Original subtitles

37th year of the Republic of China (1948).

Northern China, on the mainland.

HEY, LIU CHIN-YUAN

Shit, why are you here?

Diarrhea, you?

What's wrong? You too?

If I tell you something, promise not to tell anyone.

What is it? If I say anything, then I'm a dog.

I brought bananas from Taiwan for your lieutenant.

- Bananas from Taiwan? - That's Formosa.

Do you mean we're going to move?

I heard there are lots of bananas in Taiwan.

What do they look like?

Just like your dick.

Really?

Yes.

They say it's as big as this. But, it shrinks during shipping.

It must be juicy when it's fresh.

Of course. And sweet.

Is it good?

Yes, yes!

Te-Sheng, bring some salt. Lieutenant wants a mouth rinse.

The lieutenant wants a mouth rinse?

You're really something.

How did you get salt?

None of your business.

How about a little more? I want some too.

You want to rinse your mouth?

Don't forget, there's roll call in a little while.

I know. Get out of here.

Door Latch... Door Latch...

Hell.

Door Latch... Door Latch...

What?

I have to go. What are you going to do?

Why are you leaving?

My unit's going to move. How can I stay?

Then give me back the three silver coins my dad gave me!

You promised my dad you'd help me learn Chinese medicine.

Will you leave me alone?

That money's not enough for a teacher.

Who does your dad think I am?

But I've started reading the medical book!

- Well, I'm leaving. - Okay.

You can have the buns.

Remember, your mom said that you should care of yourself.

But if I go home without a craft,

my dad will beat me to death!

Why are you crying?

At ease!

Attention!

- Wu Cheng-Jung. - Here.

- Chen Guang-Yin. - Here.

- Hsu Fu-Chan. - Here.

- Su Ming-Fu. - Here.

- Wu Ming-Luen. - Here.

- Lin Hsin-Wei. - Here.

- Wu Bo-Lian. - Here.

- Chang Te-Sheng. - Here.

- Chou Shi-Lin. - Here.

- Hsu Chi-Erh. - Here.

- Wang Chin-Jung. - Here.

Ho Chiu-Mei: literally, "Ninth Sister" Ho Chiu-Mei.

Ho Chiu-Mei.

Ho Chiu-Mei!

Damn you. Why don't you answer?

Just answer to whatever they call you.

Even if they call you "tits,"

you won't really have nipples, will you?

You've never seen a woman's breast before,

so you don't know what I mean.

Buns. Here.

You two come here!

Charge!

Charge!

Damn it. I lost my money.

My three silver coins are still here.

How about coming with me to learn medicine?

Forget medicine.

The lieutenant said we're going to Taiwan now.

There will be bananas for us to eat.

What is a banana?

You've never seen one, right? Taiwan bananas are as big as this!

Some are red, white, or black,

and they're all big and juicy.

You'll be stuffed with one just bite.

How far is it?

It's not far from here.

Next time for roll call, you should pick a better name for me.

No problem.

Let's each pick a good one...

BANANA PARADISE

Liu Chin-Yuan...

Liu Chin-Yuan...

Somebody die? What's wrong?

Playwright Chang is having an epileptic fit.

- Go find Tso Fu-Kuei! - Okay.

Tso Fu-Kuei, Tso Fu-Kuei!

Go to Playwright Chang's place. Liu Chin-Yuan called you.

Are you going without pants?

The mainland is our homeland. The mainland is our territory.

We can't let it be occupied by the communists forever...

We want to recover our mainland.

Who is he?

Sir. He's from the recreational division.

Ridiculous!

Te-Sheng...

Te-Sheng...

What is it?

Help me!

Bring me a piece of cloth.

Hurry.

Okay. Now he won't bite his tongue.

Are you out of your fucking mind? Why are you wearing this?

The troupe leader asked me to be a communist in the play.

I'm afraid I'll be too busy to change later.

Shit. How busy can you be?

The troupe leader told me to open the curtain at the beginning.

- Do we have a curtain? - No.

But the troupe leader said I need to practice.

It'll be useful in the future.

Damn...

Listen up.

The playwright's sick and needs rest.

He asked us to help out with staging tonight.

If we do well, maybe I'll be promoted to painting the scenery,

and you'll take care of the stage props.

We can't stay in the kitchen forever,

got it?

I know.

Let's go.

I'm going to iron the clothes now.

Bring the basket, chairs and table

to the stage. Got it?

Yes.

Good.

Don't mess around with this stuff.

They're numbered, got it?

Yes.

They're all numbered.

Keep an eye on this gun.

If we lose it, we lose our heads.

Got it?

Yes.

Really?

Yes.

It's a real gun.

Stand up.

Attention.

Be seated.

Come... cover me.

I want to change.

Where is it?

- I'm going up on stage. - Okay.

You don't need to check.

What you want is right here with me.

Number one.

You underestimated our army.

Underestimated?

You...

Stay away from me.

Stay away from me.

One more step and I will shoot you!

Gun?

The gun...

Fu-Kuei. What is this?

That's the key to the drawer.

I'm afraid I'll lose it,

so I locked it in the drawer.

What are you doing?

Stay away! I will shoot.

I'm dying?

It's raining heavily.

Blood!

Blood...

Mistress!

Mistress!

Somebody!

- Let's go. Hurry. - Help!

So much blood...

She is gone...

Mistress!

Mistress...

He's dead!

One, two. One, two.

Drop your guns!

Don't move.

Drop your guns.

- Which unit do you belong to? - I'm not in any unit.

I'm with the recreational division.

Come...

Stop!

What weather in Taiwan! It's raining again.

Give it to me.

Be careful.

How did the performance go?

