Original subtitles

China Century Entertainment Inc. is

THE SOUL OF A PAINTER

Are you hungry, Xiaohei?

How do you like my new painting?

Good, you say?

Don't take me for a fool.

I can't draw like I used to anymore.

I don't even remember what the river looks like.

I can't, I just can't.

WUHU, ANHUI PROVINCE, 20s. XX century

Xiao Yingzi! Xiao Yingzi!

I brought you gifts!

Pionchik, look out the window!

Where are they all?

Today is the 5th day of the new year.

They went to the Guan Di Temple.

I'm so happy today. Happy to death!

The only day of the year when we can rest.

We need to have some fun!

This is Red Beauty.

The best in the "spring house".

Add hot water.

The only day when you can relax.

It's a pity that New Year's isn't every day!

Somehow my back hurts. Someone give me a massage!

Let the lover do it.

Don't be sarcastic, otherwise I'll take yours away!

Don’t you dare, they have love until the grave!

Are you jealous?

Yuliang, you serve me...

for a whole year already.

It was snowing when you got here.

How could your parents sell you?

They died. My uncle sold me.

I wanted to become an embroiderer.

Did you come here to learn embroidery?

Did you embroider it yourself?

I didn't know you were such a craftswoman.

Will you start this year?

What shall I start?

You will lose your virginity and become a prostitute.

A prostitute?

A woman who lies with different men every day.

This is what awaits you here.

- Take a drag. - No.

Slowly. That's it, look.

Well, is it better?

You'll have to wait until you

earn enough to redeem yourself.

You are a real beauty.

Find yourself a patron...

who will ransom you.

Happy New Year! May it bring you good luck!

You've worked hard all last year.

Here's the contract for a new one. Please sign it, Beauty.

Help us out.

I am my own boss, I want to return home.

Mr. Duan promised to take me.

Ask him if you don't believe him.

Please stay another year.

Please don't deprive us of a bowl of rice, Red Beauty.

Please stay!

Please stay!

Stay another year!

Keep your head straight!

Stretch your neck!

Half the beauty of a woman is in her neck!

A crooked neck will spoil anyone!

Straighten up!

What bitch is lazy?

Darling, where are you going?

We'll take you home next week.

Thank you.

Don't go, beauty!

I'll be back soon.

Don't go, please!

Your time is up.

Red Beauty has another client.

I'll have a drink with you.

You are an old galosh, looking like a withered tangerine.

Red Beauty costs 100 silver coins.

She's mine for the whole night!

500 coins!

Hello Mr. Lu.

- My beauty today. - Vile witch!

The red beauty is waiting for you, Mr. Lu.

Don't be angry, Mr. Duan.

Fat boar!

No, what a boar!

Castrated hog!

That's enough, Mr. Duan.

He will answer for this!

Where are you going, sir?

Do not leave!

He's trying in vain.

He is far from me.

You son of a bitch...

I'll show you!

This is a pig, not a man!

You don’t know that you’re talking drunk!

I will fuck her as much as I want!

Calm down, Mr. Duan.

Dirty pig!

Wait your turn!

Come here, beauty!

Beauty, where are you?

The beauty has disappeared.

Go and find her!

Immediately!

- Have you seen Beauty? - No.

- Is she not at home? - No.

Where could she be?

Where could she have gone?

Let's go find her.

I'll send it to you, wait.

Late!

Do you know who I am?

I'll kill this bitch!

Afterwards I’ll deal with Duan and you!

Vile creatures!

The beauty was killed!

- Where is she? - There!

What's wrong?

The beauty was killed.

Let's go see!

Calm down.

Keep quiet or you'll end up like her.

Keep your mouth shut.

- What's happening? - Sister Yuliang is being prepared.

Have a drink. This is a special tea.

This is the custom, Yuliang.

Nothing bad will happen.

They say this tea is very effective.

Sister Zhou never became pregnant.

- That's why the man left her. - Indeed?

