Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

A daring and seminal work of Chinese queer cinema, 'The Old Testament' (*Jiu yue*, 2001) weaves three poignant vignettes that explore love, loss, and oppression under the shadow of communist China. Directed by renowned queer activist and filmmaker Cui Zi En, the film uses biblical titles—'Song of Solomon', 'Proverbs', and 'Psalms'—to frame its raw, intimate stories. In the first segment, a stable gay couple’s life is upended when an ex-lover arrives, ill with AIDS, forcing them to confront sacrifice and the fragility of their bond. The second follows a married bisexual man torn between his wife and his male lover, asking who is truly worth the fight. The final story denounces familial intolerance as a heterosexual couple plots to thwart the younger brother’s homosexual rendezvous. Shot with a low-budget, avant-garde sensibility and featuring a Greek-style chorus that delivers moral commentary, this film is a rare, unflinching look at the intersections of sexuality, religion, and politics in early 2000s China. A must-see for those who appreciate bold, thought-provoking LGBTQ+ cinema.

Cui Zi En

Cast

Luo Dong

Cast

Yu Bo

Cast

Romance

Cast

Gay Male Lead

Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

6.0

out of 10

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queer_cinephile_42

October 2024

8/10

As a scholar of queer cinema, I found 'The Old Testament' to be an incredibly brave film for its time. It unflinchingly tackles AIDS stigma, bisexual erasure, and family homophobia in a society that rarely acknowledged them. The Greek chorus device felt jarring at first, but it brilliantly mirrors the moral policing that LGBTQ+ people face. Not an easy watch, but an essential one.

film_grain_lover

March 2025

7/10

Love the raw, DV-shot look—it gives the film an almost documentary feel that fits the subway, apartment, and shower settings. The lighting is uneven but purposeful; you can see the budget constraints, but the intimacy of the close-ups makes up for it. The Greek chorus costumes are a bizarre, wonderful touch. Not polished, but visually memorable.

plot_hole_police

December 2024

5/10

I get what it was trying to do, but the episodic structure feels disjointed and the dialogue is stilted—likely due to non-professional actors. The 'Proverbs' love triangle drags on with little payoff, and the biblical framing seems forced. A noble effort, but pacing and execution keep it from being truly engaging. Worth a look only if you’re studying early queer Chinese film.

ost_library_shelf

January 2026

7/10

The Greek-style choral songs that punctuate each segment are strangely hypnotic. They deliver moralizing lyrics in a haunting chant that stays with you long after the film ends. The rest of the score is minimal, but that’s part of the charm. It’s not a typical BL soundtrack, but for experimental audio, it’s a fascinating piece.

hopeless_romantic_bl

August 2025

6/10

I was hoping for a beautiful love story, but this is more about pain and societal pressure than romance. The couple in 'Song of Solomon' has a few tender moments, but the focus on AIDS and caretaking is heartbreaking. If you want sweet chemistry, look elsewhere; if you want a realistic, tearful portrayal of love under fire, this might move you.