1977 BEIJING, CHINA
Who are you?
We're with the opera troupe.
Oh, I didn't recognize you!
I'm a great fan of you both.
Is that so?
It's been over twenty years since you performed together, hasn't it?
Twenty-one.
Twenty-two.
Yes, twenty-two years.
And it's been ten since we last saw each other.
Eleven. Eleven years.
That's right, eleven years. Yes.
It's due to the Gang of Four and the Cultural Revolution.
Isn't everything?
Things are better now.
That's for sure. Everything's fine now.
Please, wait here a moment. I'll go turn on the lights.
Sorry to trouble you.
FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE
[ People Shouting ]
1 92 4 BEIJING - THE WARLORD ERA
[ Shouting Continues ]
Hey, Yanhong, is that you?
It's been ages. I've really missed you.
Whore!
[ Clanking, Popping Sounds ]
Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the show!
[ Percussive Clanging ]
[ Shouting ]
[ Crowd Gasping, Shouting ]
[ Shouting, Clanging Cease ]
[ Percussive Clanging Resumes ]
Laizi is trying to run away again.
Brat! See how far you get!
Quick, go catch him!
[ Shouting ]
Gentlemen, please be patient.
Sirs, do forgive us.
Trash! How dare you show yourselves around here?
[ All Arguing ]
Fuck you all!
Don't anyone move. You'll get your money's worth!
Just as sure as my name is Shitou...
I'll give you something to look at.
- [ Screams ] - [ Crowd Cheers ]
[ Percussive Clanging Resumes ]
What are you screaming for? I haven't even said hello yet!
You're a disgrace. You couldn't even play a monkey right.
What are you going to do with your life?
Thought you'd get away with that brick act, didn't you?
It's garbage.
- [ Children Screaming, Crying ] - [ Men Chattering ]
[ Knives Clattering ]
Bring your knives for sharpening!
Sharpen your knives!
This child isn't fated to be an actor.
Not with that extra finger.
Think of it.
- He'd scare off the audience! - [ Knife - Sharpener Shouting ]
Sharpen your knives!
I can afford to raise him...
but he's getting too big to keep at the brothel.
Help me. Please take him.
If only you take him, you can do anything you like.
Don't look down on us.
Don't be foolish.
Prostitutes and actors are equally despised by society.
But I have no place for him. What can I do?
[ Knives Clattering ]
Ma, my hand is freezing. It feels like ice.
[ Child Screams ]
[ Sobbing ] [ Screaming ]
- [ Shouting ] - [ Screaming Continues ]
[ Child Grunting ]
[ Yells ]
Ma!
[ Wind Howling ]
[ Child Singing ]
- [ Retches ] - [ Chattering ]
Get away from us, you son of a whore!
[ All Laughing, Jeering ]
It's from the whorehouse! Drop it on the floor!
[ Children Echoing ]
[ Child Shivering ]
It's freezing!
Are you bullying him?
Come over here. Sleep with me!
- [ Boy #1 Whispering ] - [ Boy #2 Chuckles ]
You're really something!
Laizi, go snuggle up with the Little Monk.
Catch!
It's so cold outside...
the piss froze on the tip of my dick.
I nearly turned a somersault!
[ Laughing ]
If you belong to the human race, you go to the opera.
If you don't go to the opera, you're not a human being.
Pigs and dogs don't listen to opera.
And are they human? They're beasts!
And where there's opera, there's work for us actors!
[ Child Shouting ]
Stop squealing!
I'm not!
Straighten that back!
If you think you're above everyone else...
you'll learn the hard way.
This is just the beginning. Wait till you see what's in store.
Don't worry, Douzi. We're already halfway through.
Just keep at it.
Shitou, are you helping someone cheat?
But, Master, I was looking up. I didn't notice what was on the floor.
Bullshit! Get me my sword.
And hurry up!
Master!
[ Swatting, Crying Continue ]
Get up!
Don't you have something to say?
Yes. '' Forming cliques is prohibited and will be punished.''
I'm not fucking scared of anything.
From the time opera began...
it's never enjoyed such popularity as it does today!