Don't even mention it.

We fought with the communists

and now perform as communists.

Our whole lives are tied to those fucking communists.

What can we do about it?

We'll go back to our kitchen duties.

Playwright, have you recovered?

I feel better and can eat noodles now.

Damn it.

I forgot something.

Fuck. Where's my meat?

It's rotten.

Damn it.

"Try to steal the chicken and end up without even the egg."

It's obviously meat. Not an egg.

Whatever. I'll give it to the dogs.

Mr. Playwright won't be lucky enough to eat it.

Look at yourself. Go wash your face.

- There's no hurry. - Go wash yourself.

It's raining!

Fucking soup's hot enough to kill you.

Here...

Soup, captain.

I put some shrimp in it.

- Great - Have some.

Captain, we need two more donations.

Do you have any money to chip in?

For what?

- I want to buy a... - What are you buying? Count me in.

Ms. Wu.

We're chipping in money to buy new pants.

Why do you want to contribute?

Let her in. She can buy the crotch.

Look. As if it were ironed.

You want to wear this to the market?

It's my turn today. Of course I'm wearing it.

You wore it to sleep when it was your turn.

Fuck.

If I'm stuck in the kitchen,

then I have to make it big there.

- What's this? - Medicine.

- For my face? - Yes.

Give me a coin.

And take one yourself. There's a festival today.

We can feel important with money in our pockets.

Fu-Kuei.

Money...

Where is it?

- Up there. - Take it.

Careful.

I killed an ant.

It's bad luck to be killed by money.

Give me.

Hell. What kind of road is this?

It's watery.

I told you not to wear new pants.

Fuck. Stop fooling around.

What are they playing?

Farewell My... Coins.

Fuck your coins. I can read.

It's Farewell My Concubine.

Concubine.

What are they wearing?

I've never seen this in my hometown.

Let's hear them sing.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Ah Chiu, Ah Yong.

Hurry up.

The captain's waiting.

Captain, do you smoke, too?

No?

Captain, have one.

What's this?

- Betel nuts. - Betel nuts?

It's tasty. A little spicy.

Is it good?

Is it good?

Captain. You have one, too.

Don't worry. It tastes good.

What are you afraid of?

It's free.

Try one.

Try one.

This is for you.

I've got to help out.

Door Latch.

Betel nuts. It's good.

Captain...

Nakasi?

What's that?

It's drinking and singing...

I like drinking.

You like it?

I like drinking.

Hurry it up, Hostess!

Welcome. Come have a seat.

Help us.

- Okay. Here. - I'm dizzy...

- Sit down. - We want to drink and have Nakasi.

- Okay. - If you don't have Nakasi, I will.

Guests are here. Get ready.

Don't say anything after we go back. I'll handle it.

This is going to be like a war. I'm going to check.

Birds are singing outside the window.

We go out to work happily. The spring breeze blowing on your face.

Dear friends, don't waste your money

smoking the cheap old Banana brand.

Be strong. Don't break your heart when your love's gone.

We work for bread.

Dear friend, listen to me.

Excuse us, sir. Would you please move over a little?

Thank you.

Welcome.

Are there any letters for us?

No. Not yet.

The postman will come later. Have a seat.

What's wrong? Would you like some more water?

Stop, stop...

What's wrong?

I don't know what you're singing.

Let me sing.

Let me sing.

Listen to me.

With a gun slinging over my shoulder.

My shoulder...

With a gun slinging over my shoulder.

With a grenade hanging on my chest.

I puff up my chest.

Another one.

Another one.

I want to sing a song called "Home."

Homo.

Home!

My fellow, please go to war.

And join the army.

Ever since the Japanese took over,

we have been bullied.

Where is he?

What's wrong with the playwright?

Liu Chin-Yuan: literally, "Gold Coin Liu" Is Liu Chin-Yuan your real name?

Of course. Why would I lie about it?

How long have you known him?

You mean Playwright Chang?

I've known him since I came to the unit.

Nonsense.

He told us that you met in Tianjin.

Whe... Where? Tianjin?

That's impossible. I've never been to Tianjin.

Playwright, why did you tell him these things?

Why did he say this to you?

Don't try to put one over on us.

We already had an eye on you while you were in Tianjin.

Do you know you're suspected of being a communist spy?

A communist spy? You're kidding.

I'd be executed!

Didn't you once say

that your whole life is tied to the communists?

I said...

On the fifth of last month,

you went out with him, Chin Te-Kung and Tso Fu-Kuei.

And you bought a pair of pants together.

Not with Tso Fu-Kuei. He didn't have money.

Tso Fu-Kuei: literally, "Left Prosperity" Tso Fu-Kuei...

Sir. He's clean.

We're all from out of town and take care of each other and...

Fine. Caring is good.

However, you have to draw a line somewhere.

Sometimes you just have to let it go.

Like now.

If you keep lying,

how can I help you?

But I'm not lying to you.

Okay. What's your name?

My name?

Liu Chin-Yuan.

I think many people know what has happened.

We can never be too careful.

Playwright Chang has been charged with treason.

Since Liu Chin-Yuan was less involved,

his superiors are giving him permission to make a confession.

He's going to make a statement before you.

He can barely read,

so he will repeat after me.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Stand up.

Stand up.

I, Liu Chin-Yuan,

was a member of the New China Soviet Nationalist Youth Corps.

I, Liu Chin-Yuan,

was a member of the New China Soviet Nationalist Yule Corps.

Youth Corps, not Yule Corps.

Youth Corps, not Yule Corps.

When are you going to let us go eat?

This hasn't ended yet.

Everyone must be careful.

Te-Sheng.

Time to eat, Te-Sheng.

