VOD (2)
Plots(1)
In Chen Kaige's adaptation of the Lilian Lee novel, Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Duan Xiaolou (Fengyi Zhang) grow up enduring the harsh training of the Peking Opera Academy, where instructors regularly beat the children as a means of instilling in them the discipline needed to master the complex physical and vocal technique. As the two boys mature, they develop complementary talents: Dieyi, with his fine, delicate features, assumes the female roles while the burlier Xiaolou plays masculine warlords. Their dramatic identities become real for Dieyi when he falls in love with Xiaolou; the resolutely heterosexual Xiaolou, however, marries a courtesan, Juxian (Gong Li), creating a dangerous, jealousy-filled romantic triangle. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1994 - Kaige Chen (Best Foreign Language Film)
- 1994 - Changwei Gu (Best Achievement in Cinematography)
British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
- 1994 - Best Film not in the English Language
César Awards
- 1994 - Best Foreign Film
Golden Globes
- 1994 - Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
- 1993 - Kaige Chen (Best Foreign-Language Film)
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- 1993 - Li Gong (Best Supporting Actress)
- 1993 - Best Foreign Language Film
Cannes Film Festival
- 1993 - Kaige Chen (Golden Palm - Official Competition)
- 1993 - Kaige Chen (Fipresci Prize - Official Competition)