Farewell My Concubine And The Tragic Story of Leslie Cheung
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- čas přidán 17. 09. 2020
- Farewell My Concubine was a movie that was made in Hong Kong and released in 1993 to much acclaim worldwide, earning the coveted Palme D'Or prize at Cannes Film Festival. Learn about the story of this film here.
The lead actor Leslie Cheung was an amazing role model as an out bisexual man. His life sadly was cut short after a long struggle with depression. We remember in this video some aspects of his life. - Zábava
![[Engsub] A Time to Remember interview (1998)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wk65-2_-FlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I just watched Farewell My Concubine for a college class and I was heartbroken by the story. To now learn the actor suffered a similar fate as his character breaks my heart even more. RIP Leslie
While Leslie was very famous in Hong Kong and Asia, he was also very famous in the LGBTQ community worldwide. His death had a big impact on my generation of gay men and I think about him often.
I have a different take on the relationship in Farwell my Concubine. The sorrow felt Dieyi does not stem from unrequited love, but from betrayal. Xiaolou loved Dieyi, but did not have the courage or strength to commit to him.To be with him. He chose a different path. Something all gay men know. This makes the pain unbearable for Dieyi.
Watching what the children went through , in the beginning of this masterpiece , truly made me cringe , my Chinese GF , who was raised as a Acrobatic Circus Performer in the 1970's , explained to me how harsh the discipline was that she and others received regularly , she said this movie reminded her of those days , as for Leslie Cheung , what can you say about his performance , sometimes we as movie goers , are simply blessed to bear witness to such artistry , I first became aware of him as an actor , in the movies A Chinese Ghost Story , and the movie Rouge , I thoroughly enjoyed his work in those two wonderful movies , but he really raised the bar with Farewell My Concubine , I wish certain movies were mandatory viewing in schools around the world , Farewell My Concubine would most assuredly be on my list , I could go on and on about this film , but in the end , knowing Leslie's real life tragic ending , does leave me , and I'm sure many others , with a deep feeling of sorrow , we are however blessed , to be able to escape , if only for a couple of hours , into the wonderful world of cinema , and once again enjoy the beauty he so graciously shared with all of us , he is remembered , cherished , and loved by thousands of his fans worldwide , and if by chance , you have not seen this beautiful cinematic masterpiece , by all means make the effort to do so , you won't be disappointed , Peace
Such a sad movie. Hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving while provoking unforgettable themes and characters. I've watched it many times, as engrossing now as the premiere. Leslie is unbelievably beautiful. Irregardless of the actors in a scene, I watch only Leslie! I hope he found the peace he needed.
In Chinese opera, women were not allowed to be part of the crew. It was solely only men. If you watch other movies that Leslie Cheung was in; you would notice a lot of hidden msgs about his life. He was ridiculed a lot in Hong Kong when he was starting to come out. Anita Mui was know to be his BFF, I believe cause the did a lot of compiled concerts together. I loved his work and was so sad of his passing.
Yeh. It's mostly misunderstanding due to him being gay.
I hope I got that right
That’s not fully accurate. There were men’s troops and women’s troops. Not only men. Eventually it accepted an intermingle
Thank you for talking about this film and Leslie. Leslie was my childhood idol when I was growing up in Hong Kong, when he was primarily a singer.
I actually never considered that Dieyi’s relationship with the benefactor might have had a romantic component on Dieyi’s part. When I saw the movie I assumed that Dieyi only agreed because he couldn’t say no without risking a major blow to their careers. I was so angry at Duan for letting Dieyi meet with the benefactor alone, just like he had to meet the old man who first assaulted him alone. I felt this dread, like Dieyi and I both know what he was walking into and there was only one outcome
I watched the movie when it was first shown back in the 90s, a beautiful film. After Leslie’s suicide, I tried watching it again but found it too painful to watch, it’s too poignant😥. I haven’t watched since.
same - I have it on DVD and can't watch it. my favorite film
This is probably the Best Film I have ever seen in my life.
