Okay, here is an English introduction to the plot of Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬 / Bàwáng Bié Jī):
Plot Summary of Farewell My Concubine
"Farewell My Concubine" (霸王别姬 / Bàwáng Bié Jī) is a powerful Chinese film based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Lanfang Wu. It's often considered one of the greatest Chinese films ever made and tells a heartbreaking story spanning over half a century of China's tumultuous 20th century.
The film primarily follows the intertwined lives of three men in Peking (Beijing) during this period:
- Lan Feng (Leslie Cheung): A talented, androgynous young man who dreams of becoming a famous Peking Opera singer, specifically playing the female role known as a "Dan."
- Dong Cheng (Zhang Fengyi): A charismatic and talented male Peking Opera singer, playing the male roles ("Sheng"). He is ambitious and deeply devoted to the art form and Lan Feng.
- Jiu Sheng (Wu Tianming): An older, experienced opera master and mentor figure to both Lan Feng and Dong Cheng. He represents the traditional world of the opera troupe.
Their lives become deeply entwined, not just through their passion for the opera, but also through their complex personal relationships, particularly the deep, passionate, and ultimately tragic bond between Lan Feng and Dong Cheng, often referred to as "playing the female role for the male."
The story begins in the early 20th century, just before the fall of the Qing Dynasty, and follows them through various pivotal moments in Chinese history:
- The May Fourth Movement (1919): A time of social upheaval and changing values.
- The Warlord Era: Years of instability and conflict.
- The Japanese Invasion (Second Sino-Japanese War): A period of national crisis.
- The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): A brutal political movement that decimates traditional culture and throws the characters into turmoil and persecution.
Throughout these changing historical landscapes, the trio navigates love, ambition, societal expectations, and political persecution. Their dedication to Peking Opera clashes with the evolving times, and their personal lives are deeply affected by the larger forces of history.
The film is a poignant exploration of:
- Art vs. Life: The intense dedication required for Peking Opera and its intersection with personal desires and survival.
- Male Friendship: The profound and complex bond between Lan Feng and Dong Cheng, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
- Tragedy and Loss: The devastating impact of historical events on personal lives and artistic traditions.
- Identity: Questions of gender identity, performance, and self.
The narrative unfolds with a lyrical beauty, capturing the essence of Peking Opera itself, as the characters' lives mirror the rise and fall of the art form they cherish. It's a deeply moving story about love, loss, art, and the resilience (and fragility) of the human spirit against the overwhelming tide of history.
