Original subtitles

JCE Movies Limited Shanghai Film Group Corporation

Wen Hui Xin Min United Press Group Shanghai Hairun Film & TV Production Co Ltd present

executive producers Albert Yeung/ Ren Zhonglun/Hu Jinjun/Qu Guanghui

chief producer Jackie Chan

associate producers Solon So He Zizhuang/Su Zheng/Hu Zhiming

Everlasting Regret

produced by Willie Chan/Xu Pengle Chen Baoping/Fang Jun

Iine producer Shen Ye

starring Sammi Cheng/Tony Leung Ka Fai

also starring Hu Jun/Daniel Wu/Huang Jue/Su Yan

based on the novel "Changhen Ge" by Wang Anyi Screenplay by Elmond Yeung

director of photography Huang Lian

production designer/editor William Chang Suk Ping

directed by Stanley Kwan

When your city is no longer your city

History can turn the right man into the wrong choice

Who's that in the set?

Lili

-Get out -Lili

Qiyao

Lili, I've something to do

Let's try it again

Miss, don't run

Isn't your cousin very fond of you?

That's not true

I want dreamy looking eyes

As if...

they've no focus

Lili, why did you come in here?

Cheng, my cousin Lili

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you

She's my schoolmate, Wang Qiyao

Nice to meet you

I'm a photographer

Who cares if you take photos

Lili, he takes photos for actresses

Is that true?

Then, who...

do you think is the prettiest?

Time to leave

You promised

I could look anywhere I like

Miss Wang

Whenever you have time

I'd like to take your photo

I'm still going to school

I knew a few ladies named Qiyao

But I was most interested in taking photos of this Qiyao

Tea, Miss Lili

Thank you

I waited for two weeks and she didn't appear

I guessed she wouldn't be coming

Lili

Come, let us talk in my room

Sit down

Return the hairpin you borrowed from me

You said you were giving it to me

But it's fine

If you want it back

It's fine with me

You're second to me in everything

So you're trying to get back at me

Lili

What gives you the right to accuse me

Because I'm so good to you

And you betrayed me

I didn't

You're still saying you didn't

You went to Cheng's studio to have your photos taken

He blew them up

and hung them outside the studio

And you say you didn't betray me

Mother said she wanted to have her photos taken

I was accompanying her

Then where are her photos?

She didn't take any

Why?

I didn't ask, I didn't dare to ask

You should have told me

I knew

you would be mad

Miss, how many please?

I'm looking for someone

Have a seat

Miss Wang, what would you like?

Coffee

And a piece of cream cake

Sorry that I'm late

We went to see my grandma

Mother brought the photos along

Grandma

didn't like the way I look in them

She said my eyes and eyebrows

don't look right

It's my fault

My grandma is more beautiful than I am

Old folks may find it hard to accept new things

I heard my photos

are hanging outside the studio

They look great

People say they're great

I'm concerned with what my relatives will say

Mr Cheng, can you take them down?

Your photos...

Yes, your photos

People at the magazine

said you look elegant

My friends who saw your photos

agreed with me

We should let you enter the Miss Shanghai pageant

They're willing to help

Lili won't support me on this

"Cheng's Photo Studio"

Thin eyebrows are no longer in fashion

Thick eyebrows look healthier

Is this a bit too thick?

Once is enough for this kind of event

Or else our relatives will laugh at us

Mrs Wang, you're too modest

Your family is full of beautiful maidens

all worth adoring

Who would dare to laugh?

A wedding dress?

She is just a child

Mrs Wang, that's normal

They change dresses several times in beauty pageants

They wear wedding dresses as well?

The reason is, I know how beauty pageants work

Everyone wants

to wear red or green

to stand out...

so I want Qiyao to wear white

to impress the judges

Lili, how do I look?

Beautiful

Would you be happy

Qiyao won?

Would you?

I'm asking you

Why aren't the reporters taking photos of Qiyao?

