Wear this...
crab-apple blossom.
Bravo!
I've come to return your umbrella.
When you stood at the corridor,
I saw you had my umbrella with you.
I thought you wanted to keep it.
If I had returned your umbrella then,
I have no excuse to come again.
Come in.
Mr. Qiu.
Yes?
Is there something urgent?
Should I go in and announce your presence.
What's the rush?
Here's a paper swallow.
It can fly very high.
That's not so high.
But I made it from a programme.
Two names are on it.
Whose names?
Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong.
Whose?
Another acid-tongue!
Is your wife like that too then?
She's a good person.
She had me under control.
Is that possible?
Not really.
Know what I prayed for?
Can you guess...
my wish?
Don't tell.
My worst fear is that
it's not what I'd hoped for.
If I could sing with Mei Lanfang forever,
that would be wonderful.
Are you waiting for me?
You forgot the celebration banquet.
Everyone's waiting for you.
I'm not going.
More people speaking words of flattery.
I told Mr. Feng I wasn't going.
Also, that ceremony next week for the plaque.
Please decline for me.
It's tough being as close to him as I am.
A hundred businesses honouring him with a gold plaque.
And he decides not to go, just like that.
There are four characters on the plaque.
Brother.
Which four characters?
He won't let me say.
You'll disappoint them if you don't go.
You should go to the banquet tonight, too.
The show can't begin without its star.
Xiaodong's understanding.
You have to receive that plaque too.
See you, Xiaodong.
See you.
Zhifang.
Did you see a note in the pocket of my white suit?
See it? I tore it up.
It has an important address.
7 Beitangzi Hutong.
7 Beitangzi Hutong, right.
It's Meng Xiaodong's address.
You don't have to tell me.
Zhifang.
You want to tell her that
you're not going, right?
By the gift of this plaque,
you honoured me greatly.
But it strikes me that
the title "King of Actors" makes it hard for me.
If I sing well, I'm the King.
If I don't, I'm still the King.
I'm only an opera singer.
All I want is to sing
for the rest of my life.
Thank you all very much.
Hey!
'King of Actors'
'7 Beitangzi Hutong'
Mr. Qiu,
What are you doing here?
Xiaodong,
I urgently need your help.
What's up?
Wanhua must go to America. He has to.
He won't just be the star of the Far East.
But possibly the biggest star in the world.
Please help. He listens to you.
Brother.
Wanhua? You're here too.
Brother.
Oh.
How'd you know where I live?
A friend told me. A reporter.
That Mei Lanfang often visits Xiaodong's place.
It'll be the talk of the town by tomorrow.
Brother. Just like you,
Wanhua's here tonight for the first time.
Xiaodong, please do me that favour.
I'll be off now.
Brother, I'll go with you.
Be my guest for lunch tomorrow at Yanchun House.
This way.
Hey, singer!
Thank you, sir, thank you!
Was that Huifang?
I didn't recognise him.
He used to be such a prima donna.
I know you're doing this for Brother Qiu.
You think I should go to America too.
But I'm terrified that I may fail.
There's a lot to be afraid of.
A theatre that's half empty.
No applause on your entrance.
Giving your all on the night,
only to be panned by the critics.
Our livelihood depends on the whims of others.
So true.
Do you know what I prayed for that day?
Just to be able to see a movie with you one day.
We could go today.
The three "cops"!
Mr. Feng, Brother.
Mr. Mei, at last.
You've got to save me! Save my show!
The audience is already in.
Please don't let me down.
I've an important engagement. Can't make it.
More important than saving a show?
Master Zhu is ill.
I know you're from different troupes.
But they're demanding you -
or their money back.
Ask someone else to do it.
We need a star.
You're the biggest star there is. Please.
And if I offend you by refusing?
You won't. You're not that sort of person.
What sort am I, then?
Can't I even go watch a film with Xiaodong?
Is it that hard?
Miss Meng, please help persuade him.
It's too late.
Wanhua.
Remember the paper yoke your uncle had to wear?
You know the worst thing about it?
The thinness of the paper.
The tiniest force could've torn it.
But if they could have ripped it off,
your uncle and grandpa would have done so already.
They couldn't.
Now it's on you.
Wanhua, Brother Qiu is saying,
that so long as it's on you,
you mustn't let it be torn.
Not even for one day?
No?
Stop.
Stop the car.
