Farewell My Concubine is an art film.
The film mainly revolves around Cheng Dieyi, played by Leslie Cheung, and Duan Xiaolou, played by Su Han, with Ju Xian, portrayed by Gong Li, also playing a significant role.
In essence, the emotional entanglements between these three characters are incredibly complex.
However, the filming of this movie also involved Peking Opera.
Therefore, both Su Han and Leslie Cheung actually had to learn Peking Opera.
The intricacies of Peking Opera are truly vast and profound, and before filming could commence, a considerable period of study was required to truly begin shooting the film.
Thus, before starting this movie, Leslie Cheung personally went to study Peking Opera.
During this time, Su Han also underwent systematic simulation and spent a long period learning about Peking Opera.
In fact, during the simulation, much was learned about Peking Opera.
This film was shot in two phases.
One phase was when Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou met in their childhood.
The other phase was when they were adults.
And the adult phase is the one played by Su Han and Leslie Cheung.
Brother Leslie played too many emotionally melancholic roles, which later led him to become somewhat depressed.
Of course, in this film, the character of Cheng Dieyi is indeed quite melancholic, and Cheng Dieyi is a character who deeply immerses himself into his roles.
It can be said that his character's underlying essence shares many similarities with Brother Leslie.
Before shooting, Su Han and Brother Leslie needed to get acquainted and run through the scenes.
The first time Su Han met Brother Leslie, he was pleasantly surprised.
Brother Leslie was wearing a white shirt on top and light blue jeans on the bottom.
With his short, tousled hair, he exuded a gentle and jade-like demeanor, looking particularly charismatic.
From a distance, it was evident that Brother Leslie was already somewhat embodying the character.
There were already strong traces of Cheng Dieyi in him, and quite palpable ones at that.
"Hello, I'm Leslie Cheung."
Upon meeting, Brother Leslie greeted Su Han very generously and friendly.
"Hello, I'm Su Han."
"I've admired you for a long time."
Su Han genuinely liked Leslie Cheung because Leslie Cheung was an actor who was devoted to his craft, a true artist who wanted to perform his roles exceptionally well, an actor willing to make significant personal sacrifices for the sake of acting.
Therefore, in Su Han's opinion, being able to collaborate with Brother Leslie was truly an honor, and indeed something to be very proud of.
"I've admired you for a long time too."
Brother Leslie said with a beaming, friendly smile, "I saw your film 'The Clown,' and I loved it. I felt your acting was truly superb."
"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to act with you."
For someone like Leslie Cheung, already quite renowned in the entertainment industry, to say such words to Su Han was indeed quite rare.
It must be said, Su Han's "The Clown" was truly well-made.
"Thank you for liking it."
"I look forward to your guidance during this shoot."
"And please, guide me as well."
"How are things? Have you both gotten acquainted?"
As they were getting acquainted, a low voice sounded nearby.
They looked up together and saw Chen Kaige.
Chen Kaige approached with a smile, his expression kind and benevolent.
"Director Kaige."
Su Han and Brother Leslie called out respectfully in unison.
"How are things? Have you both gotten acquainted?"
"Yes, we have."
"Get ready, and then we'll run through the lines."
"Okay."
Su Han and Brother Leslie both agreed to go over the scenes with Chen Kaige.
Holding their scripts, they slowly ran through the scenes to get into character.
After running through it a few times, they found the right feeling.
Chen Kaige looked at them and said, "I think it's good. Can we start filming now?"
"Yes, we can."
Next, Su Han and Brother Leslie went to the makeup room backstage to get their makeup done and put on their costumes.
The crew members also prepared everything, waiting for the actors and director to begin filming.
The preceding plot involved Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi performing a play for Master Yuan.
Master Yuan had always had an interest in Cheng Dieyi.
Cheng Dieyi, in turn, had feelings for Duan Xiaolou, which led to the following scene.
This scene was between Brother Leslie and Su Han backstage, discussing Master Yuan's visit to watch their performance.
Brother Leslie, with his face painted as the graceful Consort Yu, now possessed a captivating presence.
Su Han, with his wig on, also exuded the spirit of Duan Xiaolou, the resolute warrior.
"Okay, action!"
As Chen Kaige called "Action," Su Han and Brother Leslie entered their characters.
Brother Leslie looked at Su Han with deep affection, "Master Yuan came to show his support today."
"Didn't you hear me singing with the suona? I poured my heart out."
Su Han said, wiping his hands and looking down at the towel in his grip, "I want him to understand that without his patronage, we can still make a name for ourselves in Beiping."
"Then you should be careful too."
Brother Leslie said, walking forward and positioning himself behind Su Han.
He looked at Su Han with deep affection, still seemingly in character as Consort Yu.
"It's fine. I'll place my hands on my waist to help me breathe."
Brother Leslie placed his hands on Su Han's waist.
"This?"
"Not right."
"How about this?"
"This is also not right."
"Oh, my waist!"
During this simple scene rehearsal, they burst into laughter.
"Cut!"
"This scene is good!"
"Very good!"
With Chen Kaige's call, the scene was successfully completed.
After this scene, Ge You would be up next.