13:51,008
You're preparing your last will?
1692
02:13:51,777 --> 02:13:55,110
Wanhua, let's not do this.
1693
02:13:59,018 --> 02:14:00,144
Is there more soup?
1694
02:14:03,789 --> 02:14:04,687
Yes.
1695
02:14:14,934 --> 02:14:15,730
Zhifang,
1696
02:14:18,971 --> 02:14:22,566
I'm sorry for what happened before.
1697
02:14:39,692 --> 02:14:40,556
Mr. Mei.
1698
02:14:41,627 --> 02:14:42,889
Let me go over this again.
1699
02:14:43,629 --> 02:14:46,063
You'll have a strong reaction
for a few days.
1700
02:14:46,198 --> 02:14:49,065
You'll run a fever and
might fall unconscious.
1701
02:14:52,338 --> 02:14:53,236
I know.
1702
02:15:04,483 --> 02:15:05,677
Wanhua...
1703
02:15:06,485 --> 02:15:11,320
All glory turns in the end to dust.
1704
02:15:11,924 --> 02:15:13,482
By the time I understood this,
1705
02:15:14,293 --> 02:15:15,555
it was too late.
1706
02:15:17,029 --> 02:15:20,328
Uncle wants you to be a mere mortal,
1707
02:15:21,066 --> 02:15:24,558
who lives a quiet and peaceful life.
1708
02:15:33,546 --> 02:15:35,639
Mr. Mei, this way please.
1709
02:16:10,516 --> 02:16:12,040
It's been a long time.
1710
02:16:14,253 --> 02:16:15,379
Hello everyone.
1711
02:16:21,460 --> 02:16:25,624
Although this is
a press conference,
1712
02:16:27,533 --> 02:16:28,727
I've said everything
1713
02:16:30,836 --> 02:16:32,360
I wanted to say.
1714
02:16:32,972 --> 02:16:34,098
Why grow a beard?
1715
02:16:34,640 --> 02:16:36,005
Why play this joke on yourself?
1716
02:16:36,775 --> 02:16:38,140
It's not a joke on anyone.
1717
02:16:41,647 --> 02:16:42,875
It's for real.
1718
02:16:47,052 --> 02:16:48,110
There was an old singer,
1719
02:16:50,389 --> 02:16:51,788
whom I called Master.
1720
02:16:53,892 --> 02:16:55,018
Just before he died,
he said to me:
1721
02:16:55,961 --> 02:16:56,791
Wanhua,
1722
02:16:58,530 --> 02:17:02,022
please do something for me.
1723
02:17:05,471 --> 02:17:06,938
I asked what.
1724
02:17:07,606 --> 02:17:08,732
He said,
1725
02:17:12,177 --> 02:17:16,841
raise our status
in the eyes of the world.
1726
02:17:18,283 --> 02:17:22,117
Let us be seen
as worthy of respect.
1727
02:17:23,889 --> 02:17:25,322
I agreed.
1728
02:17:30,562 --> 02:17:32,553
But I'm really at a loss
1729
02:17:35,267 --> 02:17:36,734
to make good of that promise.
1730
02:17:42,875 --> 02:17:43,899
I think
1731
02:17:46,145 --> 02:17:47,635
this is the best I can do.
1732
02:17:49,515 --> 02:17:50,311
Wanhua!
1733
02:17:51,150 --> 02:17:51,946
Wanhua!
1734
02:18:22,514 --> 02:18:28,749
His supporters are
called the Mei Clique.
1735
02:18:29,688 --> 02:18:36,753
He's affectionately called
"Darling" Mei by many.
1736
02:18:37,663 --> 02:18:41,497
His style of singing is called Plum.
1737
02:18:43,102 --> 02:18:45,832
And in China,
1738
02:18:47,272 --> 02:18:50,298
the plum blooms in winter.
1739
02:19:02,154 --> 02:19:06,022
The plan for Mei Lanfang
1740
02:19:06,158 --> 02:19:07,591
will proceed as planned.
1741
02:19:10,095 --> 02:19:13,895
If I can do anything
1742
02:19:15,234 --> 02:19:16,997
to stop this from happening,
1743
02:19:18,537 --> 02:19:23,406
I will.
1744
02:20:00,946 --> 02:20:01,640
Brother.
1745
02:20:01,980 --> 02:20:05,245
Yes.
1746
02:20:07,820 --> 02:20:10,288
These are your letters to Wanhua.
1747
02:20:10,556 --> 02:20:11,648
Take them.
1748
02:20:12,758 --> 02:20:13,884
Go on.
1749
02:20:14,760 --> 02:20:16,785
His debt to you will be clear if you do.
1750
02:20:21,066 --> 02:20:22,260
This letter,
1751
02:20:22,634 --> 02:20:24,124
it isn't mine.
1752
02:20:24,736 --> 02:20:28,638
It's from Wanhua's uncle.
1753
02:20:32,578 --> 02:20:36,810
I don't know how many times
he'd read it.
1754
02:20:38,417 --> 02:20:39,816
It always put him in a trance.
1755
02:20:42,020 --> 02:20:44,989
I still don't know what it says.
1756
02:20:52,698 --> 02:20:57,101
I hope you'll leave the world of opera.
1757
02:21:00,205 --> 02:21:04,471
I don't know if you'll listen to me.
1758
02:21:06,111 --> 02:21:08,579
You lost your parents
when you were young.
1759
02:21:10,582 --> 02:21:12,482
You often shouted for me.
1760
02:21:13,886 --> 02:21:15,285
But I seldom respond
1761
02:21:16,688 --> 02:21:20,749
as I don't want you
to feel even lonelier,
1762
02:21:21,560 --> 02:21:26,725
when I've departed from this world.
1763
02:21:42,314 --> 02:21:44,305
What a life we've led.
1764
02:21:49,254 --> 02:21:50,721
When we were young,
1765
02:21:54,126 --> 02:21:54,922
I never let you wear
1766
02:21:57,796 --> 02:22:00,890
anything in fashion,
1767
02:22:02,968 --> 02:22:06,267
not even fancy leg wraps.
1768
02:22:08,807 --> 02:22:10,138
You need to live a true life,
1769
02:22:11,343 --> 02:22:12,867
in order to play well on stage.
1770
02:22:14,579 --> 02:22:16,137
You've always listened to me.
1771
02:22:19,117 --> 02:22:20,209
Because of me,
1772
02:22:21,620 --> 02:22:25,078
you gave up your one true love.
1773
02:22:35,467 --> 02:22:36,798
If there's a next life,
1774
02:22:39,304 --> 02:22:41,329
I won't stand in your way again.
1775
02:22:44,176 --> 02:22:45,541
I'd do as you wish.
1776
02:22:47,612 --> 02:22:49,045
I see that now
1777
02:22:50,749 --> 02:22:52,341
you wanted an ordinary life.
1778
02:23:00,325 --> 02:23:01,383
Maybe,
1779
02:23:03,996 --> 02:23:05,520
you've always been
1780
02:23:06,798 --> 02:23:08,698
just an ordinary person.
1781
02:23:22,447 --> 02:23:23,345
Uncle!
1782
02:23:27,119 --> 02:23:28,017
Uncle!
1783
02:24:00,719 --> 02:24:01,811
Thank you.
1784
02:24:03,722 --> 02:24:04,689
Please stay where you are.
1785
02:24:07,059 --> 02:24:08,526
I need to get made up.
117870
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