Xiaodong,
I need to talk to you.
You want me to stay away from him, right?
Well, I won't.
I'll be there for him every day.
Every afternoon, hour,
and second.
It doesn't matter.
Xiaodong,
do you understand his loneliness?
It's inside him.
Wanhua has been with us all these years.
And yet in his heart he was always alone.
Until he met you.
But everything that he has,
comes from that loneliness.
If you destroy that loneliness,
you destroy Mei Lanfang.
I understand.
But I can't leave him.
Don't be too hard on Wanhua.
It's only Meng Xiaodong.
If he doesn't have a secret admirer,
I'd be the first to worry.
Don't fret. See you later.
Oh, see you.
Coming! The door's open.
Gave you a fright, did I?
You did. Please, come in.
Otherwise people might think
I was refusing you entry.
As if you'd dare.
Should I call you Elder Sister?
Call me Zhifang. It's more intimate.
Lovely little courtyard.
I'll get you some tea.
I only drink boiled water. It's cleaner.
Then I'll get you some.
Don't trouble yourself.
Not at all.
Anyway, I won't drink it.
Tell me what you came to say.
Alright, I will.
I'm not your equal.
I was once a singer too.
But when I married him,
I gave up my stage career.
I'm not your match.
The best actress in the land, great future.
You didn't come to sing my praises.
True.
I came to plead with you.
Please leave Mei Lanfang alone to sing opera.
Don't distract him.
Can you do that?
On my way here,
I told myself not to quarrel with you.
But see how useless I am.
I've come to tell you that
you don't own him and neither do I.
He belongs to his fans.
Xiaodong.
You startled me.
So you're going away?
I'm asking you.
Are you going away?
You never mince words, do you?
It's not that I'm going away.
It's that I'm leaving you. Forever.
You not only like to kid around
but you hold a grudge too.
I'm not kidding. It's for real.
Of course you're kidding. How could you not be?
It's for real.
It's not for real.
It is.
It's not.
It is.
Meng Xiaodong will never see Mei Lanfang again.
Get changed.
We're going to the movies.
I'm not going.
Mr. Feng is giving a party.
Will they both be there?
Oh yes.
I'll trade these for an invitation.
Look. Here, have them.
They're a beautiful couple.
Aren't they?
But sometimes I just have to interfere.
Meng Xiaodong.
Zhifang agreed to mortgage the house.
Wanhua, you can't afford to fail in America.
There's no shame in losing,
only in being afraid.
But they wired saying don't come because of the Depression.
How do we respond?
"Mei Lanfang is scared to tour America."
How many words are there?
Seven.
And in "Mei Lanfang will go to tour America?"
Seven too.
Help boost my courage.
I'll leave Peking tomorrow.
Oh, Xiaodong...
Brother, this is a letter for Wanhua.
Promise you'll give it to him
to read on his opening night in America.
I promise.
He hasn't come?
He's not on my list.
About that matter...
Something up?
No.
Brother, let me introduce you
to Mr. Tanaka Ryuichi of the Japanese consulate.
Pleased to meet you.
The pleasure's mine.
Mr. Mei, a photo please.
Together.
Xiaodong. I'll see you out.
Hey!
Stop there, Meng Xiaodong!
Don't move!
What're you doing?
Put that gun down. Put it down.
Don't move!
Put that gun down.
I'm Mei Lanfang.
Everyone knows that.
Don't move! Don't anyone try to leave!
That thing's not loaded.
Says who?
Just do what you have to do.
All our friends are here,
and they can bear witness.
If it's in my power,
I'll give you what you want.
I want Meng Xiaodong to leave Mei Lanfang.
Now!
Let go!
Alright. You can shoot me now.
Meng Xiaodong, I hate you.
If not for today,
Mei Lanfang would never even set eye on me.
Or heard me say a single word.
How could I ever get close to him like you do?
Since falling for him and the roles that he plays
I have forgotten if I'm male or female.
Do you know what that's like?
Do you?
I do.
I only ever wanted my acting
to bring happiness to people.
I didn't hurt your feelings on purpose.
Hearing you speak,
I want to apologise.
Go. Live your life well.
That's him!
What time is your train tomorrow?
Early.
Wanhua,
don't be afraid.
Don't cry.
Boss Wang.
Yes?
I won't sing Plum Dragon Village.
But that's what the audience wants.