Those people

Talk to them

It's no use

Welcome, Officer Li

-Officer Li -Hello

May I introduce

my wife and daughter

-Hello -Welcome, Officer Li

This way please

Sorry

-Qiyao -Lili, where did you go?

I found out one contestant got roses

It just means she has her supporters

I heard it costs a bar of gold for each rose tonight

How much is that?

My father said...

many of the contestants have found wealthy supporters

As I said before

don't take this so seriously

Officer Li

Which girl are you supporting tonight?

Too many VIPs here

I won't stand a chance

But you're the most important one

Qiyao, we're your supporters

My parents will be here to support you too

Relax

Quick, it's your turn

I lost my earring

Isn't your dress a bit too plain?

Officer Li, your seat is ready

Let's go then

Only those who throw roses onto the stage

can tell me how I look tonight

Is this decided?

That's what Officer Li said

Thank you

Have you started working yet?

No

They're showing a Gregory Peck film

I know, "The Yearling"

Want to see it?

Well

My son and Qiyao grew up together

What happened?

They get along well as cousins, but...

He's too young

Is this what Qiyao wants?

How would I know?

She's my only child

You think it doesn't break my heart?

What do you think I should do?

I'll go and have a look

Can you say something?

Son

Let's go

Say goodbye to your Aunt

Come visit us when you've time

Goodbye, Aunt

Goodbye, Qiyao

Goodbye

Goodbye, Aunt

Goodbye

Are you alright?

I don't know

Don't worry

You'll be fine

I'll go bring a towel

Officer Li, Miss Shanghai

Welcome, Officer Li... Welcome, Miss Shanghai

Ms Mu, you're a star in my eyes

I'm honored

Officer Li, it's been a long time

What brought you to Shanghai?

Let me hear you sing, Ms Mu

My horse is in a race this weekend

They're going to let her win

Come and share my joy

Of course

I'll reserve

a private box for you

Miss Shanghai, please come as well

Let me have the honor

to take a photo with you

I'm overwhelmed

Mr Wei

This can wait till later

You were like a kitten on the stage that night

Qiyao

Do you know how to dance?

They taught us at school

Our master wants a dance with Miss Shanghai

Tell your master, the answer is "No"

Ms Mu

May I have this dance?

A woman is a woman... Go over and ask yourself

Her beauty is so pure

No wonder you're obsessed

So you saw through me

It's not like we just met

Qiyao

Shall we dance?

I just told them

I don't know how to dance

The world is bleak

And life is no better

I can't cope with this solitude

Wandering the world

Suffering the hardship

To find you as my companion

Go to sleep first

Where are you going this late?

Some things can't be discussed during the day

I'll be right back

Promise me you won't stay up

Then I won't know when you come back

I'll wake you, is that fine?

You're lying to me

Stay quiet, they're all sleeping

Qiyao, your apartment is very pretty

What good does that do

when I'm always alone here

Then...

we'll come visit you more often

And you'll find us a nuisance

How can that be?

I'll be more than happy

Qiyao, look at me

Do I look like one of those girls on the calendars?

How about me?

"Enjoy the taste of Beauty Cigarettes"

"Enjoy the clean of Beauty Soap"

Cheng, if you'd brought your camera

Then it'd be perfect

Lili, it's a long time since we had western style dinner

Wait till you're not busy

The two of us go all the time

That makes me hungry... I'll go tell them to get some cakes

Qiyao

We're just here to see you

Just sit down and talk with us

Lili, when does your father

plan to leave Shanghai?

It could be just a thought

Very hard to read his mind

How about you? Leaving with your father?

Ask him

Let's wait and see

Shanghai is a good place afterall

You've friends here?

Yes, Lili... you met her before

They're here often?

No, we've not met for a long time

Lili is my best friend from school remember?

Mr Cheng is Lili's friend

Nice to meet you both, I'm Li

I'm Cheng

I nominated Qiyao to the beauty pageant

Really?

Then I must thank you wholeheartedly

Did you prepare anything to eat?

