Nice taste you have.
And MR. Cheng?
Then we'll share our thoughts later. .
Girls! Take care of our guest.
Thank you for coming.
Dieyi ! I am leaving too.
Girls! Come entertain our guest.
MR. Duan, this way please.
Long time no see. MR. Duan. We've missed you.
I'd like to see Miss Juxian.
Ah, how shall I put it?
You should've said that earlier. .
She's not here at the moment.
What can be done? how about this?
Caifeng, come keep MR. Duan company.
I really want to see her,
Tell me the truth. Where is Juxian really?
Upstairs?
Or down?
The phoenix roosts on the highest branches, of course!
But shes pretty high-class. You reckon she'll go for you?
You bet!
I specialize in high-class.
Ah, Miss Juxian-
Bastards!
Okay, we're bastards!
You fucking bitch ! How dare you be so picky!
Cut it out!
Cause you are pretty!
Cut it out or I'll jump!
Jump! I'll follow on your heels.
No matter where you are
even after death, I'll be there
Xiaolou!
These guys are revolting !
They were forcing me to drink wine from their mouths.
Come on, assholes. Jump! Now its your turn !
Bastards! Mother fuckers!
All right, lets go!
Oh, it's MR. Duan !
Listen, we're all here to have a good time. . . spend lots of money.
So let's not pick fights, OK?
Eeechhh !
Keep out of it, and get lost.
Don't get upset.
Scared?
Juxian, you are to blame.
Didn't you tell these gentlemen todays a special day?
That we decided to announce our engagement today?
That's right!
Today is the ladys happy day.
Drink a toast to me!
Aren't you going to offer congratulations?
You think you can fool us?
Gentlemen, on this,
my happiest day. . .
allow me to drink to all of you!
And now, something to sober you up.
I heard you got into a fight at the house of Blossoms.
You know the old story. . . about Panjinlians husband
Does this mean theres a PanJinlian in your life?
What are you saying?
What do you want to hear?
I was just fooling around.
Come with me sometime. You'll see what its like.
It'll be exciting.
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 teachers words?
Which words were they?
Stick together until the day you die.
I want you to be with me.
How about
we stay together until death?
We've come this far together, havent we?
It's not enough. Should be a lifetime.
One day, even one second less. . . makes it less than a life time!
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!
Concubine Yu
the song was sung everywhere. .
Out country is being ruined by the enemy.
Go live out this goddamn fantasy, then.
My king.
I'll tell you even though it's heart breaking
Today is the day we say goodbye
you'll become a lady of virtue!
Wake up. You think
the wolves and tigers
won't recognize your scent anymore?
I am scared.
Let me tell you something.
Once a whore, always a whore.
I'll keep that in my mind.
Fine. See you around.
MR. Duan has presented you with a pennant.
The Beauty ofthe Age. It reads,
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?
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 were old friends.
MissJuxian. Excuse me, I must be going.
Xiaolou,
At the house of Blossoms. . . if you had'nt 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 ever abandon me,
I'll ki'll myself.
What a dragon lady!
Whens the performance of. . .
Candle-lit-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, what makes you think that?
Just the way youre over playing your part.
Dieyi, shes going to be your sister-in-law.
Also, at the engagement party tonight. . .
I have'nt learned the opera Gangster King and his Whore.
Our teacher never taught us that one.
What are you talking about?
Dieyi, Xiaolou has spoken
good of you.
Don't leave!
Where are you going?
None of your business.
Xiaolou!
Please, don't go!
Master Yuan invites us 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.
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. . .
Like it?
I-
Let's not have any vulgar talk of money between us.
A precious sword is the classic gift for ones most intimate friend.
What do you say?
MR. Cheng... wl'll you be my most intimate friend?
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
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.
To you. .
only you are possessed of such charm.
Ah, MR. Cheng. I knew you'd come.
We saved a seat at the head table for you.
You came back?
It's a good thing you showed up.
Have a look at this.
What a sword !
How did you acquire this out of nowhere tonight?
Dieyi, you've come so late. You better drink up!
Yes, drink up!
My gratitude, Miss Juxian.
Dieyi? MR. Cheng !
Xiaolou. . .
From now on, we'll no longer perform together.
