동아시아의 평화와 화해의 정치학 Scrapbook: Farewell My Concubine And The Tragic Story of Leslie Cheung

2024-08-03

Farewell My Concubine And The Tragic Story of Leslie Cheung

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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.

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115 Comments

Sejin Lifeforce 生命

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@crayolaclouds2696

3 years ago

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

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@moonlightmistandmemories9623

10 months ago

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

@ScottG88

2 years ago

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.

@suiling4459

3 years ago

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.

2 replies

@OldLadyMapleSeed

7 months ago

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

@debramorrison5531

2 years ago

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.

@OpheliaFantasy

2 weeks ago

Thank you for sharing, I had no idea what had happened to him His performance in the movie has stayed with me and now I know he was also a hero for living authentically and inspiring others to do the same. Sharing his story is so important, so again, thank you!

@houseblend1309

2 years ago

This is probably the Best Film I have ever seen in my life.

@technologynewbie7661

3 years ago

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.

1 reply

@carlosdumbratzen6332

2 years ago

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

@hedwig6948

9 months ago

Thank you for covering this movie and incredible actor

@rushspotting

2 years ago

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.

@kdfooaijfea3asdf

3 years ago

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.

@Geckokidthepaladin

2 years ago

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.

1 reply

@tzufbb

2 years ago

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.

@OldLadyMapleSeed

7 months ago

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

@phialintorres5251

1 year ago

Thank you for sharing. You really made me sob quietly. It hurts to know how Leslie Cheung died.

@111111111Tiger

2 years ago

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.

@airsquadron654

10 months ago

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

@mrblue8439

1 year ago

Leslie Cheung was just awesome

@monkeyrun

2 years ago

This movie is too painful to watch now.

@wapaki

1 year ago

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...

@ayelet_

3 years ago

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!

@kimiko412

2 years ago (edited)

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....

@DivineFeminine99

7 months ago

Great summarization skills

@harukolopez5307

10 months ago

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. <3

@iofiiofi4831

3 years ago

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.

2 replies

@art7046

3 years ago

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

@inyaki7547

3 years ago

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 ️

2 replies

@leakkeetan3552

3 years ago

🇨🇳🇭🇰I love Leslie Cheung.he is the wonderful person.

@starrymedicine5298

2 years ago

What a heartbreaking tragedy. Thank you so much for this beautiful offering and honoring of Leslie, Daffy, and all who live for love.

@raulalma

3 years ago

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.

@tcz1713

2 years ago (edited)

Remembering Leslie today ️ Amazing video, thank you for sharing it with us.

@Ace-ki3rr

3 years ago

I already knew all of this but I still got goosebumps listening from you eloquently talk about it. This was a great video.

@CC-sr2ec

3 years ago

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

@johangnuhp2868

2 years ago

RIP Leslie Cheung. Amazing brave actor for his time.

@tompabompa

2 years ago

Fantastic review! Thank you from Sweden 🇸🇪

@jlol

3 years ago

Wow I’m totally impressed with your knowledge about Leslie ️️

@fabiolacuevas8912

3 years ago

Rest in Peace Leslie Cheung

@eleanor2410

3 years ago

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.

@lucrezia1451

3 years ago

Thank you for this video

@user-tl6dx8ep6s

3 years ago

장국영 배우님 패왕별희.

영화중에 대작 입니다

다른 대작들은 주위배경에 연기 분산이되는데

장국영배우님 데이 역은 오롯이

본인 몸동작 하나 하나의 예술입니다

저도 패왕별희 몇번을봤지만

대작중에대작입니다

@margueritepadovani1402

7 months ago

thank you

@richardwhitehouse8762

3 years ago

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 .

3 replies

@egoncholakianfan

1 year ago

Fantastic video

@dualsphinxvitae2169

3 years ago

Great video. Thank u

@TheKarmacola

2 years ago

Thank you for this wonderful video ️️

@mellowmaureen

2 years ago

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.

@Luvlylexus

3 years ago

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.

@myonlyone8713

1 year ago

Loved the video

@kayka26

2 years ago

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.

@aceeeee8858

3 years ago

Loved the video!

@outstretchedwings

1 year ago

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?

@mengsy

3 years ago

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 :)

4 replies

@lili9630

3 years ago

Came here from AO3 really enjoyed watching your video ^^

@WENG0407

3 years ago

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.

@quandovcestivernoyoutube

1 year ago

RIP.

@yu-lb8py

1 year ago

The movie is made in mainland China, had a mainland China director, I don’t think there are any parts filmed in Hong Kong

@user-zf4jv1nf5i

2 years ago

Hope you share the story of Anita mui

@marlo.candeea

3 years ago

Liked and shared this video! It has nothing to do with the content but your library is stunning D:

@parriekeet5511

2 years ago

The film was actually made in Mainland China (most scenes were taken in Beijing)

1 reply

@rosieposie146

3 years ago

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!

@chanchoykein6670

3 years ago

Well done

@hdrake1000

1 month ago (edited)

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?

@user-zf4jv1nf5i

3 years ago

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

@tzufbb

1 year ago

their actual given names are xiao shitou and xiao douzi. Duan xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi are their stage names

@GlenKioni

2 years ago

Did you ever listen to Bey Logan talk about Leslie Chueng?

He has some recollections of working with him, that are interesting.

@kylieng8250

3 years ago

I got a suggestion can u talk about another legend in hong kong Anita Mui

1 reply

@VWYL900802

3 years ago (edited)

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.

@bqgin

12 days ago

5:45 It's crazy how people can watch the same movie yet have polar opposite interpretations. I didn't make the movie but I think it's pretty clearly shown Dieyi does this, because he knows it's the only way he'll get the sword. And that maybe Shitou's gratitude after receiving the sword will keep him from marrying Jixiou. You can see it in his reaction when master Guan tells him, he only gives gifts to "friends". It's not affectionate reaction, he's scared. Dieyi knows situation will repeat and he'll get used again for Shitou to have the sword, just like with that eunuch years prior. He later feels shame, regret and resent towards himself. The relationship between Dieyi and Guan is abusive, not romantic. He was groomed into believing this is the only way the world will treat him.

I also thought it was pretty obvious, that multiple and continuous abuse is what made the character gay and crossdresser. Just like he said "by nature I am a boy, not a girl" and how hard it was for him to say otherwise. He would probably grow up to be a bit feminine yet normal man, instead his identity was thorn apart and he became what he was forced to play. This is an incredibly good commentary on how lgbt stars happen, just look how many sex and pedrophile scandals have coume out of movie business worldwide. How many actors suddenly started identifying lgbt? You will blame "the stigma" but why so many actors say their children do aswell? They didn't experience "the stigma", they are too young. This comes, from abusing children and ripping apart their natural identity.

ps. The actor went to literally immitate the devil and wondered why he's not happy, like it wasn't obvious.

2024-08-03

Farewell My Concubine And The Tragic Story of Leslie Cheung

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