Watch Farewell My Concubine

The movie Farewell My Concubine, directed by Chen Kaige and released in 1993, is a Chinese drama that depicts the lives of two opera performers against the backdrop of China's political turmoil in the 20th century. The film received critical acclaim and won the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, solidifying its place as a cinematic classic.

The story begins in 1924, with two young boys, Douzi and Shitou, being sent to a Peking opera school, where they learn to sing and perform traditional Chinese opera. As they mature and become skilled performers, they are given the stage names of Dieyi and Xiaolou, respectively, and start performing together in various productions of the opera. Dieyi plays the female roles, while Xiaolou plays the male roles, and their on-stage chemistry and complementary talents make them a popular duo.

As they become more successful, their lives become intertwined with each other and with the political upheaval of the time. The story takes place over a 50-year period, covering some of China's most turbulent times, including the Japanese invasion, the civil war between the Communist and Nationalist parties, and the Cultural Revolution.

The movie succeeds in portraying the complexities of Chinese opera, both in terms of its elaborate costumes, makeup, and music, as well as its underlying themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and love. It also highlights the harsh reality of life under political tyranny, where personal relationships are often divided by political allegiances.

One of the key themes of the movie is the relationship between Dieyi and Xiaolou, which is both complicated and touching. Dieyi harbors feelings for Xiaolou, but Xiaolou is heterosexual and more focused on his career than his personal life. The conflict between their personal desires and their professional partnership creates tension and heartache, and they both make sacrifices that test the limits of their friendship.

The performances of the lead actors, Leslie Cheung as Dieyi, Fengyi Zhang as Xiaolou, and Gong Li as Juxian, are exceptional, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Leslie Cheung's portrayal of Dieyi, in particular, is nuanced and complex, capturing the character's inner turmoil and fragility.

The movie also delves into the dark side of China's political history, portraying the violence, betrayal, and brutality that characterized the era. The characters suffer greatly as a result of their political views and actions, and the film does not shy away from showing the devastating consequences of their choices.

Overall, Farewell My Concubine is a timeless masterpiece that explores the artistic and political landscapes of China in the twentieth century. The beautifully crafted story, brilliant performances, and stunning visuals make it a must-see movie for anyone interested in Chinese history, culture, and cinema.

Farewell My Concubine is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 83.