I’m straight, Canadian and sixteen, I’m so glad I have a strange queer brother to alert me to pieces like Farewell my Concubine that would never have heard about
I am currently a bit on a binge after I watched "Happy Together" by Wong Kar Wai with Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung. I didnt realize that the actor from one of my favorite movies "A Better Tomorrow" was such a vibrant personality and so open with his sexuality. I really admire him. Thanks for this calm video
im both autistic and bisexual as Leslie was and I cant but cry each time I see this movie or when I hear its soundtrack or even when I show it to my Israeli students in the class for Chinese history culture and language. This was the first ever movie Ive screened in the class at high school and I tried to hold back my tears when seeing this movie with both Chinese and hebrew subtitles. I also sometimes feel unsafe to be both Autistic and bisexual at times and im very empathetic for people like Leslie who suffered so much but left an eternal legacy for all of us and for his East Asian sphere audience in particular. I believe in who I am and I hope that all of you will learn from Leslie Cheung and me how to love yourself despite not always recieving the same kind of love back from your partner your friend, your family or even wider soceity in general.
Thank you so much for this video, I grew up resenting Leslie as he kinda was a generation before me and it wasn't really *cool* amongst my age group to like him. But then I realised it was my internalised homophobia so ingrained in my upbringing that stopped me from appreciating him.
Beautiful to read you grew as a human being!
Stumbling across this video reminds me that I have got to stop relying on the recommended video that the algorithm gives me and start using the search feature more often because this truly was a gem of a find.
I watched Farewell My Concubine a long time ago but had no idea about Leslie's story...so tragic to see the parallels. Thank you for the video!
Leslie Cheung was just awesome
Thank you for this video! Leslie cheung was truly an amazing actor and he did such a great job switching from different identites and generally acting in farewell my concubine. I only found out about him recently but because of this movie i discovered a legend and got to appreciate his work. Rest in peace
👍🇨🇳🇭🇰I love Leslie Cheung.he is the wonderful person.💐🥰😘
I saw Farewell My Concubine many years ago but thank you for giving us the back story of the actor. I find it incredibly sad that someone could get so much hate because of Love. Because ultimately it comes down to that. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜✌
This movie is too painful to watch now.
I went back to HK to work for 2 years and I'm lucky enough to watch one of his concert back in 1997 November. On the day he committed suicide, if was April fool day. I kept searching online for posts to make sure that's wasn't a joke. It actually take me almost a day to accept that he had killed himself. He was one of the best singer and best actor in hk. Tomorrow will be his 19 years Memorial anniversary..... Every time when I listen to his songs, I'll naturally cry .... it's really a tragic for his loss....😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Thank you for covering this movie and incredible actor ❤
just recently watched this amazing movie and felt that i needed to research more about it cus i loved it so much and you perfectly explained all the details that didnt seem clear to me and the adition of leslie’s real life story made it even better.
Where did you find the movie? I am unable to find it on any stream?
@@gothgirl12371 i originally downloaded it in some sketchy website, but upon checking tinyzonetv.to, the movie is still available for streaming although this website i guess is considered kinda illegal, but if u don't have any other options, then I guess go for it, it also has eng subs
Have you got it?I saw it days before by YT . @@gothgirl12371
One think people need to become aware of... When people judge / bully others it doesn't define the person they are trying to tearing down. It defines the person that is judging / bullying. Allow people to BE whatever / whomever they want. It doesn't affect YOU in anyway.
Thank you for sharing. You really made me sob quietly. It hurts to know how Leslie Cheung died.
Just finished watching Leslie's movie entitled "Happy Together" I loved him there already, thank you for sharing his story, now I wanna watch more of him ☺️
He is a pop singer too, widely popular in Hongkong and the Chinese world.
You can watch Better Tomorrow.
such a tragic movie that is so gorgeously shot from beginning to end. I recently got to watch the 4K uncut remaster in theaters! Thank you for making such a great video about it. I hope more people get the chance to watch it😊
What a heartbreaking tragedy. Thank you so much for this beautiful offering and honoring of Leslie, Daffy, and all who live for love.
I already knew all of this but I still got goosebumps listening from you eloquently talk about it. This was a great video.
I watched this film in the 90s and it made a huge impact. A few years ago i found the music of Hua Chenyu. One of his signature songs is I am what i am, by Leslie Cheung. Hua Chenyu is an amazing composer and singer. So now im back with the Concubine. Mars 25 also reminded me and i decided to rewatch
Great summarization skills ❤
RIP Leslie Cheung. Amazing brave actor for his time.
Wow I’m totally impressed with your knowledge about Leslie 😲😲😲❤️❤️
Remembering Leslie today ❤️ Amazing video, thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you for this video... I am crying so hard after watching this video haven’t watched the movie yet... and I am not sure if I could be able tomwatch it...
