Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 20th-century China, *Farewell My Concubine* is a sweeping epic that follows the intertwined fates of two Peking opera stars, Dieyi and Xiaolou. Trained from childhood under a brutal master, the pair become inseparable on stage, performing the legendary tale of the King and his concubine. But offstage, their relationship is far more complicated: Dieyi's devotion to his art and his partner blurs into a profound, unrequited love, while Xiaolou struggles with his own desires and the changing world around them. As political upheavals—from the Japanese invasion to the Cultural Revolution—shatter their lives, their personal drama mirrors the nation's chaos. This visually stunning, emotionally devastating film explores identity, obsession, and the cost of staying true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. A masterpiece of world cinema, it remains a landmark portrayal of queer longing and artistic sacrifice.

Gu Chang Wei

Cast

Chen Kai Ge

Cast

Lilian Lee

Cast

Lu Wei

Cast

Leslie Cheung

Cast

Zhang Feng Yi

Cast

Gong Li

Cast

Ge You

Cast

Jiang Wen Li

Cast

Zhao Hai Long

Cast

Lu Qi

Cast

Ying Da

Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

7.7

out of 10

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cinematic_bl_fan

July 2025

10/10

Every shot in this film is a work of art. The lighting in the opera scenes, the use of color to reflect Dieyi's inner turmoil—absolutely breathtaking. Chen Kaige's direction is pure poetry, and Leslie Cheung's face on screen is a canvas of pain and beauty. I’ve never seen a film that so perfectly marries visual symbolism with emotional narrative.

romantic_shipper_88

March 2024

10/10

Dieyi and Xiaolou broke my heart into a million pieces. The unrequited love, the years of devotion, the way Dieyi looks at him like he's the only person in the world—I sobbed for hours. This isn't a happy romance; it's a tragic, beautiful one that stays with you. Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi's chemistry is off the charts.

logic_over_fluff

December 2025

9/10

I struggle to find flaws, but the pacing in the first hour felt a bit slow to me. However, once it hits the Cultural Revolution, the film becomes an absolute powerhouse. The plot is incredibly tight, weaving personal tragedy with historical events seamlessly. I deduct one point only because I wanted more closure for some side characters, but otherwise it's near-perfect filmmaking.

social_justice_lens

September 2025

10/10

This film is a devastating examination of how society crushes those who don't conform. Dieyi's struggle with his identity, his forced roles both on and off stage, and the violent homophobia he endures are portrayed with unflinching honesty. It raises important questions about performance, consent, and survival under oppressive regimes. Essential viewing for anyone interested in queer history and social justice.

book_purist_reader

January 2026

9/10

As an avid fan of Lillian Lee's novel, I was worried the film might sanitize or simplify the story. But Chen Kaige captured the essence beautifully. Some subplots are trimmed, and the ending differs slightly, but the emotional core remains intact. Leslie Cheung became the Dieyi I imagined. A faithful and respectful adaptation that stands on its own.