You're lucky to be part of it!
We are!
[ Thud ]
'' Heaven's will, not a lack of material skill...
has doomed my kingdom of Chu.''
I've been practicing kung fu to keep myself warm.
It's cool outside, quite cool.
But I've become a man of fire. Get away from me.
[ Children Singing ]
I am so strong
I can uproot the mountains
My courage is renowned
I've fallen on bad times
Yet even my horse
Won't run away to save itself
''These are our rules. We must learn them well.
From ancient times, man has needed a skill.
Having chosen this one, devote ourselves we will.
In youthful striving lies the foundation for future fame.''
Now go off and practice!
Let's hear '' Fleeing by Night.''
''I look back at the Celestial Court and hurry onwards in flight...
heedless of... heedless of...''
Heedless of what?
'' Heedless of loyalty and filial piety.''
''I am so strong, I can uproot the mountains.
My courage is renowned.
I've fallen on bad times, yet even my horse...
won't run away to save itself.
If it won't run away, what can I do?
And my beloved concubine, what shall I do about her?''
Excellent, not a word out of place.
Give me your hand.
This is so you'll remember to do as well the next time.
''At sixteen I am a nun. My hair is shorn at youth's prime.''
Go on.
- ''I am by nature a boy--'' - Huh?
''I am by nature a boy--''
You are by nature a girl! Can't you see you're wrong?!
- [ Blows Landing ] - [ Child Screaming ]
I'll punish you, Laizi!
You still can't get it right, can you?
Don't hit me! I won't do it again!
Sing '' Dreaming of the World Outside the Nunnery.''
''I am-- I am by nature--''
Spit it out!
''I am by nature a boy--''
Is a nun a male or a female?
A-- a boy--
You really are in character. You can't even tell male from female.
''I-I-I am by nature a boy--''
[ Blows Landing ]
You've forgotten everything the master has taught you!
Do it again, and I'll beat you within an inch of your life.
Wrong! Wrong!
You'd better remember this.
If by chance I'm beaten to death tomorrow...
I want you to have...
the three copper coins hidden under my mattress.
Careful!
If your hand doesn't heal properly, your acting career's finished.
Douzi, in a few days, you'll be initiated into the troupe.
Just pretend you're a girl, and don't mess up the lyrics again.
Laizi, have you ever eaten sweet pea cakes?
What's the big deal about sweet pea cakes?
Have you ever had millet rolls?
'' Basin cakes''?
They're about as fucking special as dog farts.
So what do you like?
There's nothing yummier than a stick of candied crab apples.
If I make it big, I'll eat candied crab apples every day for dinner.
Candied crab apples for sale!
Don't look at us like that. We're not sticks of candied crab apple.
Laizi, you're drooling!
[ Excited Chattering ]
What the hell are you doing? Get back here.
Wow, so many big kites!
Come back!
[ Chattering ]
Douzi!
Run for it!
Hold it right there!
Douzi!
Don't forget the money under my mattress.
You're worthless. Get out of my sight!
[ Loud Chattering ]
Where'd you get that?
I bought it with your three copper coins.
Forget Shitou. I'm spending your money now.
Ten apples on each stick. I'll give you two. How about it?
What's wrong with you?
I have to pee real bad.
Not in the middle of the street.
Come on!
It's Manager Wang!
The stars have arrived! Here, come this way.
My dear sir, this is like a visit from Heaven!
All you need to do is sneeze and you get a standing ovation.
We've put you to so much trouble.
We'll be lucky if no one is trampled to death in there!
[ Percussive Clanging ]
BEIJING OPERA '' FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE''
I'll sit on your shoulders for a while, then you sit on mine.
The king! It's the King of Chu!
What does it take to become a star?
How many beatings?
When will I ever enjoy such fame?
[ People Shouting, Applauding ]
Hey! You're pissing all over me!
What the hell are you doing?
I knew you'd go back.
You couldn't live without Shitou!
We're going to get a taste of the sword. But I'm not afraid.
For me, it's like having an itch scratched.
