"A demonstration of how a great epic can function. I was generally familiar with the important moments in modern Chinese history, but this film helped me to feel and imagine what it was like to live in the country during those times. This is one of the year's best films." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
"This is entertaining filmmaking on a grand scale." - Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
"Appropriately operatic, Chen's visually spectacular epic is sumptuous in every respect. Intelligent, enthralling, rhapsodic." - Geoff Andrew, Time Out
December 26 & 30 | Kaige’s acclaimed, long-out-of-print masterpiece chronicles the rise of two young stars of the Beijing Opera House, their turbulent relationship, and ultimate downfalls. Beginning in 1924 and spanning nearly half a century, FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE’s sumptuous narrative is interwoven with moments from some of the most troublesome times in modern Chinese history, including Japan’s 1937 invasion, through to the Chinese Cultural Revolution and its aftermath. A new 30th anniversary 4K restoration of the film’s original cut, this Palme d’Or winner and two- time Academy Award–nominated epic features incredible lead performances from international stars Leslie Cheung, Fengyi Zhang, and Gong Li. (Kino Lorber)
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Foreign Language Film, Golden Globes
Winner - Best Foreign Language Film, New York Film Critics Circle Awards
Be Kind, Rewind Series: Join us as we review the best and biggest films from 2023––from favorite titles that graced the Film Center’s screens, to movies that thrilled audiences across the country. As the days left on 2023’s calendar slip past, BE KIND, REWIND invites you to consider how these films reveal not just the movies of the year, but 2023 itself. View full series.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu