Yet I am by nature a boy, not a girl 𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖🪭
This is easily one of my favorite films of all time. It is absolutely spectacular. There wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t glued to the screen, entranced by its beauty and depth. It’s a movie that sticks, and will stay with me forever.
Throughout the film we observe the growth and the development of the relationship between two opera actors. Demonstrating the changing world around them as they enter war, revolution, and reformation. As well as silently establishing what it is that they mean for one another. It’s unrequited, messy, and most of all sensitive and profoundly artistic.
In the first hour of the film the character are young children. Going through relentless torment as they train to become famous stars. Getting physically and emotionally abused by their teacher. This being normalized in their lives. As scenes afterwards display them as adults bowing down to him, accepting his abuse; and even siding with him. This first hour being truthfully the hardest to get through. As there’s endless torture, and no hope in sight for any of the children. Working towards a goal that they didn’t even choose. Becoming completely obsessed with opera, as they have nothing else. Cheng Dieyi even blurring the lines between man and woman, as he becomes hopelessly consumed by opera.
In the second two hours of the film the characters age. Going through the occupation of Japan in Beijing during the Second World War. And later going through Chinas communist revolution. Outside of opera Dieyi and Xiaolou are completely lost. Losing themselves in their vices, only truly being pulled out by their passion for acting.
Each and every scene is intentional, not a single one going unexplained or untouched. This is a spectacular film in so many regards. Cultural, queer, and deeply moving. It is simply incredible.
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