China / Hong Kong,
1993, 171 min
Plots(1)
An adaptation of the novel by Lilian Lee, the film explores the effect of China's political turmoil during the mid-20th century on the lives of individuals, families and groups. Spanning 53 years, the film is two films at once, a tale of the friendship of two men against the historical backdrop of a country in upheaval. The central characters, Dieyi and Xiaolou, are two apprentices in the Peking Opera, the film examines how their lives are affected by major political changes such as the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s and the victory of the communists in 1949 - alongside the story of a woman who comes between them. (British Film Institute (BFI))
(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)