8.4
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Farewell My Concubine (1993)
Farewell My Concubine (1993)
Overview
Two boys meet at an opera training school in Peking in 1924. Their resulting friendship will span nearly 70 years and endure some of the most troublesome times in China's history.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Right
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Viewer Rating
8.4
Overview
Two boys meet at an opera training school in Peking in 1924. Their resulting friendship will span nearly 70 years and endure some of the most troublesome times in China's history.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film's primary political message is a humanistic critique of ideological extremism and totalitarianism, particularly the destructive impact of the Cultural Revolution on traditional culture and individual lives, aligning with skepticism of radical state power.
The film features an ethnically appropriate Chinese cast, and its narrative deeply explores themes of gender identity and non-heteronormative relationships. It critically examines traditional societal norms and the struggles of individuals against oppressive systems and rigid expectations, particularly concerning gender and sexuality.
Secondary
The film offers a deeply empathetic and complex portrayal of Cheng Dieyi, whose unrequited love for his opera partner is central to his identity and artistic expression. Despite a tragic end, the narrative affirms the dignity and worth of his queer identity and profound devotion, framing his suffering as a result of external forces and unreciprocated affection.
The film "Farewell My Concubine" explores themes of gender identity through Dieyi, a Peking Opera actor who deeply identifies with his female roles. His lifelong struggle to reconcile his stage persona with his personal identity and his unrequited love are portrayed with profound empathy and dignity, framing societal pressures and political turmoil as the sources of his tragic fate.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film adapts Lilian Lee's novel, portraying its main characters—Cheng Dieyi, Duan Xiaolou, and Juxian—with the same genders as established in the source material. Dieyi's portrayal of female roles in Peking Opera is a performance within the narrative, not a change to his canonical male gender.
The film "Farewell My Concubine" is a historical drama set in China, featuring characters who are canonically and historically Chinese. The cast, including the main actors, are all of Chinese descent, accurately reflecting the characters' established race.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
8.1
7.9
Critic Ratings
9.0
8.4
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