Farewell My Concubine

Farewell My Concubine

Year: 1993

Runtime: 171 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Kaige Chen

DramaRomanceMusic

Within Beijing's Opera House, two young performers, Dieyun and Xiaolou, forge a passionate and complex relationship as they navigate the world of traditional Chinese theatre. Their lives become entangled with the dramatic events of twentieth-century China, including the Japanese invasion and the subsequent Cultural Revolution. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle to preserve artistic integrity amidst political upheaval, portraying a poignant and sweeping portrait of a nation in turmoil.

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Timeline – Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Trace every key event in Farewell My Concubine (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Douzi's Abandonment

Douzi, a young boy, is abandoned by his mother who turns to a life of prostitution. This tragic event sets the stage for his search for belonging and comfort in a harsh world.

2

Joining the Peking Opera Troupe

Seeking solace, Douzi finds refuge in an all-boys Peking opera troupe led by Master Guan. Here, he begins to form relationships and explore his passion for performance.

Peking Opera Troupe
3

Friendship with Shitou

Within the troupe, Douzi develops a close friendship with Shitou, who becomes his confidant and supporter. Their bond deepens as they endure the challenges of the demanding world of Peking opera together.

4

The Rehearsal Incident

During a rehearsal for _Dreaming of the World Outside the Nunnery_, Douzi mistakenly asserts, 'I am by nature a boy, not a girl.' This blunder leads to severe punishment, highlighting the strict expectations of the troupe.

5

Attempted Escape

Traumatized by the punishment, Douzi and Laizi attempt to escape the harsh realities of their environment. However, Douzi is drawn back into the world of performance when he witnesses a captivating act.

6

Return to the Troupe

Douzi's renewed passion for acting leads him back to the troupe after his brief attempt at freedom. His return does not go unnoticed, and he faces brutal consequences for his earlier defiance.

7

Laizi's Tragic Death

The harsh realities of life in the troupe culminate in the tragic death of Laizi, a devastating event that underscores the dangers faced by those who challenge expectations in their art.

8

An Agent's Visit

An agent arrives at the troupe, seeking new talent. Douzi, amidst his earlier mistakes, seizes the opportunity and, with encouragement from Shitou, delivers a passionate performance that captures the agent's attention.

9

Performance for Eunuch Zhang

The troupe receives an invitation to perform for the illustrious eunuch Zhang. Following the performance, Zhang gifts them an ornate sword, symbolizing both admiration and the complex ties within their world.

Zhang's estate
10

Zhang's Unsettling Invitation

Douzi's life takes a dark turn when Zhang invites him for a private meeting, leading to a distressing incident of sexual assault. Although Douzi remains silent, his internal turmoil grows evident to Shitou.

Zhang's estate
11

Douzi's Compassion

In a moment of vulnerability, Douzi finds solace in caring for an abandoned infant. This act of kindness intertwines their fates as this child later becomes a disciple of Master Guan.

12

Rise to Stardom

As years pass, Douzi and Shitou emerge as celebrated stars of the Peking opera, adopting the stage names Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou. Their performance in _Farewell My Concubine_ defines their careers and cements their legacy.

13

Complex Love Triangles

Amidst their fame, an unrequited love develops between Dieyi and Xiaolou, further complicated when Xiaolou marries Juxian. This jealousy and tension begin to fracture their once deep relationships.

14

Xiao Si's Rising Resentment

Taking on the role of Dieyi's apprentice, Xiao Si grows embittered by Dieyi's demanding nature. His resentment culminates in his usurpation of Dieyi's role in _Farewell My Concubine_, leading to conflict and heartbreak.

15

Tragic Resolution

As the Cultural Revolution escalates, tensions within the troupe culminate in accusations and personal turmoil. In a final act of desperation, Xiaolou's betrayal leads to Juxian's suicide, marking an irrevocable end to their shared dreams.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:32

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Farewell My Concubine

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