MR. Cheng, you can't do this! This isn't- The fans won't-
This is terrible!
Japanese troops have entered the city!
Dieyi. . Where is Dieyi?
I'll fill up your glass with finest wine.
Special wine.
So what is this wine called?
Wine of overnight drinking.
Fill it up.
Who will be serving me tonight?
Dieyi looks like lifting his shoulders up. .
Cause a man's life is meaningless it's like dream of spring. .
At your disposal. .
I will keep on drinking until
this night is over.
Don't waste my time just take it off.
Even if it belongs to your ancestor
you should let him put it on.
Understand me, low life?
Tell the Japanese I'll be there right away.
Hold on a moment.
It's not some private party.
They're black mailing 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. MissJuxian, what are you doing?
MR. Cheng isn't at home!
Wheres Dieyi? Dieyi?
hurry! I've heard the Japanese feed prisoners to their dogs!
If you delay, he might not have a life to save!
Dieyi !
But you allowed them to take him away in the first place.
Xiaolou has looked after you since you were small.
What are you saying?
Mr. 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. . .
Were 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. hows 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.
The flowers have blossomed
Their season is past All has fallen
Only the sun is still the same.
Into ruin and decay
Xiaolou!
My brother!
Xiaolou, are you all right?
Did you sing for the Japanese?
Theres one called Aoki genuinely likes opera.
Xiaolou!
All right. Come here!
Let me have another drink!
okay. I'll drink one for you.
I think this opera, Farewell, my concubine. . .
has turned into. . .
Farewell, my king.
The king's really irrelevant.
Drink this.
Your voice will pierce the heavens. . .
Alright, come.
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!
Then, bye.
Give me the money back.
Not the crickets, my money.
You borrow the money on your host's credit, right?
Go!
I can't believe such a grown-up like you is busy playing
with bugs and not working !
Work?
I'm an actor.
What else can I do other than acting on stage?
Shall I carry coffins?
You should be satisfied by now.
No need to shout like that!
Here's the money?
What? Don't need it?
I'll apologize if I were going too far.
Unless you take caution, they will get you.
The master wants to see you.
No, I won't.
Look at this sword.
Master, they've just arrived here.
Who?
Dieyi and Xiaolou whom you've wanted to meet.
What a great fucking honor.
What the hell they are doing here?
Well, I finally got something to brag about.
A great fucking honor.
Take your seats there and bow to me.
Master.
You are finally here.
Dieyi.
Without my help, you are nobody.
And I left the stage.
Now it's your turn to help me.
Hit me !
Come on !
Douzi !
Xialou!
You are now
all grown up
and
now great actors with fame
Don't remember your youth?
what's worrying you? Just hit him hard.
When did I tell you to look down on me?
Are you going to ruin operas?
It's your fault!
Take this!
I'm to blame.
Blame me.
Wait.
I have to tell you this.
Xialou is my master.
If you want to hit him you need my permission. .
Knock it off!
I've heard of one bitch, and it was you!
So you must be the VIP today, right?
Take your seat.
Feel at home drinking some tea.
Alcohole, gambling and women. . and even crickets?
You fucking ruined opera's tradition !
Nothing's wrong to beat you with a cigaret stick for your disgrace.
For an opium addicted brother. .
what is the crime?
Juxian !
It's not time for a whore to interfere. .
Isn't it your way to hear their excuse?
Shut the fuck up!
Don't be so stupid !
You are such a nice guy!
Hit him!
Unless you become quiet I'll cut his throat!
Alright.
You kill one taking two lives!
Your family will be over.
Did you just ask me to stand up?
Xialou, are you listening to me?
You are becoming a father.
If I stay away from being an actor
I won't be able to buy a birthday present for my kid !
Come closer!
Closer!
Practice!
Don't be slacking.
Stretch out your legs!
Wait.
This play is called Anger of Night.
You act Linchou for this.
He's head of the palace guard,
not some sneaky little thief.
Take this.
Attention, everyone!
This is what a great hero is like.
A man does'nt lightly shed his tears. . .
Unless his heart has broken.
Leave me alone. I'm just taking master's purnishment.
The troupe has disbanded. You leave too.
Master said that you.
Should learn how to endure to become a great actor.
Everyone else has left. You ought to go home too.
