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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
00:01:19,079 --> 00:01:22,998
your uncle may have breathed his last.
4
00:01:23,291 --> 00:01:26,502
Starting with your grandpa,
5
00:01:26,795 --> 00:01:30,089
the Mei family has sung opera,
6
00:01:30,298 --> 00:01:33,425
serving the palace
and the people...
7
00:01:33,510 --> 00:01:36,553
careful never to incur catastrophe.
8
00:01:36,805 --> 00:01:40,599
Who dares not wear red
for the Empress Dowager's birthday?
9
00:01:40,767 --> 00:01:41,934
You have some nerve.
10
00:01:41,976 --> 00:01:44,144
My aunt just passed away.
11
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I'm still in mourning.
12
00:01:46,689 --> 00:01:48,857
Ouch!
Sir.
13
00:01:49,067 --> 00:01:51,235
Beat me.
I deserve it.
14
00:01:51,653 --> 00:01:56,115
Because of this,
they put a paper yoke on me.
15
00:01:56,366 --> 00:02:00,327
Sir, please don't make me wear this.
16
00:02:00,829 --> 00:02:02,913
Just beat me and be done with it.
17
00:02:03,039 --> 00:02:03,705
Go.
18
00:02:04,999 --> 00:02:07,167
What's happening to me?
19
00:02:07,293 --> 00:02:09,586
Rip the yoke and you die.
20
00:02:09,838 --> 00:02:10,462
Yes, sir.
21
00:02:10,713 --> 00:02:13,590
Even stars
of the opera
22
00:02:13,842 --> 00:02:16,260
are being looked down upon.
23
00:02:16,553 --> 00:02:19,054
I don't want you to be beaten,
24
00:02:19,180 --> 00:02:21,849
and then have to say,"well done",
25
00:02:22,016 --> 00:02:26,061
or to wear such a yoke of shame.
26
00:02:26,312 --> 00:02:29,148
Wanhua
open up.
27
00:02:30,066 --> 00:02:33,026
Master Shisan is here to see you.
28
00:02:37,115 --> 00:02:39,408
What did your uncle's letter say?
29
00:02:44,289 --> 00:02:48,834
Quit the opera, leave this "garden".
30
00:02:49,043 --> 00:02:50,919
Take your final bow.
31
00:02:51,045 --> 00:02:53,380
Turn your back on the stage forever.
32
00:03:05,476 --> 00:03:07,853
We want Mei Lanfang,
or our money back!
33
00:03:07,937 --> 00:03:12,566
Give us our money back.
Give us our money back.
34
00:03:12,734 --> 00:03:16,236
Look at this,
what can we do?
35
00:03:16,613 --> 00:03:17,237
Hurry.
36
00:03:17,363 --> 00:03:18,906
What a mess.
Hurry, go.
37
00:03:19,073 --> 00:03:20,115
Yes.
38
00:03:24,245 --> 00:03:24,745
Hearing my love passed the exam.
39
00:03:24,829 --> 00:03:27,039
And was Number One in the Court.
40
00:03:27,165 --> 00:03:29,750
I prayed for him at the temple.
41
00:03:29,876 --> 00:03:34,296
And went to Hongdong as anotherman's concubine.
42
00:03:34,756 --> 00:03:35,422
Mr. Song.
43
00:03:36,424 --> 00:03:37,299
What is this?
44
00:03:37,425 --> 00:03:38,634
You've got to hurry up.
45
00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:40,844
The audience at Virtue Hall is about to riot.
46
00:03:40,970 --> 00:03:42,054
You want to go now?
Yes.
47
00:03:42,180 --> 00:03:44,097
Mr. Wang will kill you.
Oh, no.
48
00:03:44,224 --> 00:03:44,890
No way.
49
00:03:45,016 --> 00:03:47,517
She gave me a bowl of soup,
50
00:03:47,602 --> 00:03:50,854
and I passed it on to him.
51
00:03:50,980 --> 00:03:53,649
Oblivious to pending disaster,
52
00:03:53,775 --> 00:03:56,109
he drank it and made a sound,
53
00:03:56,277 --> 00:03:58,362
then collapsed to the floor.
54
00:03:58,488 --> 00:04:02,616
He bled and bled until he died.
55
00:04:02,742 --> 00:04:05,035
Is Mei Lanfang coming or not?
56
00:04:05,161 --> 00:04:08,789
Give us our money back.
57
00:04:21,177 --> 00:04:23,637
What's this blood?
58
00:04:23,805 --> 00:04:26,932
Wanhua.
59
00:04:33,564 --> 00:04:34,648
Wanhua,
60
00:04:37,068 --> 00:04:38,819
You're a star.
61
00:04:43,533 --> 00:04:44,825
Soldier on.
62
00:05:23,031 --> 00:05:24,156
How's your foot?
63
00:05:24,365 --> 00:05:25,574
It's okay.
64
00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:27,492
Huifang.
65
00:05:28,119 --> 00:05:29,536
What is it?
66
00:05:32,540 --> 00:05:35,625
I've been waiting for you.
Come with me.
67
00:05:35,960 --> 00:05:37,711
The opera's only half through.
68
00:05:37,879 --> 00:05:40,630
Didn't you have to rush somewhere afterwards?
69
00:05:41,382 --> 00:05:42,924
I’m going to a lecture.
70
00:05:43,134 --> 00:05:45,093
I’m afraid not.
71
00:05:46,012 --> 00:05:48,388
I’ve promised Master Lu.
72
00:05:51,392 --> 00:05:52,559
Come on.
73
00:05:53,686 --> 00:05:54,811
Go on.
74
00:06:09,827 --> 00:06:11,286
Wanhua.
75
00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:14,831
Sir,
I finally got him for you.
76
00:06:15,083 --> 00:06:16,208
Wanhua,
77
00:06:17,919 --> 00:06:20,837
come
come and sit.
78
00:06:21,339 --> 00:06:22,339
Or...
79
00:06:24,217 --> 00:06:25,258
sit here.
80
00:06:35,269 --> 00:06:37,062
I said sit here.
81
00:06:37,271 --> 00:06:38,980
Understand?
82
00:06:45,863 --> 00:06:47,531
Master Shisan is here.
83
00:06:47,782 --> 00:06:50,826
Bless you Master Shisan!
84
00:06:51,035 --> 00:06:53,995
Fortune and health to you!
85
00:06:54,205 --> 00:06:56,498
Please, this way.
86
00:06:57,834 --> 00:07:00,627
You're late, Master Shisan.
87
00:07:04,841 --> 00:07:06,883
Chairman Feng.
Yes, yes.
88
00:07:07,009 --> 00:07:09,010
You invited me here tonight.
Yes, yes.
89
00:07:09,137 --> 00:07:10,887
You've honoured me.
90
00:07:11,139 --> 00:07:12,472
Yes... I mean, the honour is ours.
91
00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:14,266
So I thought,
92
00:07:14,517 --> 00:07:18,019
a wash and shave would be in order.
93
00:07:18,146 --> 00:07:19,354
But guess what?
94
00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:23,525
When the hot towel covered my face, I fell asleep.
95
00:07:26,863 --> 00:07:29,239
Come, let me introduce you.
96
00:07:33,828 --> 00:07:36,121
He can be quite eccentric.
97
00:07:36,372 --> 00:07:38,373
He's very important.
98
00:07:40,084 --> 00:07:41,209
What's his background?
99
00:07:41,669 --> 00:07:44,171
He's a magistrate.
Educated overseas.
100
00:07:44,464 --> 00:07:49,509
Is there a lawsuit involved, then?
101
00:07:53,055 --> 00:07:58,059
Please welcome our speaker,
Magistrate Qiu Rubai.
102
00:08:03,900 --> 00:08:06,359
Tonight is just a casual chat.
103
00:08:06,777 --> 00:08:08,445
As it's just a chat,
104
00:08:08,863 --> 00:08:11,615
if I say something wrong,
please stand and refute me.
105
00:08:11,908 --> 00:08:15,660
Similarly, if I think
what you say is baseless,
106
00:08:15,828 --> 00:08:17,329
I’ll argue back.
107
00:08:24,212 --> 00:08:25,545
This gentleman...
108
00:08:29,717 --> 00:08:33,845
Comes for the lecture.
So why so tardy?
109
00:08:34,472 --> 00:08:38,391
if your audience came late,
could the opera begin?
110
00:08:39,560 --> 00:08:43,063
You're right.
I am so sorry.
111
00:08:44,732 --> 00:08:46,858
Who does he think he is?
112
00:08:47,193 --> 00:08:49,528
I loved going to the Peking opera in my youth.
113
00:08:50,530 --> 00:08:52,906
But there was something I could never understand.
114
00:08:53,282 --> 00:08:55,408
Why does makeup in Peking Opera
115
00:08:55,576 --> 00:08:57,369
make facial expressions so rigid?
116
00:08:58,788 --> 00:09:02,958
Later I worked it out.
117
00:09:03,209 --> 00:09:06,336
It's to suppress the expression of emotion.
118
00:09:06,671 --> 00:09:09,089
Female characters paste locks of hair over their cheeks. Why?
119
00:09:09,924 --> 00:09:12,884
It's to stop them from laughing heartily.
120
00:09:13,553 --> 00:09:14,678
A discreet smile is fine.
121
00:09:16,264 --> 00:09:20,850
The official characters all hold their belts.
122
00:09:21,435 --> 00:09:24,187
That shows you how to posture.
123
00:09:26,607 --> 00:09:29,025
Opera is tied up in rules.
124
00:09:29,151 --> 00:09:32,028
In a word, hidebound.
125
00:09:33,823 --> 00:09:34,698
What're you saying? This is...
126
00:09:34,824 --> 00:09:36,074
The truth.
127
00:09:36,867 --> 00:09:40,078
Mr. Qiu,
you invited us to refute you.
128
00:09:40,454 --> 00:09:43,623
I’d rather pay you a compliment.
129
00:09:44,250 --> 00:09:46,459
You truly understand opera.
130
00:09:47,712 --> 00:09:49,462
Even a rank outsider knows,
131
00:09:49,589 --> 00:09:53,341
that the makeup conveys dignity and seriousness.
132
00:09:55,052 --> 00:09:56,344
And that's why,
133
00:09:56,637 --> 00:09:58,930
actors have no freedom in Peking opera.
134
00:09:59,223 --> 00:10:01,641
They let themselves be caged.
135
00:10:02,476 --> 00:10:03,852
But what about their emotions and sensuality?
136
00:10:04,020 --> 00:10:05,604
Their happiness, anger, grief and joy?
137
00:10:05,813 --> 00:10:07,272
It's all hidden away.
138
00:10:07,607 --> 00:10:09,899
I must compliment you again.
139
00:10:10,026 --> 00:10:12,319
Such a magisterial interrogation of the opera.
140
00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:14,154
Shows its crimes are truly great.
141
00:10:14,739 --> 00:10:16,865
Chinese should give up opera.
142
00:10:17,116 --> 00:10:18,491
Why go?
143
00:10:18,743 --> 00:10:19,993
But you can't keep them away.
144
00:10:20,202 --> 00:10:22,329
The theatres are packed to the rafters.
145
00:10:22,455 --> 00:10:24,456
You can't chase them away.
146
00:10:25,791 --> 00:10:28,376
Are there people who don't go?
Sure.
147
00:10:28,794 --> 00:10:30,962
Those who don't get it.
148
00:10:32,465 --> 00:10:33,214
Young Fei.
149
00:10:33,424 --> 00:10:34,132
Yes?
150
00:10:34,508 --> 00:10:35,800
That was rude.
151
00:10:35,926 --> 00:10:36,843
Oh, sorry.
152
00:10:39,513 --> 00:10:45,143
In Peking opera,
characters should be flesh and blood.
153
00:10:47,146 --> 00:10:50,565
Actors mustn't stick to the old ways
154
00:10:51,192 --> 00:10:53,526
both on stage and in life.
155
00:10:54,028 --> 00:10:55,695
Unlike the heroine Su San...
156
00:10:56,155 --> 00:10:58,615
they shouldn't have to suffer.
157
00:10:59,575 --> 00:11:03,036
Allowed only to petition, but not to rebel.
158
00:11:04,205 --> 00:11:06,665
With obedient heroines like Su San,
159
00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:11,086
Chinese women were taught to follow the rules.
160
00:11:13,464 --> 00:11:15,048
Whereas great theatre shows
161
00:11:16,217 --> 00:11:20,428
how to break rules.
162
00:11:22,223 --> 00:11:23,765
Mr. QiuI
163
00:11:25,017 --> 00:11:26,017
Mr. Qiu,
164
00:11:26,227 --> 00:11:28,478
Your lecture was so interesting.
165
00:11:28,938 --> 00:11:30,730
You made such profound points.
166
00:11:31,190 --> 00:11:32,065
Profound?
167
00:11:33,401 --> 00:11:35,402
Why do they seem so obvious to me?
168
00:11:35,569 --> 00:11:39,072
Here are two tickets to an opera.
169
00:11:39,699 --> 00:11:41,574
I’d be honoured if you'd come.
170
00:11:41,742 --> 00:11:43,284
Chairman Feng.
Yes?
171
00:11:43,744 --> 00:11:45,328
You know what?
172
00:11:45,830 --> 00:11:46,871
What?
173
00:11:47,081 --> 00:11:51,418
That friend of yours,
he's... how should I put it?
174
00:11:51,585 --> 00:11:52,919
A good-for-nothing.
175
00:11:53,045 --> 00:11:57,257
His words may be unpolished but his logic is sound.
176
00:11:57,550 --> 00:12:00,218
It's time opera reforms itself.
177
00:12:00,428 --> 00:12:01,261
Really?
178
00:12:02,596 --> 00:12:04,264
What's Wanhua up to?
179
00:12:04,432 --> 00:12:06,349
Teaching the magistrate how to speak Chinese.
180
00:12:06,475 --> 00:12:07,058
Oh?
181
00:12:07,226 --> 00:12:10,186
See you later.
Hey!
182
00:12:13,941 --> 00:12:19,070
Tell Wanhua not to hang around
that Qiu fellow.
183
00:12:19,530 --> 00:12:20,822
Featherbrain!
184
00:12:20,990 --> 00:12:23,867
You ought to see Mei Lanfang perform.
185
00:12:24,535 --> 00:12:29,456
He's on soon.
Pity, tickets are hard to come by.
186
00:12:30,040 --> 00:12:32,292
I have two right here.
Oh,Er.
187
00:12:36,297 --> 00:12:39,549
Announcing Cai Yuanpei!
188
00:12:42,511 --> 00:12:46,306
Liberals like Cai Yuanpei and Hu Shi are here.
189
00:12:46,599 --> 00:12:50,643
Announcing Imperial Scholar Zhang ZiZhi!
190
00:12:50,811 --> 00:12:52,645
The new and the old, they're all here.
191
00:12:53,063 --> 00:12:56,232
All here to see Mei Lanfang.
192
00:12:56,358 --> 00:12:56,983
Chairman Feng.
193
00:12:57,109 --> 00:13:00,361
Announcing President Yuan Shikai!
Master Shisan.
194
00:13:15,377 --> 00:13:16,836
Sit down.
195
00:13:29,517 --> 00:13:46,074
A sudden stirring...
196
00:13:48,202 --> 00:14:00,713
desires impossible to deny.
197
00:14:00,714 --> 00:14:03,842
desires impossible to deny.
what you think?
198
00:14:03,843 --> 00:14:07,554
desires impossible to deny.
199
00:14:08,389 --> 00:14:10,098
Isn't he...,
200
00:14:11,058 --> 00:14:12,642
more like a woman
201
00:14:14,228 --> 00:14:17,230
than the real thing?
202
00:14:17,398 --> 00:14:28,491
With no true love yet found.
203
00:14:28,784 --> 00:14:30,159
My youth...
204
00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:31,411
My youth...
Mr. Qiu ,Mr. Qiu
205
00:14:31,412 --> 00:14:31,578
My youth...
206
00:14:31,579 --> 00:14:32,287
My youth...
Be quiet
207
00:14:32,288 --> 00:14:35,206
My youth...
208
00:14:35,583 --> 00:14:36,791
Well...
209
00:14:36,959 --> 00:14:41,921
It did fly!
210
00:14:42,047 --> 00:14:50,930
No one knows
211
00:14:51,223 --> 00:14:59,147
the passions of my sleep.
212
00:14:59,273 --> 00:15:16,289
I must act proper and shy.
213
00:15:21,587 --> 00:15:23,546
Dear Mr. Mei Lanfang,
214
00:15:24,757 --> 00:15:27,133
it was my first time seeing you.
215
00:15:27,718 --> 00:15:29,886
I’m spellbound.
216
00:15:32,890 --> 00:15:35,099
Like everyone,
217
00:15:36,143 --> 00:15:39,938
I’m unsure if I think of you as a man...
218
00:15:40,773 --> 00:15:42,482
or a woman.
219
00:15:43,525 --> 00:15:45,234
It seemed the act of applauding,
220
00:15:45,611 --> 00:15:49,072
revealed some secret in my heart.
221
00:15:56,497 --> 00:15:59,040
Only one whose mind is clean and pure,
222
00:15:59,333 --> 00:16:04,128
could express passion in such an exquisite manner.
