Original subtitles

Mo!

Where are you going?

Mom, I'm going to the movies.

Wait.

Today is the last time.

Why?

I need you up front tomorrow.

What about Ah Cai?

I let him go.

Why?

Why?

You know our situation.

We must rely on ourselves. Understand?

Great. Miss Tao, you sing so well.

You are so clever.

No, Mr. Ji, you sing well.

Miss Tao, please tell me your decision.

Forgive me, I appreciate your kindness, but...

Sweet girl, all I have at home

is my loving mother.

If only you accept,

I'll make you happy forever.

I promise! If only I...

No. I don't want your promises.

Then, what do you want?

I was just speaking of your marriage

and here he comes!

What a good omen!

I'm sure you two will

live happily ever after.

The master is back.

[Movie Star Gary J. Fei]

Sir, are you here for a photo?

If you're picking up prints I'll need your receipt

We're making movies.

Really?

Do you know Gary J. Fei?

Of course.

Mom! We have a guest!

Hello, Ma'am.

We're from the movie studio.

We want to take a few photos

of your daughter.

Alright?

They make movies.

He knows Gary J. Fei.

What's to photograph?

Ready! Camera!

Oh, such a beautiful room!

Such a high-class water closet!

And, oh, what a supple bed!

As tender as my heart!

You're no good!

I cannot wait anymore.

You womanizing monster!

I... don't hate you.

You're here.

You came after all.

Waiting for you has been unbearable!

Mom, the movie company signed me.

I start shooting next week.

What about our photo studio?

We hardly have any customers.

But have my own life to live.

All you want is stardom.

You will ruin the family business.

They're paying me a lot of money.

More than the photo studio makes.

Making movies isn't a proper business.

That boss treats you well?

Yes. He's a very good man.

Quiet on the set! Positions!

Let go.

Quiet on the set! Ready!

Scene 59. Shot 1.

What's up there?

That, sir, is the ceiling.

Oh?

Upstairs is a corridor.

It leads to my boudoir.

Oh. Terrific! Just terrific!

This way.

It's too late. You can spend the night here.

But I've never stayed out before.

Don't worry.

We shoot early in the morning.

The sun will be up in a few hours.

See, I prepared a private room for you.

Such a bright lamp...

Such a supple bed...

I should go home.

Don't be afraid. It is very safe here.

Get some rest. I'll fetch you tomorrow morning.

Sleep.

Mom.

Where the hell were you last night?

We shot very late last night.

You come home no matter how late!

Sneaking around...

You'll be the death of me!

Mom!

Explain yourself at home.

But I didn't do anything.

Mr. Meng treats me very well.

Shut up! Have some self-respect!

Get home right now!

Mom, we're shooting again tonight.

Shooting again tonight? Not coming home?

So you can be with your Mr. Meng!

He really is a good man.

I'm an employee, he is my boss.

An employee? Are you feverish?

You're my daughter!

Girls in our family don't make movies!

You're going home with me.

Mom, don't be like this!

I'll come home after I finish the movie!

Mom!

Mom!

Who is it?

It's me.

Wait.

That's me... It's really me?

You're a star now!

You're the best!

Happy?

Yes!

Are you really happy?

Yes! I'm really happy!

Such a fine jasmine flower.

No flower more fragrant than she.

How I'd like to pluck one to wear...

but fear she won't blossom next year.

Such a fine jasmine flower.

No flower more fragrant than...

That's a rare bird.

If you listen, he can tell you where he's been,

what he's done.

He can imitate the sound of...

any animal he's heard.

This bird...

I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid. It won't take long.

I can't do this operation.

Behave. Don't be so childish!

You must have this operation.

Dr. Zhu is an old friend of mine.

He is extremely skilled and very experienced.

Go in with me. Dr. Zhu is waiting. Alright?

Let me go! I beg you!

Please!

What are you afraid of? What is it?

Open the door.

I'm not going!

Open the door!

Listen to me, alright?

No, I'm not going!

How can you be so foolish?

You can't handle the consequences.

Did you hear me?

Just open the door first, OK?

Hey, sir!

Who's there?

Where is everyone?

Oh, it's you! What are you doing here?

The company closed down.

Closed down?

Get your last paycheck before it's all gone!

Oh shit!

Have you seen Mr. Meng?

What are you doing here? Why haven't you left?

And go where?

Your Mr. Meng embezzled all the money

and fled to Hong Kong.

I thought you'd gone too.

Miss Mo, your wire draft.

It's from Hong Kong.

I am sorry,

but if you wish to stay here

you will have to pay more rent.

But I thought it was paid.

It was. But only for one year.

Right. For one year.

But I've only been here six months.

Miss Mo, before you moved in...

Another actress lived here for six months.

Miss! Where are you going?

Here, I'll take you. Get in.

Must be on a long journey.

To the train station or to the wharf?

To Huilong Photo Studio.

Having your picture taken?

Oh, Miss, you're back. It's so good to see you.

What happened here?

I rented the space from your mother,

and opened a funerary garments shop.

She still lives upstairs.

[Keep Out]

Why are you back?