I've eaten my candied crab apple. I'm a fucking star already.
Who the hell do I have to be afraid of?
You little runts, you've come back after all.
Good! I deserve it!
Why the hell did you let them go?
I've had it with you!
Skipping class and running away must be punished!
Master, I'll never do it again. Please let me go!
I wouldn't dare do it again, Master. I was wrong.
Who told you to let them go? I'll kill you!
Master, it was I who ran away. He had nothing to do with it.
Beat me instead!
- [ Master Shouting ] - [ Blows Continue ]
Didn't you think you'd get yours? I'll kill you!
Douzi, speak! Say something!
Beg for mercy! Say he's beaten you well!
I'll kill you! Running away?!
Speak!
Let's just disband the troupe!
[ Blows Continue ]
You're killing Douzi!
I won't let you do this!
Master Guan! Something terrible has happened!
Laizi, he--
[ Man Wailing ]
[ Bell Tolling ]
The opera '' Farewell, My Concubine''...
tells the story of the struggle between the Chu and Han kings.
What sort of man was the King of Chu?
A peerless and invincible hero...
a bold and resourceful general capable of defeating vast armies.
But fate wasn't on his side.
At Gaixia he was outwitted...
by the Han king.
[ Bell Continues Tolling ]
As they prepared for battle, Han's troops sang victory songs...
which carried on the wind and echoed through the valley.
Fearing the rest of their land was already conquered...
the Chu warriors fled in a great panic.
Even the king was weeping.
No matter how resourceful you are...
you can't fight fate.
The king had once been all-powerful, but in the end...
all he had left was one woman and one horse.
He tried to get his steed to run away, but it wouldn't go.
He wanted his concubine to flee, but she stayed too.
For the very last time, Concubine poured wine for her king...
and danced for him with a sword...
then cut her throat with it, faithful to the king unto death.
There's a lesson in this story for all of us...
that each person is responsible for his or her own fate.
[ Children Singing ] I am so strong
I can uproot the mountains
My courage is renowned
I've fallen on bad times Yet even my horse
Won't run away to save itself
If it won't run away What can I do
[ Percussive Clanging ]
Old Man Zhang has commissioned you to hire an opera troupe.
You're like a fairy godmother to us.
With your patronage, the children will have new clothes to wear.
Clothes are not a problem.
Good opera, however, is not so simple.
When he was a palace eunuch...
Old Man Zhang attended operas with the Empress Dowager herself.
So you can't put anything over on him. Not that anyone would try.
You realize that if the performance doesn't make the grade...
I could lose a lot of respect. But that's nothing.
He could have you locked up!
I understand.
This kid's got something.
How many years has he been in training?
Douzi, come here and pay your respects.
He's got a nice little figure too.
Can you sing any old-style operas?
Yes, two.
'' Dreaming of the World Outside the Nunnery''...
is the hardest female role.
Let's hear a bit of it.
''At sixteen I am a nun...
my hair shorn at youth's prime.
Yet I am by nature a boy, not a girl.
Why--''
Mister Na, I am terribly sorry!
He's usually very good.
Master Guan, I'll see you some other time.
You screwed up bad! I'll teach you a lesson.
Open your mouth. Open it!
You've screwed it up for all of us!
I'll teach you to keep getting that line wrong!
Come here!
''I am by nature a girl, not a boy.''
''At sixteen I am a nun...
my hair shorn at youth's prime.
Yet I am by nature a girl, not a boy.
Why must I wear these sexless robes?
I see the joyful couples pass...
in their splendid brocades.
Despite myself, desire burns in my heart...
and I rend my Buddhist gown.''
For year upon year '' FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE''
All over the land
I've followed my king
On his military campaigns
[ Cheering ]
Enduring the wind
And frost and hard toil
I hate only the lawless tyrant Who has plunged our people
Into an abyss of misery
[ Cheering, Applause ]
This little boy...
Master Guan...
Mister Zhang, may you live as long as South Mountain.
This... little boy--
The people have suffered Untold hardship and pain
The king has returned to the camp
Your Highness
I've caused you so much grief
[ Cheering ]
This is a token...
of the old man's appreciation for the two young actors.