223
00:16:05,756 --> 00:16:07,840
I’ve made a study of the theatre overseas.
224
00:16:08,133 --> 00:16:10,176
if there's anything I can help you with,
225
00:16:10,344 --> 00:16:13,346
just say so and I’ll be there.
226
00:16:16,684 --> 00:16:18,643
Ma, please try some of this.
227
00:16:19,603 --> 00:16:20,436
Master.
228
00:16:20,729 --> 00:16:22,772
A Mei Lanfang is at the gate.
229
00:16:23,023 --> 00:16:26,234
He's asking for you.
230
00:16:27,611 --> 00:16:28,653
I see.
231
00:16:36,328 --> 00:16:37,954
Mei Lanfang?
232
00:16:38,539 --> 00:16:41,040
The Mr. Mei of our acquaintance
233
00:16:41,208 --> 00:16:43,209
is no singer.
234
00:16:43,460 --> 00:16:44,168
Of course not.
235
00:16:44,294 --> 00:16:46,004
Tell him I can't see him.
236
00:16:48,924 --> 00:16:52,218
That's simple enough. Really!
237
00:16:53,387 --> 00:16:55,638
He left without saying where.
238
00:16:56,306 --> 00:16:58,391
Hard to say when he'll return.
239
00:16:58,892 --> 00:17:01,519
Wanhua, try again another day.
240
00:17:02,021 --> 00:17:04,605
I want him to be my mentor.
241
00:17:05,024 --> 00:17:06,024
Since he's not home.
242
00:17:06,233 --> 00:17:08,026
Please tell him.
243
00:17:08,694 --> 00:17:11,904
I received his letter
244
00:17:13,365 --> 00:17:14,907
and thank him.
245
00:17:17,077 --> 00:17:19,704
See you.
246
00:17:24,585 --> 00:17:26,294
First you don't even like opera.
247
00:17:26,587 --> 00:17:28,963
Now you're writing fan letters.
248
00:17:29,089 --> 00:17:30,882
Fine. You court him. He comes.
249
00:17:31,008 --> 00:17:32,633
And you avoided him.
250
00:17:32,760 --> 00:17:34,469
I have no idea what's on your mind.
251
00:17:34,762 --> 00:17:36,846
You think I’m like that Master Lu?
252
00:17:38,599 --> 00:17:40,266
I’m a decent person.
253
00:17:41,643 --> 00:17:45,605
My motivation is pure.
254
00:17:55,032 --> 00:17:57,909
Master, this takes me back years.
255
00:17:58,035 --> 00:18:00,369
Seeing the robe the Empress Dowager gave you,
256
00:18:00,621 --> 00:18:01,954
still compels me to my knees.
257
00:18:02,081 --> 00:18:06,459
Enough ass-kissing. What's up?
258
00:18:06,752 --> 00:18:09,253
It's like this.
259
00:18:09,588 --> 00:18:12,799
Master Chen is not well enough to sing.
260
00:18:13,008 --> 00:18:16,052
Perhaps Wanhua could take his place.
261
00:18:23,143 --> 00:18:25,186
Wanhua, looking for someone?
262
00:18:25,395 --> 00:18:26,270
Master.
263
00:18:37,574 --> 00:18:48,084
My life has been so lonely and hard.
264
00:18:49,503 --> 00:19:08,187
I was orphaned when just a boy.
265
00:19:09,857 --> 00:19:11,190
Mr. Mei Lanfang
266
00:19:11,900 --> 00:19:15,027
Liu Yingchun waited years for her man's return.
267
00:19:15,654 --> 00:19:17,446
Now that he's at the door...
268
00:19:17,573 --> 00:19:19,490
How come she is more like a corpse,
269
00:19:19,783 --> 00:19:21,367
sitting there perfectly still?
270
00:19:22,202 --> 00:19:23,536
Wanhua.
271
00:19:23,662 --> 00:19:24,537
Yes?
272
00:19:27,374 --> 00:19:29,625
What's so urgent that
273
00:19:30,961 --> 00:19:36,883
Mr. Qiu writes
as soon as the opera's over?
274
00:19:40,053 --> 00:19:40,761
Master,
275
00:19:43,015 --> 00:19:44,974
I want to discuss something with you.
276
00:19:46,518 --> 00:19:48,144
Young Fei.
Yes?
277
00:19:48,478 --> 00:19:52,565
Where's the little gift I prepared for Wanhua?
278
00:20:00,115 --> 00:20:01,574
I’ll get it.
279
00:20:02,534 --> 00:20:04,869
Now I’m relaxed, we can talk.
280
00:20:05,037 --> 00:20:05,620
Master, I’ve been thinking...
281
00:20:05,746 --> 00:20:06,996
Hold on.
282
00:20:08,415 --> 00:20:11,167
You want to make some changes, yes?
283
00:20:11,543 --> 00:20:15,296
To give your character
more movement, yes?
284
00:20:16,256 --> 00:20:17,340
Tell me.
285
00:20:18,258 --> 00:20:19,592
You're right.
286
00:20:28,268 --> 00:20:29,769
Wanhua,
287
00:20:30,979 --> 00:20:35,441
the focus should be on me.
288
00:20:36,151 --> 00:20:39,153
Master, about the opera...
289
00:20:39,404 --> 00:20:41,447
I could visit you tomorrow at noon
290
00:20:41,740 --> 00:20:42,990
to talk it through.
291
00:20:43,158 --> 00:20:46,827
I need to nap at noon
to sing at night.
292
00:20:46,954 --> 00:20:48,412
What about the afternoon?
293
00:20:48,789 --> 00:20:52,375
I do my mental preparation then.
294
00:20:52,793 --> 00:20:54,835
Master would like you to have this.
295
00:20:55,045 --> 00:20:57,129
Enjoy it.
296
00:20:58,674 --> 00:20:59,548
Master.
297
00:20:59,758 --> 00:21:01,884
Then tomorrow I’ll do as I wish on stage.
298
00:21:02,010 --> 00:21:03,386
You'd dare?
299
00:21:10,644 --> 00:21:14,689
I married a girl...
300
00:21:14,690 --> 00:21:15,231
I married a girl...
See that? Nothing's changed.
301
00:21:15,232 --> 00:21:15,523
See that? Nothing's changed.
302
00:21:15,524 --> 00:21:17,858
From the Liu Family Village.
See that? Nothing's changed.
303
00:21:17,859 --> 00:21:21,362
From the Liu Family Village.
304
00:21:21,613 --> 00:21:35,084
But her parents thought me too poor.
305
00:21:35,460 --> 00:21:45,261
They chased us out from the family home.
306
00:21:46,346 --> 00:21:55,187
Husband and wife, condemned to roam.
307
00:21:55,355 --> 00:21:59,984
Until we found a broken down shack.
308
00:22:00,235 --> 00:22:04,989
It was tough, with just clothes on our back.
309
00:22:05,365 --> 00:22:08,909
I'd no choice but to bid my wife farewell.
310
00:22:09,036 --> 00:22:14,040
And turn to the soldiering life.
311
00:22:14,166 --> 00:22:17,668
Friends well met and rebellions quelled,
They shouldn't be applauding yet.
312
00:22:21,214 --> 00:22:24,633
With the king to the capital I did go.
313
00:22:24,760 --> 00:22:28,512
And asked for leave three days ago,
314
00:22:28,638 --> 00:22:31,974
to return for my Liu Yingchun.
315
00:22:32,100 --> 00:22:35,686
My wife, it seems you can't believe your ears.
316
00:22:35,812 --> 00:22:37,980
Come, let's count,
317
00:22:38,106 --> 00:23:02,588
it's been eighteen years.
318
00:23:22,192 --> 00:23:22,858
Master.
319
00:23:22,984 --> 00:23:26,821
Are you happy now?
320
00:23:27,447 --> 00:23:29,115
Master, you were wonderful.
321
00:23:29,282 --> 00:23:31,200
We're truly of one mind.
322
00:23:34,788 --> 00:23:37,123
Am I an old conservative?
323
00:23:37,958 --> 00:23:40,292
Absolutely not!
324
00:23:40,919 --> 00:23:42,920
I don't care about
traditions.
325
00:23:43,046 --> 00:23:47,299
I care about the lack of respect in which we are held.
326
00:23:47,634 --> 00:23:51,053
if you change things on a whim,
327
00:23:51,555 --> 00:23:56,308
they'll say we're capricious,
unreliable.
328
00:23:56,685 --> 00:23:59,562
But reform isn't mere capriciousness.
329
00:24:00,105 --> 00:24:03,107
They despise us.
330
00:24:03,650 --> 00:24:04,692
Right?
331
00:24:07,654 --> 00:24:08,362
That's irrelevant.
332
00:24:10,866 --> 00:24:12,074
The opera is all that's real.
333
00:24:12,242 --> 00:24:14,118
Forget it. Can't be done.
334
00:24:14,327 --> 00:24:16,162
But you see how great the results are.
335
00:24:16,371 --> 00:24:18,289
No one can stop greatness from shining through.
336
00:24:18,498 --> 00:24:20,416
No one's stopping anyone from shining.
337
00:24:20,542 --> 00:24:22,042
Master.
338
00:24:23,086 --> 00:24:26,714
I fear you two will
soon come to blows.
339
00:24:26,923 --> 00:24:28,090
We'd really become a joke.
340
00:24:28,842 --> 00:24:30,342
How's this for a solution?
341
00:24:31,178 --> 00:24:35,514
You each perform three shows for the people of Peking.
342
00:24:36,433 --> 00:24:39,018
You do yours the new way, Master sticks to the old.
It's not about sticking to old ways!
343
00:24:39,186 --> 00:24:41,645
True.
I mean each does it his own way.
344
00:24:41,771 --> 00:24:43,814
And it'll be clear...
345
00:24:44,191 --> 00:24:46,942
who, uh,
who gets...
346
00:24:48,195 --> 00:24:49,862
the better box-office.
347
00:24:50,071 --> 00:24:51,238
I can't challenge the Master.
348
00:24:51,490 --> 00:24:54,033
Isn't that what you did on stage just now?
349
00:24:54,534 --> 00:24:57,578
Young Fei, I consent.
350
00:24:59,039 --> 00:25:00,831
It's up to Wanhua now.
351
00:25:01,500 --> 00:25:02,708
Wanhua,
352
00:25:04,669 --> 00:25:06,545
you don't have to do this.
353
00:25:07,589 --> 00:25:10,382
You can just buckle down and continue as before.
354
00:25:11,301 --> 00:25:15,012
Master is happy to lead you down your path of glory.
355
00:25:23,772 --> 00:25:25,481
Thank you for your support.
356
00:25:28,360 --> 00:25:31,946
Wanhua,
is that a yes or a no?
357
00:25:32,656 --> 00:25:34,281
Wouldn't it be a challenge?
358
00:25:34,574 --> 00:25:37,076
Didn't I just thank Master for his support?
359
00:25:41,206 --> 00:25:42,248
He agreed.
360
00:25:43,750 --> 00:25:45,042
I thought he wouldn't agree.
361
00:25:45,460 --> 00:25:50,923
You think I’d challenge a kid?
362
00:25:54,052 --> 00:25:56,720
Not unless you were afraid of him.
363
00:25:56,846 --> 00:25:57,555
Well?
364
00:26:12,904 --> 00:26:14,572
Those changes were brilliant.
365
00:26:14,906 --> 00:26:16,615
Listen up!!
366
00:26:17,826 --> 00:26:20,077
No need to talk behind my back.
367
00:26:20,287 --> 00:26:21,996
I’m not afraid.
368
00:26:23,373 --> 00:26:25,082
I’m telling you all straight up.
369
00:26:25,333 --> 00:26:29,336
From now on I’m devoting myself
to Mei Lanfang's career.
370
00:26:29,504 --> 00:26:33,632
I’m with the opera now.
I’m done with all this!
371
00:26:40,557 --> 00:26:41,765
Uncle.
372
00:26:42,475 --> 00:26:44,810
Little Si, what is it?
373
00:26:45,437 --> 00:26:47,938
Wanhua? I’ll see you later.
374
00:26:51,067 --> 00:26:51,650
What's up?
375
00:26:51,776 --> 00:26:53,652
Uncle, my dear uncle.
376
00:26:53,820 --> 00:26:55,654
Did you really throw away your career?
377
00:26:55,822 --> 00:26:56,655
This is a grown-up matter.
378
00:26:56,823 --> 00:26:58,616
So this is what grown-ups do.
379
00:27:00,076 --> 00:27:02,494
Grandma is so angry she's fallen ill.
380
00:27:02,996 --> 00:27:03,954
She said
381
00:27:04,456 --> 00:27:06,081
Five generations of court officials,
382
00:27:08,126 --> 00:27:09,960
and now we produce a loser.
383
00:27:18,845 --> 00:27:19,845
Wanhua,
384
00:27:21,014 --> 00:27:23,182
I need to see my mother.
385
00:27:23,516 --> 00:27:25,601
I heard everything.
386
00:27:26,728 --> 00:27:27,436
It's true.
387
00:27:28,980 --> 00:27:30,356
I did quit.
388
00:27:32,192 --> 00:27:33,525
Now I’m free.
389
00:27:44,829 --> 00:27:47,998
These are sworn brothers
from ancient times.
390
00:27:48,249 --> 00:27:50,000
Because their country has fallen,
391
00:27:51,711 --> 00:27:54,171
they wouldn't eat food grown on enemy soil.
392
00:27:54,422 --> 00:27:56,632
And starved together up on the mountain.
393
00:28:00,887 --> 00:28:02,721
You and I are like those brothers.
394
00:28:03,556 --> 00:28:05,724
As your sworn brother my first hope
395
00:28:06,309 --> 00:28:08,435
is to see you defeat Master Shisan.
396
00:28:11,022 --> 00:28:15,192
The victor won't be you
but this new era.
397
00:28:17,278 --> 00:28:18,862
Your time has come.
398
00:28:19,364 --> 00:28:20,072
The papers say Mei Lanfang
399
00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:22,741
accepts the challenge.
400
00:28:24,369 --> 00:28:28,080
So they told the press before they told me.
401
00:28:28,248 --> 00:28:29,081
Yes.
402
00:28:30,208 --> 00:28:31,417
Right.
403
00:28:31,793 --> 00:28:34,753
This Mei Lanfang thinks he's really something.
404
00:28:35,004 --> 00:28:37,756
Barely out of diapers and already challenging you.
405
00:28:38,049 --> 00:28:40,843
Victory will be as easy
as crushing a bedbug.
406
00:28:41,052 --> 00:28:44,763
Ma San. Get to the point.
407
00:28:46,975 --> 00:28:48,851
It's like this.
408
00:28:50,103 --> 00:28:51,770
I’ve put together a bet.
409
00:28:51,938 --> 00:28:53,689
Oh,
410
00:28:55,442 --> 00:28:57,860
Gambling on us, are you?
411
00:29:06,327 --> 00:29:07,161
What's this?
412
00:29:08,121 --> 00:29:09,788
Put your imprint here.
413
00:29:10,540 --> 00:29:13,375
If you win
we'll cut you in
414
00:29:13,626 --> 00:29:14,960
at forty percent.
415
00:29:15,211 --> 00:29:18,797
Ma San. If you want to bet on rooster
or cricket fights, fine.
416
00:29:21,134 --> 00:29:25,596
if your cricket wins,
it doesn't demand a cut.
417
00:29:26,264 --> 00:29:29,391
if it loses you don't pay compensation either.
418
00:29:30,018 --> 00:29:33,687
Nicer than betting on a living person.
419
00:29:35,023 --> 00:29:36,982
Fifty-fifty, then.
420
00:29:38,902 --> 00:29:43,489
You could lose if it's not a martial role.
421
00:29:43,907 --> 00:29:44,990
But you'll need to do acrobatics.
422
00:29:45,742 --> 00:29:49,036
You haven't performed any of that for a while.
423
00:29:49,329 --> 00:29:50,204
Oh?
424
00:29:51,122 --> 00:29:54,041
Where's that little gift for Ma San?
425
00:29:54,250 --> 00:29:54,833
You're too kind.
426
00:29:55,001 --> 00:29:56,043
Where'd it go?
427
00:29:56,169 --> 00:29:57,669
It was just...
428
00:30:02,050 --> 00:30:03,467
Isn't it over here?
429
00:30:03,635 --> 00:30:07,679
Please forget
I said that.
430
00:30:09,557 --> 00:30:12,184
I haven't agreed, you know.
431
00:30:12,644 --> 00:30:15,354
You think I’d really do this for money?
432
00:30:16,105 --> 00:30:20,317
I want to show opera fans what I’m made of.
433
00:30:21,528 --> 00:30:23,362
l, Master Shisan.
434
00:30:23,822 --> 00:30:25,656
No one is your equal.
435
00:30:25,865 --> 00:30:29,409
Enough,
enough.
436
00:30:32,163 --> 00:30:37,543
The Empress Dowager had reason to bestow those gifts.
437
00:30:37,794 --> 00:30:38,877
Young Fei.
438
00:30:39,796 --> 00:30:41,547
Bring me my ink and seal.