I just watched this movie wihtout context, I am so greatful for this video because I had so much feelings and things I saw. It makes the story more powerful...May they rest in peace.
Rest in Peace Leslie Cheung
Fantastic review! Thank you from Sweden 🇸🇪
Thank you for this wonderful video 💔❤️❤️
Thank you for this video 🙏🏻
This’s the best ever Chinese movie in my heart and in Chinese movie ranking websites. And I love your introduction either, on both the background of Chinese opera and those actors. Thank you.
Ahhh thank you so much for the video. I knew I missed details in movie and I felt lost. This video helps me understand so much better.
Great video. Thank u
I just watched the movie. I couldn't remember if I'd seen it or not. Turned out I hadn't. It was very well done, if quite challenging in lots of ways. How anyone survived the cultural revolution is a mystery. Leslie is in one of my other favourite Chinese gay films Lan Yu, which is remarkable for the genuine chemistry of the central couple. As someone who is 60, gay and single I am somewhat familiar with how challenging life can be. I loved what you said about him and the contribution he made. Thank you .
Wait he is in Lan Yu?
What character he played?
Can't remember him there.
Sorry, I got that completely wrong. My mistake.
@@richardwhitehouse8762
It's completely fine. I often make such mistakes myself being a foreign viewer.
Loved the video
Loved the video!
Came here from AO3 really enjoyed watching your video ^^
Fantastic video
Thank you so much for sharing and bringing this film to your audience. There are however some small inaccuracies in the film description which is quite common in many western interpretations I’ve read. There’s a lot more depth and cultural symbolism in the film which I’ll love to share if necessary :)
go for it! I'm all ears
@@laoshi_reads8950
I’ll share some brief points. They’re gathered from multiple Chinese interpretations, interviews with the crew, historical and cultural contexts of Chinese culture and Beijing Opera, and of course shared in my humble opinion. Not here to put anyone down, pls don’t take anything the wrong way!
1. Dieyi did not “fall in love” romantically with his senior, contrary to many western interpretations. It is more like a reliance (依赖), something much broader than the western ideals of romanticism or love. Also, it is a result of him muddling theatrical life with reality, where he no longer sees himself as Dieyi, but as the concubine, and his senior as BaWang.
2. Dieyi did not engage in a romantic relationship with YuanSiYe, and did not get involved with him simply because he was rejected by his senior and needed a “life buoy”. Culturally in the context of Beijing opera, many actors were sponsored or boosted by powerful people, with some being involved in ambiguous relationships (曖昧). These may not be sexual nor romantic but often times actors cannot reject advances as it would end their careers. Yuan’s character is said to portray Yuan Shi Kai’s son, Yuan Ke Wen, who was well-versed in Beijing Opera and known to be one of the Four Popular Young Men in China the (民国四公子) - so you can imagine his influence. Dieyi may have looked to Yuan for relationship stability, but his agreement to YuanSiYe’s advances was mainly because he wanted to get the sword for his senior. Why he did that was because when they first saw the sword, Xiaolou commented that he loved it and said “If BaWang (his stage character) owned this sword, he would’ve won the war. Then, you would be the real queen.” These words were engraved in DieYi’s heart. This was why he agreed to Yuan’s advances, because on the same day, JuXian appeared, his senior left with her, and Dieyi headed to Yuan’s residence and saw the sword. Him getting the sword was a last ditch attempt to get his senior back, but when he presented it to him, XiaoLou did not even recognize the sword. Heartbroken, that was when Dieyi decided to part ways with his senior.
3. Yuan definitely did not love Dieyi. As an avid opera fan, he fell for dieyi’s character and he felt that he had to possess Dieyi. His lack of love for Dieyi was clearly portrayed when he refused to help when Dieyi was arrested. He eventually agreed to help because crafty Juxian devised a scheme which would entrap him if he refused to help. Also, the scene where he was with his caged birds was deliberately symbolic- why did he not keep other animals as pets, why use birds? because birds could be caged. This symbolizes his possessive nature.
4. I don’t think Dieyi was upset about yuan being arrested and persecuted, Yuan was a thorn in his flesh. In fact during the Struggle Session, so common in the Cultural Revolution, mentioning Yuan was the breaking point of the whole confession, and the climax of the film. The actors were put to denounce each other, and under the extreme stress, Xioulou made public the relationship between Dieyi and Yuan (but note how it was never explicitly indicated that there was a sexual or romantic relationship). This drove Dieyi mad and he also denounced Xiaolou for marrying a prostitute, which then drove Xioulou mad and he defended himself saying he never loved her. This crazy denouncing destroyed all their relationships, which was what caused Dieyi and Xiaolou to separate again. It is more than just a few arguments and definitely nothing to do with Dieyi’s addiction.