Yes, sir!
The Chu king would have won with this sword!
If I were emperor, then you'd be queen of the palace.
I want you to have a sword like this.
Careful, my little man!
That's a real blade!
No need to run!
What's wrong?
The sweat stings the scratch over my eye.
Aren't the two kids going in together?
No. It's an old rule around here.
Master Guan, I'm sorry if you don't understand.
The concubine has to die one way or the other.
Isn't it so?
Master?
Douzi!
[ Panting ]
[ Thud ]
[ Man, Woman Muttering ]
What year is this?
This is... this is 1932.
Wrong!
This is still the Ching dynasty!
Come over here.
I... I want to find Shitou.
I need to pee.
Pee into this. Just pee into this.
Don't waste it. Pee into this.
Come to me!
[ Grunting ]
[ Bell Tolling ]
Douzi!
What's happened to you? Say something!
Have you gone dumb? Speak to me!
[ Baby Crying ]
- [ Crying Continues ] - Douzi.
Fate has determined each of our lots.
Leave him to his destiny.
[ Laughing, Chattering ]
[ Children Chanting ]
[ Chattering ]
All right, look at the camera!
[ Flashbulb Pops ]
Gentlemen, you have done grandly for yourselves.
You look so dignified, absolutely striking...
in any style of clothing.
That's it!
[ Window Shatters ]
Oppose Japan's invasion of North China!
[ People Shouting ]
Damn! It's those students again.
[ Chanting Continues ]
1 937 ON THE EVE OF WAR WITH JAPAN
Down with Japanese imperialism!
Aren't those the two actors in the photograph?
You're playing into the hands of theJapanese!
How can you put on makeup and sing opera at a time like this?
Have you no feeling for your country?
Take a good look.
We're Chinese too, Chinese to the core!
Look at us, goddamn it!
[ Excited Chattering ]
That's right, that's right, we're all Chinese here!
Chinese mustn't fight among themselves!
We've all descended from the same ancestors!
And don't you forget it!
Who the hell do they think they are?
Why don't they go out and fight the Japanese soldiers?
Would they dare do that?
Those students!
They are only trying to find a way...
to kill their spare time!
The one who was yelling the loudest would make a good actor.
Remember the first time we performed '' Farewell, My Concubine''?
Only you remember that kind of thing.
Master Duan! How could you forget?
It was Mister Zhang's birthday party. I am the one who introduced you to him.
Where you two became stars!
Dieyi! It has become a coffin shop now!
I went there yesterday.
I know you've been looking for the sword, but it's long gone.
SHITOU AND DOUZI, NOW FAMOUS ACTORS...
HAVE TAKEN THE STAGE NAMES DUAN XIAOLOU AND CHENG DI EYI.
[ Crowd Chanting ] Cheng Dieyi! Cheng Dieyi!
Candied crab apples for sale!
There's a sea of awestruck people in there...
craning their necks to catch a glimpse of their idols.
Master Yuan has come especially to see you perform tonight.
It's a great honor for us.
There'll be a slight delay!
Mister Duan...
the orchestra's been warming up for ages. Please hurry!
I know. Let me first practice a few scales.
That way they know they're getting their money's worth.
Master Yuan!
[ Percussive Clanging ]
[ Traditional Chinese ]
Year after year all over the land
I've followed my king
On his military campaigns
Enduring wind
And frost and hard toil
[ Cheering, Applauding ]
You be the judge.
Has he not blurred the distinction between theater and...
male and female?
I hate only the lawless tyrant Who plunged our people
Into an abyss of misery
Your Highness
I've caused you
So much grief
[ Crowd Cheering ]
So, Master Yuan has come to see us tonight.
I know. I sang so loudly, I drowned out the horns.
But I wanted him to know that even without his patronage...
we'd still be the talk of the town here in Beijing.
You shouldn't exert yourself like that.
Don't worry.
At key moments...
I squeezed my waist with my hands...
so I wouldn't run out of breath.
Here?
No.
Here?