439
00:30:41,756 --> 00:30:46,760
Master Shisan, opera king, come see him fight and sing!
440
00:30:51,057 --> 00:30:51,807
Well?
441
00:30:51,933 --> 00:30:53,100
Not there.
442
00:30:54,561 --> 00:30:57,062
He's already made up. Where could he have gone?
443
00:30:57,230 --> 00:30:59,731
The curtain goes up in ten minutes.
444
00:31:07,574 --> 00:31:09,157
Congratulations.
445
00:31:09,325 --> 00:31:11,285
The theatre is jam-packed.
446
00:31:11,411 --> 00:31:14,580
Wanhua's is only two-third full.
447
00:31:15,623 --> 00:31:17,749
Two-third.
448
00:31:19,252 --> 00:31:21,795
Couldn't be.
449
00:31:34,517 --> 00:31:37,436
Wanhua, what are you doing here?
450
00:31:40,982 --> 00:31:43,609
I can't remember a single line.
451
00:31:43,943 --> 00:31:45,944
The princess has stolen a pass for me,
452
00:31:46,070 --> 00:31:47,404
happiness wells up in my heart.
453
00:31:47,530 --> 00:31:49,615
At the palace gate I call on the guard.
454
00:31:52,493 --> 00:31:57,789
Prepare my steed,
455
00:32:19,187 --> 00:32:39,206
I'll ride beyond the wall.
456
00:32:52,220 --> 00:32:55,555
I think
the problem lies with the program.
457
00:32:55,848 --> 00:32:58,684
You know what I really
want to perform?
458
00:32:59,352 --> 00:33:01,603
A Strand of Mourning.
459
00:33:02,730 --> 00:33:04,523
But that's not only a new opera,
460
00:33:04,983 --> 00:33:08,860
but a tragedy.
People spend money on tickets.
461
00:33:09,195 --> 00:33:12,155
They want a laugh and be entertained.
462
00:33:12,281 --> 00:33:14,533
No one has dared to perform A Strand of Mourning,
463
00:33:15,284 --> 00:33:16,868
for fear of poor box office.
464
00:33:18,371 --> 00:33:21,623
I lost today's round.
I’ll take my chance.
465
00:33:23,459 --> 00:33:24,751
It's too risky.
466
00:33:27,213 --> 00:33:29,506
Success comes from risk taking.
467
00:33:30,508 --> 00:33:31,967
What if it flops?
468
00:33:32,260 --> 00:33:35,762
This is a serious contest.
469
00:33:43,021 --> 00:33:45,522
Didn't Brother Qiu say
my time has come?
470
00:33:48,735 --> 00:33:49,443
Young Li.
471
00:33:49,569 --> 00:33:50,235
Yes?
472
00:33:50,570 --> 00:33:53,280
Raise that lintel. Two inches.
473
00:33:53,448 --> 00:33:54,322
Okay.
474
00:33:54,741 --> 00:33:55,907
Hanju.
Yes?
475
00:33:56,784 --> 00:33:58,535
Plaster every street, every alley with these posters.
476
00:33:58,661 --> 00:33:59,911
Don't stop till the sun comes up.
477
00:34:00,288 --> 00:34:02,080
Spread the word at the universities.
478
00:34:02,248 --> 00:34:05,083
Mei Lanfang is to debut a modern tragedy.
479
00:34:05,710 --> 00:34:07,335
Once they see it they'll know
480
00:34:07,462 --> 00:34:09,004
that Mei is with them in spirit.
481
00:34:09,130 --> 00:34:11,423
And they should stand by him.
482
00:34:12,091 --> 00:34:14,092
You're lecturing.
483
00:34:14,844 --> 00:34:16,887
We just want them to come.
484
00:34:17,013 --> 00:34:18,680
That's easy enough.
485
00:34:23,311 --> 00:34:27,355
Master Mei, can we really sell out tonight?
486
00:34:28,316 --> 00:34:30,484
What story does the opera tell?
487
00:34:32,528 --> 00:34:33,445
It’s a new one.
488
00:34:33,613 --> 00:34:37,324
Come see Mei Lanfang
debut a modern tragedy.
489
00:34:37,450 --> 00:34:40,118
Couple in arranged marriage die for love!
490
00:34:45,625 --> 00:34:47,542
Master Shisan, opera king...
491
00:34:47,668 --> 00:34:48,627
Get lost.
492
00:35:07,730 --> 00:35:10,690
I've been so sick,
493
00:35:11,150 --> 00:35:15,112
what's this strand of mourning in my hair?
494
00:35:15,279 --> 00:35:20,033
Miss, are you feeling better?
495
00:35:20,785 --> 00:35:25,163
I am back
in the world
496
00:35:25,248 --> 00:35:29,376
But your husband, he has passed away.
497
00:35:47,854 --> 00:35:53,358
My husband has passed away
498
00:35:53,609 --> 00:35:59,531
Looking after you,
he grew ill, and died.
499
00:35:59,866 --> 00:36:03,410
Looking after me,
500
00:36:03,703 --> 00:36:06,913
he grew ill and died?
501
00:36:07,165 --> 00:36:08,248
Yes.
502
00:36:09,208 --> 00:36:12,002
No! Heaven help me!
503
00:36:15,464 --> 00:36:19,259
I scorned him as stupid,
504
00:36:19,635 --> 00:36:24,139
yet he was the noblest of men.
505
00:36:24,473 --> 00:36:30,896
How can I ever repay him?
506
00:36:48,414 --> 00:36:49,247
Ma San.
507
00:36:49,749 --> 00:36:53,543
Look. Only sixty percent full.
508
00:36:54,045 --> 00:36:57,088
Great. I just lost two courtyard houses.
509
00:36:57,965 --> 00:37:03,428
And I thought him invincible. The old bastard.
510
00:37:03,554 --> 00:37:11,603
My husband
511
00:37:13,564 --> 00:37:19,152
Please wait me
512
00:37:19,278 --> 00:37:24,908
I'll go with you
513
00:37:25,284 --> 00:37:35,794
Go to the heaven
514
00:37:36,837 --> 00:37:38,755
Master Mei! Master Mei!
515
00:37:38,881 --> 00:37:40,632
Thank you, thank you.
516
00:37:43,010 --> 00:37:45,512
Everyone looks over here.
517
00:37:46,472 --> 00:37:46,930
Huifang.
518
00:37:47,014 --> 00:37:49,599
Wanhua, you were fabulous.
519
00:38:01,529 --> 00:38:04,322
But I didn't put a foot wrong.
520
00:38:04,573 --> 00:38:05,323
Ha.
521
00:38:05,449 --> 00:38:08,660
if that's so, why'd you lose?
522
00:38:11,664 --> 00:38:13,206
Ma San!
523
00:38:14,333 --> 00:38:17,335
The stage deserves respect.
524
00:38:18,504 --> 00:38:20,422
I won't tolerate its desecration.
525
00:38:23,134 --> 00:38:24,342
Ma San.
526
00:38:32,435 --> 00:38:36,021
In any case, there'll be no show tomorrow.
527
00:38:37,064 --> 00:38:40,233
Sing again and I’m out another few thousand.
528
00:38:40,609 --> 00:38:41,735
Don't think to stop me.
529
00:38:44,363 --> 00:38:47,699
You lost. What's the point?
530
00:38:47,950 --> 00:38:50,243
Losing makes me even more determined.
531
00:38:55,041 --> 00:38:56,791
Then you'll have to compensate me.
532
00:38:56,917 --> 00:38:57,876
Ma San.
Fine.
533
00:38:58,002 --> 00:38:59,461
Master, he's talking a lot of money.
534
00:38:59,587 --> 00:39:01,046
We should think it over.
535
00:39:01,172 --> 00:39:03,548
By coincidence
536
00:39:04,133 --> 00:39:05,633
I need it tomorrow morning.
537
00:39:05,760 --> 00:39:07,594
It couldn't worth
538
00:39:08,054 --> 00:39:10,263
more than me.
539
00:39:11,057 --> 00:39:12,223
See this?
540
00:39:12,350 --> 00:39:13,016
Yeah.
541
00:39:13,642 --> 00:39:16,853
The Empress Dowager gave me this jade ornament.
542
00:39:17,063 --> 00:39:17,771
Oh.
543
00:39:20,649 --> 00:39:22,108
It’s yours.
544
00:39:22,401 --> 00:39:23,276
Okay.
545
00:39:23,903 --> 00:39:28,406
I’ve another gift
from her at home.
546
00:39:29,450 --> 00:39:31,117
You've seen the robe in the glass case.
547
00:39:31,452 --> 00:39:33,536
You can have that too.
548
00:39:34,080 --> 00:39:34,913
Is that enough?
549
00:39:36,332 --> 00:39:39,250
Without your jade and the imperial robe,
550
00:39:39,418 --> 00:39:43,630
you won't be yourself,
surely.
551
00:39:45,841 --> 00:39:48,468
You're on good terms with Mei's family.
552
00:39:49,053 --> 00:39:50,553
I never told you.
553
00:39:50,805 --> 00:39:52,806
But I went to their house.
554
00:39:53,099 --> 00:39:54,432
His grandmother was beside herself.
555
00:39:54,600 --> 00:39:56,226
She won't let him sing tomorrow.
556
00:39:56,435 --> 00:39:58,937
So you went to see his family.
557
00:39:59,271 --> 00:40:00,063
Yes.
558
00:40:00,272 --> 00:40:03,066
No need to go crawling to Mei Lanfang.
559
00:40:06,278 --> 00:40:09,197
Just show me some respect.
560
00:40:09,323 --> 00:40:11,699
And we'll let bygones be bygones.
561
00:40:12,118 --> 00:40:13,034
What do you say?
562
00:40:13,953 --> 00:40:14,828
Ma San,
563
00:40:16,414 --> 00:40:17,956
I’ve given you face.
564
00:40:19,458 --> 00:40:23,711
Bow to me again and
we'll call it quits.
565
00:40:30,094 --> 00:40:31,052
Master,
566
00:40:33,305 --> 00:40:35,974
one has to bow sometime.
567
00:40:36,684 --> 00:40:40,645
Especially when living in a house with low ceilings.
568
00:40:41,480 --> 00:40:44,107
I choose when to bow!
569
00:40:49,613 --> 00:40:52,365
Ma San, come back.
570
00:40:58,831 --> 00:41:00,915
Take that chair with you.
571
00:41:03,544 --> 00:41:06,337
You dirtied it by sitting on it.
572
00:41:08,674 --> 00:41:09,424
Fine!
573
00:41:11,051 --> 00:41:12,135
You're tough.
574
00:41:14,138 --> 00:41:18,308
Why else would they
say you're invincible?
575
00:41:20,728 --> 00:41:21,978
Don't forget,
576
00:41:22,313 --> 00:41:25,398
I want my money first thing tomorrow.
577
00:41:29,195 --> 00:41:29,903
Ma San.
578
00:41:30,029 --> 00:41:30,695
I’ll see myself out.
579
00:41:30,863 --> 00:41:31,529
Get out!
580
00:41:31,655 --> 00:41:34,324
You'll see.
581
00:41:43,501 --> 00:41:44,209
Master.
582
00:41:47,588 --> 00:41:48,713
Young Fei.
583
00:41:49,381 --> 00:41:50,215
Yes, sir.
584
00:41:53,302 --> 00:41:55,386
You really went to Mei's house?
585
00:42:01,685 --> 00:42:04,354
Master, let's not sing tonight.
586
00:42:04,647 --> 00:42:06,064
Up to you.
587
00:42:07,483 --> 00:42:12,320
Your decision,
nothing to do with me.
588
00:42:16,492 --> 00:42:17,450
Master,
589
00:42:19,203 --> 00:42:22,121
please allow me to offer a word of advice.
590
00:42:22,456 --> 00:42:25,625
We're among friends. Let's lay it on the table.
591
00:42:26,293 --> 00:42:28,878
You have no choice.
592
00:42:32,341 --> 00:42:36,844
Face or survival? You can only choose one.
593
00:42:38,264 --> 00:42:43,935
if you really don't
care about survival, sing tonight.
594
00:42:46,063 --> 00:42:48,606
Are you trying to frighten Wanhua?
595
00:42:50,234 --> 00:42:55,405
Has he ever lacked courage?
596
00:43:00,953 --> 00:43:02,453
Don't stop him.
597
00:43:03,622 --> 00:43:05,039
Waste of time.
598
00:43:07,626 --> 00:43:12,255
No one's talking me
out of performing tonight.
599
00:43:13,048 --> 00:43:14,007
You're back.
600
00:43:14,508 --> 00:43:15,425
Yes.
601
00:43:17,970 --> 00:43:18,720
Have a seat.
602
00:43:28,063 --> 00:43:30,148
It seems that Master Shisan's whole life
603
00:43:32,651 --> 00:43:35,028
has been in preparation for tonight.
604
00:43:35,404 --> 00:43:36,696
Wanhua,
605
00:43:38,198 --> 00:43:43,369
there's no shame in losing,
only in being afraid.
606
00:43:44,330 --> 00:43:47,832
Brother,
should I sing?
607
00:43:51,670 --> 00:43:52,795
I don't know.
608
00:44:17,988 --> 00:44:19,155
Master,
609
00:44:20,783 --> 00:44:21,866
Do it
610
00:44:25,746 --> 00:44:43,096
Petals fall, petals fly,
611
00:44:46,725 --> 00:44:59,737
petals fill the sky.
612
00:45:00,739 --> 00:45:03,700
The General is a tiger among men,
613
00:45:03,909 --> 00:45:08,287
but sadly, he's growing old!
614
00:45:24,513 --> 00:45:31,811
Pure of essence, pure they stay,
615
00:45:32,855 --> 00:45:40,445
into dirt they must not fall.
616
00:45:42,072 --> 00:45:49,454
Spring goes, loveliness fades,
617
00:45:51,248 --> 00:46:00,631
people and flowers are lost to all.
618
00:46:00,799 --> 00:46:03,217
I must take the town within ten days.
619
00:46:03,343 --> 00:46:05,762
Hold the seal of the general in my hand.
620
00:46:05,888 --> 00:46:08,139
If in ten days I can't conquer this land,
621
00:46:08,307 --> 00:46:10,641
my head from the gate should sway!
622
00:46:10,768 --> 00:46:18,691
Come, bring my horse,
and we'll go!
623
00:46:35,167 --> 00:46:59,524
I will conquer Dingjun Mountain!
624
00:47:55,080 --> 00:47:56,664
Wanhua.
625
00:47:58,584 --> 00:47:59,417
Master.
626
00:48:00,043 --> 00:48:00,918
Sit.
627
00:48:01,420 --> 00:48:02,169
Thanks.
628
00:48:12,264 --> 00:48:18,728
What's up?
You came without changing?
629
00:48:20,314 --> 00:48:24,191
Wearing your costume into the real world
630
00:48:24,818 --> 00:48:28,279
can sully the character you play on stage.
631
00:48:29,323 --> 00:48:33,284
Don't do it again.
632
00:48:34,161 --> 00:48:34,952
Oh.
633
00:48:36,622 --> 00:48:41,626
They're still waiting for
you to take your bows?
634
00:48:44,463 --> 00:48:45,296
Yes.
635
00:48:53,430 --> 00:48:59,727
Our performance of Fen River Bay
was so good.
636
00:49:03,315 --> 00:49:04,273
I know.
637
00:49:06,193 --> 00:49:09,153
We did it brilliantly.
638
00:49:11,698 --> 00:49:15,409
Your performance was
absolute perfection.
639
00:49:15,619 --> 00:49:17,995
Absolute perfection?
640
00:49:19,081 --> 00:49:24,043
if Fei hadn't read Mr. Qiu's letter to you,
641
00:49:25,003 --> 00:49:28,381
I wouldn't have known
642
00:49:30,008 --> 00:49:30,841
what you were going to do.
643
00:49:42,562 --> 00:49:43,729
Wanhua.
644
00:49:44,856 --> 00:49:49,360
You'll be very successful,
world-famous.
645
00:49:50,028 --> 00:49:54,865
Do your best to raise our status
in people's eyes.
646
00:49:55,575 --> 00:49:58,869
I’ve fought for this my whole life
647
00:49:59,997 --> 00:50:01,622
and failed.
648
00:50:04,710 --> 00:50:07,461
I heard you're getting married.
649
00:50:07,921 --> 00:50:10,047
I’ve a gift for you.
650
00:50:10,549 --> 00:50:13,968
It’s in the other room, in the box.
651
00:50:14,720 --> 00:50:15,803
Go get it.
652
00:50:51,590 --> 00:51:01,849
Master ShisanI
653
00:51:49,147 --> 00:51:49,980
Zhifang,
654
00:51:51,942 --> 00:51:53,025
I didn't know that you've come.
655
00:51:55,487 --> 00:51:57,238
There's soup for you.
656
00:51:59,366 --> 00:52:00,574
Drink it all up.
657
00:52:06,414 --> 00:52:07,706
Don't slurp so loudly.
658
00:52:12,546 --> 00:52:14,880
I watched you taking your bows.
659
00:52:16,091 --> 00:52:18,509
Bowing is enough,
660
00:52:18,969 --> 00:52:20,636
no need to wave at them.