They said they're not hungry

How impolite

It's not easy to have old friends here

Go ask them to prepare something

Seeing Qiyao's smile

I knew I was no longer needed here

Please, come inside

That night, I agreed to leave Shanghai with Lili

How come your eyebrows are like that?

Look good?

They're not the type I like

What do eyebrows have to do with liking someone?

Look...

Your hair

Your hair

is darker than mine

We Chinese refer to marriage as tying knots of hair together

If you tie these together

Then aren'twe husband and wife?

You're the one who said that

These businessmen in Shanghai

are going to be quite upset

When they know you came from Chongqing to investigate them

That goes without saying

I bet they killed Hu's son

to show you what they're made of

They've gone totally insane

Have everything ready

Yes Sir

They're looking for death

Hello

Miss Wang, your mother is not back yet

-Thank you -Not at all

You're quite late

The food is getting cold

Take a rest, no need to be so busy

Although I seldom socialize with the neighbors

I never know how to answer

when they ask about you

They just enjoy prying so don't worry about them

Need to do it up to your elbow... Can't be lazy about it

Hands... they can really betray your age

It's the anniversary of father's death next month

Let's hold a prayer ritual for him at the temple

They say it's good for both the dead and the living

Who are we doing it for after all these years?

People say

the dead still care

how their families treat them

"Chambers of Commerce ask people to join the rally"

Qiyao, switch it off

"To oppose investigations of corruption

"Such investigations are damaging the prosperity of the city

"And creating conflict within the nationalist party"

Beautiful and elegant

Du Shiniang

Sorry to have landed in a pleasure house

Officer Li here?

He's inside

Officer Li...

Like a masterless flower dancing in the wind

Like willow cotton drifting away in tears

To be...

Have a cigarette

Surrender your weapon

Your superiors have gone home

But I still have a few Shanghai big shots behind me

So your life

is not something I can easily spare

Is it worth it? Doing this for Li?

-Search the place -Yes Sir

Go ahead and pull the trigger

You'll hear from my father's army

I'm the one who is shot in your house

Your father will hear from me

Start the car

You contacted the right person

Are you hurt?

He said you helped him before

I've helped a lot of people

I've arranged a place for you

Thank you

Do remember

I'm not one of those you've helped

Of all the people I've met

you're one of the toughest

Is Miss Wang here?

When was the last time Li was here?

More than two months ago

How many days is that?

Sixty eight days ago in the evening

That was the last time I saw him

That was exact

You really don't know where he is?

You really think he'll tell

a woman who lives off him?

Sir, we haven't found much

That's it?

We looked through every drawer and this is it

Rest is clothing

How can that be?

What else do you think there'll be?

Don't think you've won

Believe me

We'll find him

I've been with Li a long time

This woman is the one

he's been with the longest

Disrespect me now

and I can finish you off

with one word when he returns

Took us two days to line up for the boat tickets

Can't imagine how many people are trying to leave Shanghai

I thought we were going to Japan or America

Never thought...

father would finally decide on Hong Kong

Where is Hong Kong?

In the south

I heard it's a dirty and messy slum

Your father is a big businessman

He should know best

You talk just like my very own Cheng

Still joking at a time like this?

Miss

More tea?

Yes

Qiyao

How's life?

Everything is fine

People say...

Shanghai is too unstable

It's best to go some place

for a few years

Ride it out and come back when things settle down

Perhaps...

You should think about it too

Leaving just like that?

It's easier said than done

Qiyao

It's your household

I know I shouldn't interfere

It's none of my business

But...

That Officer Li can't even take care of himself now

There's an old saying...

"Couples are birds in the same wood that fly off during trouble"

This crisis won't end in a month or two

Women

should think for themselves first

You're leaving now?

Yes Miss

Please take good care of yourself

We no longer have the honor to serve you

Don't say that

It's going to be lonely here

by myself

It must be

You take care

I will and thank you

You're Mr Cheng?

Sir, your guest is here

Come in

Haven't seen you in a long time

I was busy

Nice to see you again

Must be cold outside

It's not

How are you?

