Farewell, My Concubine (1993)

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Until Farewell, My Concubine (Ba Wang Bie Ji), not many people were aware that most members of the Peking Opera were originally orphans or illegitimate castaways with nowhere else to turn. Such is the case of the film's protagonists, Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi) and Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung), two homeless outcasts, trained from childhood in the grueling rigors of the Opera by master Lu Qui. The film traces the 52-year friendship between Xiaolou and Dieyi, a friendship pockmarked with fiery conflicts and tender reconciliations. Though the delicate Dieyi specializes in female roles and the gutsy Xiaolou plays noble warriors, theirs is an essentially heterosexual relationship; still, when Xiaolou takes upon himself a prostitute bride (the magnificent Gong Li), Dieyi is as petty and jealous as an outcast mistress. Farewell, My Concubine holds the viewer in thrall from start to finish; as such, it is thoroughly deserving of its many international film awards and nominations. Surprisingly, this worldwide success was something of a flop in its home country of China; perhaps it hit too close to home for those viewers who'd lived through the same years so painstakingly recreated in the film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

172 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Chen Kaige

Writer(s):

Lu Wei

Producer(s):

Don Ranvaud, Hsu Feng

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Violence, Adult Situations, Substance Abuse)

Categories:

Independent Films, Foreign, Drama

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• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - Cannes Film Festival - FIPRESCI Award for Best Film in Competition
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - Golden Globe - Best Foreign Language Film
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Foreign Language Film
• 1992 - Farewell, My Concubine - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Foreign Film
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - National Board of Review - Best Foreign Film
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
• 1993 - Farewell, My Concubine - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Foreign Film