661
00:52:22,764 --> 00:52:26,350
I only signed a memorandum
with the American promoters.
662
00:52:26,518 --> 00:52:29,019
But it's still legally valid.
663
00:52:30,438 --> 00:52:34,358
That's why it's scary.
He can't change his mind now.
664
00:52:35,068 --> 00:52:37,236
It’s up to Wanhua,
665
00:52:37,362 --> 00:52:40,781
and he still hasn't agreed.
666
00:52:41,783 --> 00:52:43,492
But it was his idea to tour.
667
00:52:43,618 --> 00:52:46,120
Why wouldn't he agree to go?
668
00:52:47,122 --> 00:52:51,834
It’s Mei Lanfang's tour.
You're not him.
669
00:52:53,712 --> 00:52:55,921
I’m his sworn brother.
670
00:52:56,715 --> 00:52:59,758
I’ve already convinced the bank's board...
671
00:52:59,885 --> 00:53:01,760
into lending him 100 thousand yuan for expenses.
672
00:53:01,928 --> 00:53:03,762
But we'll have to mortgage his house.
673
00:53:05,348 --> 00:53:08,392
The paperwork is a mere formality.
674
00:53:08,727 --> 00:53:12,438
I still need Wanhua's approval before signing.
675
00:53:14,524 --> 00:53:19,153
But what if the
tour's a flop?
676
00:53:19,571 --> 00:53:23,073
Be positive.
677
00:53:24,242 --> 00:53:25,659
That way you won't fail.
678
00:53:28,413 --> 00:53:31,749
That's how you triumphed over Master Shisan.
679
00:53:33,919 --> 00:53:37,087
Didn't we agree not to
bring that up again?
680
00:53:38,882 --> 00:53:41,133
It’s hard to forget
681
00:53:44,971 --> 00:53:46,555
the day the Master died.
682
00:53:47,057 --> 00:53:51,393
Mr. Fei had gone to fetch
a doctor.
683
00:53:54,481 --> 00:53:55,940
Later Mr. Fei told me...
684
00:53:56,816 --> 00:54:01,111
Master was hanging on for me,
not the doctor.
685
00:54:05,033 --> 00:54:09,286
He sat there and then
he was gone.
686
00:54:15,752 --> 00:54:18,587
Mr. Feng, Brother...
687
00:54:18,713 --> 00:54:19,380
Yes?
688
00:54:20,757 --> 00:54:22,967
Will that happen to me too?
689
00:54:23,969 --> 00:54:25,052
Mrs. Song.
Yes?
690
00:54:25,720 --> 00:54:28,889
There's talk of mortgaging
this house.
691
00:54:29,140 --> 00:54:29,890
Oh?
692
00:54:36,815 --> 00:54:39,650
Why are there so many westerners in the audience?
693
00:54:41,987 --> 00:54:43,654
They must be American guests of Brother Qiu.
694
00:54:44,322 --> 00:54:46,156
Did he consult with you first?
695
00:54:47,826 --> 00:54:50,995
Does it matter?
An audience is an audience.
696
00:54:51,997 --> 00:54:53,330
But did he consult you?
697
00:54:56,543 --> 00:54:57,251
Zhifang.
698
00:55:00,714 --> 00:55:03,924
Never mind. You get ready.
699
00:55:06,845 --> 00:55:09,054
Zhifang, you're here.
700
00:55:09,180 --> 00:55:11,390
Mr. Feng, Brother Qiu.
701
00:55:11,516 --> 00:55:12,308
Yes?
702
00:55:13,101 --> 00:55:16,812
Your plan to stake this house on the American tour.
703
00:55:20,191 --> 00:55:21,358
I’ve read it.
704
00:55:22,402 --> 00:55:25,279
Let me value what we have first.
705
00:55:25,447 --> 00:55:26,864
if the final sum...
706
00:55:27,073 --> 00:55:28,615
can cover your 100 thousand yuan.
707
00:55:28,742 --> 00:55:30,826
Then no problem. We'll sign.
708
00:55:33,204 --> 00:55:34,163
And if it doesn't?
709
00:55:34,289 --> 00:55:35,706
Then I am sorry,
710
00:55:36,791 --> 00:55:38,042
leave our house alone.
711
00:55:38,460 --> 00:55:41,879
I wouldn't want Wanhua to sleep on the street.
712
00:55:42,047 --> 00:55:45,674
It’s just a formality.
713
00:55:45,800 --> 00:55:48,969
Then why don't you mortgage your house?
714
00:55:50,597 --> 00:55:53,682
if I could,
I’d have done so already.
715
00:55:53,808 --> 00:55:58,270
You're different.
You gave up everything for him.
716
00:55:58,730 --> 00:56:02,232
Wanhua can never repay you for that.
717
00:56:03,068 --> 00:56:06,403
That's why you dared organize this behind his back.
718
00:56:16,206 --> 00:56:16,955
Here.
719
00:56:18,208 --> 00:56:21,043
As his wife you should keep the big picture in mind.
720
00:56:22,295 --> 00:56:23,379
True.
721
00:56:24,130 --> 00:56:27,007
That's why our home is one continuous feast.
722
00:56:27,133 --> 00:56:30,260
At which all walks of life,
stars, has-beens...
723
00:56:30,428 --> 00:56:32,471
the poor, the rich,
friends and strangers...
724
00:56:32,639 --> 00:56:34,848
just sit down and eat at will.
725
00:56:36,518 --> 00:56:37,518
Every special occasion,
726
00:56:37,644 --> 00:56:39,645
we give stage veterans fruit and mooncakes,
727
00:56:39,771 --> 00:56:42,439
lucky money at New Year.
I haven't missed one.
728
00:56:43,233 --> 00:56:46,485
All because I don't keep the big picture in mind!
729
00:56:48,363 --> 00:56:55,119
Zhifang, you've got a sharp tongue.
Mr. Feng,
730
00:56:56,204 --> 00:56:58,414
I also need to borrow some money.
731
00:56:58,873 --> 00:57:00,624
Don't you keep all our money too?
732
00:57:01,835 --> 00:57:06,797
What are you implying?
733
00:57:08,299 --> 00:57:11,301
I have Wanhua deposit his money in our bank
734
00:57:11,594 --> 00:57:14,304
so that he can earn the most interest.
735
00:57:14,639 --> 00:57:17,641
He can deposit or
withdraw at any time.
736
00:57:17,809 --> 00:57:20,144
He's free to do
whatever he likes.
737
00:57:20,311 --> 00:57:21,812
Since the day I married him,
738
00:57:22,063 --> 00:57:25,482
I’ve never seen him free
to do anything.
739
00:57:30,321 --> 00:57:31,321
I’m off.
740
00:57:36,578 --> 00:57:38,829
The westerners who came today told me,
741
00:57:40,081 --> 00:57:41,748
news of your American tour,
742
00:57:43,001 --> 00:57:45,127
has already made headlines in New York.
743
00:57:45,336 --> 00:57:50,048
Mr. Feng, Brother,
don't force me.
744
00:57:56,181 --> 00:57:57,014
Wanhua?
745
00:57:57,223 --> 00:57:59,683
Where's Wanhua?
746
00:57:59,851 --> 00:58:02,060
The orchestra's been playing
for ages.
747
00:58:02,187 --> 00:58:03,604
I thought he was with you.
748
00:58:04,147 --> 00:58:05,189
He's gone.
749
00:58:09,110 --> 00:58:12,779
We'll excuse
ourselves.
750
00:58:17,827 --> 00:58:19,536
Good for nothing.
751
00:58:25,710 --> 00:58:28,587
Mr. Feng's having a party tomorrow.
You coming?
752
00:58:28,838 --> 00:58:31,006
I don't need to follow you everywhere.
753
00:58:36,262 --> 00:58:39,014
Oops, I forgot the towel for our feet.
754
00:58:55,740 --> 00:58:57,950
Venerable Master Mei, I’ll see you in.
755
00:58:58,159 --> 00:58:59,076
Please, no need.
756
00:59:00,745 --> 00:59:02,079
But what did you just call me?
757
00:59:02,580 --> 00:59:04,915
Aren't you Venerable Master Mei Lanfang?
758
00:59:05,792 --> 00:59:09,503
Master Mei
will do.
759
00:59:17,095 --> 00:59:18,011
Master Mei.
760
00:59:25,019 --> 00:59:25,852
Thank you.
761
00:59:26,604 --> 00:59:27,646
Were you waiting for someone eIse?
762
00:59:28,106 --> 00:59:30,649
My uncle.
763
00:59:30,817 --> 00:59:32,651
I’ll go get him in a moment.
764
00:59:33,570 --> 00:59:35,070
Are you in the opera as well?
765
00:59:36,155 --> 00:59:39,074
Sort of. Just a handmaiden to the 'painted faces'.
766
00:59:40,076 --> 00:59:41,952
In a moment I’ll introduce you to some people.
767
00:59:42,412 --> 00:59:44,621
Brother Feng,
this is Miss Meng.
768
00:59:45,790 --> 00:59:50,168
Wanhua, are you kidding?
"Miss Meng"?
769
00:59:50,295 --> 00:59:54,298
Try "Emperor Dong",
the opera's top male impersonator!
770
00:59:54,591 --> 00:59:55,257
Meng Xiaodong?
771
00:59:55,383 --> 00:59:56,133
Yes.
772
00:59:56,634 --> 00:59:58,719
Mr. Feng,
I’m not that well known.
773
00:59:58,970 --> 01:00:00,846
Master Mei wouldn't have heard of me.
774
01:00:01,055 --> 01:00:03,432
You're really very famous.
775
01:00:04,017 --> 01:00:05,475
It’s only that we've never met.
776
01:00:05,685 --> 01:00:07,227
Actually, I once took a photo with you.
777
01:00:07,395 --> 01:00:08,729
That counts, doesn't it?
778
01:00:08,855 --> 01:00:09,771
Of course.
779
01:00:10,356 --> 01:00:11,648
I’d just finished opera school.
780
01:00:11,816 --> 01:00:13,900
Our entire class posed for a photo with you.
781
01:00:15,028 --> 01:00:17,154
Miss Meng has an excellent memory.
782
01:00:17,322 --> 01:00:17,988
Brother.
783
01:00:18,323 --> 01:00:19,031
Yes.
784
01:00:19,324 --> 01:00:20,282
You're Mr. Qiu.
785
01:00:20,408 --> 01:00:21,491
Qiu Rubai.
786
01:00:22,660 --> 01:00:25,162
They say you're Master Mei's mentor.
787
01:00:25,913 --> 01:00:28,749
I wouldn't presume.
788
01:00:30,001 --> 01:00:32,336
Friends, brothers...
789
01:00:32,795 --> 01:00:35,964
We are missing a player
for the bearded role.
790
01:00:36,341 --> 01:00:40,761
Luckily
Xiaodong is here.
791
01:00:40,928 --> 01:00:43,013
Come, Xiaodong.
792
01:00:48,728 --> 01:00:52,939
What about an excerpt
from Lost Battle?
793
01:00:53,107 --> 01:00:54,691
I’d rather sing Plum Dragon Town.
794
01:00:54,901 --> 01:00:55,651
Oh?
795
01:00:56,569 --> 01:00:58,153
But I need a Phoenix Li.
796
01:00:58,363 --> 01:01:01,448
Pick someone then.
797
01:01:03,576 --> 01:01:04,534
Master Mei.
798
01:01:13,211 --> 01:01:14,378
What is Plum Dragon Town,
799
01:01:14,587 --> 01:01:18,715
but Frolicking Dragon Teases the Phoenix.
800
01:01:28,434 --> 01:01:31,436
Crescent moon o'er the land does shine.
801
01:01:31,562 --> 01:01:35,107
Where's your home, o soldier of mine?
802
01:01:35,233 --> 01:01:38,652
Miss, don't ask from whence we roam.
803
01:01:38,778 --> 01:01:43,115
Where he lays his head is a soldier's home.
804
01:01:50,081 --> 01:01:51,123
When you're not made up,
805
01:01:52,417 --> 01:01:54,084
you look like a man to me.
806
01:01:56,379 --> 01:01:57,170
When you are not made up,
807
01:01:58,881 --> 01:02:01,800
you look just like
a woman.
808
01:02:01,926 --> 01:02:02,926
What nonsense.
809
01:02:03,636 --> 01:02:05,011
Anyway, one of you is a man
810
01:02:05,138 --> 01:02:07,806
and the other a woman.
811
01:02:07,932 --> 01:02:10,934
It depends on whether
you're on stage or off.
812
01:02:11,144 --> 01:02:14,896
Where's your home, o soldier of mine?
813
01:02:15,022 --> 01:02:18,108
Miss, don't ask from whence we roam.
814
01:02:18,234 --> 01:02:22,446
Where he lays his head is a soldier's home.
815
01:02:23,114 --> 01:02:24,698
Brother, you asked for Lost Battle.
816
01:02:24,782 --> 01:02:25,449
Yes?
817
01:02:26,117 --> 01:02:28,452
But she insists on
Frolicking Dragon.
818
01:02:30,455 --> 01:02:33,957
Don't tease nice girls like me.
819
01:02:34,083 --> 01:02:37,127
Nice girl, bad girl,
I wouldn't dare,
820
01:02:37,253 --> 01:02:39,838
but for the blossom you have in our hair.
821
01:02:39,964 --> 01:02:42,632
It's in at such a
jaunty angle,
822
01:02:42,759 --> 01:02:46,386
suggestively it there does dangle.
823
01:02:46,512 --> 01:02:49,890
Of my crab-apple flower
824
01:02:50,016 --> 01:02:51,641
A joke you make.
825
01:02:51,809 --> 01:02:54,478
This flower I will throw away,
826
01:02:54,645 --> 01:02:58,648
and never wear another, from this day.
827
01:02:58,816 --> 01:03:01,985
Phoenix Li, don't be like that,
828
01:03:02,153 --> 01:03:04,863
a flower shouldn't lay on the floor like a mat!
829
01:03:04,989 --> 01:03:10,786
pickup the flower for this soldier man.
830
01:03:14,665 --> 01:03:22,839
Come... I'll dress
your hair as best I can.
831
01:03:23,758 --> 01:03:27,803
Wear this
832
01:03:28,763 --> 01:03:37,521
crab-apple blossom
833
01:03:40,858 --> 01:03:43,819
I came specially to hear you sing.
834
01:03:44,779 --> 01:03:48,615
I didn't imagine I’d be singing with you
835
01:03:48,783 --> 01:03:52,619
Or sheltering you with my umbrella.
836
01:03:54,163 --> 01:03:57,374
But to be honest,
837
01:03:57,959 --> 01:04:01,211
you didn't sing as well as
I expected.
838
01:04:06,551 --> 01:04:09,094
I couldn't concentrate.
839
01:04:09,303 --> 01:04:11,721
I’m not worth your attention, is that it?
840
01:04:13,224 --> 01:04:14,808
That's not what I meant.
841
01:04:15,142 --> 01:04:16,226
Then what did you mean?
842
01:04:16,727 --> 01:04:21,731
You two will perform together, it's settled.
843
01:04:23,025 --> 01:04:24,901
if that's what you wish.
844
01:04:25,069 --> 01:04:25,735
Good.
845
01:04:26,487 --> 01:04:29,781
if Master Mei isn't willing, then forget it.
846
01:04:32,410 --> 01:04:34,077
I am willing.
847
01:04:37,415 --> 01:04:39,416
He's got no sense of humour.
848
01:04:39,792 --> 01:04:40,917
It’s time we were off.
849
01:04:41,377 --> 01:04:42,252
Okay.
850
01:04:42,545 --> 01:04:43,670
Mr. Qiu,
851
01:04:46,173 --> 01:04:49,050
perhaps you could be my mentor too.
852
01:04:54,974 --> 01:04:55,891
You're good.
853
01:05:08,779 --> 01:05:09,863
Miss Meng!
854
01:05:18,831 --> 01:05:20,957
Mr. Feng. Jasmine tea?
Lovely.
855
01:05:21,167 --> 01:05:22,959
Careful, it's hot.
856
01:05:26,005 --> 01:05:30,008
Madam, the Master borrowed
someone's umbrella.
857
01:05:30,217 --> 01:05:33,470
It’s been here for days.
I’m afraid it'll get taken.
858
01:05:35,431 --> 01:05:36,264
Put it over there.
859
01:05:36,390 --> 01:05:37,057
Yes.
860
01:05:40,811 --> 01:05:42,395
Mr. Feng, you're here.
861
01:05:44,231 --> 01:05:45,899
I’m here for my lesson.
862
01:05:49,070 --> 01:05:53,156
Tonight's the last show.
I should get there early.
863
01:05:54,158 --> 01:05:56,284
This entire month of rehearsals and shows,
864
01:05:56,410 --> 01:05:58,578
there's not a day you didn't go early.
865
01:06:02,667 --> 01:06:04,876
The box office has been great.
866
01:06:05,002 --> 01:06:06,419
Can it possibly flop?
867
01:06:06,545 --> 01:06:09,047
In a show that features the best in opera
868
01:06:10,007 --> 01:06:13,385
I should check it out myself.
869
01:06:13,678 --> 01:06:16,012
I’ve been too busy up till now.