- Stop it! - [ Train Approaches ]
[ Train Passes ]
Master Yuan!
It's an honor.
Your reputation turns out to be well-deserved.
You're very kind.
Please accept a small, rather slapdash token of my esteem.
I don't believe the Empress Dowager herself...
ever bestowed such a gift upon her favorite actors.
If so, I never heard of it!
Master Yuan, how can our Dieyi be worthy of your favor?
'' Farewell, My Concubine'' has a long history.
It evolved from the old-style opera ''Story of the Precious One.''
Many famous actors have fallen down in this role.
Your evocation of Concubine Yu lifts it into a higher realm.
Impressive.
For a moment or two...
this Yuan fellow was so entranced...
he believed Concubine Yu had actually come back to life!
Master Duan...
when the king returns to camp and meets Concubine Yu...
custom has it--
Yes, Master Yuan?
Custom has it he takes seven steps. You take but five.
If the King of Chu fails to bear himself with majestic dignity...
he's little better than a gangster putting on airs!
Master Yuan, you are a master of the theater arts.
You are an expert in all the varieties and facets of opera.
Could we doubt your word?
Indeed, we are presumptuous to parade our meager talents...
in the theaters of Beijing.
Please give us the benefit of your advice and criticism.
If it's not beneath you, I'd like to invite you...
to my humble home for some wine.
There is still so much to be said about this opera.
I'm terribly sorry, Master Yuan.
I've another drinking engagement...
with a courtesan.
You have other refined entertainments planned.
Excellent.
And Mister Cheng?
[ Low Chuckle ]
Ah, then we shall exchange poetic thoughts some other day.
Excuse me.
Master Yuan, thank you for coming.
Dieyi! I am leaving too.
Girls! Come entertain our guest.
[ Women Giggling ]
Mister Duan, this way please.
We haven't seen you for a while, Mister Duan. We've missed you.
I'd like to see Miss Juxian.
Ah, how shall I put it?
You should have said something... earlier.
She's not here at the moment.
She was asked out to dinner.
What can be done? How about this?
We'll find you a good substitute.
Caifeng, come keep Mister Duan company.
I'll take my leave.
[ Giggling Continues ]
Tell me the truth. Where is Juxian really?
Upstairs or down?
The phoenix roosts on the highest branches, of course!
But she's pretty high-class. You reckon she'll go for you?
You bet!
I specialize in high-class.
- [ Loud Chattering ] - [ Window Shatters ]
Oh, Miss Juxian--
- Bastards! - Okay, we're bastards!
Go ahead then. What are you waiting for?
I'll bet those guys make mincemeat out of you!
I'm really angry now!
We like it when you're angry!
Cut it out or I'll jump!
Jump! I'll follow on your heels.
Such a death would be ecstasy. I'd be a very happy ghost.
If you die, we'll all die and be the planks in your coffin.
Xiaolou!
[ Gasping ]
These guys are revolting!
They were forcing me to drink wine from their mouths.
Come on, assholes. Jump!
This lady has done it. Now it's your turn!
Bastards! Pack of fucking sissies!
All right, if we have to go down, let's go!
Oh, it's Mister Duan!
Listen, we're all here to have a good time...
and spend lots of money.
So let's not pick fights with each other.
[ Sneezes ]
Keep out of it, and get lost.
Don't get upset.
Scared?
Juxian, this is really all your fault.
Didn't you tell these gentlemen today's a special day?
[ Men Murmuring Agreement ]
That we decided to announce our engagement today?
That's right!
Today is the lady's happy day.
Aren't you going to offer congratulations?
Drink a toast to me!
Think you can fool us with this little act?
Gentlemen, on this, my happiest day...
allow me to drink to all of you!
And now, something to sober you up.
Wish us well.
[ Woman Shouts ]
[ Men Shouting ]
I heard you got into a fight at the House of Blossoms.
You know the old story...
about Pan Jinlian's husband meeting the man who screwed her?
Did he have any choice but to fight?
Does this mean there's a Pan Jinlian in your life?
- What are you saying? - What do you want to hear?
I was just fooling around.
