This film is set in China from the 1920's through the so-called Cultural Revolution to the modern day.
It is a love story. A young man, a street kid, who befriends another child "surrendered" into a tough training regime. They both become renowned performers: one, a male dancer/acrobat, the other a man who performs female roles. Then the third element, the beautiful woman, enters.
This is the story of China itself. Its first steps as an independent nation, its dealings with foreign influences. We understand the horror of the Japanese occupation, the Nationalist betrayal, the coming to power of the CCP and the repressive nature of the Cultural Revolution.
It is a story of human triumph. I dare you not to be moved.
You will be enriched by this film and all the poorer if you neglect it.
9/10
It is a love story. A young man, a street kid, who befriends another child "surrendered" into a tough training regime. They both become renowned performers: one, a male dancer/acrobat, the other a man who performs female roles. Then the third element, the beautiful woman, enters.
This is the story of China itself. Its first steps as an independent nation, its dealings with foreign influences. We understand the horror of the Japanese occupation, the Nationalist betrayal, the coming to power of the CCP and the repressive nature of the Cultural Revolution.
It is a story of human triumph. I dare you not to be moved.
You will be enriched by this film and all the poorer if you neglect it.
9/10
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