Today you will become a woman.

Hey, you have an invitation!

Mr. Tian, ​​head of the Chamber of Commerce,

receives the new Customs Commissioner, Mr. Pan.

Mister Pan has already arrived. All here?

Don't worry, Mr. Zhu.

- Tell me, is Pan married? - Yes.

The wife manages the farm in the village.

Does he have a son?

- No. - Is it true?

- This is good. - Why?

You can have a concubine.

Yuliang is still a virgin.

This is good.

Please, Mr. Pan.

Come on, girls, live up.

I hosted this dinner to

celebrate your inauguration.

Mr. Pan studied in Japan.

We now have our own celebrity.

For the appointment of Mr. Pan!

Congratulations!

Customs is an important source of government revenue.

I will strictly follow the law.

I hope for your full assistance.

Looks like he doesn't take bribes.

Wait and see.

Cheer up, Yuliang.

Ask.

Come on, girls.

Mr. Tian, ​​this is Yuliang.

What does it mean?

This is our local custom.

If you don't call girls, people won't understand.

There was no need for this.

Yuliang, pour some wine for the master.

You must be spoiled by Japanese women,

but you should listen to the local girls singing.

Yuliang sings very beautifully.

What song does Mr. Pan want?

Please, she has a wonderful voice.

Let her sing what she wants.

Come on, Yuliang, come out.

Why is she singing the male part?

Wonderful!

Truly an exceptional voice.

Yuliang, you have charmed Mr. Pan.

I will prepare you and send you to him.

Here, take it. This is a deposit.

Go get a bath.

Take off your clothes.

Come on, don't be stubborn.

He won't eat you.

What are you doing here?

Forgot the rules?

I'll go organize the palanquin.

What an abomination! You broke the rules.

I'll tell the hostess everything.

All men are dirty pigs!

The girl from the "spring house" arrived.

Which?

Who sang the male part.

Send her back.

But pay.

Where is she?

Who is there?

It's me, Mr. Pan.

Yuliang from the "spring house".

But I sent you away.

Please, Mr. Pan, help me!

I don't want to go back.

Where you're from?

From Yangzhou.

I will ransom you and send you home.

But my parents died.

My uncle will send it back and sell it again.

Please save me, Mr. Pan.

Stand up.

Stop doing that.

I will serve you all my life.

I will do whatever you say.

You don't know anything about me.

What if I have eight concubines?

Am I suddenly cruel?

What if I resell you?

I will become your slave

if you allow me to stay.

I don't want this. I believe that all people are equal.

A woman and a man should lie down for love.

Otherwise it's rape.

Understand?

It's already late. Get some sleep.

Stay with me for now. I'll think of something.

Look after her and take care of her.

I obey.

- Let me help you. - No no.

The owner ordered to teach you to read and write.

Let me.

Sprayed the owner.

- What have you done? - It's your fault.

I'll show you!

No need!

Sensation! The new head of

customs lives with a prostitute!

Sensation! The new head of customs lives with a prostitute!

Uncle...

The master ordered you to be put on the boat.

And where will I go?

Wherever you want, as

long as it’s far away from here.

This is money for the trip.

Master...

Yuliang!

Come here.

Yuliang, you forgot something.

This is for you. You do not like?

I almost lost something more important.

This is Pan Zanhua.

Tell Mr. Tian,

that I don't take bribes.

We'll have to take action.

Otherwise you won't fall behind.

Secretary Ian,

post a wedding announcement.

Sensation! The head of customs marries his concubine!

And he's no slouch.

It's a shame we couldn't pin him down.

What will you do with duties?

Will not please us -

won't stay here long.

You run the show here.

I didn't want this assignment.

I'm leaving here with relief.

It's because of me that you're in trouble.

Do not say that.

The move will benefit both of us.

Yuliang, we have to pass by the brothel.

Stretch your neck!

Beauties should have a long neck.

Got it?