Fine

Did Qiyao...

say anything?

No

She's still living there?

We haven't seen each other recently

Could I trouble you

to make a trip to the apartment?

If she's still there

please deliver a message for me

You haven't seen her in a while

Your situation can't be that bad

Why don't you tell her yourself

Tell her I'm dead and don't wait for me

How dare you lie to her

You can run away

But what is she supposed to do?

If I see a way out

Do you think I'll be asking you?

Aren't you having some?

I'm not thirsty

Lili left yesterday?

I should've gone to see her off

You shouldn't be worrying about this now

I'm fine

I'll stay here for a few more days

Get changed and I'll take you home

We're good friends

He was gone just like that... How can you be heartbroken?

He's dead! He's dead!

He was thinking of me when he died

For him... I can give up my life

And you all think I don't care

He made me lie to you

He'll come back

Qiyao believed loving someone was more important than life itself

Yet my wife believed we should love everyone

That was what I heard from the radio everyday

And I was beginning to believe what my wife said

Do it tomorrow

Aren't you tired working so late every night?

I can't sleep well if I left any work unfinished

Hasn't snowed for a few years

Don't just stare at the snow

Do you have enough clothes on?

Yes

That's good

Let's go out and eat

Thank you

The songs of a New China

Gave people the courage to make brave new decisions

Miss Wang

Please come over here

Thank you for your honorable donation

of this apartment to the country

Please, have a seat

Please sign here

Wang Qiyao, signed in 1956

If it's our country that needs it I've nothing against it

Donate your stock holdings now

to benefit the proletariat

When our country is stronger...

What's that?

Documents for your father

Master Ming

Master Ming

You're packing up already?

You haven't had your injection yet?

Master Ming

Sorry

You're packing already

Don't bother

Master Ming, you go first

I'm not busy, you go first

What will people think of us?

I won't ask for anything

I will

Say it

Think of me

when you feel sad, will you?

Ask me again

during the day

I won't say it again

What is said during the night

doesn't count

What will become of me

if I can't make you stay?

I'm trying to work it out

I...

have nothing now

We finally went too far

Why?

You irresponsible man

The father of my child

Do you want to leave Shanghai?

With you...I can go anywhere

Qiyao

My love for you is true

Ming

Say it again

Then perhaps I may believe you

What can I promise you?

Ming

I'm now more desperate

than you are

For you...

I can give up everything

Everything?

What is everything to you?

Lili, stay a few more days

since you rarely come back

It's not too convenient because I'm living with my relatives

Miss Lili, what is Hong Kong like?

They all say they want to flee to Hong Kong

Is it really a good place?

Does it really matter? We're only there for the stability

How can that place

compare to Shanghai

True

Can't even find a place to buy good western desserts

It's better at home

Thankfully mother insisted on bringing our cook when we left

Or else I don't know how we would live through it

I'll go

Qiyao, you brought a cake

Has Lili arrived?

They're here

Qiyao

I miss you so much

You alright?

Ming

This is Ming

My old schoolmate, Lili

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you

Come take a seat

Ming

Hong Kong's a better place for business than Shanghai now

I know

Qiyao

I'll join you

Seeing old friends together again

makes me happy

Cheers

Lili

I made some suits for your son

I don'twant him to grow up

and saythis Auntie

never cared for him

As soon as he can walk I'll bring him back

to meet his uncles and aunties

Lili, you're Qiyao's bestfriend

You've gotto come back

for her wedding

I'll drink to her then and I'll drink to her now

Qiyao

You should thank me

Thank you

Ming

Do you knowwho Wang Qiyao is?