How come you became a communist spy,

and confessed to us?

Soviet?

Who is Soviet?

I don't know him.

Te-Sheng. Time to eat.

Tso Fu-Kuei, Tso Fu-Kuei.

Come, accompany me to the toilet.

I want to ask you...

who gave you this name?

What name?

Tso Fu-Kuei.

It's not your real name.

You are so stupid.

You know nothing.

I heard Liu told them everything

and had lots to say about you.

You're in big trouble.

Me?

Who else?

You are brainless.

Fu-Kuei sounds fine,

but why Tso?

Up Fu-Kuei, Down Fu-Kuei, In Fu-Kuei, Out Fu-Kuei...

but you picked Tso.

Are you a lefty?

Don't go.

Wait until I finish, then run.

Te-Sheng, Te-Sheng...

Te-Sheng...

Te-Sheng.

Te-Sheng...

Te-Sheng.

Te-Sheng...

Te-Sheng...

Liu can barely read.

How can he sign it?

Just get a fingerprint.

- We need to write a report. - Fine, fine.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

They're gone.

They ran away. Damn it.

They'll be executed.

You go check the kitchen. I'll report it.

Okay.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan!

Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan. Tso Fu-Kuei.

Liu Chin-Yuan! Tso Fu-Kuei!

Liu Chin-Yuan! Tso Fu-Kuei!

Help!

Is anybody there?

Help me!

Help!

Help! Is anybody there?

Don't cry out.

Hold this!

Hold this.

Hold him.

Hold him.

Hold him!

The medicine will be ready soon. I'm going to get it.

Hold it. Support him.

I'm going to get the medicine.

Here.

Open his mouth.

Open his mouth!

Open it!

Hurry.

Don't go. You can't leave me alone.

You promised to take care of me.

Don't leave me alone.

Look, the letter is here.

They offered you a job!

Hold on. You can't give up.

Li Chi-Lin...

Li Chi-Lin...

Help me!

Help me!

Wake up!

Hit him.

Wake up!

Help!

Somebody help!

Help!

The people from the coffin shop came by.

I don't have any money to give you.

It's alright.

How did you get a job in Taiwan?

With the help of a hometown brother.

My husband got a job guarding bicycles at a theater.

He didn't like it.

I said I could go.

He said no.

He said his schoolmate promised to get him a job.

He was waiting for the letter.

Now, it's finally arrived.

You see. What good is it now?

Behave yourself.

Your brother's probably waiting for you.

Eat something before you go.

Excuse me...

Are you Mr. Yang?

Yes. What do you want?

The letter.

Are you Li Chi-Lin?

Yes, yes.

We've been expecting you for a long time.

Sorry.

We wanted to come the minute we got the letter.

But he had to take care of other matters,

and he was ill, so that's why we're late.

We're very sorry.

No problem.

However,

Mr. Li looks very young.

This letter reminds me of old Mr. Dai.

How many years behind Mr. Dai were you

at Peking Fu Jen University?

He...

Don't worry.

Bring chairs for the guests.

Hurry.

- Don't cry. - What's the matter?

He's been sick these past two days.

Diarrhea.

- I'm sorry. - Chang, come over here.

- Come. - Sorry.

Take Mrs. Li to their dorm.

- Take the luggage. - Yes.

Wait, Mr. Li.

Are you finished?

Yes.

Take Mr. Li to the office and introduce him to everyone.

- I'll meet you later. - Okay.

Hurry.

Mr. Li, please come with me.

Let me take it.

Let's go.

Mr. Yang.

Thank you.

- You're welcome. - Thank you.

- Chang, take care of them. - Yes.

What's wrong?

The kid's poop.

That's disgusting. How can I eat?

This will be an easy job for you.

You'll be provisionally employed.

But this job is very important.

We need many kind of parts for aircraft.

Sometimes America gives us a hard time.

America? English?

Those who don't understand think America is our ally.

This way.

You'll handle the paperwork with America.

First, you shall protect secrets. Second, be thorough.

Understand?

Ms. Liu.

Let me introduce a new colleague to you.

Mr. Li Chi-Lin.

He studied foreign languages at Peking Fu Jen University.

Help him whenever needed

and don't take advantage of him.

As you wish, sir.

I forgot to tell you.

Every man in our office

is after Ms. Liu.

Sir.

Mr. Li is sweating.

Put down this package.

Better tell him about his work.

Close the door.

Wait.

Young man, listen to Ms. Liu.

Everything is clearly written:

A, B, C, D, the numbers and the names.

And this...

This is...

This form...

is for the aircraft supply orders.

Don't worry.

It should be a piece of cake.

Let's talk about it tomorrow.

Go home first.

Why weren't you home for dinner?

We received food supplies today.

It's all written in English.

The forms looks complicated,

but all you have to do is check the boxes.

Do you think it's easy to make checks?

They're sending these to America!

I'm scared.

Look.

Just can keep the old forms,

and copy the checks to the new ones.

Then ask a colleague to double check once you're finished.

Make sure not to order a screw instead of a cannon.

That's all. It'll be fine.

I don't know how to do it.

I'll just leave tomorrow.

Where will you go?

Did you forget our agreement to split the salary?

Hey, have you showered yet?

If you want to use the water, go now.

We're coming. Thanks.

You're welcome.

Don't get upset. Let's figure it out.

Do you want to wash your feet?

Let's take a bath.

Be good.

Be good.

Stop worrying.

If you have another place to go, you may leave tomorrow morning.

I can make a living by doing laundry for the bachelors,

and by cleaning the public bath.

I will survive.

How about this?

You can pretend to be sick again tomorrow. I'll go instead.