870
01:06:17,515 --> 01:06:18,515
Go on then,
871
01:06:19,642 --> 01:06:22,352
return that umbrella
to its owner.
872
01:06:33,114 --> 01:06:36,032
Master Mei,
you're early.
873
01:06:36,617 --> 01:06:39,077
You're not too late yourself.
874
01:06:41,330 --> 01:06:42,914
Why don't you go in?
875
01:06:47,044 --> 01:06:48,378
I’m waiting for the key.
876
01:06:55,761 --> 01:06:57,679
Oh! It is open...
877
01:07:10,192 --> 01:07:11,234
Then I’ll see you on stage.
878
01:07:12,028 --> 01:07:12,777
See you on stage.
879
01:07:39,555 --> 01:07:40,722
I’ve brought you a flower.
880
01:07:41,057 --> 01:07:43,808
I’m really quite hopeless.
881
01:07:43,934 --> 01:07:45,185
It’s men who give women flowers.
882
01:07:45,436 --> 01:07:47,103
Never the other way round.
883
01:07:48,105 --> 01:07:51,232
But the one you are
wearing has been so old.
884
01:07:51,609 --> 01:07:54,778
You've already thrown
it at me nine times.
885
01:07:55,029 --> 01:07:56,946
And others before me too.
886
01:07:57,281 --> 01:07:58,448
For the last show tonight,
887
01:07:59,283 --> 01:08:00,617
wear a new one.
888
01:08:02,119 --> 01:08:03,536
Just don't thank me.
889
01:08:03,954 --> 01:08:05,497
Or I’ll take it back.
890
01:08:08,751 --> 01:08:09,501
Thank you.
891
01:08:13,839 --> 01:08:14,672
You're welcome.
892
01:08:17,218 --> 01:08:21,429
Awo man's nails are long,
893
01:08:21,639 --> 01:08:25,016
but these can't reach you.
894
01:08:28,270 --> 01:08:31,898
Girl, you don't miss a trick.
Touch the rough hands.
895
01:08:32,483 --> 01:08:34,818
I wouldn't know. It’s my first time.
896
01:08:34,985 --> 01:08:37,487
I order you!
897
01:08:38,197 --> 01:08:40,406
You want me to touch your hand?
898
01:08:40,533 --> 01:08:41,324
Yes.
899
01:08:41,659 --> 01:08:44,035
In that case
900
01:08:44,662 --> 01:08:46,496
I won't!
901
01:08:46,622 --> 01:08:49,332
Why not?
902
01:08:49,500 --> 01:08:52,168
Stretch your hands out flat.
903
01:08:52,294 --> 01:08:55,046
Fine,
flatter still.
904
01:08:55,256 --> 01:08:59,676
I'll touch touch touch, I will...
905
01:08:59,844 --> 01:09:01,845
Ha ha ha
906
01:09:03,013 --> 01:09:06,266
Didn't I say that?
907
01:09:14,567 --> 01:09:17,527
but for the blossom you have in your hair.
908
01:09:17,653 --> 01:09:20,071
It's in at such a
jaunty angle,
909
01:09:20,197 --> 01:09:23,867
suggestively it there does dangle.
910
01:09:23,993 --> 01:09:26,911
Of my crab-apple flower.
911
01:09:27,037 --> 01:09:29,205
A joke you make.
912
01:09:29,373 --> 01:09:32,208
This flower I will throw away
913
01:09:32,334 --> 01:09:36,212
and never wear another, from this day.
914
01:09:40,134 --> 01:09:42,385
Zhifang,
you're angry with me.
915
01:09:42,678 --> 01:09:44,762
You shouldn't make fun of him.
916
01:09:45,514 --> 01:09:47,182
You make it hard for them both.
917
01:09:47,349 --> 01:09:48,641
Of course they act with real feeling.
918
01:09:48,767 --> 01:09:50,894
You wouldn't want them to fake it, would you?
919
01:09:52,229 --> 01:10:00,320
Come... I'll dress your hair
as best I can.
920
01:10:01,322 --> 01:10:05,241
Wear this...
921
01:10:06,160 --> 01:10:13,750
crab-apple blossom.
922
01:10:18,422 --> 01:10:22,759
Bravo!
923
01:11:13,310 --> 01:11:14,936
I’ve come to return your umbrella.
924
01:11:21,360 --> 01:11:22,902
When you stood at the corridor,
925
01:11:23,070 --> 01:11:24,821
I saw you had my umbrella with you.
926
01:11:25,364 --> 01:11:27,156
I thought you wanted to keep it.
927
01:11:27,574 --> 01:11:28,866
if I had returned your umbrella then,
928
01:11:29,994 --> 01:11:33,162
I have no excuse to come again.
929
01:11:37,501 --> 01:11:38,459
Come in.
930
01:11:43,507 --> 01:11:44,299
Mr. Qiu.
931
01:11:44,508 --> 01:11:45,174
Yes?
932
01:11:46,135 --> 01:11:47,969
Is there something urgent?
933
01:11:48,178 --> 01:11:51,681
Should I go in and
announce your presence.
934
01:11:52,516 --> 01:11:53,808
What's the rush?
935
01:11:55,519 --> 01:11:56,769
Here's a paper swallow.
936
01:11:58,022 --> 01:12:00,106
It can fly very high.
937
01:12:06,363 --> 01:12:07,530
That's not so high.
938
01:12:10,075 --> 01:12:12,160
But I made it from a programme.
939
01:12:12,411 --> 01:12:14,537
Two names are on it.
940
01:12:14,705 --> 01:12:15,747
Whose names?
941
01:12:16,040 --> 01:12:17,457
Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong.
942
01:12:17,833 --> 01:12:18,833
Whose?
943
01:12:23,797 --> 01:12:25,381
Another acid-tongue!
944
01:12:25,758 --> 01:12:27,592
Is your wife like that too then?
945
01:12:29,011 --> 01:12:29,886
She's a good person.
946
01:12:34,058 --> 01:12:37,643
She had me under control.
947
01:12:38,937 --> 01:12:39,771
Is that possible?
948
01:12:40,230 --> 01:12:41,356
Not really.
949
01:12:53,744 --> 01:12:55,411
Know what I prayed for?
950
01:12:56,830 --> 01:12:58,247
Can you guess...
951
01:13:00,250 --> 01:13:01,125
my wish?
952
01:13:01,418 --> 01:13:02,377
Don't tell.
953
01:13:08,592 --> 01:13:09,801
My worst fear is that
954
01:13:11,178 --> 01:13:12,637
it's not what I’d hoped for.
955
01:13:15,599 --> 01:13:19,811
if I could sing with Mei Lanfang forever,
956
01:13:21,271 --> 01:13:22,021
that would be wonderful.
957
01:13:25,067 --> 01:13:27,485
Are you waiting for me?
958
01:13:29,029 --> 01:13:31,197
You forgot the celebration banquet.
959
01:13:31,698 --> 01:13:33,866
Everyone's waiting for you.
960
01:13:34,451 --> 01:13:35,785
I’m not going.
961
01:13:36,161 --> 01:13:39,789
More people speaking words
of flattery.
962
01:13:40,332 --> 01:13:42,959
I told Mr. Feng I wasn't going.
963
01:13:44,461 --> 01:13:47,922
Also, that ceremony
next week for the plaque.
964
01:13:48,715 --> 01:13:50,007
Please decline for me.
965
01:13:54,596 --> 01:13:58,474
It’s tough being
as close to him as I am.
966
01:13:58,809 --> 01:14:03,438
A hundred businesses honouring him with a gold plaque.
967
01:14:03,897 --> 01:14:05,314
And he decides not to go, just like that.
968
01:14:07,234 --> 01:14:09,902
There are four characters on the plaque.
Brother.
969
01:14:11,363 --> 01:14:12,572
Which four characters?
970
01:14:13,490 --> 01:14:14,365
He won't let me say.
971
01:14:17,035 --> 01:14:19,745
You'll disappoint them if you don't go.
972
01:14:20,038 --> 01:14:21,747
You should go to the banquet tonight, too.
973
01:14:22,082 --> 01:14:24,709
The show can't begin
without its star.
974
01:14:26,545 --> 01:14:28,171
Xiaodong's understanding.
975
01:14:28,505 --> 01:14:30,590
You have to receive that plaque too.
976
01:14:37,097 --> 01:14:38,723
See you, Xiaodong.
977
01:14:39,183 --> 01:14:40,266
See you.
978
01:14:43,604 --> 01:14:44,479
Zhifang.
979
01:14:45,189 --> 01:14:47,982
Did you see a note in the pocket of my white suit?
980
01:14:49,026 --> 01:14:52,570
See it?
I tore it up.
981
01:14:53,030 --> 01:14:54,697
It has an important address.
982
01:14:56,742 --> 01:14:58,743
7 Beitang Zi Hutong.
983
01:15:00,245 --> 01:15:01,787
7 Beitang Zi Hutong, right.
984
01:15:02,039 --> 01:15:02,955
It’s Meng Xiaodong's address.
985
01:15:03,081 --> 01:15:04,499
You don't have to tell me.
986
01:15:05,083 --> 01:15:06,125
Zhifang.
987
01:15:09,087 --> 01:15:12,340
You want to tell her that
you're not going, right?
988
01:15:28,690 --> 01:15:30,107
By the gift of this plaque,
989
01:15:30,651 --> 01:15:33,611
you honoured me greatly.
990
01:15:34,738 --> 01:15:36,072
But it strikes me that
991
01:15:36,490 --> 01:15:40,660
the title "King of Actors"
makes it hard for me.
992
01:15:41,828 --> 01:15:45,122
if I sing well,
I’m the King.
993
01:15:46,917 --> 01:15:50,795
if I don't,
I’m still the King.
994
01:15:54,091 --> 01:15:55,466
I’m only an opera singer.
995
01:15:57,052 --> 01:15:59,095
All I want is to sing
996
01:16:01,932 --> 01:16:03,182
for the rest of my life.
997
01:16:03,892 --> 01:16:05,268
Thank you all very much.
998
01:16:18,615 --> 01:16:19,448
Hey!
999
01:16:56,278 --> 01:16:57,528
Mr. Qiu,
1000
01:16:59,698 --> 01:17:01,157
What are you doing here?
1001
01:17:03,702 --> 01:17:04,660
Xiaodong,
1002
01:17:05,746 --> 01:17:08,331
I urgently need your help.
1003
01:17:09,416 --> 01:17:10,166
What's up?
1004
01:17:10,626 --> 01:17:14,295
Wanhua must go to America.
He has to.
1005
01:17:14,546 --> 01:17:18,049
He won't just be the star of the Far East.
1006
01:17:19,009 --> 01:17:22,553
But possibly the biggest star in the world.
1007
01:17:23,597 --> 01:17:27,433
Please help.
He listens to you.
1008
01:17:34,191 --> 01:17:35,191
Brother.
1009
01:17:37,152 --> 01:17:39,153
Wanhua? You're here too.
1010
01:17:41,490 --> 01:17:42,406
Brother.
1011
01:17:42,949 --> 01:17:43,699
Oh.
1012
01:17:44,034 --> 01:17:45,826
How'd you know where I live?
1013
01:17:48,038 --> 01:17:54,543
A friend told me.
A reporter.
1014
01:17:54,961 --> 01:17:58,381
That Mei Lanfang often visits Xiaodong's place.
1015
01:17:59,049 --> 01:18:03,886
It’ll be the talk of the town by tomorrow.
1016
01:18:04,554 --> 01:18:07,014
Brother.
Just like you,
1017
01:18:07,140 --> 01:18:09,183
Wanhua's here tonight for the first time.
1018
01:18:10,060 --> 01:18:10,768
Oh.
1019
01:18:13,021 --> 01:18:17,858
Xiaodong,
please do me that favour.
1020
01:18:18,026 --> 01:18:18,693
I’ll be off now.
1021
01:18:18,819 --> 01:18:21,195
Brother,
I’ll go with you.
1022
01:18:26,451 --> 01:18:29,704
Be my guest for lunch tomorrow
at Yanchun House.
1023
01:18:30,706 --> 01:18:31,539
This way.
1024
01:18:44,886 --> 01:18:46,637
Hey, singer!
1025
01:18:49,850 --> 01:18:52,393
Thank you, sir,
thank you!
1026
01:18:55,981 --> 01:18:57,106
Was that Huifang?
1027
01:18:58,358 --> 01:19:00,192
I didn't recognize him.
1028
01:19:03,613 --> 01:19:05,740
He used to be such a prima donna.
1029
01:19:12,831 --> 01:19:16,250
I know you're doing this
for Brother Qiu.
1030
01:19:17,419 --> 01:19:21,213
You think I should
go to America too.
1031
01:19:24,009 --> 01:19:25,050
But I’m terrified that I may fail.
1032
01:19:25,427 --> 01:19:27,553
There's a lot to be afraid of.
1033
01:19:28,805 --> 01:19:31,390
A theatre that's half empty.
1034
01:19:31,683 --> 01:19:33,642
No applause on your entrance.
1035
01:19:33,894 --> 01:19:35,144
Giving your all on the night,
1036
01:19:35,312 --> 01:19:36,812
only to be panned by the critics.
1037
01:19:38,482 --> 01:19:43,652
Our livelihood depends
on the whims of others.
1038
01:19:45,989 --> 01:19:46,989
So true.
1039
01:19:48,033 --> 01:19:50,868
Do you know what I prayed for that day?
1040
01:19:54,414 --> 01:19:58,334
Just to be able to see a movie with you one day.
1041
01:20:03,965 --> 01:20:05,007
We could go today.
1042
01:20:13,183 --> 01:20:14,975
The three "cops"!
1043
01:20:15,352 --> 01:20:16,310
Mr. Feng, Brother.
1044
01:20:16,436 --> 01:20:17,770
Mr. Mei,
at last.
1045
01:20:17,896 --> 01:20:21,232
You've got to save me! Save my show!
1046
01:20:23,860 --> 01:20:24,860
The audience is already in.
1047
01:20:25,028 --> 01:20:27,655
Please don't let me down.
1048
01:20:27,906 --> 01:20:30,741
I’ve an important engagement.
Can't make it.
1049
01:20:30,867 --> 01:20:33,244
More important than saving a show?
1050
01:20:35,747 --> 01:20:36,872
Master Zhu is ill.
1051
01:20:37,165 --> 01:20:39,583
I know you're from different troupes.
1052
01:20:39,835 --> 01:20:41,544
But they're demanding you -
1053
01:20:41,920 --> 01:20:43,879
or their money back.
1054
01:20:44,005 --> 01:20:45,172
Ask someone else to do it.
1055
01:20:45,298 --> 01:20:46,799
We need a star.
1056
01:20:47,050 --> 01:20:49,718
You're the biggest star there is.
Please.
1057
01:20:50,178 --> 01:20:51,887
And if I offend you by refusing?
1058
01:20:53,682 --> 01:20:56,392
You won't.
You're not that sort of person.
1059
01:20:56,560 --> 01:20:58,269
What sort am l, then?
1060
01:21:01,481 --> 01:21:03,440
Can't I even go watch a film with Xiaodong?
1061
01:21:04,734 --> 01:21:05,776
Is it that hard?
1062
01:21:08,613 --> 01:21:11,740
Miss Meng,
please help persuade him.
1063
01:21:12,742 --> 01:21:14,076
It’s too late.
1064
01:21:18,498 --> 01:21:19,331
Wanhua.
1065
01:21:22,878 --> 01:21:25,421
Remember the paper yoke your uncle had to wear?
1066
01:21:27,090 --> 01:21:29,091
You know the worst thing about it?
1067
01:21:29,759 --> 01:21:31,927
The thinness of the paper.
1068
01:21:32,095 --> 01:21:35,764
The tiniest force could've torn it.
1069
01:21:36,224 --> 01:21:37,850
But if they could have ripped it off,
1070
01:21:38,643 --> 01:21:41,812
your uncle and grandpa would have done so already.
1071
01:21:42,105 --> 01:21:44,106
They couldn't.
1072
01:21:44,441 --> 01:21:45,733
Now it's on you.
1073
01:21:47,777 --> 01:21:50,863
Wanhua,
Brother Qiu is saying,
1074
01:21:51,197 --> 01:21:55,659
that so long as it's on you,
you mustn't let it be torn.
1075
01:21:59,122 --> 01:22:00,080
Not even for one day?
1076
01:22:02,334 --> 01:22:03,459
No?
1077
01:22:12,510 --> 01:22:13,260
Stop.
1078
01:22:13,386 --> 01:22:14,678
Stop the car.
1079
01:22:40,830 --> 01:22:41,789
Xiaodong,
1080
01:22:45,835 --> 01:22:47,795
I need to talk to you.
1081
01:22:51,383 --> 01:22:55,803
You want me
to stay away from him, right?
1082
01:23:01,059 --> 01:23:02,059
Well, I won't.
1083
01:23:03,687 --> 01:23:05,354
I’ll be there for him every day.
1084
01:23:08,024 --> 01:23:14,029
Every afternoon, hour,
and second.
1085
01:23:15,198 --> 01:23:16,198
It doesn't matter.
