Farewell My Concubine

Rating:
Summary: Cinematic Chinese Art
Review: this movie is absolutely brilliant...there are a few hidden messages and an appearance by the twisted and gay old man later in the movie..when he is sitting in the street selling stuff -its just -i dunnno..brilliant..i cant even talk about this movie..it does not get bad after the first half like some people say! the whole movie is brilliant..when Gong Li and the straight opera guy r sitting in their house on the ever of the Revolution-the picture is haunting..i have never seen colored film be so haunting..this and Ugetsu Monogatiri from 1953 and Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai are wonderful introductions into Chinese history and the relationship between men and women in feudal Japan, although the two countries should not be confused with each other! ..lol..like lots of ignorant people do..Farewell My Concubine basically takes u through modern Chinese history..Gong Li acts with such despair and and agony and she is submissive and at times very outspoken..she perfectly represents the emerging Chinese woman..don't forget that Chinese females have been considered inferior for thousands of years..and then on to the two leading men in the movie..they both do a beautiful job..one is able to come to terms with his past and settle down with Gong Li, but the other is confused about his sexuality and is bordering on a mental breakdown..he truely BECOMES the concubine in the play! what a beautiful idea! oh my God! course the most brilliant touch comes in the final act of the movie- which is what the play dictates! this is completely brilliant..its full of evil characters, abused women, beaten children and other dark and terrible stuff..but it is REAL..this is what Chinese opera schools were like and this is what the Cultural Revolution was like..this thing should be shown in history classes..its just unspeakably brilliant..the United States sure as hell CAN'T make movies like this..i don't really remember the characters' names because the last time i saw it was about two months ago (sorrie*) hehe..BUY THIS! buhbye=)

Rating:
Summary: the tale of a triangle
Review: This powerful film about two actors and the woman that comes between them is incredibly moving. The performances are astounding and the opera scenes wonderful. I love Chinese Opera !...The part of Dieyi, so tragic and profound, is played to perfection by Leslie Cheung, an actor with amazing talent and the face of an angel (you can see more of him in "Temptress Moon"...as a heartless gigolo !). This is a complex film with many changes that spans decades, and needs at least two viewings to absorb and fully appreciate.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful movie
Review: This film is so beautiful and brilliant. It has Chinese opera juxtaposed with all of the changing historical events. Like any good film it uses many motifs and symbols to tell its story effectively. Also the acting is outstanding.

Rating:
Summary: The last days of an artform
Review: Incrediblely stunning, the director weaves a rich and intricate tapestry of way of life that will never see the the dawn again. Touching and inspired performanes by the cast. I highly reccomend this film to anyone who has interest in Chinese theater and culture!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful image of Chinese history
Review: Yes, it is at times difficult to follow. But it is worth watching for the scenes of the cultural revolution alone. The image of the formerly great men standing before a crowd screaming "only execution shall satisfy the people's anger" is absolutely chilling.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: To Live, the Last Emperor, and Farewell my Concubine basically tell the same story. They are all a history of China from the end of the Dynastic system through the Cultural Revolution. Last Emperor is from the point of view of Pu Yi the last Dynastic Ruler, To Live from a former Land Owning Family, and Farewell my Concubine from Two Peking Opera Stars. This film is unforgettable. The Cultural Revolution Scenes at the end are unbelievable. This is a great film.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: Though a bit too long, this film is truly captivating. An insight into the Chinese culture, society, political drama is well mixed together with raw human emotion and simple yet powerful story.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely engrossing
Review: The fate of childhood best friends to their senior years, racked by a woman who would come between them, and a national revolution, is captivating. The cultural background in all its glory and shame is eye-opening. Akin to a Chinese version of "Gone With The Wind" ... maybe?

Rating:
Summary: The recent history of the Chinese Opera
Review: An outstanding performance, showing the twists and turns the Chinese Opera has taken before and after the 1949 revolution, with friendship, love and betrayel all wonderfully woven in!

Rating:
Summary: No Pity Allowed
Review: The finger-cutting scene set the tone. The Chinese in the 1930's -1960's seem more inscrutable than Charley Chan. There seems to be no human emotion or pity allowed. The young boys training to be opera actors are beaten and savaged unmercifully. The boy forced to play a girl becomes a girl. His friend, apparently bisexual, marries a prostitute. Then a weird relationship between the three evolves behind stage. The Great Leap Forward destroys their art and their love. Cinematography is striking. I recommend.