Excuse me. Where's Ms. Liu?

Over there.

Thanks.

You scared me to death.

I'm sorry to bother you.

Sorry.

What are you doing here?

I am Mrs. Li.

He's still coughing badly.

He's afraid of delaying the work,

so he asked me to take his place.

I'm sorry.

This is the form for orders. The categories are clear: A, B, C, D.

- You only have to check the boxes. - Yes.

This is about the radar. Take a look.

Excuse me. Ms. Liu.

May I ask you a question?

Sorry.

I don't understand what this column is.

Didn't I just explain this to you?

Those are the numbers for 3/4 " and 1/4" wrenches.

Thank you.

Excuse me. What is this?

This is for tires. Aircraft tires.

What about this?

Motors. The belts for motors.

- Belts. - Yes.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Fortunately, we have a dictionary.

Stay still.

Let me explain it to you.

This is the number for propellers.

This is for aircraft tires.

And this is for belts.

Study it. Here.

I'm going to make dinner.

A horizontal line, half circle and a tail.

A half circle with a line.

Li Chi-Lin.

Li Chi-Lin.

You came by yourself?

Come. Let me take you home.

Let's wipe your butt.

Don't cry.

Be good. Almost done...

Don't cry.

Okay... done.

Here.

Okay... done.

Here.

Right here.

Here.

- How much? - Eight cents.

I'll pay for it. Don't argue with me.

Come.

Here we are.

Ms. Liu,

introduce her to us.

Introduce me, too.

She's my sworn sister.

A sworn sister!

She's the leading actress in the army's theater troupe.

She heard that there are many handsome young pilots.

So she's here to have fun.

Welcome!

Ms. Liu.

Why don't you introduce me?

Look at these ugly men.

They never go away.

It's you!

What are you doing here?

I have a letter for you.

Your brother's going crazy looking for you.

See, I'm a busybody.

I thought, "what a pity if two brothers can't find each other."

Why is it still leaking?

So I put the letter in my purse.

I didn't expect to run into him like this.

Look.

It's the truth.

Who is Chen Te-Sheng?

My big brother from my hometown.

Do you have another name?

No... no.

- Just like him... - Ah! A mouse!

Don't be afraid.

Ms. Liu always makes a fuss.

How could an old Japanese style house not have mice?

We'll shoot the mouse when it appears.

Why does the name on the letter say Door Latch?

It's a nickname...

I was young...

Some Chinese nicknames are terrible.

Do you know what people called me?

What?

Breasty.

If I was still using that name,

you'd laugh at me, right?

Let me show you around.

All of you come with me.

I saw your play in Taichung. It was terrific.

Thank you.

- How long will you stay here? - We'll leave tomorrow.

That's too bad.

Fortunately,

many things can be explained in different ways.

Did Yang ask you anything else?

Didn't I mention that Ms. Liu pretended to see a mouse

and told a joke?

Ms. Liu was helping you.

We have to thank her.

Give her this tomorrow.

She doesn't need this.

I'll thank her in person.

We don't have anything else to give her.

The watch is broken.

It's not moving.

Ms. Liu!

You smoke?

Did you stop me just for this?

No.

She wants me to thank you.

She?

Your wife?

You're so shy.

Get on.

Come.

Don't lean on me.

I knew you were bad.

There's no way that you graduated from Peking Fu Jen University.

You can fool others but not me.

Let's go see the supervisor and clear the whole thing up.

Does your back still hurt?

You're a coward. Just look at you.

If you have guts, come to my room tomorrow night.

I'll be waiting.

Remember, tomorrow night.

Be careful.

Your husband goes on business trips a lot.

Keep an eye on him.

If I find out I'll skin him alive.

Ms. Liu.

Come, Ms. Liu. Have a bowl.

Thank you.

Nobody's here.

Ms. Liu.

Ms. Liu.

I have to go.

- See you later. - So soon?

Catch.

Thanks.

What a slut.

Shush!

Are you going out?

Hasn't Mr. Yang come back?

Whenever he goes to Taipei he forgets the family.

Help! Help!

Somebody's in my room! Help!

Help!

Help!

Help, help!

He's right here! He's right next to me!

A man is in my room! Help!

Help!

A man is in my room! Help!

Help!

What are you doing?

There's a thief. Let's go take a look.

A thief?

Yes!

He's sick. We'll go home first.

It's too dark to see.

It's a thief.

They'll find out sooner or later.

How can we stay here anymore?

Go finish whatever needs to be done at the office.

And leave a note there.

Don't wait for pay day.

We'll leave as soon as you get off work.

Leave?

Where are we going?

To your brother.

Ms. Liu,

thank you for helping him.

Sorry for all the trouble he's caused.

It's okay.

It's hot, go quickly.

I puff up my chest.

Stop cooking, Captain.

The guests are leaving. Come out.

Ah-Hsiang will be unhappy.

Okay.

Captain, come.

Okay.

A-Chen.

This is for you.

Banana Sister...

Banana Sister.

You've been so nice to me.

When I go home, I'll hire palanquins.

Do you know what a palanquin is?

Sedan chair.

Yes.

One after the other.

They'll take each of you to Shandong.

Shandong. Do you know?

Shandong?

Yes! Shandong!

And we...

Hell...

Fuck you.

Fuck me?

Fuck me?

We'll drink out of large bowls in Shandong.

Big bowls, do you know?

I know.

If I go to Shandong, I'll be sure to bring a big basket of bananas,

so that you will have plenty to eat.

Understand?

Yes, yes.

I do!

Give him something better! Bananas are too cheap.

They're the specialty of Taiwan.

This isn't tasty.

Nonsense!

You know nothing about cooking!