Not a movie star anymore?

The studio closed down.

And what about your Mr. Meng?

He didn't want you either?

He... had a heart attack.

He's dead.

Turn around, let me see.

What's to see?

Let me see your belly.

Now you've done it!

You never had a big belly?

You slut! Who asked you back?

This is my home.

Oh, someone's here?

Mo, you're back.

You haven't greeted Uncle yet.

Who's the slut here?

[Yueda Funerary Garments Shop]

What are you looking at?

Putting yourself on display?

Think you're attractive?

Afraid people won't know you're pregnant?

How do you plan on having it?

I don't care.

Get a midwife, have it at home.

Spare yourself the shame.

Whatever.

Death doesn't scare me,

why should I fear shame?

Red Bean Soup! Lotus Porridge!

Hey! Wait!

Don't you care if she's crying?

Hold her!

You're nothing like a mother.

I thought he died.

If he's dead, why write to him?

Mo, you must accept reality,

You're a mother now.

Look at the red birthmark.

Such a beautiful baby!

A good fate surely awaits you.

Maybe our luck will be better with you too!

She looks a lot like you.

Why should she?

I'm cursed.

It won't do her any good.

Mo, the crab is ready.

Eat it while it's hot.

Uncle called you to dinner.

Why don't you answer him?

Can't you see I'm feeding her?

Good girl. Play by yourself!

What are you staring at?

Watch your tone!

How can you speak to Uncle like that?

She should take better care of her hair.

Oh! The crab leg moved!

Mo, what's wrong now?

Nothing. Mo is acting in the movies... right?

You stay here.

Be careful!

Your hair should be styled.

Come to my salon.

I'll give you a fashionable hairstyle.

Fashionable? Like hers?

Not like hers.

What's wrong with mine?

It's fine.

I'll bring my hairstyling kit over.

We'll do it at home.

I won't charge you a penny!

You such nice hair. Soft and silky.

I just love hair like this.

Stop flattering me, it's boring. Get on with it.

Hair shouldn't be rushed.

All good things take time.

Stop it.

Hairstyling is always like this,

especially at home.

I knew you were up to no good.

I'm not her.

You are wasting your time.

For a movie actress...

you're not at all progressive.

I only have the best intentions.

Cutting your hair for free...

Close your eyes.

A haircut should be pleasurable.

Nice, isn't it?

Hit him!

A man like that deserves it!

Mr. Wang took two of my rings.

Perhaps you could get them back.

He stole my gold watch too.

You gave them to him. Get them yourself.

We found your mother's body

in the Whampoa River.

These shoes were on the bank.

We need you to identify them.

[The child doesn't have a name yet.

Just call her Lili. Add my surname.

To link the three generations. Mother.]

The rings! Hand them over!

What rings?

What rings? Don't play stupid!

A slap for each ring!

That's a bargain! Bastard!

Lili!

Classmates!

Winged steeds don't live in courtyards!

Eternal pines don't grow in flowerpots!

Apply our knowledge! To the factories!

To the grassroots!

To the anti-imperialist frontlines!

Our bodies drenched in sweat!

Our hands callused!

To offer our glorious youth

to the Great Socialist Construction!

Zou Jie!

Here!

Your speech was great. I'd like to learn from you.

Who are you?

I'm in the Third Class.

You really volunteered to work in the countryside?

Yes.

Then I'll go with you.

You line up for meat and vegetables...

I'll get the rice.

We'll eat together.

[Red Flag Photo Studio]

Mom.

What are you looking for?

Recyclables.

How much can you sell those for?

You only about money.

These can be melted into iron and steel.

You stepped on my flowers.

You have a boyfriend?

No.

Don't lie to me! I can tell.

Whatever you say.

What does he do?

A classmate.

What does his family do?

I don't know. I didn't ask.

You're dating him without knowing his background?

I know he's a party member.

The only one in our school.

Just because he's a party member?

There's no shortage of party members.

He is very politically conscious and

captain of the basketball team.

He also plays harmonica.

What kind of talent is that?

You don't know anything about men.

You have to choose carefully.

You can't just jump into these things.

You hear me?

Wait.

Bring him by this week, let me have a look.

Stop staring. He's not a thief.

What's wrong with looking?

Zou Jie is quite handsome.

Looks like Gary J. Fei.

Who's Gary J. Fei?

You don't know Gary J. Fei? No wonder.

He was a movie star before you were born.

In the movies? I don't like any movie stars.

They're all decadent. Capitalist parasites.

You're absolutely right. They are all parasites.

But even to live the life of a parasite...

requires some ability.

Which pair is mine?

Doesn't matter. Whichever.

Use these.

Zou Jie must be from a good family.

I'm from three generations of workers.

I am the first to be educated.

It's good to be a worker.

In this New Society, workers are very popular.

Rich people are out of fashion.

You finished?

If so, I'm leaving.

I'll see you off.

That's OK. See you tomorrow.

A girl should show more self-respect.

Leaving just like that! Such lousy manners.

And weren't you a bit too forward? Made me sick!

No shortage of men in the world!

Go break up with him tomorrow.