I was found on the street as a baby. I've got no other home.
Do you know, who found you?
No! They said if I knew, ld get a swelled head and would'nt work hard.
Do you sti'll want to sing opera?
Yes, even if I have to beg to support myself! .
What's your name?
Xiao Si.
1945 THE JAPANESE SURRENDER. . .
AS CHIANG KAl-SHEKS NATIONALIST ARMY RETAKES BEIJI NG.
I hear the talk of the soldiers.
Xiao Si, go tell the manager to avoid trouble.
And it is all about running away.
What's this? Why aren't you singing?
Don't make trouble! Don't go, Xiaolou.
Waving flashlight is not allowed in the theater.
Even the Japanese didn't do this sort of thing.
Everyones here for the opera. Please return to your seats.
Well put. Back to your seats, everyone!
But can we let him get away with speaking up for the Japanese?
Xiaolou!
Juxian !
We have to get her to a hospital.
Save her first!
There was only a minor disturbance.
Are you saying such a big disturbance is minor?
You can fine us.
Why do you need to arrest anyone?
The theater's been trashed, people beaten. . .
and you sti'll want to arrest him?
What for?
Cheng Dieyi betrayed the country to the Japanese.
Move it!
On what base?
Teacher, teacher!
MR. Duan, I'm afraid she's lost the baby.
Honey.
I'm so sorry.
Go, help Dieyi. If he's more important to you.
I don't know whether Dieyi goes looking for trouble. . .
or if it's trouble that comes looking for him.
Whenever you're with him, my heart's in my throat.
Now that I've lost our child,
you're all I have left.
I don't care if I have to beg with you on the streets.
All I ask. . . is peace of mind.
If you help him now, we'll no longer owe him anything.
Don't perform with him anymore.
Promise me this.
No more performance after this.
Master Yuan. . .
Dieyi's life is in your hands.
Count this. If it's not enough-
If only you'll save Dieyi. . .
we'll give all our earnings for the next three years.
You think I need your money to keep my birds from starving?
And this gentleman is. . .?
Don't you recognize Xiaolou?
he plays the king to Dieyis concubine.
Then it should be him who saves Concubine Yu!
My dear man, that s only a play!
All Beijing knows that Master Yu is the true king of the theater!
It's true.
Speaking of which, I'd like to ask MR. Duan something.
When the king returns to see Concubine Yu. . .
how many steps should he take?
Seven.
Show me.
Come on, show me!
Master Yuan.
Is this the honorable home of MR. Yuan?
When a man called Cheng Dieyi was arrested, he said. . .
the owner of this sword would be able to rescue him.
Do you recognize it?
From your expression, I see I've come to the right place.
Good. I'll put the sword here.
I'm so relieved to have found its owner.
But sometimes one's hopes are misplaced.
Master Yuan, you must'nt blame Dieyi.
I see.
The reason why Dieyi performed for Japanese
would'nt be by someone's request, would it?
If it would, he wouldn't have been arrested.
True!
There's a roomful of reporters waiting at home.
Xiaolou, MR. Na, lets go.
Wait, a moment! Let's talk.
Master Yuan asked me to talk to you.
Tomorrow in court. . .
say the Japanese put a gun to your head.
Say they tortured you.
Master Yuan has made arrangements for everything else.
This is from Xiaolou.
Dieyi, don't be angry with us.
Xiaolous child. . .
It's died.
Your karmic partnership with Xiaolou caused this!
After you get out of here, just go your own way.
During the resistance
against Japan Cheng Dieyi
betrayed the country by performing for Aoki and his colleagues.
You performed for their immorality.
The defendant also encouraged the enemy
and disgraced your people.
Aoki continued to resist even
after Japan officially surrendered.
We've collected these pictures as evidence. . .
and they confirm the defendant sang for the Japanese.
We call on the witnesses Yuan Shiqing, Duan Xiaolou and Na Kun.
The government has always been good to me.
Nor would I betray the laws of heaven or my own conscience.
Cheng Dieyi was taken away in hand cuffs by the Japanese.
They put a gun to the back of his neck.
He couldn't help. .
Duan Xiaolou!
It's true. The Japanese beat up my stage brother.
Exactly as Master Yuan has just described.
Na Kun?