Film: Farewell My Concubine
Director: Chen Kaige
Country: China
Released: January 1993
Runtime: 171 minutes
Genre: Historical Drama
Studio: Beijing Film Studio
Influenced: Wong Kar-Wai, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Ang Lee, Jia Zhangke, Chen Daming
Based on Lilian Lee's successful novel of the same name, Farewell My Concubine is a historical drama that spans several decades, from the 1920s to the 1970s, and revolves around the lives of two Beijing Opera actors, Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi). While Lee did not write the screenplay herself, she collaborated with screenwriter Lu Wei to adapt her novel and her involvement was crucial in ensuring that her novel's essence, which explored the intricate relationships between the characters against the backdrop of China's turbulent history, was preserved in the film adaptation. Chen Kaige saw the story of Dieyi and Xiaolou as an opportunity to highlight the impact of political upheavals, such as the Japanese invasion and the Cultural Revolution, on ordinary Chinese people.
The film's narrative is divided into three acts, with Act I set in the 1920s, where we witness the theatrical training and budding relationship between Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, who are subjected to strict discipline and abuse by their master at the Beijing Opera school. During this period, Dieyi develops an unrequited love for Xiaolou. In Act II, set in the 1930s, the two actors become famous for their performance of the classic Beijing opera, Farewell My Concubine, in which Dieyi plays the concubine and Xiaolou the king. They also become involved with a courtesan, Juxian (Gong Li), and the complex relationships between the three characters become central to the story as China's political landscape shifts as a result of the Japanese invasion and World War II.
In Act III, the film shifts to the 1970s during the Cultural Revolution, where the lives of the characters are dramatically altered. Dieyi is persecuted for his past roles and Xiaolou faces challenges as well. The film explores the impact of political upheaval on their friendship and personal lives. Kaige's film masterfully weaves together historical events with personal stories, offering a unique perspective on China's turbulent 20th century history. One of my favourite aspects of the films is the way it delves deep into the world of Beijing Opera, showcasing the intricate makeup, costumes and commitment involved. Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi had to undergo hours and hours of extensive training to convincingly perform their roles. Beijing Opera, with its unique blend of music, singing, acting and acrobatics, is a significant part of China's cultural heritage, and Kaige wanted to showcase this art form to a broader audience, both in China and internationally, and celebrate its beauty and complexity.
However, the film's production was notoriously challenging, with some of the actors and crew members facing harassment from Chinese authorities owing to the sensitive themes and political context. Kaige faced censorship issues in China, and the film was initially banned in the country, although it later received recognition, including the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival. Farewell My Concubine also received two Oscar nominations, including Best Foreign Language Film, and a BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. In addition, the movie won numerous awards at other film festivals, including the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. Its success helped introduce Chinese cinema to a global audience and solidified the status of Kaige's film as a classic of world cinema, renowned for its artistic and emotional depth. The film's stunning cinematography and exploration of gender identity were also groundbreaking within the context of Asian cinema.
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