Girls, girls!

Yuliang is there with Mr. Pan!

Let's go see!

What are you thinking?

- Xiao Lan. - Yuliang...

Have you decided to run away too?!

Yuliang! Yuliang!

SHANGHAI

Freeze.

Again.

Everyone will have half.

I will wear it until I die.

Hug me, Zanhua.

The dress will get dirty.

Be careful, the neighbors will see.

Let them envy.

I have never met such a beauty.

- What about your wife? - Are you jealous?

Believe it or not, I've

never seen her naked.

Give me a son.

Fine.

Hong is my good friend.

We met in Japan. He is an artist.

Hong Ye! Hong Ye!

Sorry I didn't meet you.

You've helped me out so often.

- So you quit your job? - Yes.

Fine.

One less corrupt official.

Then I will disappoint you. I'm here on business.

Damn it! Here please.

Look, our windows are right opposite.

Ms. Hong, thank you for finding us a good apartment.

Well, you're welcome.

This is Huna's studio.

What's wrong with you, Yuliang?

- I thought... - That the fruits are real?

I talked to Hong.

They'll look after you when I'm away on business.

Mr. Hong, I want to learn how to draw.

Have you drawn before?

I was embroidering.

Okay, let's try.

When will you be back?

This is a business, I don't know.

Come back soon.

Take care of yourself.

Hello Mr. Hong!

What are you doing?

I want to draw this.

YUNNAN PROVINCE

“Dear Zanhua, I know that you

are not engaged in business now.

I read in the newspapers about the uprising in Yunnan.

According to Mr. Hong's advice...

I entered the painting school.

And took your last name.

Forever yours, Yuliang."

SHANGHAI SCHOOL OF PAINTING

They draw naked women! It is immoral!

Who is a model?

Indecent girl!

We need to hang this up.

Shame!

Let's hang it on the wall.

They draw naked women, shameless people!

And then what?

This is my sister, Red Beauty.

Truly a beauty.

But why did you draw it like that?

She was brutally killed.

It looks like you loved her very much.

Try painting in oils.

Miss Li, the human body is natural and beautiful.

You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Let's run!

Come in and take a look.

Where is the naked woman?

Abomination!

Can't you draw something decent?

And this is an art school?

Give it back!

Did you draw this?!

Your rector will have problems.

There's a naked woman! Hold her!

Yuliang...

Zanhua!

Are you back?

You're all on fire.

You don't take care of yourself at all.

- I was worried about you. - Worry about yourself.

Let's go, I'll show you my work.

Wow, you have achieved such success!

Maybe I have a demon behind me?

No, demons are weightless.

If I'm a demon, will you not love me anymore?

I'm the loser, not you.

The uprising failed.

I put it all on the line and lost.

That's why I came back.

I don't care, Zanhua.

You are still a wonderful husband.

And the future father.

The doctor said you are not pregnant, false alarm.

But we want to have a child.

We have been married for several years.

Did you take anything?

To prevent pregnancy?

"How are you, my dear wife?

Has the harvest already begun?

I've been away from home for so long.

We have been married for 10 years, but have not had children.

If you still love me, come see me in Shanghai.

Your husband".

- He Qiang. - Yuliang, are you here too?

I wanted to know how the school was doing.

It's unlikely to open again.

I'd like to check out.

Are you leaving? Where?

To Europe, to France.

Yuliang, come with me.

Western painting is prohibited here.

You are very talented.

The rector helps talented students

receive a scholarship to study in France.

- Is it true? - Yes.

We are in different situations.

I have a family, a husband.

Understand.

This is an account book.

Browse at your leisure.

A rich man took a concubine.

The usual thing.

I understand.

But their destiny is to be maids.

And you taught yourself to read and write.

You are an educated woman.

Be smart.

Why should I endure this?

Do you want her to grovel before you?

There are clear rules.

She must bow to me.

I won't settle for anything less.

Is this what you came for?