I am the best cook. You're drunk.

Hurry. Finish the meal.

Let's go watch Taiwanese opera later.

Okay.

Watch the local opera.

It's called Taiwanese opera.

You like to talk rubbish.

My mistake. Bottoms up!

Excuse me.

Is Li Chuan-Hsiao here?

No, come another day.

Thank you.

Have some tea.

Thank you.

This is a cute baby.

How lovely.

- This is the rent. - Thank you.

We have the same custom in my hometown.

My brother is the top one.

He can row, sing, drum and draw.

He can do everything.

Run to the streets.

Bang! Bang!

And fight with the enemies.

They drop their bullets and supplies.

Our troops move forward.

Singing and walking into the village.

How joyful.

Singing and walking into the village.

With a gun slinging over my shoulder.

With a grenade hanging on my chest.

I puff up my chest.

March forward like a brave tiger.

Don't worry, brothers!

Run to the streets.

Bang! Bang!

And fight off the enemies.

They drop their bullets and supplies.

Where did you go, Captain?

Come in.

It's cooler upstairs.

The kids are asleep.

Ah-Chen made your bed. Go to sleep.

Ah-Chen.

Ah-Chen.

Ah-Chen.

Ah-Chen.

Ah-Chen.

Captain!

Captain!

Captain!

- What's wrong? - Captain!

Captain?

Captain!

Captain!

What's wrong?

Captain!

What's wrong?

Are you okay?

You were dreaming.

You scared me.

I let you drink too much. You're drunk.

You know that?

You scared us!

Stop...

Stop, stop...

You stepped on me!

It's that one.

Walk along this path

and turn at the corner.

Okay. Thank you.

Te-Sheng.

Te-Sheng.

Door Latch!

- Door Latch! - Te-Sheng!

Door Latch!

Te-Sheng!

Te-Sheng!

Who is she?

Who is she?

- A-Chen! - She is...

Make some tea!

Tea!

What is she doing?

Captain, these are guests.

Bring them inside.

Let me help you.

- Come in. - Have a cup of tea.

Te-Sheng.

Te-Sheng.

Have some tea.

The Captain is good friends with us.

He's a very nice guy.

Do you understand?

It's very hot here.

How do you know she's not a spy?

She's not.

She's been sent by the security forces to investigate us.

I don't think she's investigating anybody.

She's alright.

She knows how to feed and clean up after kids.

You don't realize how smart they are.

Anyway, watch her carefully.

I'm going back to base.

Be careful.

Don't worry, Captain.

They can stay with us

and share our food with us.

Ah-Hsiang and I will take care of them.

Don't worry.

Thank you, but that's a lot of trouble.

No, no trouble at all.

Sir!

Feel free to stay here.

I'm not scared.

You're crazy!

Don't be afraid. He's drunk.

Pineapple. Peel it like this, and eat it like this.

What are you doing?

He's been drunk since yesterday.

Don't bother her!

Go on, get going.

Let's go.

Northern man in Southern China

eats bananas with the skin.

Eats bananas with the skin.

He's still drunk.

Understand?

It's raining hard.

Take the blankets.

We'll have the dinner in a few minutes, okay?

Yes. Thanks.

Ah-Chen. Let's go wash the vegetables.

Put it down.

This family is so nice to us.

I'll work with them tomorrow.

You should go out to find a job.

We can't live here for free. We have to pay rent.

What did your big brother say to you?

Nothing important.

Something's wrong with him.

Be careful.

Time to rest. Come have a snack.

Okay.

Come.

Have something to drink.

The sun is burning.

It's so hot.

Don't button up this first button.

Hurry. Move!

Hurry up, young man.

Move!

Move!

So slow.

Fuck...

Beat him!

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Sir, we're leaving now.

Okay, you may go.

Stop crying, alright?

They punched me. It hurts.

And that woman's a communist spy.

And I can't go back home now.

Do you know?

When I left home, my dad gave me three silver coins.

There was nothing left in my house.

Stop shaking your legs!

It's fine.

Wait for me to kill my commanding officer,

then I'll take take you back home.

One night when he was showering,

I saw him with a red cloth.

He's a fucking communist spy.

Hell.

I'll bring him down.

Damn...

I saw the guy fall.

His leg was bleeding.

But I can't give him my money.

Stop crying.

Don't cry.

You two,

one cries during the day, the other cries at night.

Shame on you.

Hurry!

Pour the water.

Ah-Chen. Let's get married, alright?

- What are you talking about? - We're running out of time.

Ah-Chen!

Let's get married...

Let's get married...

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

Disgraceful!

What are you doing? Te-Sheng!

I want to marry her.

Te-Sheng... what are you doing?

What's wrong with you?

Sir.

Te-Sheng!

What happened?

He said he wants to marry me.

You animal!

Ah-Hsiang!

Stop running!

And we were so nice to him...

It's outrageous!

Fuck! I can't hold my temper.

What's all this about?

It's the mainlander.

Ah-Hsiang is so nice to him.

Now he insults his daughter

and says he wants to marry her.

He's an animal!

He looks very honest.

You can't judge a man by his appearance.

I can't believe he would do such a thing.

He doesn't know how to behave himself.

- No, the Captain is a good man. - You're just a kid. You know shit!

You can't be too kind these days.

Don't cry, it's over.

We were nice to him, but he fooled us.

Stop! Hold it!

Stop! Don't run!

Ah-Hsiang, it's all over. No use being angry anymore.

I know.

Time to eat.

Don't move.

Stop!

Don't move.

Stop!

Li Chuan-Hsiao. Stop!

Don't run.

Li Chuan-Hsiao, stop!

Li Chuan-Hsiao. Don't run.

