This movie was something I’d been wanting to see for quite some time; it seems like it might have been the initial Chinese film I ever watched. Before viewing, I did some reading about it, and I was struck by its success in Western markets and how it managed to upset Chinese Communist authorities. Still, I wasn't completely ready for what unfolded on screen. The movie is genuinely harsh, without a doubt. Director Kaige Chen adapted an established and admired book, but chose to emphasize a nearly palpable sense of reality. It’s a sweeping story that covers a significant timeframe, from 1924 to 1977—a turbulent period in Chinese history encompassing the war against Japan, the invasion of Manchuria, and the Cultural Revolution. The film also offers a glimpse into the world of Cantonese opera, a traditional Chinese art form. Within this setting, two young students endure a difficult and unhappy existence at the opera school, experiencing regular beatings and other forms of mistreatment, including sexual abuse. One of these apprentices portrays female characters in the performances, essentially dressing as a woman since women are prohibited from appearing on stage. Throughout the film, there's considerable blurring between reality and performance; it’s often unclear whether the actors are embodying their roles or letting those roles influence their actual lives, and vice versa. I wasn’t familiar with any of the performers, but I appreciated their performances collectively, and how they interacted with one another. The film also features remarkable settings, rich in realistic details like building construction and lanterns. The costumes are equally commendable, particularly for the opera characters, with all those fabrics and distinctive face makeup. Lastly, a note should be made about the beautiful cinematography, along with the excellent opening credits and musical score.

Source on TMDB