I'm not here on a whim.

You asked me yourself.

My respects, madam.

You are, right, Yuliang?

You must be very tired from the road.

Stand up.

I ordered new blankets and pillows for you.

This is also made especially for you.

We villagers are not used to such luxury.

You can go.

As you say. Have a nice holiday.

How dare you write on my behalf?

I am a man.

How dare you decide something for me?

Why did you do that?

I won't be able to give you a son.

Sorry.

I told you I'd get through this.

I need only you.

You must continue your lineage.

Otherwise I will never forgive myself for this.

Give me a nightgown.

- Which one? - Over there.

- Go to her. - No.

I don't want to sleep with her.

I can not.

Do it for me.

No, Yuliang, I can't.

We must have a son.

He will be our common one.

Yuliang! Yuliang!

Yuliang! Yuliang!

Yuliang, open up!

Mister, mistress is waiting for you in the bedroom.

You'll catch a cold.

Your clothes.

There is still no news of Rector Liu.

Everything is so confusing now.

There is no one to teach students.

This is not the time for art.

That's not what you're worried about.

What are you doing?

This woman is drawing us!

Maybe it's a man?

No, it's a woman!

How dare she!

Beat her!

Don't let go!

You shameless bitch!

The rector of the school managed

to find funds to send me to France...

...where I completely devoted myself to art.

PARIS

Madam, please pay attention...

The shadow gives shape

but you give the shadow its shape.

Break. Thanks to all.

Will you share a cigarette?

Would you?

No, you always make me look older.

I think you're beautiful.

Can I have a look at your work?

The nose is not very good.

Hey He Qiang!

Fake.

- Newspapers! - Flowers!

Latest news!

Artists constantly gather in this cafe.

How nice.

He Qiang, this is the meeting.

Come and have coffee with us.

Sorry, I'm in a hurry.

Come on, just a cup.

Whiskey.

He introduced me to many art dealers.

We should go say hello.

- But not for long. - I quickly.

I was going to tell you everything...

We want to move in together.

Is it true?

He's been trying to persuade me for a long time.

You love him?

He never mentioned it once.

He is talented and kind.

It's enough.

Let me sleep!

Sorry!

It's the middle of the day.

"Paris is, of course, a mecca of art.

But my money is tight and I miss you terribly.

I want to return home as soon as possible."

My surname is Wang.

I am a volunteer in the Chinese expat community.

- I found a place to live for you. - Thank you.

I work in a restaurant.

Contact us if needed.

What are we doing here?

I'm sorry.

But housing is cheaper in this area.

Sorry if I offended you.

Don't say that. You did what you could.

- We came. - It's here?

The house looks beautiful.

Let's see the apartment.

Carefully.

The basement has more space and is cheaper.

And no one will complain about the noise.

Sorry for causing so much trouble.

And you're pretty.

He Qiang, what are you doing here?

Where is Xue Wu?

Come to me.

He wants to invite reporters to dinner,

and where to get funds for this?

Yuliang, I don't see any other way out.

This will not happen again.

I swear.

Do not tell anyone.

I won't tell, I promise.

Move in with me.

No, he needs money.

Take care of yourself.

Sorry, the door was open

and I decided to go in.

Where did you learn sculpture?

I'm inviting reputable reporters to dinner tomorrow.

Don't you want to come?

This is important for your career.

You're like a fly here.

Who can draw.

Don't be so arrogant.

Look at your sculptures.

They're worthless.

No one will recognize your talent without connections.

Get out. Out!

PARIS SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

Yuliang!

You won the Autumn Exhibition!

- I? - Yes!

"Bather"!

This is my husband and son.

I miss them so much.

Bon Voyage!

Have a drink, Shouxin.

Thank you. Congratulations.

You've done so much for me.

Come on, we are compatriots.

We will.

Don't drink too much.

Thanks for taking care of me.

I'm a simple waiter.

But don't forget us.