1086
01:23:17,534 --> 01:23:18,617
Xiaodong,
1087
01:23:20,870 --> 01:23:22,871
do you understand his loneliness?
1088
01:23:24,666 --> 01:23:25,541
It’s inside him.
1089
01:23:28,545 --> 01:23:30,879
Wanhua has been with us all these years.
1090
01:23:32,757 --> 01:23:35,259
And yet in his heart he was always alone.
1091
01:23:38,221 --> 01:23:40,097
Until he met you.
1092
01:23:41,933 --> 01:23:47,229
But everything that he has,
1093
01:23:47,731 --> 01:23:51,150
comes from that loneliness.
1094
01:23:51,985 --> 01:23:54,945
if you destroy that loneliness,
1095
01:23:56,531 --> 01:23:58,907
you destroy Mei Lanfang.
1096
01:23:59,200 --> 01:24:00,409
I understand.
1097
01:24:01,327 --> 01:24:03,746
But I can't leave him.
1098
01:24:17,177 --> 01:24:19,136
Don't be too hard on Wanhua.
1099
01:24:28,813 --> 01:24:30,773
It’s only Meng Xiaodong.
1100
01:24:31,149 --> 01:24:33,609
if he doesn't have a secret admirer,
1101
01:24:33,818 --> 01:24:35,944
I’d be the first to worry.
1102
01:24:36,780 --> 01:24:40,282
Don't fret. See you later.
1103
01:24:42,243 --> 01:24:45,245
Oh, see you.
1104
01:24:50,085 --> 01:24:52,461
ComingI The door's open.
1105
01:24:58,551 --> 01:25:00,594
Gave you a fright, did l?
1106
01:25:02,597 --> 01:25:05,641
You did. Please, come in.
1107
01:25:05,934 --> 01:25:07,643
Otherwise people might think
1108
01:25:07,894 --> 01:25:10,104
I was refusing you entry.
1109
01:25:11,022 --> 01:25:12,147
As if you'd dare.
1110
01:25:13,566 --> 01:25:16,819
Should I call you
Elder Sister?
1111
01:25:18,071 --> 01:25:21,657
Call me Zhifang. It’s more intimate.
1112
01:25:24,536 --> 01:25:26,662
Lovely little courtyard.
1113
01:25:27,705 --> 01:25:29,206
I’ll get you some tea.
1114
01:25:30,333 --> 01:25:34,211
I only drink boiled water.
It’s cleaner.
1115
01:25:37,257 --> 01:25:39,174
Then I’ll get you some.
1116
01:25:40,385 --> 01:25:41,635
Don't trouble yourself.
1117
01:25:41,803 --> 01:25:42,678
Not at all.
1118
01:25:43,138 --> 01:25:45,055
Anyway, I won't drink it.
1119
01:25:52,939 --> 01:25:55,482
Tell me what you came to say.
1120
01:25:55,692 --> 01:25:56,942
Alright, I will.
1121
01:26:01,197 --> 01:26:02,364
I’m not your equal.
1122
01:26:04,159 --> 01:26:05,409
I was once a singer too.
1123
01:26:06,369 --> 01:26:08,370
But when I married him,
1124
01:26:09,205 --> 01:26:11,039
I gave up my stage career.
1125
01:26:13,251 --> 01:26:14,835
I’m not your match.
1126
01:26:15,628 --> 01:26:19,756
The best actress in the land,
great future.
1127
01:26:20,049 --> 01:26:22,926
You didn't come
to sing my praises.
1128
01:26:23,052 --> 01:26:23,927
True.
1129
01:26:25,513 --> 01:26:27,139
I came to plead with you.
1130
01:26:27,891 --> 01:26:29,766
Please leave Mei Lanfang alone to sing opera.
1131
01:26:29,893 --> 01:26:31,268
Don't distract him.
1132
01:26:33,396 --> 01:26:34,563
Can you do that?
1133
01:26:40,653 --> 01:26:42,905
On my way here,
1134
01:26:44,616 --> 01:26:46,325
I told myself not to quarrel with you.
1135
01:26:48,286 --> 01:26:51,163
But see how useless I am.
1136
01:26:55,585 --> 01:26:57,544
I’ve come to tell you that
1137
01:26:59,923 --> 01:27:03,759
you don't own him
and neither do l.
1138
01:27:05,345 --> 01:27:07,471
He belongs to his fans.
1139
01:27:26,032 --> 01:27:26,907
Xiaodong.
1140
01:27:27,116 --> 01:27:29,910
You startled me.
1141
01:27:31,371 --> 01:27:32,371
So you're going away?
1142
01:27:39,963 --> 01:27:41,046
I’m asking you.
1143
01:27:43,800 --> 01:27:44,675
Are you going away?
1144
01:27:46,219 --> 01:27:48,387
You never mince words, do you?
1145
01:27:59,023 --> 01:28:00,983
It’s not that I’m going away.
1146
01:28:10,910 --> 01:28:13,453
It’s that I’m leaving you. Forever.
1147
01:28:15,873 --> 01:28:18,500
You not only like to kid around
1148
01:28:20,253 --> 01:28:21,586
but you hold a grudge too.
1149
01:28:22,505 --> 01:28:25,424
I’m not kidding.
It’s for real.
1150
01:28:26,718 --> 01:28:30,053
Of course you're kidding.
How could you not be?
1151
01:28:30,430 --> 01:28:31,513
It’s for real.
1152
01:28:32,015 --> 01:28:32,931
It’s not for real.
1153
01:28:33,057 --> 01:28:33,724
It is.
1154
01:28:33,850 --> 01:28:34,391
It’s not.
1155
01:28:34,517 --> 01:28:35,475
It is.
1156
01:28:40,523 --> 01:28:43,108
Meng Xiaodong will never see Mei Lanfang again.
1157
01:28:46,779 --> 01:28:47,863
Get changed.
1158
01:28:49,198 --> 01:28:51,241
We're going to the movies.
1159
01:28:51,534 --> 01:28:52,534
I’m not going.
1160
01:29:06,507 --> 01:29:08,633
Mr. Feng is giving a party.
1161
01:29:09,886 --> 01:29:11,136
Will they both be there?
1162
01:29:11,262 --> 01:29:12,095
Oh yes.
1163
01:29:18,686 --> 01:29:21,313
I’ll trade these for an invitation.
1164
01:29:25,610 --> 01:29:29,196
Look. Here, have them.
1165
01:29:41,959 --> 01:29:43,585
They're a beautiful couple.
1166
01:29:43,878 --> 01:29:44,753
Aren't they?
1167
01:29:46,881 --> 01:29:49,925
But sometimes I just have to interfere.
1168
01:30:14,283 --> 01:30:15,992
Meng Xiaodong.
1169
01:30:36,472 --> 01:30:39,307
Zhifang agreed to mortgage the house.
1170
01:30:46,065 --> 01:30:49,693
Wanhua, you can't afford to
fail in America.
1171
01:30:49,986 --> 01:30:51,361
There's no shame in losing,
1172
01:30:52,780 --> 01:30:53,864
only in being afraid.
1173
01:30:55,241 --> 01:30:59,244
But they wired saying don't come
because of the Depression.
1174
01:30:59,912 --> 01:31:01,705
How do we respond?
1175
01:31:01,998 --> 01:31:04,207
"Mei Lanfang is scared to tour America."
1176
01:31:05,501 --> 01:31:06,501
How many words are there?
1177
01:31:10,006 --> 01:31:10,755
Seven.
1178
01:31:12,341 --> 01:31:15,385
And in "Mei Lanfang will
go to tour America?"
1179
01:31:16,304 --> 01:31:17,387
Seven too.
1180
01:31:19,307 --> 01:31:20,724
Help boost my courage.
1181
01:31:34,197 --> 01:31:36,698
I’ll leave Peking tomorrow.
1182
01:31:36,866 --> 01:31:39,034
Oh, Xiaodong...
1183
01:31:39,160 --> 01:31:43,538
Brother,
this is a letter for Wanhua.
1184
01:31:44,332 --> 01:31:46,124
Promise you'll give it to him
1185
01:31:47,335 --> 01:31:49,836
to read on his opening night in America.
1186
01:31:56,886 --> 01:31:57,969
I promise.
1187
01:32:05,478 --> 01:32:06,269
He hasn't come?
1188
01:32:07,313 --> 01:32:08,063
He's not on my list.
1189
01:32:08,189 --> 01:32:10,065
Brother, brother.
About that matter...
1190
01:32:22,370 --> 01:32:23,620
Brother.
Something up?
1191
01:32:23,746 --> 01:32:24,412
No.
1192
01:32:24,580 --> 01:32:26,289
Brother,
let me introduce you
1193
01:32:26,582 --> 01:32:29,251
to Mr. Tanaka Ryuichi of the Japanese consulate.
1194
01:32:29,502 --> 01:32:30,335
Pleased to meet you.
1195
01:32:31,462 --> 01:32:32,254
The pleasure's mine.
1196
01:32:33,172 --> 01:32:35,006
Mr. Mei,
a photo please.
1197
01:32:35,424 --> 01:32:36,299
Together.
1198
01:32:38,928 --> 01:32:43,098
Xiaodong. I’ll see you out.
1199
01:32:52,608 --> 01:32:53,316
Hey!
1200
01:32:55,987 --> 01:32:57,821
Stop there, Meng Xiaodong!
1201
01:32:58,447 --> 01:33:00,198
Don't move!
1202
01:33:01,617 --> 01:33:03,159
What're you doing?
1203
01:33:03,703 --> 01:33:05,620
Put that gun down. Put it down.
1204
01:33:05,788 --> 01:33:06,788
Don't move!
1205
01:33:10,960 --> 01:33:12,419
Put that gun down.
1206
01:33:16,007 --> 01:33:17,299
I’m Mei Lanfang.
1207
01:33:18,009 --> 01:33:20,635
Everyone knows that.
1208
01:33:21,512 --> 01:33:24,097
Don't move!
Don't anyone try to leave!
1209
01:33:26,559 --> 01:33:30,145
That thing's not loaded.
1210
01:33:30,896 --> 01:33:32,480
Says who?
1211
01:33:33,774 --> 01:33:35,483
Just do what you have to do.
1212
01:33:38,154 --> 01:33:40,030
All our friends are here,
1213
01:33:40,823 --> 01:33:42,741
and they can bear witness.
1214
01:33:44,118 --> 01:33:46,328
if it's in my power,
1215
01:33:46,954 --> 01:33:48,455
I’ll give you what you want.
1216
01:33:48,664 --> 01:33:51,541
I want Meng Xiaodong to leave Mei Lanfang.
1217
01:33:51,834 --> 01:33:54,002
Now!
1218
01:33:56,505 --> 01:33:58,298
Let go!
1219
01:34:07,725 --> 01:34:09,643
Alright. You can shoot me now.
1220
01:34:10,102 --> 01:34:13,438
Meng Xiaodong, I hate you.
1221
01:34:16,192 --> 01:34:17,484
if not for today,
1222
01:34:17,943 --> 01:34:20,779
Mei Lanfang would never even set eye on me.
1223
01:34:21,113 --> 01:34:22,864
Or heard me say a single word.
1224
01:34:23,240 --> 01:34:26,368
How could I ever get close to him like you do?
1225
01:34:28,412 --> 01:34:32,666
Since falling for him
and the roles that he plays
1226
01:34:35,961 --> 01:34:39,631
I have forgotten
if I’m male or female.
1227
01:34:40,466 --> 01:34:42,717
Do you know what that's like?
1228
01:34:44,136 --> 01:34:45,720
Do you?
1229
01:34:48,349 --> 01:34:49,224
I do.
1230
01:34:54,897 --> 01:34:56,898
I only ever wanted my acting
1231
01:34:57,400 --> 01:34:59,275
to bring happiness to people.
1232
01:35:00,861 --> 01:35:03,571
I didn't hurt your feelings on purpose.
1233
01:35:04,198 --> 01:35:05,657
Hearing you speak,
1234
01:35:06,992 --> 01:35:09,911
I want to
apologize.
1235
01:35:11,414 --> 01:35:14,958
Go. Live your life well.
1236
01:35:29,056 --> 01:35:31,057
That's him!
1237
01:35:40,609 --> 01:35:42,444
What time is your train tomorrow?
1238
01:35:46,824 --> 01:35:48,074
Early.
1239
01:36:14,602 --> 01:36:15,727
Wanhua,
1240
01:36:18,022 --> 01:36:19,147
don't be afraid.
1241
01:36:21,108 --> 01:36:21,900
Oh.
1242
01:37:06,111 --> 01:37:07,612
Don't cry.
1243
01:37:26,215 --> 01:37:27,215
Boss Wang.
1244
01:37:27,550 --> 01:37:28,258
Yes?
1245
01:37:30,010 --> 01:37:31,511
I won't sing Plum Dragon Village.
1246
01:37:33,347 --> 01:37:35,807
But that's what the audience wants.
1247
01:37:37,059 --> 01:37:38,184
I won't do it.
1248
01:37:41,272 --> 01:37:43,231
I’ll sing anything but that.
1249
01:37:44,483 --> 01:37:46,568
Never that one again.
1250
01:37:49,822 --> 01:37:51,406
Never ever.
1251
01:37:52,867 --> 01:37:54,033
Understood?
1252
01:38:33,407 --> 01:38:37,201
How can the NY Times
critic write this?
1253
01:38:38,454 --> 01:38:41,789
He hasn't even seen it and he's already negative.
1254
01:38:43,000 --> 01:38:45,084
Add to that the Great Depression.
1255
01:38:46,295 --> 01:38:50,089
Of course,
there's no point in regrets.
1256
01:38:52,635 --> 01:38:54,260
Why are you looking at me like that?
1257
01:38:54,470 --> 01:38:55,887
I hope you'll succeed.
1258
01:38:56,055 --> 01:39:00,141
It’s not about me. It’s Mei Lanfang.
1259
01:39:01,143 --> 01:39:02,644
It’s us all.
1260
01:39:04,772 --> 01:39:08,483
Why concede defeat even before the first show?
1261
01:39:09,818 --> 01:39:11,694
Why defeat ourselves?
1262
01:39:12,780 --> 01:39:13,988
I’m telling you,
1263
01:39:14,448 --> 01:39:16,866
he must succeed.
1264
01:39:20,371 --> 01:39:22,121
Accountant Zheng, what can I do for you?
1265
01:39:22,331 --> 01:39:24,207
It’s like this.
1266
01:39:24,333 --> 01:39:28,127
Madam said not to hide
financial matters from you.
1267
01:39:28,337 --> 01:39:32,173
We paid "compensation"
to the assassin Liu Xichang.
1268
01:39:32,383 --> 01:39:34,968
It’s quite a large sum
and was paid some time ago.
1269
01:39:35,344 --> 01:39:37,470
Here's Mr. Qiu's authorisation.
1270
01:39:51,735 --> 01:39:52,652
Wanhua,
1271
01:39:55,364 --> 01:39:57,073
who brought you the papers?
1272
01:40:05,541 --> 01:40:10,253
Brother, you paid Liu Xichang?
1273
01:40:20,597 --> 01:40:21,556
Wanhua.
1274
01:40:28,022 --> 01:40:31,399
This Liu Xichang, he was a fan, poor thing.
1275
01:40:32,776 --> 01:40:35,069
I thought to give his family some money.
1276
01:40:36,113 --> 01:40:37,321
You're lying.
1277
01:40:39,366 --> 01:40:43,036
He's dead.
He came back to life to sign a receipt?
1278
01:40:48,417 --> 01:40:50,543
Or did you hire him beforehand?
1279
01:40:52,838 --> 01:40:54,255
Tell me.
1280
01:40:56,925 --> 01:40:57,759
You're right.
1281
01:40:59,011 --> 01:41:00,261
I hired him.
1282
01:41:01,722 --> 01:41:03,598
To stop Xiaodong,
1283
01:41:04,433 --> 01:41:06,768
to force her to leave you.
1284
01:41:09,813 --> 01:41:10,605
Wanhua,
1285
01:41:11,231 --> 01:41:14,108
you're approaching perfection.
1286
01:41:14,818 --> 01:41:16,778
I can't let anyone stand in your way.
1287
01:41:16,904 --> 01:41:19,363
Even if in this case I did the wrong thing.
1288
01:41:20,741 --> 01:41:22,450
But you'll never be able to
1289
01:41:23,118 --> 01:41:26,037
bring him back to hear your apologies.
1290
01:41:26,288 --> 01:41:27,663
I don't regret it.
1291
01:41:33,170 --> 01:41:34,295
Get out!
1292
01:41:54,691 --> 01:41:56,400
Liu Xichang wasn't supposed to kill anyone.
1293
01:41:56,652 --> 01:41:59,487
I didn't know his gun was loaded.
1294
01:42:02,991 --> 01:42:04,492
What you have done,
1295
01:42:05,327 --> 01:42:06,744
was despicable.
1296
01:42:09,248 --> 01:42:10,998
Criticise me all you like.
1297
01:42:13,210 --> 01:42:16,045
But tonight, we must stand together.
1298
01:42:19,591 --> 01:42:21,425
Wanhua, my nephew:
1299
01:42:21,927 --> 01:42:24,512
By the time you get this letter,
1300
01:42:24,847 --> 01:42:28,599
your uncle may have breathed his last.
