-Hi, Mo-ting. -Come here.
The day is coming soon.
This is more like handing me over rather than a marriage.
We didn't agree with his last words.
We can only entrust our last words to our friends.
BASED ON PAI HSIEN-YUNG'S WORK A GREAT LITERARY FIGURE OF TAIWAN
I've lost my patience.
When will you listen to me?
Don't you want to have new friends?
Would you like it if I kicked out Qing tomorrow?
Give it to me.
Give me that wedding ring your godmother bought for me.
Give it to me.
Hand it over!
You better behave yourself.
I don't care if he's only a major.
At least address him as "sir".
Don't be rude.
I'm going to return this to your godmother.
I'm not getting married. Are you happy now?
Did you do this on purpose?
I was looking for it for so long.
I thought I had lost it when we were escaping.
Help me figure out which pair is more suitable for Wei-xun's wedding.
Which would a young person prefer?
How about this one?
You youngsters are definitely different from us.
That looks too young.
Look at that photo.
It's a photo of a female student.
Just like me.
It's the same as Madam Zhou.
We were naive at that time,
but after female students entered the Air Force Village,
everything has changed.
Isn't it nice?
Take this.
It's customary
for every wedding in the village to be handled by me.
This is a gift for Madam Zhou's wedding.
She's actually very kind.
No one ever says that she's kind.
No gift is required for this wedding.
Will the wedding be held at the airport?
No.
It might bring bad luck if we have a wedding near an aircraft.
All the pilots will gather there when the New Society Club is ready.
We'll set up two or three tables so that everyone can chat.
Then it will be over.
Wei-xun's ex-husband was a vice-captain.
He died in the war.
According to the military rules,
junior pilots have to take care of the family of the deceased.
Come with me later.
Okay?
Reporting, ma'am.
I haven't seen the pilots of the 11th Wing and their wives.
The 9th Wing doesn't know how to make preparations.
Let me call and ask.
Greetings, Lady Qin. My captain has sent me over to have a look.
You're from the 9th Wing.
Please send my regards to your captain.
You were also at the Aviation School.
We have a big event tomorrow.
It'll be more than just a wedding.
Understood.
Take away the wine!
Madam Zhou of the 11th Wing will be handed over to their officer.
Remove all photos of the late vice-captain, now!
Blockheads!
Tear down the word "Happiness"!
Hey!
We finally have today off to prepare for tomorrow's event.
Ma'am, please speak to Mr. Shao.
I'm not close to him.
Lady Qin.
Yes?
Lady Qin.
All the pilots have been grounded by Mr. Shao.
And Madam Zhou has instructed the guards not to let us leave the village.
Head over to the New Society Club to prepare.
The New Society Club? Don't go to the trouble.
A few tables in the hangar will do.
That's only during war.
Now, it is peacetime.
I thought you wanted to tell me as time goes by, everything will be fine.
Do you wish to return to your hometown?
Go ahead.
Be sure to remember
what Xu-hui looks like when he flies in the sky.
What's your point in mentioning him? Did you really have to bring that up?
You can return to your hometown
and hide that memory forever in your mind.
I just feel sorry for Mo-ting.
She'll have to suffer with you, having only that memory to live with.
What are you looking at? Get lost!
Here's a document we got this morning.
Ever since Zhi-jian read it,
he's been scolding the rookies.
Tell the vice-captain to come here.
Zhi-jian has been promoted to vice-captain.
What about the previous vice-captain?
Xu-hui?
His number has been officially removed.
His official records weren't given to the wing.
They were returned to the Aviation Committee.
You guys made the decision.
Am I right?
Sir.
Zhi-jian.
I was teaching those
who don't know how to restart an engine.
Aren't you on leave?
The New Society Club is a mess.
Right.
The day of your wedding with Wei-xun is coming soon.
Have you forgotten?
Have a seat, Zhi-jian.
-Yes, sir. -Come on.
From now on, you're the vice-captain.
You're no longer an NCO. Sit there.
Let them go to help their wives tidy up the area.
I'll head over later.
Sure.
Turn off the siren.
Thank you, Vice-Captain.
Captain, let me see Gong and supervise the mechanics class.
Zhi-jian.
Don't you want to get married?
Lady Qin.
I didn't want this to happen.
On that day when we were sent to fight,
if it were not for my injuries...
I wouldn't have let Xu-hui fly for me.
I can still vividly recall that day
when he dragged me off the airplane
and said he wanted to replace me.
And he said he wanted to fight more
because the enemy captain was weaker than him.
He gave me his will.
He wanted me to keep it for him.
He said he would come back to get the will from me.
Taking care of his dependents is obviously my duty.
I don't have the right to answer your question.
