The sweeping changes that overran China in the 20th century are juxtaposed against a more personal drama, that of a female impersonator (Leslie Cheung) with the Peking Opera and his lifelong friendship with and unrequited love for a fellow performer, in this acclaimed film based on Lilian Lee's novel. Epic Chinese-Hong Kong historical drama based on Lilian Lee's 1985 novel co-stars Zhang Fengyi, Gong LI, You Ge; directed by Chen Kaige. Director's cut; 171 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: Mandarin Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English. In Mandarin with English subtitles.