1301
01:42:29,852 --> 01:42:32,145
What did your uncle's letter say?
1302
01:42:33,856 --> 01:42:34,856
Wanhua
1303
01:42:36,400 --> 01:42:37,567
Wanhua?
1304
01:42:37,693 --> 01:42:40,361
I want to dissuade you from singing.
1305
01:42:40,863 --> 01:42:46,450
But luckily you have no fear.
1306
01:42:46,994 --> 01:42:49,162
So sing and sing well.
1307
01:42:49,538 --> 01:42:52,373
And do your very best,
1308
01:42:52,541 --> 01:42:54,417
to endure the paper yoke.
1309
01:42:54,710 --> 01:42:59,839
Don't look back.
Give it your all until the end.
1310
01:43:38,420 --> 01:43:41,088
How come they're not applauding?
1311
01:43:41,256 --> 01:43:43,716
Mistress, kill him,
1312
01:43:44,092 --> 01:43:47,094
please be quick!
1313
01:43:48,096 --> 01:43:50,556
Kill him?
1314
01:43:50,807 --> 01:43:54,227
Stop causing trouble - get lost.
1315
01:44:34,309 --> 01:44:36,018
Your time has come.
1316
01:45:56,600 --> 01:45:57,808
Where'd you go?
1317
01:45:57,934 --> 01:45:59,727
What's this?
What happened?
1318
01:45:59,895 --> 01:46:00,936
You need to ask?
1319
01:46:01,063 --> 01:46:04,231
See for yourself.
What's going on, it's...
1320
01:46:04,399 --> 01:46:05,608
Crazy? They're going crazy!
1321
01:46:05,734 --> 01:46:07,068
Crazy, brother!
1322
01:46:07,527 --> 01:46:10,196
Crazy!
1323
01:46:11,073 --> 01:46:13,199
It’s total madness!
1324
01:46:16,661 --> 01:46:17,536
Wanhua,
1325
01:46:17,788 --> 01:46:19,663
nine curtain calls are enough.
1326
01:46:19,790 --> 01:46:20,998
Never indulge your audience.
1327
01:46:21,124 --> 01:46:23,542
if you're too sincere they'll think less of you.
1328
01:46:23,752 --> 01:46:26,879
Act aloof and they'll fall at your feet.
1329
01:46:28,423 --> 01:46:30,216
That's true.
1330
01:46:32,260 --> 01:46:33,552
Please move out of my way.
1331
01:46:57,035 --> 01:46:59,328
Wanhua, get in.
1332
01:47:01,289 --> 01:47:02,415
I need a walk.
1333
01:47:06,420 --> 01:47:07,670
Wanhua,
1334
01:47:08,588 --> 01:47:11,799
I don't know when you'll read this.
1335
01:47:12,634 --> 01:47:14,510
if it's after the show,
1336
01:47:14,886 --> 01:47:18,347
then I congratulate your success.
1337
01:47:19,391 --> 01:47:21,434
if it's before,
1338
01:47:21,935 --> 01:47:23,727
I just want to say again,
1339
01:47:25,105 --> 01:47:28,232
Wanhua, don't be afraid.
1340
01:47:56,761 --> 01:47:59,346
The Japanese occupation of Peking
1341
01:48:04,186 --> 01:48:05,311
I’ve come today,
1342
01:48:09,149 --> 01:48:10,900
to bid my farewell.
1343
01:48:13,195 --> 01:48:15,112
My worst fear has always been
1344
01:48:18,492 --> 01:48:22,369
that I can no longer perform on stage.
1345
01:48:23,330 --> 01:48:24,747
That day has come, finally.
1346
01:48:27,083 --> 01:48:30,794
I wish you all peace and safety.
1347
01:48:34,132 --> 01:48:35,716
Wherever I go,
1348
01:48:40,889 --> 01:48:43,224
you'll be on my mind.
1349
01:48:46,311 --> 01:48:47,937
I thank you all.
1350
01:49:15,924 --> 01:49:19,760
Major Tanaka,
why are you so late?
1351
01:49:20,053 --> 01:49:24,390
I went to town to see
Mei Lanfang's performance.
1352
01:49:24,558 --> 01:49:28,894
So you were late on account of work.
1353
01:49:29,271 --> 01:49:32,773
I also happen to like Mei Lanfang very much.
1354
01:49:33,191 --> 01:49:36,569
All previous foreign occupiers of China,
1355
01:49:36,987 --> 01:49:40,489
consolidated their rule
by assimilating Chinese culture.
1356
01:49:40,615 --> 01:49:45,536
The ethnic minority rulers
of the Qing Dynasty,
1357
01:49:45,704 --> 01:49:49,123
identified with China by their love of Peking Opera.
1358
01:49:49,457 --> 01:49:54,086
Mei Lanfang is China's greatest actor.
1359
01:49:54,421 --> 01:49:57,464
The hundred or so characters he has portrayed
1360
01:49:57,632 --> 01:50:00,384
symbolise the passions of the Chinese.
1361
01:50:02,387 --> 01:50:05,639
He represents the feelings of his people.
1362
01:50:05,807 --> 01:50:10,728
And Chinese call this their conscience.
1363
01:50:11,771 --> 01:50:17,651
If we can tame Mei Lanfang,
we can conquer China.
1364
01:50:17,986 --> 01:50:20,738
And Japan will succeed
1365
01:50:20,864 --> 01:50:24,867
where others have failed.
1366
01:50:26,745 --> 01:50:27,620
Brother,
1367
01:50:32,459 --> 01:50:34,126
are you packed?
1368
01:50:35,086 --> 01:50:40,007
I’ve been thinking.
I’m not going.
1369
01:50:42,302 --> 01:50:45,888
You won't be singing.
What use will I be?
1370
01:50:47,682 --> 01:50:49,183
We've got the tickets already.
1371
01:50:50,101 --> 01:50:51,852
You decided to quit, just like that.
1372
01:50:53,021 --> 01:50:55,814
Three generations' blood,
sweat and tears. Thrown away.
1373
01:50:57,525 --> 01:50:59,443
You might be able to let it go, but I can't.
1374
01:51:00,195 --> 01:51:01,528
if the Japanese don't leave,
1375
01:51:01,696 --> 01:51:03,697
does Peking Opera have to die?
1376
01:51:04,199 --> 01:51:06,200
if Germany occupied England,
1377
01:51:07,410 --> 01:51:10,579
would the English have to give up Shakespeare?
1378
01:51:13,083 --> 01:51:16,460
if Peking opera survives,
the country will live on.
1379
01:51:16,878 --> 01:51:19,046
Really, it's best if you come.
1380
01:51:22,050 --> 01:51:24,051
I won't go to the station.
1381
01:51:27,764 --> 01:51:32,976
Take this as my farewell.
1382
01:51:40,151 --> 01:51:42,903
Don't let the opera die!
1383
01:52:02,257 --> 01:52:03,632
You startled me!
1384
01:52:07,345 --> 01:52:08,554
Don't just sit.
1385
01:52:08,680 --> 01:52:12,224
Help tidy up and we'll be off to the station.
1386
01:52:20,734 --> 01:52:24,653
Brother Qiu was here for ages.
1387
01:52:25,405 --> 01:52:27,948
When you didn't come, he left.
1388
01:52:28,324 --> 01:52:30,784
Madam, I need to ask you something.
1389
01:52:30,952 --> 01:52:32,286
The master's phonograph records
1390
01:52:32,454 --> 01:52:34,830
aren't going with us, are they?
1391
01:52:34,956 --> 01:52:37,708
I packed them into that case.
They're staying.
1392
01:52:37,834 --> 01:52:38,584
Yes.
1393
01:52:52,474 --> 01:52:55,350
What are you doing?!
1394
01:52:55,935 --> 01:52:58,645
Madam, Master,
this way!
1395
01:53:05,528 --> 01:53:12,159
This way!
The train to Shanghai is about to leave.
1396
01:53:12,994 --> 01:53:15,871
Give it to me. It’s mine.
1397
01:53:17,665 --> 01:53:18,832
Stop fighting.
1398
01:53:18,958 --> 01:53:20,501
He's eating my toffee apples.
1399
01:53:21,503 --> 01:53:22,628
The kids have been saying
1400
01:53:23,254 --> 01:53:26,632
that once the Peking sweets
are gone, that's it.
1401
01:53:29,844 --> 01:53:31,678
Give daddy a taste.
1402
01:53:42,899 --> 01:53:44,274
Uncle Feng! Uncle Feng!
1403
01:53:44,400 --> 01:53:46,652
This is wonderful!
1404
01:53:46,778 --> 01:53:48,153
Uncle Feng!
1405
01:53:48,530 --> 01:53:51,031
Shanghai has no fried dough
1406
01:53:51,199 --> 01:53:53,700
but it does have sweet cakes.
1407
01:53:53,868 --> 01:53:55,160
Thank you, Uncle Feng!
1408
01:53:55,286 --> 01:53:58,664
Not so fast, you'll trip!
Watch the steps!
1409
01:53:58,832 --> 01:54:00,707
Zhifang, you've lost weight.
1410
01:54:00,834 --> 01:54:03,669
I feel so much better now that I’ve seen you.
1411
01:54:06,756 --> 01:54:08,549
Go on, practice the piano.
1412
01:54:09,676 --> 01:54:10,676
Master Mei,
1413
01:54:11,469 --> 01:54:14,555
please perform at my theatre.
1414
01:54:22,689 --> 01:54:25,399
if you won't give me face,
1415
01:54:25,650 --> 01:54:26,817
there's nothing I can do.
1416
01:54:28,695 --> 01:54:32,197
But this is
the French Concession.
1417
01:54:32,448 --> 01:54:35,200
There are no Japanese here yet.
1418
01:54:37,912 --> 01:54:40,080
Alright.
See you later.
1419
01:54:40,790 --> 01:54:41,707
See you later.
1420
01:54:42,709 --> 01:54:43,625
Wanhua,
1421
01:54:47,213 --> 01:54:48,839
you don't want to sing?
1422
01:54:51,968 --> 01:54:52,801
I do.
1423
01:54:56,431 --> 01:54:57,514
Who's there?
1424
01:54:57,765 --> 01:54:59,933
Coming, coming.
1425
01:55:10,236 --> 01:55:12,613
There's a Japanese here.
1426
01:55:16,701 --> 01:55:21,622
Please accept Mr. Sun's
invitation to sing.
1427
01:55:22,081 --> 01:55:24,082
I just turned it down.
1428
01:55:26,085 --> 01:55:27,377
I meant it.
1429
01:55:30,673 --> 01:55:33,300
I thought I was doing a good deed.
1430
01:55:34,719 --> 01:55:36,428
Whatever happens to China,
1431
01:55:37,221 --> 01:55:39,097
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1432
01:55:40,224 --> 01:55:43,560
Would anyone wants to see a tarnished Mei Lanfang?
1433
01:55:48,608 --> 01:55:50,150
He turned it down.
1434
01:55:51,319 --> 01:55:52,653
I’m sorry.
1435
01:55:54,155 --> 01:55:57,866
Yes. I know.
1436
01:56:02,664 --> 01:56:05,749
My commanding officer wants to see you.
1437
01:56:08,169 --> 01:56:11,004
When can you go?
1438
01:56:12,632 --> 01:56:14,383
You mustn't go.
1439
01:56:17,095 --> 01:56:20,138
It’s unavoidable.
Might as well get it over with.
1440
01:56:24,394 --> 01:56:25,519
You have to tell me...
1441
01:56:26,104 --> 01:56:27,688
Where are you taking him?
1442
01:56:34,654 --> 01:56:38,281
Mr. Mei will be received with courtesy.
1443
01:56:53,506 --> 01:56:54,631
Take him away.
1444
01:56:58,428 --> 01:56:59,177
Major Tanaka!
1445
01:56:59,303 --> 01:57:00,137
Where're you taking him?
1446
01:57:00,263 --> 01:57:01,805
Calm down. Listen.
1447
01:57:01,931 --> 01:57:02,889
Out of my way!
1448
01:57:03,057 --> 01:57:35,964
Major Tanaka.
1449
01:57:37,091 --> 01:57:38,967
Let him wait inside.
1450
01:57:52,774 --> 01:57:56,943
Mr. Mei,
have you thought it over?
1451
01:58:05,411 --> 01:58:06,912
The answer to your question,
1452
01:58:07,371 --> 01:58:10,582
I’ve already told Mr. Tanaka.
1453
01:58:11,292 --> 01:58:12,751
What did he say?
1454
01:58:13,044 --> 01:58:14,795
He said he already gave
1455
01:58:15,713 --> 01:58:18,548
Major Tanaka his answer.
1456
01:58:18,966 --> 01:58:21,134
Tell him to answer me.
1457
01:58:21,469 --> 01:58:22,636
Mr. Mei...
1458
01:58:29,644 --> 01:58:30,769
I won't perform.
1459
01:58:36,275 --> 01:58:37,359
What did he say?
1460
01:58:38,236 --> 01:58:40,153
He won't perform.
1461
01:58:40,321 --> 01:58:41,863
Why not?
1462
01:58:42,073 --> 01:58:44,825
You know how many times I’ve seen you perform?
1463
01:58:44,992 --> 01:58:47,994
What? I Speak Japanese!
1464
01:58:49,789 --> 01:58:51,540
When you first went to Japan, I was only 15.
1465
01:58:51,958 --> 01:58:52,666
My father had died in battle.
1466
01:58:52,708 --> 01:58:53,834
So my uncle took me to see you.
1467
01:58:57,338 --> 01:58:59,714
He said when you first performed in Japan,
1468
01:59:00,299 --> 01:59:03,343
his uncle took him to see you.
1469
01:59:03,761 --> 01:59:07,681
He was 15. His father
had died in battle.
1470
01:59:18,401 --> 01:59:19,484
Tell him,
1471
01:59:20,194 --> 01:59:25,657
he just prances around the stage playing stupid women.
1472
01:59:26,409 --> 01:59:27,492
Our chief says
1473
01:59:27,952 --> 01:59:33,206
you just prance around the stage playing women.
1474
01:59:38,171 --> 01:59:39,045
Tell him,
1475
01:59:40,089 --> 01:59:43,216
but off stage I’m a man.
1476
01:59:43,801 --> 01:59:47,095
He says, off stage he's a man.
1477
01:59:50,892 --> 01:59:58,064
This blade has cut off the heads of many enemies.
1478
01:59:58,733 --> 02:00:03,528
Why wouldn't it cut your head off too?
1479
02:00:07,408 --> 02:00:11,244
Japanese soldiers mustn't treat Mr. Mei like this.
1480
02:00:11,495 --> 02:00:16,082
What? Say that again.
1481
02:00:18,502 --> 02:00:22,631
I beg you.
1482
02:00:48,491 --> 02:00:51,701
Do you remember me from Mr. Feng's place?
1483
02:00:53,454 --> 02:00:55,872
I recognized you when you came to my house.
1484
02:00:56,749 --> 02:00:59,417
You were our guest that time.
1485
02:01:01,254 --> 02:01:02,712
You left your cigarette case behind.
1486
02:01:08,302 --> 02:01:12,055
My father left this to me.
1487
02:01:14,016 --> 02:01:15,058
Thank you.
1488
02:01:55,391 --> 02:01:56,933
Will they come back?
1489
02:02:03,024 --> 02:02:05,317
This is Mr. Qiu Rubai.
1490
02:02:07,737 --> 02:02:09,070
Tanaka Ryuichi.
1491
02:02:11,365 --> 02:02:12,324
We've met.
1492
02:02:15,828 --> 02:02:16,870
What d' you want?
1493
02:02:18,706 --> 02:02:19,456
Tell me.
1494
02:02:20,041 --> 02:02:22,375
Mr. Tanaka wants you to ask Mr. Mei
1495
02:02:22,710 --> 02:02:27,672
to give two shows in Shanghai at the end of the year.
1496
02:02:28,549 --> 02:02:29,841
He gives you his word
1497
02:02:30,551 --> 02:02:32,218
the shows are strictly commercial.
1498
02:02:32,386 --> 02:02:34,012
And not for any other purpose.
1499
02:02:35,639 --> 02:02:41,561
Mr. Tanaka hopes
Mei Lanfang can sing forever.
1500
02:02:43,564 --> 02:02:45,690
What makes you think,
1501
02:02:47,985 --> 02:02:50,528
I could talk him out of retirement?
1502
02:02:51,155 --> 02:02:54,240
Because you're like his other half.
1503
02:02:57,578 --> 02:02:59,788
No matter who wins this war,
1504
02:03:01,290 --> 02:03:04,376
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1505
02:03:06,003 --> 02:03:09,964
Your accomplishments will be immortal.
1506
02:03:18,516 --> 02:03:19,224
Goto,
1507
02:03:19,892 --> 02:03:22,852
give our Shanghai address to Qiu Rubai.
1508
02:03:48,504 --> 02:03:50,046
Stop, stop, stop!
1509
02:03:50,297 --> 02:03:51,881
What the hell are you doing?
1510
02:03:59,974 --> 02:04:03,435
You know you're plagiarising Mei Lanfang?