I won't do it.
I'll sing anything but that.
Never that one again.
Never ever.
Understood?
1930 - New York
How can the NY Times
critic write this?
He hasn't even seen it and he's already negative.
Add to that the Great Depression.
Of course, there's no point in regrets.
Why are you looking at me like that?
I hope you'll succeed.
It's not about me. It's Mei Lanfang.
It's us all.
Why concede defeat even before the first show?
Why defeat ourselves?
I'm telling you,
he must succeed.
Accountant Zheng, what can I do for you?
It's like this.
Madam said not to hide financial matters from you.
We paid "compensation" to the assassin Liu Xichang.
It's quite a large sum
and was paid some time ago.
Here's Mr. Qiu's authorisation.
Wanhua,
who brought you the papers?
Brother, you paid Liu Xichang?
Wanhua.
This Liu Xichang, he was a fan, poor thing.
I thought to give his family some money.
You're lying.
He's dead. He came back to life
to sign a receipt?
Or did you hire him beforehand?
Tell me.
You're right.
I hired him.
To stop Xiaodong,
to force her to leave you.
Wanhua,
you're approaching perfection.
I can't let anyone stand in your way.
Even if in this case I did the wrong thing.
But you'll never be able to
bring him back to hear your apologies.
I don't regret it.
Get out!
Liu Xichang wasn't supposed to kill anyone.
I didn't know his gun was loaded.
What you have done,
was despicable.
Criticise me all you like.
But tonight, we must stand together.
Wanhua, my nephew:
By the time you get this letter,
your uncle may have breathed his last.
What did your uncle's letter say?
Wanhua
Wanhua?
I want to dissuade you from singing.
But luckily you have no fear.
So sing and sing well.
And do your very best,
to endure the paper yoke.
Don't look back. Give it your all until the end.
How come they're not applauding?
Mistress, kill him,
please be quick!
Kill him?
Stop causing trouble - get lost.
Your time has come.
Where'd you go?
What's this? What happened?
You need to ask?
See for yourself.
- What's going on, it's... - Crazy?
They're going crazy!
Crazy, brother!
Crazy!
It's total madness!
Wanhua,
nine curtain calls are enough.
Never indulge your audience.
If you're too sincere they'll think less of you.
Act aloof and they'll fall at your feet.
That's true.
Please move out of my way.
Wanhua, get in.
I need a walk.
Wanhua,
I don't know when you'll read this.
If it's after the show,
then I congratulate your success.
If it's before,
I just want to say again,
Wanhua, don't be afraid.
1937 The Japanese occupation of Peking
I've come today,
to bid my farewell.
My worst fear has always been
that I can no longer perform on stage.
That day has come,
finally.
I wish you all peace and safety.
Wherever I go,
you'll be on my mind.
I thank you all.
Major Tanaka,
why are you so late?
I went to town to see
Mei Lanfang's performance.
So you were late on account of work.
I also happen to like Mei Lanfang very much.
All previous foreign occupiers of China,
consolidated their rule
by assimilating Chinese culture.
The ethnic minority rulers
of the Qing Dynasty,
identified with China by their love of Peking Opera.
Mei Lanfang is China's greatest actor.
The hundred or so characters he has portrayed
symbolise the passions of the Chinese.
He represents the feelings of his people.
And Chinese call this their conscience.
If we can tame Mei Lanfang,
we can conquer China.
And Japan will succeed
where others have failed.
Brother,
are you packed?
I've been thinking. I'm not going.
You won't be singing. What use will I be?
We've got the tickets already.
You decided to quit, just like that.
Three generations' blood,
sweat and tears. Thrown away.
You might be able to let it go, but I can't.
If the Japanese don't leave,
does Peking Opera have to die?
If Germany occupied England,
would the English have to give up Shakespeare?
If Peking opera survives, the country will live on.
Really, it's best if you come.
I won't go to the station.
Take this as my farewell.
Don't let the opera die!
You startled me!
Don't just sit.
Help tidy up and we'll be off to the station.
Brother Qiu was here for ages.
When you didn't come, he left.
Madam, I need to ask you something.
The master's phonograph records
aren't going with us, are they?
I packed them into that case. They're staying.
Yes.
What are you doing?!
Madam, Master, this way!
This way!
The train to Shanghai is about to leave.
Give it to me. It's mine.
Stop fighting.
