Watch Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera

I apologize as there seems to be some confusion. Farewell My Concubine is a well-known Chinese movie released in 1993, directed by Chen Kaige, starring Leslie Cheung, Zhang Fengyi, and Gong Li, which depicts the lives of two male Peking opera performers from the 1920s to the 1970s. The film revolves around two childhood friends, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, who are both talented Peking Opera performers. The story follows their lives as they navigate the complexities of the opera world, political upheavals in China, and their own complicated relationship.

Cheng Dieyi is a young boy who is sold to a Peking Opera troupe and trained in female roles, in particular the role of the concubine Yuji. Duan Xiaolou is a boy from the same neighborhood who joins the same troupe, and becomes friends with Cheng Dieyi. As they grow up, their friendship turns into a romantic and sexual relationship, despite Duan's engagement to a prostitute named Juxian.

The movie is set against a backdrop of significant events in Chinese history, such as the Japanese occupation, the Communist Revolution, and the Cultural Revolution. These events have a profound impact on the characters and their relationships, as their loyalties are tested and their personal lives are put in danger.

The tension in the movie mainly centers around Cheng Dieyi's obsession with his role as Yuji, and how this obsession affects his relationships with others, particularly Duan Xiaolou and Juxian. The movie also explores themes such as the struggle between tradition and modernity, the effects of political upheavals on society, and the power of love and loyalty.

The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese cinema and has won numerous international awards, including the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival. It also received critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography, intricate storytelling, and powerful performances by the cast, particularly Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi.

In conclusion, Farewell My Concubine is a groundbreaking Chinese movie that explores complex issues such as love, loyalty, tradition, and politics through the lives of two Peking Opera performers. The movie showcases the beauty of Chinese culture, while also exposing the hardships and challenges that come with following one's passion. If you're a fan of epic dramas that delve deep into human emotions and relationships, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera is a 2014 art house & international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.