Farewell My Concubine

The most powerful scenes in Farewell My Concubine occur as the main characters deal with the uncertainty of the Cultural Revolution. We finally get to see Dieyi and Xiaolou confront the realities of the changing political atmosphere.

The Cultural Revolution defines the characters in the movie. Through the majority of the film their status as stars of the theater protects them but as Communism envelops the country thier prominence sets them up for betrayal. Throughout the film we are shown how these two men survive by bending to the whims and will of those in power. In the end Xiaolou and Dieyi both choose to save themselves rather than stand up for their beliefs.

The movie portrays Juxian as a schemer who keeps Xiaolou from offending the governing forces. Her guidance (interference) helps to keep herself, Xiaolou and even Deiyi safe and her intervention saves each of them at one time or another.

In the end she chooses not to bend to the fanaticism of the Cultural Revolution. She refuses to declare her mistakes and seek forgiveness from the mob. Instead she chooses to leave Xiaolou and Deiyi to each other and makes the “noble” choice. (see Adrienne Middlebrooks’ comments on the Discussion Board – From the Taipei Times: "the country... often embraced it (suicude) as a way of preserving honor and proving moral purity.")