These are just some points, there’s really so much more to cover for this film. Tbh I’m a little apprehensive posting these publicly, so pls be kind in your comments if any! But still thank you Lilly for covering this film!
that's really interesting, thanks for sharing it
@@mengsy Thank you for sharing! I'd never even noticed the cage symbolism but it totally works!
I'm going to be a bit contrarian and argue that: since Dieyi couldn't differentiate between himself and concubine Yu and Duan and the king, wouldn't that imply he had romantic feelings towards Duan? Maybe blurring the lines between theatre and reality was the only way he allowed himself or felt safe enough to manifest his affection? So they were brothers off stage but on stage the dynamic changed for Dieyi?
don't mind me tho, I'm super culturally ignorant on this topic. Us western viewers just want to ship them so bad😅
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(p.s. everyone feel free to disregard this. I dunno if this is the appropriate place to mention this but do you have any thoughts on the 1993 film M. Butterfly? I feel like these two movies kind of go together as their timelines somewhat overlap. m.butterfly looks like an analytical field day. Kind of cringe but there's a lot to unpack)
I remember seeing the movie in theaters and recalling a harrowing scene during the Cultural Revolution where they're forced to don their opera costumes by the Red Guard and burn them. They even go as far as pushing Leslie Cheung's character near a bonfire, with the implication that they'll burn him unless HR confesses. See what happens, Mao, when you let teens run wild?
장국영 배우님 패왕별희.
영화중에 대작 입니다
다른 대작들은 주위배경에 연기 분산이되는데
장국영배우님 데이 역은 오롯이
본인 몸동작 하나 하나의 예술입니다
저도 패왕별희 몇번을봤지만
대작중에대작입니다
One of my favorite movie of all time. Another movie in this same genre is the 1993 M Butterfly with Jeremy Iron and John Lone. Would love to get you take on this movie.
Really informative video about Farewell My Concubine and actor Leslie Chung. I enjoy chinese historical drama's and any background to help understand viewpoint is appreciated.
Liked and shared this video! It has nothing to do with the content but your library is stunning D:
thank you
Thank you for sharing. Leslie was The King above all else. Non-Binary, LGBTQIA people, and above all else, artists go thru a tough time. I'm glad I'm binary (very much so) and I'm sad I cannot claim to hv a gay friend (or non binary), cos no one admitted (so far in my circle of friends). Don't think there's one main cause for his suicide, but there were rumors about him getting too deep emotionally into Characters, and so happened his last 2 films were Double-Tap and Inner Senses. Check those films out and you may see why at least some of that rumor may be true on his ultimate suicide act.
Farewell my concubine is my favorite thank you for explaining.leslie is also my favorite actor.hope you research on jay chow .also one of my favorite
Well done
The movie is made in mainland China, had a mainland China director, I don’t think there are any parts filmed in Hong Kong
Interesting the CCP censors didn't strike until after production was finished.
Nowadays they sit on the set or check the script in advance.
Leslie was my childhood idol.... still miss him. Thank you for your comments. I was wondering if you can do a reaction to Dimash Kudaibergen’s SOS. He is now my adulthood idol. Thank you!
Well done. Thank you for sharing. I have seen the movie lots over the years but didn't know the story of Leslie. P.S. What did you think of Temptress Moon?
RIP.
The film was actually made in Mainland China (most scenes were taken in Beijing)
What she says about censorship also fits much better with the CCP regime. HK was still British at that time.
That said, today such a movie production in mainland would be impossible. The censors control the script, set and editing completely.
Plus, nowadays the PRC doesn't give a damn about international opinion.