He's eating my toffee apples.
The kids have been saying
that once the Peking sweets are gone, that's it.
Give daddy a taste.
Uncle Feng! Uncle Feng!
This is wonderful!
Uncle Feng!
Shanghai has no fried dough
but it does have sweet cakes.
Thank you, Uncle Feng!
Not so fast, you'll trip! Watch the steps!
Zhifang, you've lost weight.
I feel so much better now that I've seen you.
Go on, practice the piano.
Master Mei,
please perform at my theatre.
If you won't give me face,
there's nothing I can do.
But this is the French Concession.
There are no Japanese here yet.
Alright. See you later.
See you later.
Wanhua,
you don't want to sing?
I do.
Who's there?
Coming, coming.
There's a Japanese here.
Please accept Mr. Sun's invitation to sing.
I just turned it down.
I meant it.
I thought I was doing a good deed.
Whatever happens to China,
Mei Lanfang must live on.
Would anyone wants to see a tarnished Mei Lanfang?
He turned it down.
I'm sorry.
Yes. I know.
My commanding officer wants to see you.
When can you go?
You mustn't go.
It's unavoidable. Might as well get it over with.
You have to tell me...
Where are you taking him?
Mr. Mei will be received with courtesy.
Take him away.
Major Tanaka!
Where're you taking him?
Calm down. Listen.
Out of my way!
Major Tanaka.
Let him wait inside.
Mr. Mei, have you thought it over?
The answer to your question,
I've already told Mr. Tanaka.
What did he say?
He said he already gave
Major Tanaka his answer.
Tell him to answer me.
Mr. Mei...
I won't perform.
What did he say?
He won't perform.
Why not?
You know how many times I've seen you perform?
What?! Speak Japanese!
When you first went to Japan, I was only 15.
My father had died in battle.
So my uncle took me to see you.
He said when you first performed in Japan,
his uncle took him to see you.
He was 15. His father had died in battle.
Tell him,
he just prances around the stage playing stupid women.
Our chief says
you just prance around the stage playing women.
Tell him,
but off stage I'm a man.
He says, off stage he's a man.
This blade has cut off the heads of many enemies.
Why wouldn't it cut your head off too?
Japanese soldiers mustn't treat Mr. Mei like this.
What? Say that again.
I beg you.
Do you remember me from Mr. Feng's place?
I recognised you when you came to my house.
You were our guest that time.
You left your cigarette case behind.
My father left this to me.
Thank you.
Will they come back?
Japanese Military base outskirts of Peking
This is Mr. Qiu Rubai.
Tanaka Ryuichi.
We've met.
What d'you want?
Tell me.
Mr. Tanaka wants you to ask Mr. Mei
to give two shows in Shanghai at the end of the year.
He gives you his word
the shows are strictly commercial.
And not for any other purpose.
Mr. Tanaka hopes
Mei Lanfang can sing forever.
What makes you think,
I could talk him out of retirement?
Because you're like his other half.
No matter who wins this war,
Mei Lanfang must live on.
Your accomplishments will be immortal.
Goto,
give our Shanghai address to Qiu Rubai.
Stop, stop, stop!
What the hell are you doing?
You know you're plagiarising Mei Lanfang?
I know.
You know.
So you've stolen his moves.
But why not do them properly?
Do you know what this scene depicts?
Why don't you enlighten me?
It's not a bawdy play.
Not a bawdy play!
Precious Concubine Gets Drunk is about
a jilted concubine who,
though cast out and heartbroken
remains dignified and noble.
You're one to talk about dignity.
I'll show you some acting!
You want a fight?
Hello?
Oh, Master Mei.
Master Mei, I'd been puzzled.
You've always been so good to your audience.
You've always cared for them.
How could you not perform?
I'll stage the show and it'll be a sell-out!
Good, alright, see you soon.
Central News.
The Red Cross confirms
on December 13, 1937 Japanese troops
occupied Nanjing.
You tricked me. Lied to me.
You said they wouldn't be used for propaganda.
You planned it as a victory
celebration all along.
You're so despicable.
But didn't you call the radio station?
I was confused, I'm a bastard!
Just leave Mei Lanfang alone.
Last night Mei Lanfang called in
to say he'd return to the stage.
Just as the Japanese occupy Nanjing.
Of course...
We don't even need to ask.
It could only be Qiu.
Don't even mention that name.