Stop!

- What's going on? - Sorry to bother you.

- Inform the commander. - Yes, sir.

It's the Captain!

Why is he bleeding so much?

What's wrong with him?

He's crazy.

He said our commanding officer is a communist spy,

and tried to poison his food.

He pulled a gun on him in the middle of dinner.

Alright. That's enough.

How could this have happened?

Sir, let's take him to the drying yard.

Okay. Let's take him there to wait for the commanding officer.

Something's going on outside.

I'll go check.

Don't do that.

We've caused enough trouble already.

We'll leave tomorrow.

Let him rest here! Help him over there.

What happened?

What happened?

Ah Hsiang, damn you!

Why did you beat him until he bled so much?

It wasn't me!

- Then what happened? - Attention!

Good evening, commander!

Li Chuan-Hsiao!

What did you do?

What's wrong with you?

Why don't you answer the commander's question?

- Don't kick him! - Bring him back.

Wait, wait...

Please, sir.

Before you take him away,

let him finish this meal.

- Please. - Hurry.

Don't worry, Captain.

It's all your favorite food.

Eat.

Ah-Chen, come here and accompany him.

Quickly. Eat.

Mother.

Mother! I miss you.

- Don't be scared... - Mother!

I miss you so much. I want to go home.

- Don't be scared. - Mother!

I miss you!

Sir, this man has problems.

He's gone mad.

There's no point in arresting him.

Can you leave him here?

What did he say?

Sir,

the old man says he's insane,

- and you should let him stay here. - Hurry. The Captain's bleeding!

Te-Sheng!

Te-Sheng!

Te-Sheng, what's wrong?

You can't go mad!

Te-Sheng. You brought me here to eat bananas.

I've had enough bananas here. I don't want to eat any more.

Damn it, you brought me here, and now you have to take me home!

I don't want to eat! I want to go home.

- Te-Sheng! - Young man.

Young man, let him finish the meal.

Let him sit over there.

Let him sit over there.

Te-Sheng.

Ah-Chen. The bowl.

Hurry.

Here. Just eat.

There's plenty more.

Don't worry. Eat up.

Alright. Let's go back first.

- Yes, sir. - Let's go.

Eat.

I'll give you more after you finish this.

Don't be afraid.

Young man.

Eat up.

Eat up.

What?

- Who is he? - He's my brother.

Take it easy. Don't be afraid.

Slowly.

I'll give you more after you finish.

Eat up.

You've had enough. Don't try to have more.

You'll be fine after eating the pig's feet and noodles.

Why are you hitting him?

Don't hit him!

What are you hitting him for?

Don't hit him!

Don't hit him!

Don't hit him!

You didn't have enough at dinner.

Have some sweet cake,

to make your hearts sweet forever, okay?

Be good.

Here. Let me take him out

so he doesn't get in the way.

I'll take him out.

Thanks.

Don't mention it.

They hit me.

My ear's still bleeding.

How come I didn't see it? Come over here.

What happened to your feet?

My feet rotted because they soaked them in urine.

It must be painful.

Where are my coins?

It's your money.

How should I know?

From now on,

we have to make ends meet individually.

I'll give you one more.

Please take care of my brother.

I'll go find a job.

What do you want?

I would like to pull it...

Pull what?

The pedicab.

You're from Shandong?

What part?

Yantai.

Yao-Hua: literally, "Glorify China" Yao-Hua.

Yao-Hua.

Say Daddy.

Yao-Hua.

Here's a letter for you.

I passed the exam!

Yao-Hua, don't cry!

Dad passed the exam!

I passed the exam. I got a job!

- You passed? - I got a job!

Do you want me to go with you?

Yes. We'll go together. Let's go!

Yao-Hua...

Don't forget.

You have to come back and visit us for New Year's.

Alright?

Yes.

We'll write to you.

The pedicab's not allowed on the train.

I know that. We've just come to see our friends off.

Take care. Be careful.

There are bananas in case you get hungry.

But don't eat too much,

it's bad to your stomach.

I got you some rice dumplings.

If you don't like Taipei,

you can come always back.

Mr. Li. Do you have a reference letter?

No.

Okay. Then we'll do it this way.

There's nothing wrong with your qualifications.

We'll keep a complete record of you on file.

I'll let you know as soon as there's a vacancy.

Here are some forms.

Fill them in and leave them here.

You will be notified after some time.

- This one will do. - This one?

Not this one.

Look, it has a photo and personal seal.

It's hard to find a job without a diploma.

Gosh. What can I do?

Give me the scissors, quickly.

Scissors...

What are you doing?

Go get your picture taken tomorrow morning.

We can change the photo and stamp it.

Li Chi-Lin,

Department of Foreign Languages, Peking Fu Jen University.

- Huang. - Yes.

Take Mr. Li to see the secretary.

Yes.

If you have no other questions,

hand in two autobiographies.

Fill in the security information.

You'll start at the beginning of next month.

Please come with me, Mr. Li.

- What kind of job will I do? - English specialist.

Those who know English are really in demand.

You said your husband's looking for a job.

The four of you have stayed in one room for two weeks.

You even stole my soap!

Young man.

Did you find a job?

- No. - Your wife's fighting with someone.

Is this for me?

The chicken bites.

Your chicken is smaller than mine.

- Take it. - I don't want it.

Take it.

Give it to her first!

What's wrong?

- Did you find a job? - She took my soap!

Did you find one?

Do you have a job now?

Lift your arm.

Lift your right arm.

Lift it.

I want to take a bath.

There's no soap!

There's some in there.

Look around.

No soap!

Look around.

No soap!

Look around!

No soap!

Daddy, the soap.