Ittook a lotfor you to be together

Treat her well

Thank you

This beautiful Shangri-La

This adorable Shangri-La

I'm deeply in love with the place

I'm in love with the place

This beautiful Shangri-La

This adorable Shangri-La

I'm deeply in love with the place

I'm in love with the place

Lili, I'm so happy

It's a way out afterall

I've a small investment in Song's wheat factory

His letters say

It's doing good business in Hong Kong

If we go there, we can live off the interest and bonus

Getting by shouldn't be a problem

But we'll be alone in a strange land

You'll better be prepared

Life won't be easy

for you anymore

All these years of blood and sweat

I'm sure I can have a new start over there

All I ask

is for you

to come with me

It's our child

You're still thinking about it?

Are you sure about this?

It's still a long way to the hospital

We'll be right there

All they need is your signature

After the operation no one will be held responsible

Why don't we put our signatures on a marriage certificate?

Then we can bring our child to this world

Can't wait anymore

Give me some more time

I can find someone to abort the child secretly

And then what?

Stop

Ming

You're crying?!

Miss Wang

We won't be here if we're not facing difficulties of our own

Let's do it neatly and beautifully

If you know what I mean

What do you mean by that?

Stop this ambiguous talk

We agreed on a price

I brought you here so that you'll know who she is

And she'll know who you are

How can you talk like that?

Who's asking who for help?

My elder brother is highly eligible

if it isn't for his terminal illness

A woman with such a shadowy past

won't stand a chance of sharing his name in marriage

We're a family of good reputation

There's a middleman in this deal

Miss Wang has no opinion on this

When the child is born

with a father's name on the birth certificate

Then the deal is done

No surprises please

If worse comes to worse

Be aware that...

I've passed the point of no return

Qiyao, I'm leaving

Aunt, goodbye

Goodbye

Aunt

Thank you

"Cheng's Photo Studio"

Have some tea

Are you using the good tea leaves?

Thank you

No problem

Want some tea?

I didn't bring anything fancy except for some candy

Qiyao, I want candy

You all have some

Come

-No, I shouldn't -Come on

-No, please -Mrs Cheng

Don't be so courteous

We're not encouraged to have wedding banquets nowadays

At least have some candy as a gesture of luck for me

Then...

I'll have some

You have some too

Qiyao

Let's do it

Qiyao

When Mr Guo is healthier

we'll take more photos at the park

Pull the backdrop for me

Here we go

Not a single soul in days

The toilet is still leaking, don't know what to do about it

Can't even wash my face

Did you notice that in the morning?

No you won't because I always get up earlier

The water is always yellow

Don't know what to do about it

Don't worry

It'll get better

I need to go and see my father

The trip will take two weeks... He's always sick

I'll give him some money to buy medicine

He's my father and I must take care of him

Little Weiwei, look at Papa

Dinner is ready

Chicken soup is good for your health

I'll take care of myself

Does she drink her milk?

She's a good child

Drinks her milk with all her strength

And then go right to sleep

How sweet

Yes

I never have to worry about her

That's good

Every man wants a family he can call his own

With a wife and children

Living a steady and peaceful life

I grew up watching my uncles' families and I envy them

in my heart

It makes me want to grow up fast

So that I can be like them

And introduce to everyone...

My wife

My son

And my daughter

I thought...

So what if we don't go to Hong Kong? We can stay in Shanghai

But that doesn't solve anything

No use thinking about it anymore... If my mother were still here

She could at least get a golden bracelet

from her grandma

Such a sweet little child

Born into this cold loneliness

Don't worry about your living expenses

Even when I'm in Hong Kong and not by your side

I'll still send you money

I'm counting on you for that

I know

Come on, eat

The food is getting cold

Ming died in San Francisco 1984

My wife kept asking me

why Qiyao didn't come for dinner

I guess she felt sorry for Qiyao

But I understood Qiyao all too well

When she was sad she did not want to be disturbed

I don't want to pretend anymore

If you can't forget her

I'll make room for her

I'm someone who can find a way out

How was school today?

Good

Want egg fried rice for dinner?

Yes

Tell Mama

How much are the eggs in the black market?

Does it matter?