Never.

Yuliang, sing for us.

I?

- Come on, come on! - Go.

NANKING

Zanhua...

You are back.

Thank you.

It's like you've grown up.

This is our new home.

So big.

Not like my Parisian closet.

- And this... - Mooney.

Mooney...

Moony, say hello to your mom.

Like?

He's just shy.

He'll get used to it soon.

It's so bright here!

Do you like it?

Yes.

I bought this house for you.

For all your savings.

Things aren't going well for me.

Just don't laugh at me, okay?

I've been abroad for so many years.

And I dreamed of returning home.

Why should I laugh?

I missed you so much.

Me too.

Dad!

Second mother!

Second mother?

Mother taught me, never mind.

Everything is fine.

Moony, come here.

Come up with a title for the painting.

How about "My Family"?

OK. "My family".

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, NANJING

- Good morning, Mrs. Pan. - Good morning.

He is my son, just like yours.

Beautiful figure.

It would be better if she became a model.

This is her strong point.

I've worked here all my life - I'm still an assistant professor.

And she is already a professor.

Apparently it's time to quit.

You have to come to terms with this.

Western style is in demand.

Have you ever won at foreign exhibitions?

This means nothing.

What do foreigners understand about Chinese painting?

My soul aches for art.

400 silver dragons!

They should have gone to a worthy person, not a whore!

Better hold your tongue.

Am I in the wrong class?

No, we chose your course.

But, unfortunately, not all.

Am I that scary?

Why are there so few of you?

I think they've heard enough gossip.

Back, back.

Where are you going?

To class with Ms. Pan.

I will try not to disappoint you. Place your easels closer.

Donghua, please help.

She was practically blind. I came to treat my eyes.

Be careful, steps. Three jokes.

Another one.

Have a seat.

I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow.

I brought you some water.

My bundle!

Thank you, madam.

Mother!

Son!

How you have grown!

Can I try on your glasses?

Give it back!

Mom, I got an A in math today.

Well done. You can play for half an hour longer today.

- And then sit down for your homework. - Wait a minute!

Mooney...

Mom, this is your room.

Sit down.

Let me look at you, Mooney.

- Mom missed you so much. - Me too!

I went blind because I cried my eyes out!

What are you doing here?

Zanhua, come to me.

What are you doing here?

What am I doing here?

Looks like I'm in the wrong room.

An Ju, take the lady to her room!

Good night, Zanhua.

Where are you going?

To the studio.

She haunts us all our lives.

There should be four in "My Family".

- I have to add it. - Well, why are you doing this?

What should I do?

Divorce her?

You know I don't want this.

But I can't live with her.

Don't be dramatic.

We will live as we lived.

I can't stand it.

Mom, I want more meat.

It's enough for today.

- They say your paintings were brought from France. - Yes.

- And “Bather” too? - Yes.

- Will there be an exhibition? - Certainly.

- Did you draw them in France? - Yes.

- Can I see them? - We all want to go.

- Well, of course. - Great!

- I will be very pleased. - Thank you!

I still can't believe it...

You have achieved so much.

Familiar face.

What do you think?

It's you?

Do not like?

How did you draw this?

Look.

What were you thinking?

What if they recognize you?

Don't you dare expose it.

But I can not.

This is the crown of my creativity.

Say it was bought by a French collector.

If you expose her, there will be a scandal.

I don't care. This is my masterpiece.

Gossipers will peck you.

This is China, not France.

Forgot what happened to Rector Liu?

Ten years have passed. Everything has changed.

Ten years? Has it changed?

This lasted 10 years! The case was closed only last year!

Everything is the same as 10 years ago.

Over the next 10 years.

Stop doing that!

You are a woman, understand?

They'll hound you.

It's worse than prison.

I do not care.

Spit? Think about us.

You've been gone for seven years.

Did I complain?

You are a famous artist and I am proud of you.

But I don't want everyone to see my wife naked.

