Farewell My Concubine (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Farewell, My Concubine' (directed by Chen Kaing) is an epic with 2 intertwining storylines. 1) It tells the story of 2 male performers in the Beijing Opera, & the woman who uproots their bond. And 2) that story occurs against the historical backdrop of China in upheaval; spanning a tumultuous 53 yr. period of political change (time of the Warlords, to the Japanese Invasion of 1937, to the Communist takeover, & through to the Cultural Revolution). The film is over 2.5 hours long and, there are slow spots. But on the whole, this is an engrossing, superbly acted, gorgeous-to-look-at melodrama.
'FMC' is divided into 8 distinct chapters; including a 1977 prologue & epilogue that bookends the narrative. The 1st section of the movie takes place in 1924 when prostitute Yanhong sees no other alternative that leaving her shy son Douzi at a training school for Chinese opera. Most members of the Peking Opera were originally orphans/castaway, believe it or not. Young Shitou, an older boy (and fellow castaway), takes pity on Douzi because their master rules his school with an iron fist. The boys are horribly beaten & tortured if they forget their lines (suicide even runs through their minds!). But some 13 yrs. later, Douzi & Shitou's suffering pays off. Douzi, now going by the name Chen Dieyi (Leslie Cheung), & Shitou, now called Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Gengyi) seem destined for greatness; with the delicate Dieyi playing female roles, & the more masculine Xialou playing noble warriors.
They are wildly talented; winning over audiences by performing together. And their bond has strengthened, as well (arguments & reconciliations, et al). In fact, they are as close as you can possibly get without being considered homosexuals; yet Dieyi wants that intimacy. While Xiaolou remains unaware of his best friend's desires, Dieyi starts to become consumed by them. The situation becomes worse when beautiful courtesan, Juxian (Gong Li), manipulates Shitou into rescuing her from a brothel house & marrying her. Through the long years, with the political situation in China changing a lot (& rarely for the 'good') ... Douzi & Shitou remain close, but tragedy looms. Each character in this film is given complexity, depth, & sensitivity. They all love & hate each other at varying points of their lives (spanning the 53 yrs. of the plot). And director Chen Kaing balances it all extremely well.
Dieyi is the most fascinating character in 'FMC'. From a young age, his sense of identity is confused ... big time. Not only is he attracted to his male best friend, but the female role that he plays in the opera creates an inherent ambivalence about his gender, as well. I mean, look, as a child, the line "I am a girl" was drilled into his head so that he could appropriately play the concubine in the opera. His line btwn. acting & reality became blurred at an early age. Dieyi's prostitute mother ditched him when he was young, he was raped by an old man, & his best friend was taken from him by Juxian. No wonder he was all messed up, poor guy. Leslie Cheung is exceptional as the emotionally frayed Dieyi. In a perfect role, he'd be nominated for an Oscar.
The other most fascinating character is that of Juxian. At first glance, you think she's nothing more than a schemer; a whore who wants a wealthy husband. But, like the other characters in the story, you never quite know what's really going on their mind. And in fact, she exhibits a warm streak; especially towards Dieyi, of all people. And he, having lost Xiaolou, shows her nothing but contempt in return. Ultimately, Juxian winds up being a crucial element in what happens to the Dieyi/Xiaolou relationship. Gong Li is great (as usual) in this supporting role. And there is not a weak performance to be found anywhere.
There are quite a few standout sequences, i.e., scenes where the boys are caned in the Peking Opera School. And the climax is emotionally-shocking. The filming of the many different political eras is astute; though, this film has been banned in China for showing the Communist movement in a negative light. The visual splendor on display is amazing; with sumptuous camera work, stunning set pieces, immaculate costumes, & eye-popping make-up work. The arc of the story is as operatic as the careers the 2 men have. The only complaint I have is: with a running time of 155 minutes, some segments are filmed too self-importantly; hence boring stretches. And depending on how you handle homosexual themes, the film may not be for you (also taking into account, Chinese subtitles). But overall, I am still haunted by this sad, sad, film. It's an intimate character study wrapped in an epic tapestry.
'FMC' is divided into 8 distinct chapters; including a 1977 prologue & epilogue that bookends the narrative. The 1st section of the movie takes place in 1924 when prostitute Yanhong sees no other alternative that leaving her shy son Douzi at a training school for Chinese opera. Most members of the Peking Opera were originally orphans/castaway, believe it or not. Young Shitou, an older boy (and fellow castaway), takes pity on Douzi because their master rules his school with an iron fist. The boys are horribly beaten & tortured if they forget their lines (suicide even runs through their minds!). But some 13 yrs. later, Douzi & Shitou's suffering pays off. Douzi, now going by the name Chen Dieyi (Leslie Cheung), & Shitou, now called Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Gengyi) seem destined for greatness; with the delicate Dieyi playing female roles, & the more masculine Xialou playing noble warriors.
They are wildly talented; winning over audiences by performing together. And their bond has strengthened, as well (arguments & reconciliations, et al). In fact, they are as close as you can possibly get without being considered homosexuals; yet Dieyi wants that intimacy. While Xiaolou remains unaware of his best friend's desires, Dieyi starts to become consumed by them. The situation becomes worse when beautiful courtesan, Juxian (Gong Li), manipulates Shitou into rescuing her from a brothel house & marrying her. Through the long years, with the political situation in China changing a lot (& rarely for the 'good') ... Douzi & Shitou remain close, but tragedy looms. Each character in this film is given complexity, depth, & sensitivity. They all love & hate each other at varying points of their lives (spanning the 53 yrs. of the plot). And director Chen Kaing balances it all extremely well.
Dieyi is the most fascinating character in 'FMC'. From a young age, his sense of identity is confused ... big time. Not only is he attracted to his male best friend, but the female role that he plays in the opera creates an inherent ambivalence about his gender, as well. I mean, look, as a child, the line "I am a girl" was drilled into his head so that he could appropriately play the concubine in the opera. His line btwn. acting & reality became blurred at an early age. Dieyi's prostitute mother ditched him when he was young, he was raped by an old man, & his best friend was taken from him by Juxian. No wonder he was all messed up, poor guy. Leslie Cheung is exceptional as the emotionally frayed Dieyi. In a perfect role, he'd be nominated for an Oscar.
The other most fascinating character is that of Juxian. At first glance, you think she's nothing more than a schemer; a whore who wants a wealthy husband. But, like the other characters in the story, you never quite know what's really going on their mind. And in fact, she exhibits a warm streak; especially towards Dieyi, of all people. And he, having lost Xiaolou, shows her nothing but contempt in return. Ultimately, Juxian winds up being a crucial element in what happens to the Dieyi/Xiaolou relationship. Gong Li is great (as usual) in this supporting role. And there is not a weak performance to be found anywhere.
There are quite a few standout sequences, i.e., scenes where the boys are caned in the Peking Opera School. And the climax is emotionally-shocking. The filming of the many different political eras is astute; though, this film has been banned in China for showing the Communist movement in a negative light. The visual splendor on display is amazing; with sumptuous camera work, stunning set pieces, immaculate costumes, & eye-popping make-up work. The arc of the story is as operatic as the careers the 2 men have. The only complaint I have is: with a running time of 155 minutes, some segments are filmed too self-importantly; hence boring stretches. And depending on how you handle homosexual themes, the film may not be for you (also taking into account, Chinese subtitles). But overall, I am still haunted by this sad, sad, film. It's an intimate character study wrapped in an epic tapestry.