Why?

To spare you a mistake you'll regret a lifetime.

We've already decided to get married.

Who said you could get married?

I won't allow it.

I won't listen to you.

You don't treat me like a mother.

I regret giving birth to you.

My life's been a mess ever since you were born.

If you won't listen to me, leave!

Fine! I've wanted to leave this home anyway.

It's a good thing.

You've always wanted to leave this kind of family.

Move in with our family.

We can't do that. People will gossip.

Or we can stay at my sister's.

Sure, but we won't be able to stay for long.

And we won't be free to do as we please.

Then let's just get married!

Lili courageously left her capitalist home

to unite with our working class family.

We are not displeased...

and will happily accept her as our own.

I hope you'll feel at home.

May you progress in solidarity and

live happily forever.

Don't worry, Mom. We'll be united as one.

Come on! Cheers!

Just pretend to drink...

Give me a grandson soon, OK?

Didn't I tell you she could drink!

Sister-in law; sing us a song, OK?

I can't sing.

C'mon, you have to sing!

She looks unhappy.

Didn't sleep? Or up early?

You're not used to life here?

It's not that.

Up so early. Next time, go out first and

have breakfast with mom.

Get up. I'll make the bed.

You're unhappy?

Why? Is everything all right?

I know it's not your style, but this is how we live

You want to live like this for a long time.

I know. I'm prepared.

Lili, we agreed to be mutually reliant and

progress together.

If there's a problem, don't keep it inside.

I'm just afraid, later...

what will I do if you treat me badly?

Oh, you... That won't happen.

Hey, let's cut the bourgeois sentimentalism.

Zou Jie, come eat breakfast!

Coming!

Little Sister!

Brother, Sister-in-Law!

Mom!

You're up. Hurry and wash up.

Lili, the floor's already been swept.

Why? You should let me do it.

Wash your face.

Mom, I'll get it.

Zou Jie, why was she crying last night?

No, she wasn't.

I heard it.

Sister-in-Law, I'll get it.

Can we keep the chamber pot outside?

Outside? But we use it at night too.

The smell makes me dizzy. I can't sleep at night.

Alright. Can't change your bourgeois ways.

Yes, I can. But this...

I can't do it like this.

Why isn't she eating yet?

Let her be. Maybe she's not feeling well.

Not feeling well?

Lili, what's wrong?

She's OK.

Come eat.

You eat first.

Clean up after you eat.

I'm not hungry.

Lili, if you're not used to it,

you can eat something else.

We have another stove.

It's not that. Mom's cooking is delicious.

Mom can prepare the rice for you.

Cook something when you get home.

That's a good idea.

Hongshao Pork is Zou Jie's favorite.

Right.

I don't make it well. You can make it for him.

I don't know how.

Zou Jie, if you want it, make it yourself.

Ouch!

What's wrong?

Let me see.

It's fine.

So painful! If you don't believe me, you try it.

One of the factory workers lost two fingers

in a machine, but even he didn't shout that loud.

I'll go apologize to her.

Don't worry. From now on, I'll do your laundry

Acting like a princess!

Having other people do her laundry!

Mom, I'll wash them.

Stupid cat! Eats all day, but never gets pregnant!

I can't stay here any longer.

I'm going home tomorrow.

Your family will be happier that way.

Fine. You don't like it here, but I do.

You're not going with me?

No. I don't want to go to your home.

I can't stand your mother.

You can stand to see me leave?

Let her go if she wants to.

Be man enough not to follow her!

I just knew you'd come back.

After all, you are my daughter.

Did he treat you badly?

If you'd listened to me,

you wouldn't be in this position.

Leave me alone for a while!

If he doesn't come tomorrow,

I'll never take him back.

Eat your dinner.

Forget about your Mr. Party Member.

So what if he's in the Party?

You'll be the death of me.

Do whatever you want.

It's not locked! The door's open!

You're soaking wet!

What are the blankets for?

I don't want to use yours. I'll sleep on my own.

Why?

My feet stink. I'm afraid I'll get your blankets d

You're more self-aware than I thought.

If you hadn't come today,

I don't know what I would have done.

Ouch!

What's the matter with you?

These things are still useful!

How can you throw them out?

Gary, you' re back. You must be exhausted!

Gary is so capable. Here, towel yourself off.

This home depends entirely on you.

Don't you care she calls you the wrong name?

What Gary? It's Zou Jie.

Gary is great.

If only I met such a man when I was young.

What are you doing with these?

Throwing them away.

Out with the old, in with the new.

I know why I can't get pregnant-

all these old things around here.

Who told you that?

Never mind. It's true.

Gary! Come help me!

OK!

Help me move the bed. I lost something behind it.

Gary is so strong!

No one's been able to move this bed in ages.

There, I got it.

See how young I was then. So happy.

Twenty years gone in the blink of an eye.

Mom, don't look at these anymore.

You should put them away, or just burn them.

Burn them? Might as well just burn me.

Look, see for yourself!

Don't you look like Gary J. Fei?

I wasn't making it up.

In those days... you would have been a movie star.

What are you doing?

We're looking at magazines.