In a China marked by turmoil and social changes of the 1940s, we follow the story of a young woman named Liu Yulan, a talented yet challenging individual who aspires to be a famous opera actress. The film takes us through the luxurious and also the grim streets of Beijing, where Yulan navigates between rehearsals and the intrigues of the entertainment world while grappling with her family’s expectations and the restrictive norms of society.
With overflowing charisma, Yulan captures the attention of a young writer, Yuan, who is fascinated by her boldness and passion for art. However, their relationship becomes complicated when fate plays a trick on them, testing their love and ambitions. Yulan faces difficult decisions between pursuing her dream in a world that does not always accept her and maintaining the family traditions that tie her to her past.
The vibrant colors and emotive melodies of opera adorn this heartwarming story of love and struggle in a changing social context. With a focus on individuality and the quest for freedom, the film not only showcases the light of fame but also the shadows that may lurk at the price of success. In an unexpected ending, Yulan must decide whether she is willing to sacrifice her dream for love or fight for her authenticity in a world that wants to shape her.