Okay, okay.

Ridiculous.

The police is here! Greet your customers.

Stupid.

Greet your customers. Don't just sit there.

Yueh-Hsiang.

Yueh-Hsiang.

What?

You think you can just play around

and then come to me?

Come in.

Lie down.

Take your pants off.

If you mess around again,

I'll make you sleep outside.

Are you my wife or not?

You're older than me.

If you can rub medicine on me,

how come you don't...

You can do anything,

but you...

Daddy.

Yao-Hua. Daddy is dirty.

Stay away from him.

What nonsense.

Over there.

Sit still.

Yao-Hua, don't fool around.

Read the book.

Look, Daddy's covered the book for you.

Read the book.

Laying the ball up near the basket... score!

That team's really good!

- How much are they leading by? - Six points.

Go for it...

Okay, I'm doing a roll call.

- Li Chi-Hsiao. - Here.

- Liu Tang-Yen. - Here.

- Huang Hsu-Min. - Here.

- Li Yao-Hua. - Here.

- Tseng Wen-Chun. - Here.

Li Yao-Hua.

Who wrapped this for you?

Daddy.

When did you write this?!

Rewrite it!

Goddamn it.

The supervisor yelled at me today.

Get down. Stop it!

Stop it!

Alright, I'm coming down.

With a gun slinging over my shoulder.

With a grenade hanging on my chest.

I puff up my chest.

You can't use this place.

Why not?

You can't build anything here.

You want to steal this place.

Right?

Watch what you say.

Whatever!

You just moved in, yet you want to steal this place.

The former owner told us

we could use it.

Prove it. Show us the contract.

I'm going to sue you!

On what grounds?

Show us the contract!

Stop fighting.

Stop fighting.

Let's talk.

Don't fight.

Let's talk. Don't fight.

Don't fight.

Don't fight!

You can't beat me!

Mommy!

I put a fence up.

Let them try something now.

What's wrong, Yao-Hua?

He's being bad.

He didn't do his homework.

Don't listen to your mom.

Here. Take it.

Give me a smile.

The bride and bridegroom

are toasting the guests.

The bride and bridegroom

are toasting the guests.

Eat.

Chicken?

Okay.

Hurry.

Who is this?

Now Lao Lai's died, too?

Wasn't he the superstar basketball player?

Basketball player...

He's going to cost me 250 dollars.

What's this you've written here? Look.

I can't approve this. I'm responsible, you know?

Sir,

please translate this urgent case immediately.

Translate?

I don't handle translations anymore.

Why are you giving it to me?

Mr. Chaing is sick.

This is ridiculous.

He got sick. You find me to do it.

Who will you ask when I'm sick?

So you think translation is so easy?

Then you do it.

What does "ABCD" mean?

Come on, speak up!

What's wrong with the TV?

It's too old, Mom. We should buy a new one.

Nonsense.

Yao-Hua, my left eye keeps twitching.

Will this be a disability?

Mom, you're too superstitious.

It's useless to put on tea leaves.

Open the door, Yao-Hua.

Hello?

Alright.

Mom, Dad's drunk again.

Again?

I didn't drink much.

Why are you always drunk?

I always have to ask people to send you home.

They take advantage of an honest man!

And you take advantage of us.

I'll fight with him!

Grab it!

Get the knife!

So now knives are fun, too?

Bring some tea and a bucket.

He's going to vomit.

Why did you drink so much?

Wang.

Speak from your heart!

How many years have I worked for the company?

Nineteen years!

Why won't they promote me instead of him?

They look down on me!

- Calm down. Don't be mad. - I'm not lowly.

Am I not good enough?

Am I not good enough?

Am I not good enough?

You're old. What will you do if you have a fall?

Damn it.

I have a diploma.

Right.

Yao-Hua, take my diploma.

- Show it to them. - Keep it.

- It's not fake. - Okay.

- It's real. - Okay.

- They always look down on me! - Alright.

Sit down and calm down.

Don't scare your brother, alright?

Supervisor is coming.

Supervisor.

- Supervisor. - Hello, everyone.

Supervisor.

Everybody,

please meet our new colleague,

Mr. Chen.

Welcome.

- Mr. Chen. - Hello.

I am very happy

to represent our colleagues,

and with sincerity and passion,

I welcome the accomplished leader,

Mr. Chen, to guide us.

- Welcome! - Welcome!

Please open your mouth.

Please open it like this.

Let me, doctor.

It's time for dinner, Te-Sheng!

- Yao-Hua, would you come in? - Alright.

Yao-Hua.

It's more competitive in the company now.

- How old is your kid? - Four.

Why don't you study abroad and come back with an advanced degree?

I'll try to hold your job while you're gone.

You're still young,

why don't you try it?

Yes, thank you, manager.

Did you miss Mom?

Come eat.

Look!

The toys need to rest.

Let Mom give you chopsticks.

Let him have some eggs.

It's enough, Dad. Don't spoil him.

It's good for a child to eat eggs. It's nutritious.

Goddamn it.

They look down on you.

Did you show them your diploma?

I did, I did. Just keep eating, Dad.

"I did, I did."

Are you running your mouth again?

No, I'm just talking to our son.

Don't drink too much.

I know. I know.

Didn't you ask them?

Why was he promoted to section chief after only one year?

You're a university graduate.

A graduate of National Taiwan University. Is that fake?

Are you willing to let that son of bitch tell you what to do?

You're a coward. You're gutless.

You're drinking again. Can't you drink a little less?

- That's enough. - There's no problem.

Stop drinking.

If you don't go settle this with him, then I will.

Dad. Dad.

Where are you going?

I'm gonna talk to his manager.

