In the turbulent context of 20th-century China, we follow the lives of two childhood friends, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, who become emblematic figures of Peking opera. Cheng is a talented performer of female roles, while Duan stands out as the hero of the stories. Their deep connection is threatened by the changing political landscape and their complex personal relationships. With the arrival of the communist regime, traditional opera faces censorship and repression, forcing the two men to confront their own desires and loyalties.
Over the years, love and rivalry arise between them, complicated by the presence of a woman, actress Juxian, who stirs jealousy and conflict in their already fragile friendship. The relationship between Cheng and Duan transforms into a game of emotional power, where their roles on stage are mirrored in their private lives, leading them to a tragic conclusion. As the story unfolds, flashbacks of their upbringing and the dreams they forged intertwine, revealing a world where art and life intertwine in devastating ways.
With stunning cinematography and a captivating soundtrack, the film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and how the deepest connections can also be the most destructive. It is a journey through passion, pain, and identity in a time of change.