Ba wang bie ji

The film follows the tumultuous relationships between Peking opera actors Cheng Dieyi, Duan Xiaolou, and Xiaolou's wife Gong Juxian, as they navigate the complexities of identity, love, and loyalty amidst China's political turmoil. Characterized by its visceral realism, the epic drama spans decades, from the early formations of the Republic of China to the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. The revered opera actor Dieyi's unrequited love for Xiaolou persists throughout, while the troupe's interactions with Chinese politics and society serve as a backdrop to the film's exploration of blurred lines between real life and the stage.