I'll get them if you need them

Ma, whenever Uncle Cheng comes we have egg fried rice

Let Uncle Cheng kiss you

Run along now

Qiyao, the egg shells

I'll dispose them outside later

Can't be careless with the small details

That family out front is always turning people in

With so many enemies

One of these days, someone will return the favor

Don't mind other people's business and just take care of yourself

Going to rural areas to help those in need

I believe in that

When I said goodbye to Qiyao

She asked me to take care of myself

And I told her to take care of herself as well

Great as are heaven and earth what we owe the Party is greater

Dear as are father and mother Chairman Mao is dearer

Ma, I'll teach you how to sing

Okay

Chairman Mao taught us...

"The world is yours as well as ours...

"But ultimately it is yours"

Itworks now

Kela, where did you find this? Don't let anyone find out

Of course not... It's very safe

Working yet?

How come there's no sound?

No needle

Cousin, see if you can find a needle

What needle?

How can we find record playing needles here?

I've been ripped off

I gave him a watch for it

What did he tell you?

He guaranteed it would turn

No sound

Forget it

Cheng, take a rest

Cheng

Stop working like this

Look at you, doing nothing all day

Cousin

Don't disturb our model worker

Kela, why are you always protecting him?

Don't run

Cheng, help me

Cheng, help me

I'll write to Aunt and tell on you

Go ahead, see if I'm worried

Let go of me

Cheng

Watch what you say

Don't worry about her

And you too

Cheng, do you think about home?

I do

I wish I could go back to Shanghai tomorrow

Must be nice having a wife

It depends

Not if she's not around

It's the same for everyone

My husband is in Tibet

Cheng, is your wife beautiful?

Very beautiful

Everyday in the countryside I wanted to write a letter

To know what my friend's life was like in Shanghai

I had to think about every word I wrote

For one wrong word could bring trouble

I ended up only sending one letter

On it, I drew a picture of a young Qiyao

She should know I was asking...

How are you?

Are you happy?

A year passed...and then another... Until it was ten years after 1966

In 1976 people gradually returned to their own cities

Comrade, how many?

I'm looking for someone

I burnt the letters from you and Ming after reading them

I didn't dare to keep them

The few times you sent me rice

It tasted so good

And smelled so nice

Ming didn't send money twice

Turned out he was sick

Amazing how a strong man like him

can fall ill so easily

Weiwei tries hard to improve herself

She asks me to teach her English at home

But pretends

not to know it in school

Need help to clean up your place? I'll come by tomorrow

I cleaned it already

It's been a few years

You look older

It's good

To be older

Never thought it'd be like this

Yonghong, have some coffee

Thank you, Auntie Wang

Ma, the coffee is bitter... It needs more milk and sugar

It's not coffee when it's too sweet

Was it hard

to get the telephone installed?

Had to go through several departments

How much did you spend?

Can we use your phone for organizing parties from now on?

Most people share one phone

among several buildings and they get by

Weiwei, you got married too early

House parties are a lot of fun

I need to cook after work and

my husband is busy learning English

I've to do all the housework

How can I find time for parties?

Why do you have to stay at that tiny place

and do everything yourself?

I have room here

I've said it before and I won't say it again

Auntie, may I use your phone?

How is your life?

Same old, same old

Living in Shanghai is meaningless anyway

Do something with your hair when you have time

I think this looks fine

Ma, it's not like I didn't try to talk him out of it

We don't have any relatives in America

It'll be very tough

I heard...

A loaf of bread there is more expensive than a chicken here

Since it's decided, why worry about the details?

I've been packing the last few days

Didn't even dare to leave our slippers behind

In case...

they're expensive over there

Your husband is right

Go early when you can still take it

Accomplish everything before it's too late

Let's be frank

Go ahead

They say...

You used to be the mistress of an officer

Do you see I'm dyeing my hair?

Hiding all that money is useless

so can we discuss about it

Then let me ask you

if I give you the money

How am I supposed to live when you're gone?

I'll be paying you back

Did you ask me

when you decide to leave?

Why should I ask you? I should be asking my father

You tell me where my father is

You're asking me after all these years?

