Farewell My Concubine. Literature & Language. Term Paper

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Farewell My Concubine
The film is set in the Chinese rural ancient authoritarian era—however, the film transitions from the ancient setting and pans to modernity at the Peking Opera. Two orphaned boys of a young age are trained thoroughly in the Peking. This training is done forcefully and radically against their will but eventually bears fruits. The theme of love has been depicted in the film in diverse and indirect ways. The film’s original love story has been brought out as a love triangle. In the film, Dieyi is portrayed as a heterosexual who is in love with Xiaolou, the King. The King, however, does not feel the same way about Dieyi and ends up marrying the beautiful Juxian. The wife to the King, who is portrayed as a prostitute, shatters Dieyi’s hopes of ever being loved back. He hence has to deal with jealousy and the torturous reality that the King does not share the same feelings. Contrary to what is expected, the King’s wife shows compassion to Dieyi, irrespective of being treated with contempt. However, the two friends ironically develop a close relationship as Juxian intervenes and brings out the best in them. She proves her loyalty, love, and support to the King even during the military defeat. Love is also depicted in the backstage scenes of fascinating romance and lovemaking.
The film expresses brutality in Chinese history by the communist movement, and the characters face challenges of war and homelessness. The plot reflects a modern Chinese history that influenced by harsh and authoritative politics. Chinese attire, the structures in the film, and the art stand out in the movie and predominantly defines their culture. The movie has a solid historical background of the era of warlords to the Japanese invasion up until the Cultural Revolution. The film takes place during a time of cultural transitions when political and cultural changes are taking place regularly. The cultural transitions changed the perspectives and views of critical aspects of Chinese culture. The idea of culture is evident in Dieyi’s hesitation to share his feelings towards the King since same-sex marriage is forbidden. The intrusion of the Red Guards in this society affects some characters negatively and leads to a paradigm shift. For instance, Dieyi’s influence due to his talent and beauty comes to an end as the Peking is shut down after the war. The movie seemingly rebukes discrimination of women and the brutality of the Japanese invasion. It is evident in the movie that masters contributed significantly to the erosion of cultural norms. Arguably, Dieyi is forced into homosexuality by being trained to play female roles in the Opera, which he eventually adopts. There is evidence of corruption since there are instances where Dieyi is favored due to his beauty. Women seemingly do not have equal access to opportunities and have to resort to prostitution to earn a living. Through the characters, attires, and props in the movie, it is easy to understand the Chinese culture. There is, however, a shallow view of the cultural and historical background of this society in the movie.
Besides Dieyi being attracted to men, his position as...