Why are you raising such a fuss?

Sit and eat.

Your son was cheated by others, understand?

Yes. I know.

Just stop drinking.

If you keep drinking, you will be like him.

It's just a diploma.

Is that so important?

In that case,

we should send Yao-Hua abroad.

It's all my fault. I forced him to marry.

You'll retire next March.

What will our family do?

Modernizing the office?

This is ridiculous.

- Ms. Chu. - What's the matter?

What happened? It went blank.

You deleted all the data.

- I deleted it? - Yes.

I deleted it? How?

How?

- Fix it. - Okay.

Excuse me. I'd like to ask you a question.

Well...

What kind of procedure do I apply for to postpone my retirement?

There is no such procedure.

Is the age on file mistaken?

Yes. It is.

Alright.

In that case, just bring the original documentation.

This is it.

Thanks.

What a joke.

If I want to visit relatives in mainland China,

do I need you to arrange it?

But...

Think!

Government employees can't go to the mainland.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Dad, I'm just saying you should try to contact them.

What contact? Contact who?

Take care of yourself, Dad.

Stay healthy.

Yao-Hua.

Your grandpa will take care of you.

Stop crying.

Grandpa and I will call

you tonight at eight.

Don't let my parents go out.

Lung-Lung. Lung-Lung.

We're going out.

Could you keep an eye on Granduncle?

- Okay. - Thanks.

Bye, bye.

Mom.

Mom, are you going out?

We're going to Mrs. Chaing's.

We won't be back for dinner.

You can't, Mom.

Why not?

Yao-Hua said

he wanted you two to stay home.

He'll call us tonight.

Long distance calls are so expensive.

Young people are so wasteful.

Where's the logic in it?

He must have something important to say.

Let's wait for his call.

What is there that Shu-Hua can't handle?

Mrs. Chaing is waiting for us. Hurry.

No, you can't.

Dad, Yao-Hua...

He's contacted Grandpa

and Aunt in the mainland.

They'll meet in Hong Kong and call you tonight at eight.

They want to talk to you.

You...

This is terrible.

Why didn't you talk to me about this beforehand?

You're stupid!

He asked me a long time ago...

why we haven't contacted our relatives in China.

I told him that

it's because your post makes it inconvenient,

so he shouldn't go stirring things up.

He never mentioned it to me again.

How could I know he would find them?

What are we going to do?

I don't know either.

I don't know what to do.

Yao-Hua said he contacted his aunt.

How many sisters did your husband have?

How many sisters?

Yes.

Tell me something about his family.

Otherwise I'll make a fool of myself and blow my cover.

What can I do? It'll be all over.

!

Quick. Think.

I'm worried to death.

Door Latch...

I am not Li Chi-Lin's wife.

I was separated from my family

during the war.

My prayers went unanswered, and I was forced to flee

back to my old home.

On the way,

I discovered it had already been burnt down.

I had no place to go,

so I turned around and

I kept running and running...

I kept running and running!

However,

I bumped into local gangsters.

They caught me,

and tied me up with...

and tied me up with...

with iron chains.

And they separated my hands,

and my legs...

I lay on the ground.

My clothes...

they tore my clothes.

It was so painful.

So painful...

Luckily,

Mr. Li and his classmates passed by.

They saved me.

I feel so...

!

I did not know it could last until now.

Later, on the road, his wife

got sick and died.

A grown man, holding a baby, and crying so pitifully...

At that moment, I swore

to raise this kind man's child

as my own.

And to take care of him like his own mother.

I did it.

Yueh-Hsiang...

I should thank you, too.

You helped me do it.

We managed to raise him.

I did not know we would share a lifetime together.

Hello?

Hello? From Hong Kong?

What now?

Don't panic.

Shu-Hua. Who is it?

Dad, Yao-Hua met Grandpa!

Go. You go.

I can't...

Me neither.

What now?

Please come out.

Hello? Yao-Hua?

Damn...

Grandpa.

We can't hear you!

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Yao-Hua, Dad's here.

Here.

Hello.

Yao-Hua.

Hello?

Hello?

Why isn't he talking?

Hello!

Hello!

Grandpa, hold on.

Dad. It's Grandpa.

Speak up,

Grandpa's voice is soft.

Hello.

Hello.

Chi-Lin. You have suffered!

Chi-Lin. You have suffered!

Chi-Lin. You have suffered!

Chi-Lin!

No, I haven't suffered.

Don't be sad, Dad.

He's crying.

Dad.

Are you healthy, Dad?

Dad.

Yes... I remember.

I remember everything you told me.

Your son is not filial!

When your mom died,

she wouldn't close her eyes.

What?

Mom died?

When?!

Mom!

Mother!

Your son is not filial! It's my fault!

Mom!

I am dying.

And I can't even see you.

I can't even see your face.

Dad, don't say that!

I am a terrible son!

Dad, look after yourself.

You must look after yourself!

Dad!

Mom!

Dad...

Mom...

Your son is not filial!

Mom...

Why did you die? Mother...

Your son is not filial.

The personnel chief said there's a problem

with postponing your retirement.

How could you graduate from college when you were only eleven?

- Eleven? - That's impossible.

You must be a genius.

Are you trying to delay retirement?

So you're fifty five now? You don't look like it.

Why work so hard? Enjoy retirement.

Since 1973, Taiwan bananas have become outdated.

Since 1983, frequent production surpluses have

resulted in its being expended as pig feed.

At its high point in 1987, 8500 metric tons were

destroyed/wasted, altogether 531,309 crates.

The history of this Asian tropical fruit's

golden age has been buried up to now.

Those who toil in its harsh work conditions

continue to look towards a better future.