Did you feel cheated by the way I raised you?

I don't care how it happened

You may have suffered but you had your fun

I was innocent and I had to listen to all the gossip

I suffered, I had always suffered

Americans are taller than we are

Put a stack of cash underneath your shoes

Then you can talk to them

with more dignity

I'll definitely pay you back

You have a good husband

That makes you stronger than your Ma

Ma, he is not good to me

Life is hard for me

The door to China was opened

They all came back to visit the home they'd missed for thirty years

According to the information on you

Between Sept 1948

And Jan 1949

You were living

with a high ranking nationalist official named Li

Yes

Li never contacted you?

Never

Li went to Holland

and then Brazil, did you know that?

No

Why?

He never contacted me again

You want some tea?

Thank you

This is the key to your old apartment

Go claim back

the things that were confiscated

Sign here

This is his address

He's still in Brazil?

Yes, with a huge ranch

The photo you took of my parents

was ruined

when rain water flooded our house

Cheng, when you have time

can you develop another one for them?

I need to find the negative, Kela

Cheng

When are you taking me out?

Shanghai looks so colorful

I want to revisit the place where I lived when I was small

You've just been here a few days

What's the hurry?

Cheng

Thanks for putting me up

Both of us have no relatives here

You can't lift that curtain

Don't worry, I won't go inside

Have you written to your parents yet?

Not yet

Let them know you're safe

Something wrong?

They wouldn't let me come

Why?

No reason

Any clothes you need to wash?

You left without telling them?

No point explaining to them

Just don't regret it later

One should expand one's horizon

Don't you agree? Cheng?

Why are you so late?

Auntie Wang, this is Kela

Auntie Wang...Cheng, you know her?

We all call him Old Color

How can I be an Old Color

Shanghai people call the classy ones Old Color

Cheng is the real Old Color

I prepared a few dishes

Don't go out to eat tonight

Put them in the kitchen first

I'll put them in the refrigerator

And make you some coffee

Thanks

It's too hot

Smells good

-Have a glass -Thanks

Cheng, coffee tastes awful when cold

In a second

You drink first

You've been waiting long?

Let's go shopping

There's a shortage of refrigerators but the prices are good

Don't be impatient... Is this black market business safe?

Cheng

I'm going to the Overseas Chinese Store

You're so busy lately

Business must be good

Can't live on my salary alone

I'll do some shopping too

Leaving together?

He's taking me to the bus stop

Good

1 2 3 4 5

Auntie Wang, this is too difficult... I can't learn it

Yes you can

1 2 3 4 5

Keep Cheng company

Want a drink?

Later

You came late

It's too hard for me to learn

You're here

Dance with me

I need a rest

Simon, come take a rest

Okay

Auntie Wang

My daughter's schoolmate, Yonghong

Simon is from Hong Kong

-How are you? -How are you?

Are there parties like this in Hong Kong?

No

We go to discos and we don't dance to this kind of music

What's it like?

The music is fast and the beat is strong

We dance till we're sweating

Come to Hong Kong and I'll show you

I'll come find you in Hong Kong

You know that boy from Hong Kong?

No

Why force me to remember you

I'll take a look

The tape is damaged

Change it

I want to dance with you

What music do you want?

You came so late

You still don't trust me

For some unknown reason

I'm surrounded by melancholy"

Dinner is ready

Okay

Have a seat

Simon, did your Mom learn to cook?

She cooks once a year on Dad's birthday

What kind of dishes?

Western style

My Dad

doesn't like Shanghai food

That's perfect, Lili likes Western style since she was young

I've applied for a long distance line

so that I can call Lili

Cheng, what do you think?

Does Lili go to work?

She never did

Dad says she's still like a little girl

She never interfered with my life either

Isn't that good?

Mom asked

when you'd go to Hong Kong

Among everything in Shanghai

She said she missed you the most

I definitely will

I wrote her a letter

Can you bring it to her?

Sure

Is everything alright?