1511
02:04:04,311 --> 02:04:04,978
I know.
1512
02:04:05,146 --> 02:04:05,979
You know.
1513
02:04:12,111 --> 02:04:14,195
So you've stolen his moves.
1514
02:04:14,822 --> 02:04:16,990
But why not do them properly?
1515
02:04:19,493 --> 02:04:21,828
Do you know what this scene depicts?
1516
02:04:22,037 --> 02:04:24,664
Why don't you enlighten me?
1517
02:04:25,040 --> 02:04:26,541
It’s not a bawdy play.
1518
02:04:30,337 --> 02:04:31,588
Not a bawdy play!
1519
02:04:31,755 --> 02:04:33,756
Precious Concubine Gets Drunk is about
1520
02:04:33,841 --> 02:04:36,426
a jilted concubine who,
1521
02:04:36,510 --> 02:04:37,844
though cast out and heartbroken
1522
02:04:37,928 --> 02:04:41,181
remains dignified and noble.
1523
02:04:42,641 --> 02:04:45,560
You're one to talk about dignity.
1524
02:04:54,028 --> 02:04:55,361
I’ll show you some acting!
1525
02:04:56,489 --> 02:04:57,947
You want a fight?
1526
02:05:14,089 --> 02:05:14,839
Hello?
1527
02:05:16,383 --> 02:05:19,219
Oh, Master Mei.
1528
02:05:23,724 --> 02:05:27,185
Master Mei,
I’d been puzzled.
1529
02:05:27,853 --> 02:05:29,812
You've always been so good to your audience.
1530
02:05:30,231 --> 02:05:31,689
You've always cared for them.
1531
02:05:32,358 --> 02:05:33,733
How could you not perform?
1532
02:05:37,238 --> 02:05:41,574
I’ll stage the show
and it'll be a sell-out!
1533
02:05:42,910 --> 02:05:46,162
Good, alright,
see you soon.
1534
02:06:16,110 --> 02:06:17,360
Central News.
1535
02:06:17,444 --> 02:06:19,320
The Red Cross confirms
1536
02:06:19,738 --> 02:06:22,991
on December , Japanese troops
1537
02:06:23,117 --> 02:06:25,243
occupied Nanjing.
1538
02:06:41,302 --> 02:06:44,137
You tricked me. Lied to me.
1539
02:06:44,972 --> 02:06:47,140
You said they wouldn't be used for propaganda.
1540
02:06:47,308 --> 02:06:50,435
You planned it as a victory
celebration all along.
1541
02:06:50,519 --> 02:06:52,437
You're so despicable.
1542
02:06:54,356 --> 02:06:57,275
But didn't you call the radio station?
1543
02:06:58,485 --> 02:07:03,114
I was confused, I’m a bastard!
1544
02:07:03,782 --> 02:07:05,700
Just leave Mei Lanfang alone.
1545
02:07:05,993 --> 02:07:08,953
Last night Mei Lanfang called in
1546
02:07:09,246 --> 02:07:11,080
to say he'd return to the stage.
1547
02:07:11,332 --> 02:07:16,461
Just as
the Japanese occupy Nanjing.
1548
02:07:16,670 --> 02:07:17,086
Of course...
1549
02:07:25,512 --> 02:07:28,389
We don't even
need to ask.
1550
02:07:28,682 --> 02:07:29,307
It could only be Qiu.
1551
02:07:29,391 --> 02:07:32,810
Mr.Feng
Don't even mention that name.
1552
02:07:33,020 --> 02:07:34,395
Since Wanhua met him,
1553
02:07:34,521 --> 02:07:36,356
it's like he's been kidnapped.
1554
02:07:37,358 --> 02:07:39,859
Wanhua,
what'd you do
1555
02:07:40,069 --> 02:07:41,736
to make him want to hurt you like this?
1556
02:07:41,987 --> 02:07:44,656
Madam,
some awful person
1557
02:07:44,782 --> 02:07:46,991
threw this rock over the wall.
1558
02:07:49,119 --> 02:07:50,995
It broke a window.
1559
02:07:52,081 --> 02:07:53,831
I thought you'd want to know.
1560
02:07:55,668 --> 02:07:56,459
Mrs. Song.
1561
02:07:56,585 --> 02:07:57,502
Yes?
1562
02:07:57,753 --> 02:07:58,878
Throw it away.
1563
02:07:59,129 --> 02:08:00,004
Yes.
1564
02:08:04,968 --> 02:08:06,636
No amount of explanation,
1565
02:08:08,305 --> 02:08:10,515
can clear the air on this.
1566
02:08:29,243 --> 02:08:31,786
The Japanese have entered the Concessions.
1567
02:09:27,301 --> 02:09:31,679
Deliver the press conference invitation
to Mei Lanfang yourself.
1568
02:09:35,309 --> 02:09:36,017
Yes sir.
1569
02:09:36,143 --> 02:09:36,976
Get out.
1570
02:09:37,978 --> 02:09:38,811
Out!
1571
02:09:38,896 --> 02:09:39,771
Madam, please.
1572
02:09:39,897 --> 02:09:41,063
Get out.
1573
02:09:41,690 --> 02:09:43,149
Go or I’ll summon the police.
1574
02:09:43,275 --> 02:09:44,650
Madam, please, don't...
1575
02:09:45,986 --> 02:09:46,694
Zhifang.
1576
02:09:46,904 --> 02:09:48,154
Don't call me Zhifang.
1577
02:09:48,405 --> 02:09:49,071
Wife of my Brother.
1578
02:09:49,156 --> 02:09:50,281
You're not one of us.
1579
02:09:50,365 --> 02:09:52,742
Can't I just give Wanhua a script?
1580
02:09:52,826 --> 02:09:53,284
Get out.
1581
02:09:53,368 --> 02:09:53,951
Sir.
1582
02:09:54,036 --> 02:09:54,869
What's wrong?
1583
02:09:55,120 --> 02:09:57,163
Master Qiu, Mr. Qiu,
1584
02:09:57,831 --> 02:09:59,248
can't you just let him be?
1585
02:09:59,374 --> 02:10:01,209
Can't you leave him alone?
1586
02:10:01,418 --> 02:10:03,294
I beg you, I beg you.
1587
02:10:03,378 --> 02:10:04,462
I plead with you.
1588
02:10:04,588 --> 02:10:06,255
Madam...
1589
02:10:06,381 --> 02:10:07,840
you'll injure
yourself.
1590
02:10:07,966 --> 02:10:10,968
Sir,
you won't like me saying so.
1591
02:10:11,178 --> 02:10:13,429
if I were you I wouldn't have come.
1592
02:10:14,014 --> 02:10:15,306
I’d be too ashamed.
1593
02:10:15,390 --> 02:10:17,391
I beg you, I beg you.
1594
02:10:17,518 --> 02:10:18,017
Zhifang.
1595
02:10:18,185 --> 02:10:23,481
Madam, please calm down.
1596
02:10:37,830 --> 02:10:38,996
Brother,
1597
02:10:40,666 --> 02:10:42,792
I’m not here to apologize.
1598
02:10:46,547 --> 02:10:50,091
As a Japanese once said to me:
1599
02:10:51,009 --> 02:10:53,928
No matter who wins this war,
1600
02:10:55,472 --> 02:10:57,265
Mei Lanfang must live on.
1601
02:10:59,017 --> 02:11:01,561
You're quite a boot licker.
1602
02:11:02,062 --> 02:11:03,479
So that's your rationale
1603
02:11:03,564 --> 02:11:07,275
for trapping the man
you've always supported.
1604
02:11:10,946 --> 02:11:13,573
And the noble Qiu family
1605
02:11:14,116 --> 02:11:16,534
produced a traitor.
1606
02:11:18,704 --> 02:11:21,414
Move. I’m not speaking to you.
1607
02:11:22,791 --> 02:11:23,749
Brother,
1608
02:11:26,420 --> 02:11:28,963
l... I never...
1609
02:11:30,591 --> 02:11:31,924
I’d never set him up!
1610
02:11:40,934 --> 02:11:42,602
You normally win,
1611
02:11:43,270 --> 02:11:45,438
but not this time.
1612
02:11:55,198 --> 02:11:56,240
Wanhua,
1613
02:11:57,618 --> 02:11:59,744
there's a war every other year.
1614
02:12:01,496 --> 02:12:03,831
You are sacrificing your art.
1615
02:12:05,542 --> 02:12:10,379
Everything will be reconciled,
dissolving into thin air.
1616
02:12:11,965 --> 02:12:13,883
That's how the ordinary world works.
1617
02:12:14,217 --> 02:12:15,551
But you...
1618
02:12:20,807 --> 02:12:25,895
You are not meant for an ordinary world.
1619
02:12:27,606 --> 02:12:31,442
You should know what's right.
1620
02:12:33,862 --> 02:12:36,697
Even if people misunderstand you.
1621
02:12:37,449 --> 02:12:39,241
But you once told me.
1622
02:12:41,161 --> 02:12:45,706
It’s not good enough to live,
but one must live for the good.
1623
02:12:46,708 --> 02:12:51,963
Live well, live right,
live without fear.
1624
02:12:54,841 --> 02:12:59,679
Those were your words. Have you forgotten?
1625
02:13:14,778 --> 02:13:16,779
I won't see anyone for a few days.
1626
02:13:19,992 --> 02:13:22,118
Bring me Dr. Wu's number.
1627
02:13:23,578 --> 02:13:24,745
The morning of the press conference,
1628
02:13:25,372 --> 02:13:27,164
he'll give me a typhoid shot.
1629
02:13:28,000 --> 02:13:29,125
I heard that it makes you sick,
1630
02:13:29,376 --> 02:13:30,793
run a high fever.
1631
02:13:32,170 --> 02:13:35,214
Your lips will crack.
1632
02:13:38,677 --> 02:13:42,263
That's how I’ll appear
at the press conference.
1633
02:13:44,891 --> 02:13:49,562
Also, we should pay off our debt to Mr. Feng.
1634
02:13:49,771 --> 02:13:51,397
You're preparing your last will?
1635
02:13:51,940 --> 02:13:55,317
Wanhua, let's not do this.
1636
02:13:59,114 --> 02:14:00,781
Is there more soup?
1637
02:14:03,910 --> 02:14:05,077
Yes.
1638
02:14:15,172 --> 02:14:16,422
Zhifang,
1639
02:14:19,176 --> 02:14:22,928
I’m sorry for what happened before.
1640
02:14:39,696 --> 02:14:40,863
Mr. Mei.
1641
02:14:41,615 --> 02:14:43,240
Let me go over this again.
1642
02:14:43,617 --> 02:14:45,826
You'll have a strong reaction
for a few days.
1643
02:14:46,161 --> 02:14:49,371
You'll run a fever and
might fall unconscious.
1644
02:14:52,375 --> 02:14:53,542
I know.
1645
02:15:04,471 --> 02:15:05,805
Wanhua...
1646
02:15:06,473 --> 02:15:11,393
All glory turns in the end to dust.
1647
02:15:11,937 --> 02:15:14,105
By the time I understood this,
1648
02:15:14,314 --> 02:15:15,981
it was too late.
1649
02:15:16,942 --> 02:15:20,444
Uncle wants you to be a mere mortal,
1650
02:15:21,071 --> 02:15:24,365
who lives a quiet and peaceful life.
1651
02:15:33,583 --> 02:15:36,210
Mr. Mei,
this way please.
1652
02:16:10,662 --> 02:16:12,955
It’s been a long time.
1653
02:16:14,332 --> 02:16:15,708
Hello everyone.
1654
02:16:21,548 --> 02:16:25,926
Although this is a press conference,
1655
02:16:27,554 --> 02:16:29,138
I’ve said everything
1656
02:16:30,891 --> 02:16:32,641
I wanted to say.
1657
02:16:33,059 --> 02:16:34,393
Why grow a beard?
1658
02:16:34,728 --> 02:16:36,562
Why play this joke on yourself?
1659
02:16:36,897 --> 02:16:38,689
It’s not a joke on anyone.
1660
02:16:41,735 --> 02:16:43,569
It’s for real.
1661
02:16:47,157 --> 02:16:48,699
There was an old singer,
1662
02:16:50,493 --> 02:16:52,411
whom I called Master.
1663
02:16:54,039 --> 02:16:55,539
Just before he died,he said to me:
1664
02:16:56,082 --> 02:16:57,666
Wanhua,
1665
02:16:58,668 --> 02:17:02,546
please do something for me.
1666
02:17:05,634 --> 02:17:07,218
I asked what.
1667
02:17:07,844 --> 02:17:08,969
He said,
1668
02:17:12,349 --> 02:17:17,436
raise our status in the eyes of the world.
1669
02:17:18,313 --> 02:17:22,816
Let us be seen as worthy of respect.
1670
02:17:24,069 --> 02:17:25,945
I agreed.
1671
02:17:30,659 --> 02:17:33,035
But I’m really at a loss
1672
02:17:35,455 --> 02:17:37,623
to make good of that promise.
1673
02:17:43,046 --> 02:17:44,296
I think
1674
02:17:46,299 --> 02:17:48,259
this is the best I can do.
1675
02:17:49,636 --> 02:17:52,429
Wanhua!
1676
02:18:22,627 --> 02:18:28,841
His supporters are called the Mei Clique.
1677
02:18:29,843 --> 02:18:37,141
He's affectionately called "Darling" Mei by many.
1678
02:18:37,851 --> 02:18:42,146
His style of singing is called Plum.
1679
02:18:43,481 --> 02:18:46,483
And in China,
1680
02:18:47,485 --> 02:18:50,446
the plum blooms in winter.
1681
02:19:05,003 --> 02:19:06,462
The plan for Mei Lanfang
1682
02:19:06,546 --> 02:19:08,213
will proceed as planned.
1683
02:19:10,342 --> 02:19:14,303
if I can do anything
1684
02:19:15,555 --> 02:19:17,639
to stop this from happening,
1685
02:19:18,850 --> 02:19:23,354
I will.
1686
02:20:01,059 --> 02:20:01,809
Brother.
1687
02:20:02,060 --> 02:20:05,145
Yes.
1688
02:20:07,816 --> 02:20:10,192
These are your letters to Wanhua.
1689
02:20:10,485 --> 02:20:11,777
Take them.
1690
02:20:12,737 --> 02:20:14,363
Go on.
1691
02:20:14,864 --> 02:20:17,116
His debt to you will be clear if you do.
1692
02:20:21,121 --> 02:20:22,162
This letter,
1693
02:20:22,622 --> 02:20:24,373
it isn't mine.
1694
02:20:24,791 --> 02:20:29,128
It’s from Wanhua's uncle.
1695
02:20:32,590 --> 02:20:37,010
I don't know how many times
he'd read it.
1696
02:20:38,471 --> 02:20:40,764
It always put him in a trance.
1697
02:20:41,975 --> 02:20:45,060
I still don't know what it says.
1698
02:20:52,652 --> 02:20:57,406
I hope you'll leave the world of opera.
1699
02:21:00,285 --> 02:21:04,621
I don't know if you'll listen to me.
1700
02:21:06,124 --> 02:21:08,625
You lost your parents when you were young.
1701
02:21:10,670 --> 02:21:13,172
You often shouted for me.
1702
02:21:13,965 --> 02:21:15,841
But I seldom respond
1703
02:21:16,843 --> 02:21:20,888
as I don't want you to feel even lonelier,
1704
02:21:21,681 --> 02:21:27,311
when I’ve departed
from this world.
1705
02:21:42,494 --> 02:21:44,912
What a life we've led.
1706
02:21:49,375 --> 02:21:51,543
When we were young,
1707
02:21:54,214 --> 02:21:55,714
I never let you wear
1708
02:21:57,884 --> 02:22:01,512
anything in fashion,
1709
02:22:03,056 --> 02:22:07,184
not even fancy leg wraps.
1710
02:22:08,978 --> 02:22:10,896
You need to live a true life,
1711
02:22:11,564 --> 02:22:13,690
in order to play well on stage.
1712
02:22:14,734 --> 02:22:17,653
You've always listened to me.
1713
02:22:19,239 --> 02:22:20,489
Because of me,
1714
02:22:21,824 --> 02:22:25,994
you gave up your one true love.
1715
02:22:35,588 --> 02:22:37,381
if there's a next life,
1716
02:22:39,592 --> 02:22:41,927
I won't stand in your way again.
1717
02:22:44,305 --> 02:22:46,390
I’d do as you wish.
1718
02:22:47,850 --> 02:22:49,601
I see that now
1719
02:22:50,979 --> 02:22:53,230
you wanted an ordinary life.
1720
02:23:00,613 --> 02:23:01,989
Maybe,
1721
02:23:04,200 --> 02:23:06,326
you've always been
1722
02:23:07,120 --> 02:23:08,912
just an ordinary person.
1723
02:23:22,385 --> 02:23:28,265
Uncle!
1724
02:23:29,475 --> 02:23:30,309
Oh.
1725
02:24:00,798 --> 02:24:02,424
Thank you.
1726
02:24:03,843 --> 02:24:05,177
Please stay where you are.
1727
02:24:07,263 --> 02:24:09,056
I need to get made up.
108868
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