Farewell My Concubine (1993) Review: A Chinese Classic

Is Farewell My Concubine worth watching?

Yes — Farewell My Concubine remains one of the most celebrated films from China, with a 95/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 95/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 95% Audience Snapshot, 86 Metascore, 4.4 on Letterboxd, and 8.1 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of China” list.

What is Farewell My Concubine about?

Two Beijing opera performers navigate love, art, and political upheaval across fifty years of modern Chinese history. Directed by Chen Kaige, the film stars Leslie Cheung, Zhang Fengyi, Gong Li, and remains a reference point for Drama filmmaking from China.

Should you watch Farewell My Concubine?

Yes, without hesitation — Farewell My Concubine rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 171 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Chen Kaige’s Palme d’Or winner remains the most acclaimed Chinese film on the world stage.

Where can I watch Farewell My Concubine?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. Farewell My Concubine (1993) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt0106332) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from China on CelluloidScore.com.