He's fine

Don't behave like that in front of children

Let's go to Hong Kong to see Lili

Eat

Let's eat

Let's eat

Lili died in Taipei 1989

Any news, Yonghong?

They said they could get the money back in a couple of days

There are always risks involved in black market dealings

First time I took on such a big deal

When the money arrives

the passports can be easily arranged

The further we go the better

Talk about that later

After the money arrives

What?

There's something you can't leave behind?

You're leaving?

No

I'm taking a shower

In a few years

You'll be able to leave whenever you want

It's not something that has to be decided in a few days

Why mention it?

What do you want?

Whatever you want you can tell me

I just want to take a look at the world

And then I'll come back

Can't you wait a few years?

What's the difference?

Never mind

Go shower

What are you doing here?

Hungry?

I'll go buy something to eat

It's okay

I'm not hungry

Stay for a while

He moved out suddenly?

Sit for a while

I'll go check the photos

Did he leave anything?

Abuse yourself all you want

Don't abuse my photos

You've never yelled at me

You're yelling at me now?

These are my photos...

How dare you say I abuse them

He has all the time in the world

Do you have the same luxury to forget him?

A friend took me to a grand hotel

Even the doormen wear suits

So what?

You know a lot of foreigners?

They brought you there?

Yonghong introduced me to them

But I couldn't speak to them in English

Qiyao and I both know English

What good does that do?

You took great care of me

I left my parents when I was in my twenties as well

Back then

I thought I'd return to them

very soon

What were you thinking at the time?

I was tired of them

Why?

Qiyao was asking about you recently

Cheng

I know she's a close friend of yours

Not close

But long

I like her

One day I'll return

Wang Qiyao here?

Yes

Telegraph from Brazil

Sign here

Let me get my name chop

Thank you

Officer Li died in Brazil 1981

It's inevitable

at this age

Don't feel sad about it

Qiyao

It's good enough that you can come to keep me company

I've something I want to say

But that can wait a few days

May I come in?

It's very late

Qiyao, I got into trouble

I'll stay here a few days

Qiyao, the police are after me

I have some family problems

I want to be alone

Qiyao, just a few days

Sorry, just a few days

I've nowhere else to go

I won't be here if there's another way

Please don't bother me

What are you doing?

Listen to me

I'll be fine in a few days... Friends will get me over this

Yonghong double-crossed me... She's your friend too

That's your business

I don't care

I'll call the police

Yonghong deceived me

My passport is ready

I can go abroad next month

Kela was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1983

I had walked from my house to Qiyao's house

so many times

Never thought there would be a last

Qiyao

You must have known that with this young man

There could be no happy ending

Yet I could not interfere

Qiyao

I would miss you

Mr Cheng died in Hong Kong 2001

Lili, among all our schoolmates

who do you think about the most?

Definitely not you

Then who?

Originally it was you

But time and time again you've been insincere

There's a darkness in your heart as if there's a hole in there

Lili

If that's what you think of me

When you're old and think of me again

You'll regret it

I don't want to be old

A city never grows old

Because everyday someone is embracing his youth

special appearance: Yumiko Cheng/ Huang Yi/Wu Jing/Sun Qing/Sun Sihan

arrilaser film output by Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) Limited

hair styling consultant Kim Robinson

Sammi Cheng as Qiyao Tony Leung Ka Fai as Mr Cheng

Hu Jun as Officer Li

Wu Li as Ms Mu

Daniel Wu as Ming Sun Qing as Mrs Cheng

Huang Jue as Kela Su Yan as Lili

Huang Yi as Weiwei Yumiko Cheng as Yonghong

production manager Mei Shaokui production supervisor Katie Kwan

assistant directors Yolande Yau/Wei Bo

art director Yau Wai Ming costume designer Lui Fung Shan

progressive age make-up Crist J Ballas make-up artist Kwan Lee Na

sound mixer Zhan Xin

editors Chen Xiaohong/Chan Chi Wai trailer editor Folmer Wiesinger

The End