Lady Qin.
Sir.
I'm leaving now.
Sir!
You still haven't gotten rid of it? Are you keeping it for out of nostalgia?
Attention!
Damn!
Finally, someone has returned alive.
Where's Zhi-chu Zhang? His wife is waiting for him.
Let's look for her. The others might still be alive too.
Let's give her some hope.
Sir.
No one else is coming back.
Zhi-chu Zhang
was shot and the aircraft fell.
He didn't die immediately,
but the aircraft caught fire.
He couldn't escape.
Through the walkie-talkie,
he kept screaming that he was in pain.
There was nothing I could do.
I used
the last of the ammo in my aircraft on him.
Did any of your shots miss?
No.
I hit his aircraft.
You helped him.
I wanted to shoot down the Japanese aircraft,
but I failed!
I was even shot twice!
Damn it!
I'm too ashamed to live!
I maintained level flight to let them kill me, but they failed!
How can I live with this pain for my whole life?
What's the point of crying?
Are you here to blame me for your incompetence?
It's already too late. The war is over.
Do you still want me to show you how to shoot down an aircraft?
Sir.
Can I ask Lady Qin to accompany me to visit Madam Zhang?
No way.
She's busy preparing for Wei-xun and Zhi-jian's wedding.
Don't disturb them.
Will you accompany me then?
I...
I can't.
It's usually my wife
who handles such things.
I would usually hide at our base
and try not to sleep until the next morning.
I don't want to sleep.
Because I fear of dreaming
of the people who died
and couldn't return home with me.
That's enough.
Don't return to the wing.
And don't think about visiting Madam Zhang.
You...
Just stay in Gong's workshop for now.
If other pilots know about you,
they'll find out about Zhi-chu Zhang.
Also,
Zhi-jian has been promoted to vice-captain.
He's marrying Wei-xun.
My wife went through a lot to handle this wedding.
Join the joyous celebration
before grieving.
It's my wife who handles the bad news, not you.
Understand?
Answer me! Do you understand?
I understand.
But...
I'm too ashamed to face anyone.
I should just go to jail.
Jerk, what are you talking about?
Since my first day as Lieutenant Colonel,
half of those who fought with me never returned.
Their wives cried a river...
when I returned home.
My wife immediately chased me out to hide at our base.
You have to be stronger.
Hey.
Aircraft petrol.
You punk.
I finally get to see you.
The 1st Squadron Captain.
It makes us mechanics worry...
when you guys take off.
Every single one of you is always so confident and proud.
You guys don't ever go to the temple to pray for safety.
Every pilot thinks that they can fly faster than the immortals.
But I'm different.
Once you guys take off,
I pray to every god and Buddha...
for all of you to return home safely.
However, it doesn't always work.
I've never seen any team
that came back whole after a mission.
So,
we should stop praying to the gods.
But sometimes, we have to believe.
Otherwise, if you're the same as Lieutenant Colonel,
it will do you no good.
There was a time during war,
in the middle of the night,
I saw him alone in his room.
I saw him pulling out a note from his pocket.
On the note,
there was a list of pilots' names killed during missions.
He was torturing himself.
Goodness.
I wouldn't be able to handle such stress.
Therefore,
I believe that sometimes, we need to trust the gods.
Goodness, this world is never fair.
Look.
The note in the Captain's pocket had a list of pilots' names.
But my name wasn't on it.
Right?
Even in this Air Force area, only pilots are allowed to sleep here.
There's no place for aircraft mechanics.
Think about it.
If I'm not here to repair the aircrafts, how are you guys going to fly?
Gong.
Let me ask you.
Before I fell from the aircraft after being shot,
at that very moment of my life,
can you guess what was on my mind?
Tell me.
I saw him.
The 11th Wing's Master Sergeant, Gong.
He was so agitated.
That made me feel so satisfied.
Really?
My goodness.
Finally, someone remembers me.
I even shouted.
I said,
"Gong!"
"What kind of lousy parts did you use?
It's your fault that I got shot down."
What a jerk!
I used the best parts.
I even stole the U.S. parts from the joint U.S.-China team.
I shouldn't have treated you so well.
I'm so useless.
Zhi-chu Zhang!
Captain.
I can't...
Hurry! Get out of the aircraft!
There are national guerrillas there! Watch out for them!
I'm running out of ammo! We need to return to our base!
I'll find you!
Captain.
It's on fire!
I can't escape!
Captain.
Come back!
Captain.
My face is burning.
It hurts.
My wife will not recognize me.
Save me!
Captain.
The Japanese soldiers are here.
They are aiming at me.
They are smiling.
Captain!
Hurry!
Zhi-chu Zhang.