You know, damsel in distress and all that.
Come with me sometime. You'll see what it's like.
I'm sorry. I really am!
I wasn't thinking. I really put my foot in it this time.
I'm a damn fool.
Have you forgotten the secret of our success?
Don't you remember our teacher's words?
Which words were they?
''Stick together until the day you die.''
I want you to be with me.
I mean...
I want to be with you the rest of my life.
We've come this far together, haven't we?
It's not enough. I'm talking about a lifetime.
One year, one month, one day, even one second less...
makes it less than a lifetime!
Dieyi, you really are obsessed.
Your obsession with the stage carries over into your everyday life.
But how are we going to get through the days...
and make it in the real world among ordinary people?
Give me a hand with my makeup, will you?
[ Shouting ]
[ Chattering ]
[ Cheering ]
So you want to become a rich man's wife!
Go live out this goddamn fantasy, then.
Don't think that when you walk out this door...
you'll become a lady of virtue!
You think the wolves and tigers won't recognize your scent anymore?
I'm so scared!
Let me tell you something.
Once a whore, always a whore.
Just remember that.
This is your fate!
Fine. See you around.
[ People Cheering, Applauding ]
Master Yuan has presented you with a pennant.
It reads, ''The Beauty of the Age.''
[ Chanting ]
[ Chanting, Cheering Continue, Faint ]
What are you doing here?
What is it, Juxian?
Come on in!
No, you come out!
What are you doing barefoot on such a cold day?
What's happened?
I was kicked out.
The House of Blossoms won't keep an engaged woman.
Come. Let me introduce you.
This is Miss Juxian.
This is my stage brother, Dieyi.
You may have seen him as Concubine Yu.
Xiaolou speaks of you so often, I feel like we're old friends.
Miss Juxian. Excuse me, I must be going.
[ Man Chuckles ]
Xiaolou, that day at the House of Blossoms...
if you hadn't caught me, I'd be six feet under by now.
Remember, it was you who proposed to me.
I'm used to hardship.
If you take me in...
I'll wait on you hand and foot.
If you tire of me, I'll kill myself.
No big deal, really.
- [ All Chattering ] - What a dragon lady!
Incredible! This is a major production.
When's the performance of...
''Candlelit Night in the Bridal Chamber''?
Tonight.
Hold on.
I want a formal engagement ceremony...
to which the entire company is invited.
I want to enter your home as a proper bride.
You don't think I plan to cut corners, do you?
The formal engagement ceremony will be tonight.
Gentlemen, we request the pleasure of your company.
Miss Juxian...
where did you study opera?
Me, study opera? What makes you think I studied opera?
Just the way you're overplaying your part.
Dieyi, she's going to be your sister-in-law.
Be nice.
Also, at the engagement party tonight...
I'd like you to be best man.
I haven't learned the opera ''Gangster King and His Whore.''
Our teacher never taught us that one.
What are you talking about?
Dieyi, Xiaolou has only the nicest things to say about you..
both in public and in private.
Don't leave!
Where are you going?
None of your business.
Xiaolou!
Please don't go!
Master Yuan wants us to visit him tonight.
He wants to become our patron.
Who does he think he is? No one tells me what to do.
I'm just a fake king. You really are Concubine Yu.
Let him patronize you if you like.
Xiaolou!
This feather headpiece is rare and precious.
The feathers are collected from the tails of live peacocks.
That's the secret...
to keeping the feathers soft and colorful.
I'll be waiting for you.
[ Thunder Rumbling ]
In this world, there is foulness in both men and women.
Only the bodhisattva embodies both male and female essences.
Such ecstasy!
This sword has a history.
It once belonged to the eunuch Zhang.
When Zhang went bankrupt, I went to great trouble to acquire it.
I can see from this...
you're old acquaintances.
Amazing. One searches far and wide for something...
only to stumble upon it by chance.
Like it?
I--
Let's not have any vulgar talk of money between us.
A precious sword is the classic gift for one's most intimate friend.
Mister Cheng...
will you be my most intimate friend?