Hope you share the story of Anita mui
The tradition of this kind of life with prostitutes and beijing street/theatre troupe has been going on for centuries. Families who couldn't feed their young often either sell their kids to be servants, eunuchs, and the lowest of the low would be theatre/street troupes or prostitutes in a brothel. In brothels, some ladies of the night, if they're smart enough, can turn their life around, but for centuries, women in China are perceived as products, not people, which is why women in China think their worth isn't by how you perceive yourself, but by how others perceive you. The reason why I say "are" and not "were" is because these practices still goes on in China. Opera, and theatre troupes still goes on, and people still sell street arts. The "new" China with the CCP, is just a new dynasty with a fresh coat of paint. Only, instead of streets, you get an extra option of joining the Beijing Dance Academy, or the Beijing Arts Academy, or the state own athlete's program where your job 24/7 is to work towards becoming an Olympic Athlete, and not only that, win gold to survive in the country. Instead of being sold as servants or getting castrated to become eunuchs, you get sent off to work endlessly in a factory and slaving off life, you get your family to pressure you to marry someone they think are "suitable" to you. To Chinese, for thousands of years, society often perceive life as fate. If you're born into that society, you're destined to have that kind of life. You don't get to choose, you don't get to know your rights as people. For thousands of years, Chinese people don't know what "rights" are. In CCP, it's the same thing, with a fresh coat of paint. In western civilization, even the homeless gets a chance to set themselves free, to defend themselves if their lives are threatened. To be homeless in the west, you're not destined to be homeless, you are homeless because you fucked up really bad, the government still give you a choice to clean up and get a job. In China, you're homeless and lowest of the low not only because you fucked up, but because most people think you fucked up in your past life, not this life, so your life is predestined by Karma.
this is the single dumbest comment I have ever read. Everything you said happened in democratic western countries as well. You act as if modern China doesn’t have millions of people travelling abroad to different countries every year. You act as if Chinese people don’t have a brain for themselves. If China was so bad, millions wouldn’t go back every year. Show me a single western country that has lifted their 85% of their population into the middle class, that’s more than 800 million people. You’re an ignorant brainwashed clown.
Cry me a river. So is every society on the planet. Most people in China are way better off than more half of the world's population. 😒
Totally agree with what you said, especially the fact that the CCP is just another dynasty with a new coat of paint.
Did you ever listen to Bey Logan talk about Leslie Chueng?
He has some recollections of working with him, that are interesting.
their actual given names are xiao shitou and xiao douzi. Duan xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi are their stage names
I got a suggestion can u talk about another legend in hong kong Anita Mui
Ooohhh yeah! And also Danny Chan!
agree with u all points i m a live seller in facebook i face stima too like a girl then when i like men i face other issue cybel bully is a everyday affair terrible
❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
This movie is made in China, not Hong Kong, there is only one Hong Kong movie.
Favor my concubine is my all time favorite. Leslie chung is definitely did such a good job. I don't think he commit suicide due to the cyber bullying or the stigmatization. China is a society that become increasingly accomodating toward homosexuality. Although there is bias goining，there was never those kind of violence against gay.people. leslie is so much like Dieyi in the film. He is very much devoted to stage. His art is his life. like all the star， his career inevitably going downhill. he is aging he can't accept his art life end. That is why he tooks his own life.
Holy crap, your lighting is making your forehead disappear into the white walls behind you.
... Also ... Cyberbullying? The movie is from 1993 and set much earlier...
There was no proof that he jumped , he might have been killed for being gay , coming out and sharing is strong views
I know Hong Kong cinema was the SHIT at the time, but truth be told, this movie was made in Mainland China. Directed by a Chinese director and produced by Beijing Film Studio.
Trigger warnings trigger me.
雌雄同体 人戏不分
ummmmm it’s literally normal and accepted to be LGBT in china?? one of the biggest talk show hosts over there is a trans woman. do ur research somewhere other than radio free asia oh my god😭😭😭
Dude china censorship doesn't even allow mentioning gay people in movies or books. They even recently banned manhuas which show or suggest homosexual relationships. They didn't even allow ppl leaving flowers for leslie's death anniversary this year. I don't think an average chinese citizen is more homophobic than other ppl but it's not a secret that ccp hate gays.
@@lotusrain4102 also not to mention farewell my concubine is the highest rated movie on chinese letterboxd….
@@haiiiix3 &? The things i said r still true. China can't even make lgbt content anymore nowadays. It's not propaganda. Their anti-gay censorship rules r open to the public.
Good
This wonderful man was bullied and died of depression because he made his sexuality his main life topic.
Judging by your uniform and your channel, you do to.
Where do you live, thinking you were less observed as any chinese, who got their surveillance done by the californian tech industry? Greetings from Berlin!
This is the most famous history in Chinese history…number 1 in Douban App. And you can easily watch it online in many softwares actually like bilibili
ouch