I have let you down.
Damn...
I can no longer return.
I'll do whatever it takes to kill all of them.
Come on!
Pilot...
if you can no longer take it,
leave.
Go to a place far away.
Where's Zhi-chu Zhang?
I couldn't wait until he returned.
I tried to commit suicide but failed.
I was saved by Lady Qin and Madam Zhou.
They locked me up.
Where is he?
Zhi-chu Zhang...
He's...
in the hospital.
Really?
Is he really in the hospital?
Why didn't he write to me?
He's seriously injured.
But he'll recover soon.
He sent me over to notify you.
Is he disabled now?
Is that why he didn't write?
Ma'am...
I'm sorry.
I think I should tell you the truth.
It's okay.
I'm glad that he's alive.
Even if he's disabled,
I can take care of him.
Sorry.
I should leave.
I won't be able to see you anymore.
Are you moving to another team?
No.
I'm tired of flying.
I want to stop flying.
Hey, where are you going?
I want to propose a toast to congratulate Madam Zhou.
Leave after you're done with the 12th dish.
Observe and follow Lady Qin's actions.
Don't greet with wine. Don't congratulate.
You better listen.
Sit down.
Only one bottle of wine?
I'm going on stage to complain.
Gong.
I don't see the word "Happiness" anywhere.
For such events in the past, the New Society Club even had a band.
Nothing?
The rival of the 11th Wing, the 9th Wing is also here.
Welcome!
Zhi-jian has been promoted to vice-captain.
As his wife,
I thank everyone who came to celebrate.
Come on. Cheers.
Cheers.
Zhi-jian.
Cheers to you.
Next, cheers to Lady Qin who always bullies me.
Qian-yi.
Thank you for making my wedding look so dead and torturous.
Qian-yi and Wei-cheng are going to the States for training soon.
I wish her farewell.
Once you're out, don't ever come back.
Don't ever return to the Air Force Village.
Cheers.
Wei-cheng, where do you think you're going? Sit down.
You always command people around like an arrogant brat.
But he is quite obedient today.
Let's drink. Cheers.
Finally, cheers to all pilots...
for being the enemy of women.
I'd like to thank all of you
for giving us a different kind of life.
Come. Drink up!
Cheers!
This is how the Air Force should be!
Next, I want every team to toast me with wine one by one.
You,
the loser captain in the 9th Wing, you first.
Let the party begin.
Gather round, 9th Wing!
Let's eat.
Stop right there!
Your captain is my friend.
Our captain has instructed not to let anyone come near here.
When you reach home, don't tell anyone that we came here, all right?
I want to buy some stationery.
Okay, I'll get them for you. I'll get you whatever you want.
Why are you looking for 513? I'll keep it a secret.
I'll tell you, but please don't let others know.
When I was in high school, a pilot fell from the sky.
He was injured, so he rested in our dorm.
After that, he left a note. He signed it 513.
Why didn't he write his name? What a bother.
My mom said only an enemy would write notes without stating his name.
So, is this person that I have been looking for actually an enemy?
I've seen a pilot fall from the sky before.
My dad and the Japanese
used to fight every day in the past.
The wives in the village would look in the sky and clap their hands.
Then one day, an aircraft fell.
My godmother dragged me home and I saw my mom cry.
Let's go, shall we?
I'll buy you toys.
That day,
I walked a long way with Qing.
In the future, she would walk even farther.
No one could catch up to her.
No one could find her.
Like a lost pilot,
in times of despair, she set a goal for herself.
Then she flew towards it and never returned.
A mechanic sent a message just now.
Please help me read it.
I thought he was in the hospital. Why would there be an urgent message?
Let's wait for Lady Qin to return.
You're a newcomer.
And you're still pure. You could bring good luck.
Please.
THE 11TH WING, ZHI-CHU ZHANG
"Special message.
This is an urgent message.
A body has been collected on behalf of your household.
Jiangxi Security Corps."
-Fill it to the brim! -Gong, enough.
-I said to the brim! Didn't you hear me? -I'm sorry, Lady Qin.
-Madam Zhou insists. -Come on. Cheers!
-Drink as much as you like. Come. -Thank you.
Get your glass over here.
Come on.
Let's drink a toast!
-Cheers! -Cheers!
Gong, why are you telling me this now?
Captain.
An urgent message arrived when I left the airport.
Come, drink up!
Today, with this event...
What should we do?
-I didn't even dare to see it. -Don't be shy.
Come on.
Where's Zhen Guo?
Is anyone keeping an eye on him?
Yes, all the time.
-Cheers! -But no one knows where he is.
-What? -No.
I mean
no one knows that he's hiding in the workshop.
Come.