- [ Thunder Crashes ] - The soldiers of Han
Have invaded
The songs of Chu
Can be heard on all sides
Since the good king
Has lost his fighting spirit
[ Thunder Rumbling ]
Why should his humble concubine
Value her life
Don't!
It's a real sword!
''A smile ushers in the spring.
A tear does darken all the world.
How truly does this befit you.
Only you are possessed of such charm.''
[ Explosion ]
Where are you going?
[ Explosions Continue ]
He's crazy.
Ah, Mister Cheng. I knew you'd come.
We saved a seat at the head table for you.
Xiaolou! Xiaolou!
Well, if it isn't Dieyi!
It's a good thing you showed up.
Otherwise--
Have a look at this.
What a sword!
But we're not on stage. What would I want with a sword?
[ Thunder Rumbling ]
Dieyi, you've come so late.
I ought to punish you by making you drink this.
Yes, drink up!
My gratitude, Miss Juxian.
Dieyi? Mister Cheng!
Xiaolou...
from now on, we'll no longer perform together.
Mister Cheng, you can't do this!
This isn't-- The fans won't--
This is terrible!
Japanese troops have entered the city!
[ Explosions ]
Dieyi. Where is Dieyi?
BEIJING OPERA ''THE DRUNKEN CONCUBINE''
Dieyi said it looks better if the eyebrow is very high.
[ Traditional Chinese ]
[ Gives Command ]
[ People Shouting ]
Please! Your troops are upsetting the performance.
Look at this, Mister Duan.
I won't stand for it! Tell him to take it off immediately.
Xiaolou!
[ People Clamoring ]
[ All Applauding ]
What's the fuss? It's only a costume.
If it was the shroud from your grandma's coffin...
you'd still have to give it to me.
Understand me, lowlife?
[ Men Laughing ]
Tell the Japanese I'll be there right away.
Hold on a moment.
It's not some private party.
They're blackmailing you to sing for them.
On the other hand, you're the only one...
who can save Xiaolou.
On the other hand, if anything happened to you...
this theater of mine would--
All right, go then.
Miss Juxian, what are you doing?
Mister Cheng isn't at home!
Where's Dieyi? Dieyi?
Hurry! I've heard the Japanese feed prisoners to their dogs!
And you know Xiaolou's temper.
If you delay, he might not have a life to save!
Dieyi!
But you allowed them to take him away in the first place.
What are you saying?
Xiaolou has looked after you since you were small.
Glad you realize that.
Mister Na, would you mind leaving the room for a moment?
I have something to say to Dieyi in private.
Everyone says Miss Juxian is quite clever...
and her timing in this case certainly proves it.
We're all trying to help Xiaolou. Talk it over.
How about a clear answer? Are you going or not?
Say something!
I know what's on your mind.
I have a proposal.
If you can get Xiaolou out of there in one piece...
I'll go back to the House of Blossoms.
I'll keep away from both of you. How's that?
At the House of Blossoms, you don't have to worry about much.
Life is a lot simpler there.
Just remember, you said it, not me.
I give my word.
KUEN-STYLE OPERA '' PEONY PAVILION''
The flowers have blossomed
Their season is past
All has fallen
Into ruin and decay
Xiaolou!
My brother!
[ Dog Barking ]
Xiaolou, are you all right?
Did you sing for theJapanese?
There's one called Aoki. He genuinely likes opera.
Xiaolou!
[ Car Engine Starts ]
[ Man Shouting Commands ]
[ Firecrackers Popping ]
All right. Come here!
Let me have another drink!
Okay. I'll drink one for you.
Come on!
I think this opera, '' Farewell, My Concubine''...
has turned into...
'' Farewell, My King.''
The king's really irrelevant.
Drink this and your voice will pierce the heavens...
yet be tender and more fluid than water.
[ Laughing ]
Don't move!
[ Clock Chiming ]
Forget the opera.
Let's just live a quiet life.
We'll have a fat little baby boy.
Then I'll have everything I want. That's enough.
No more opera.
Let's go! Let's go!
See you around, Xiaolou!
Wait! You forgot something.