This is too much!

You're wrong.

It's not me.

This is how I see myself.

The conversation is over!

It's hard for people to forget your past

and you want to refresh their memories.

Finally you told the truth.

I won't stand for this.

Go back to Paris if that's the case.

EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY PAN YILIANG

Yesterday - a whore, today - an artist!

Artist whore!

SCARY PICTURES

A whore's ode to her clients!

Skip it!

I buy everything!

Give it here!

Her husband is also an artist!

I'll sue you!

She is the best artist in China! Open your eyes, darkness!

Why do I need all this?

Why do I need all this?

I resigned from the ministry.

It's because of me that you're in trouble again.

I can't stand this anymore.

Sorry.

I'd better leave.

Go home, Zanhua.

I don't need anyone else.

I will always wait for you.

"Zanhua, I will be forever grateful to you...

for everything you've done for me.

I leave you my paintings

to remember happy times."

40s, Paris

- Bonjour. - Bonjour.

- Madame Pan? - Yes.

You have a letter from Monsieur Van.

- Tell me I'll be right there. - Fine.

He Qiang? He Qiang?

It's me, Yuliang.

Yuliang?

I'll take you home.

Home?

Yes, go home.

Xue Wu married the daughter of an art dealer.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

It is not my fault.

She was hiding from everyone.

I had a hard time finding it.

Shouxin, thank you for your kindness.

Now we'll change you.

I want to draw.

I'll give you the paper now.

- Is that normal? - Yes.

Get started.

Do I look okay?

Great.

No I can not.

It would be better if you did it.

Good good.

You draw great.

I don't know how I can continue to live.

I'm devastated.

I have nothing and no one.

No parents...

no children...

no friends.

I do not know what to do.

I can't draw anymore.

We're leaving for Paris!

I don't want to listen to this nonsense!

Do you hear me?

I won't let you sleep alone.

Let's go to Paris.

Maybe we can... move in together?

I will never forget him.

You know.

I'm not asking you to marry me.

I just want to take care of you.

This is unfair.

Shouxin, you have always been kind to me.

But you have to live your life.

Find someone who will love you.

Don't teach me how to live, I'm not a child.

I'm a grown man.

It's not unfair.

You are my Destiny.

This is what the gods ordered.

Shouxin, thank you.

No, it's not for sale.

But I want to buy your work.

Why are you refusing?

I do not understand.

This is not discussed.

Monsieur Dubois...

let's go.

- Orevoir. - Orevoir.

She is very stubborn.

Dont be upset.

I do Asian art

and you are the head of the Chinese emigrant community...

and a close friend of Madame Pan. That's why I turned to you.

I'll try to negotiate with her,

but only on one condition.

Buy two works from her every year.

I will give you a 20% deposit.

Zanhua!

I've been wandering all my life.

Like a boat without a rower.

Without mooring anywhere for a long time.

Okay, I'll go draw.

EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY PAN YILIANG

Oh Shouxin!

I came to congratulate our great artist.

Do you want to see my work?

I'm so worried.

I don't know if they're worth it.

Don't worry.

They are excellent.

The best of the best.

But I wanted to look at you.

Look at this one here.

No no.

How do you do it?

He's amazing.

Ideal.

Don't worry.

All artists are like that.

They are nervous about the opening.

Do you know what people

think about your work?

I don't care.

Look, this is today's newspaper.

They write that the artist Pan Yuliang

opened a new direction in painting.

They call it "Yulian style".

Everyone will soon forget about me.

Send them to China after my death.

Give to the state...

or bequeath it to your children.

I have nothing else.

Promise you'll do it.

I don't want to hear it.

And I want to invite you to dinner.

Will you please me?

But everything is already closed.

I have my own restaurant, have you forgotten?

MONTPARNASSE CEMETERY, PARIS, 1977

PAN YULIAN ARTIST, SCULPTOR 1899 - 1977

Her works were sent to China.