What's wrong?
Cheers! Let's drink!
A message about 515 has arrived.
Don't be shy. Come here.
What's the news about?
A letter or...
-Say it. -Give me your cup.
It's serious.
I didn't dare to open it.
Let's drink!
-Cheers! -Cheers!
Don't spoil the mood.
I'll handle it as soon as we're done with this celebration.
Just leave it to me, okay?
Come on.
The photos are all gone.
I can't even remember what he looks like.
Come with me.
Didn't I ask you to look after her?
She passed me a message.
I opened it
and a metal badge dropped from the envelope.
The farmer was kind.
He didn't want the body to be discovered by the Japanese,
so he buried the body in his land.
Jiangxi Security Corps dug him out.
I thought of giving this to him when he returned.
He always said
that it's cold up there.
Now, I can give this to him as well.
He's alone, buried in the ground.
All right, Zhi-jian.
All pilots may be dismissed.
What a joyous double celebration.
Come, drink some more.
Leave now.
It's a good thing.
You don't have to wait anymore.
Wei-cheng, go to the base. It's not your problem.
I'll stay.
I led them into the sky.
I can't just disregard this matter now.
Really?
He's buried in the ground, all alone.
He doesn't have a unit to return to.
Why didn't you lead him down as well?
I've lost my home.
None of you can have a home either!
Come in and help me!
Return to the airport.
Madam Zhang has fainted.
When I was young,
my family had many works of calligraphy.
I don't know how to paint, but I do know how to appreciate.
Seeing paintings that make me feel good...
That helps me
lead my life.
Lady Qin.
I'm sorry.
I made a mess of your home.
Days in the village are like days in jail.
We're all jail mates.
There's nothing to be sorry about.
You're free now.
You can leave the village.
Remember this.
Don't look back.
The 11th Wing will send you off for the last time.
Lady Qin.
This is for you.
Thank you for the drawing.
But I don't need the frame.
The other missing pilot isn't married, so no one will come to smash up the house.
Class is cancelled for today.
Qian-yi, we finally have a newcomer in our village.
She's still young and has opportunities.
I need to start my lesson.
We'll leave.
I still have half of your secret.
Mo-ting told me that you came here to look for a pilot.
I did, back when I was in high school.
Why 513?
Why not any other pilot?
When I was in school,
an aircraft saved our school.
He was far out of sight.
Yet, you're sure that his aircraft's number was 513?
He flew past before returning at low altitude.
I came to Nanjing out of curiosity. Just to have a look.
Is it that simple?
Yes.
He flew back at low altitude?
Then it must be him.
He's Zhen Guo.
He was training in the States then. He was the most remarkable pilot.
All pilots look alike.
I'll bring you to him.
-Good morning, Lady Qin. -Good morning, Lady Qin.
One year ago,
the whole squadron was destroyed.
I hope that they were spared from suffering.
You know about the incident with Madam Zhang.
It's best to leave this place when you're still young.
Here's your share.
Let's go.
Center line!
Face left.
Face front.
-Number 616 -At ease.
-Attention! -can't be retained, am I right?
-Assembly complete. -Aviation Committee said the war is over.
The gap caused by the lost and dead needs to be filled.
The military is indeed different from us.
Why can't they wait like we do?
Now that Mo-ting's dad has passed away,
there will be a new vice-captain.
Xu-hui's number will be removed and we will be left with nothing.
I'm sure they've removed his name from the 11th Wing.
Nothing will be gone.
Air Force Order 2014.
Zhi-jian Shao, former NCO, current acting vice-captain
is officially promoted to Vice-Captain, as of today.
Effective immediately.
Salute the new vice-captain!
I didn't remove Xu-hui's number, 616.
It's still in the register.
I thought you would be happier with that.
Right.
We're a family now.
There's no need to say "thank you".
Your teacher and her cat are no longer here.
But it's okay, I can be your new friend.
As time goes by, everything will be fine.
It won't be fine!
I can't return to my hometown.
Zhi-jian was also chosen by you and Wei-cheng.
You've also chased Qing away.
Mo-ting is going to become weird again.
Your life is the best.
You can even go the States to relax.
Only you can leave this village.
Only you can live the good life, unlike the others.
College girl.
Water can swallow a ship as well as float it.
It was horrible. The nation was doomed.
The 1st Squadron was sent out and they were all destroyed.
Whoever did it must bear responsibility for it.
I'll always be hearing my comrades
cursing me over the radio.
It sounds so real.
Thank you, Wei-xun.
What are you talking about? Do you think you're at a teahouse?
That's the guy you've been looking for.
Lieutenant of the 1st Squadron.
Hurry!
Subtitle translation by Esther Neo