Since Wanhua met him,
it's like he's been kidnapped.
Wanhua, what'd you do
to make him want to hurt you like this?
Madam, some awful person
threw this rock over the wall.
It broke a window.
I thought you'd want to know.
Mrs. Song.
Yes?
Throw it away.
Yes.
No amount of explanation,
can clear the air on this.
The Japanese have entered the Concessions.
Deliver the press conference invitation
to Mei Lanfang yourself.
Yes sir.
Get out.
Out!
Madam, please.
Get out.
Go or I'll summon the police.
Madam, please, don't...
Zhifang.
Don't call me Zhifang.
Wife of my Brother.
You're not one of us.
Can't I just give Wanhua a script?
Get out. Sir.
What's wrong?
Master Qiu, Mr. Qiu,
can't you just let him be?
Can't you leave him alone?
I beg you, I beg you.
I plead with you.
Madam...
you'll injure yourself.
Sir, you won't like me saying so.
If I were you I wouldn't have come.
I'd be too ashamed.
I beg you, I beg you.
Zhifang.
Madam, please calm down.
Please calm down.
Brother,
I'm not here to apologise.
As a Japanese once said to me:
No matter who wins this war,
Mei Lanfang must live on.
You're quite a boot licker.
So that's your rationale
for trapping the man
you've always supported.
And the noble Qiu family
produced a traitor.
Move. I'm not speaking to you.
Brother,
I... I never...
I'd never set him up!
You normally win,
but not this time.
Wanhua,
there's a war every other year.
You are sacrificing your art.
Everything will be reconciled, dissolving into thin air.
That's how the ordinary world works.
But you...
You are not meant for an ordinary world.
You should know what's right.
Even if people misunderstand you.
But you once told me.
It's not good enough to live, but one must live for the good.
Live well, live right, live without fear.
Those were your words. Have you forgotten?
I won't see anyone for a few days.
Bring me Dr. Wu's number.
The morning of the press conference,
he'll give me a typhoid shot.
I heard that it makes you sick,
run a high fever.
Your lips will crack.
That's how I'll appear at the press conference.
Also, we should pay off our debt to Mr. Feng.
You're preparing your last will?
Wanhua, let's not do this.
Is there more soup?
Yes.
Zhifang,
I'm sorry for what happened before.
Mr. Mei.
Let me go over this again.
You'll have a strong reaction for a few days.
You'll run a fever and might fall unconscious.
I know.
Wanhua...
All glory turns in the end to dust.
By the time I understood this,
it was too late.
Uncle wants you to be a mere mortal,
who lives a quiet and peaceful life.
Mr. Mei, this way please.
It's been a long time.
Hello everyone.
Although this is a press conference,
I've said everything
I wanted to say.
Why grow a beard?
Why play this joke on yourself?
It's not a joke on anyone.
It's for real.
There was an old singer,
whom I called Master.
Just before he died, he said to me:
Wanhua,
please do something for me.
I asked what.
He said,
raise our status in the eyes of the world.
Let us be seen as worthy of respect.
I agreed.
But I'm really at a loss
to make good of that promise.
I think
this is the best I can do.
Wanhua!
His supporters are called the Mei Clique.
He's affectionately called "Darling" Mei by many.
His style of singing is called Plum.
And in China,
the plum blooms in winter.
The plan for Mei Lanfang
will proceed as planned.
If I can do anything
to stop this from happening,
I will.
Brother.
Yes.
These are your letters to Wanhua.
Take them.
Go on.
His debt to you will be clear if you do.
This letter,
it isn't mine.
It's from Wanhua's uncle.
I don't know how many times he'd read it.
It always put him in a trance.
I still don't know what it says.
I hope you'll leave the world of opera.
I don't know if you'll listen to me.
You lost your parents when you were young.
You often shouted for me.
But I seldom respond
as I don't want you to feel even lonelier,
when I've departed from this world.
What a life we've led.
When we were young,
I never let you wear
anything in fashion,
not even fancy leg wraps.
You need to live a true life,
in order to play well on stage.
You've always listened to me.
Because of me,
you gave up your one true love.
If there's a next life,
I won't stand in your way again.
I'd do as you wish.
I see that now
you wanted an ordinary life.
Maybe,
you've always been
just an ordinary person.
Uncle!
Thank you.
Please stay where you are.
I need to get made up.