Forever Enthralled

Forever Enthralled, also known as Mei Lanfang, is a 2008 biographical drama directed by the renowned filmmaker, Chen Kaige. The movie offers an enthralling spectacle of the lavish world of Peking Opera and provides a significant insight into the life and career of its most illustrious performers – Mei Lanfang.

The movie opens in the early 20th century and follows the life journey of Mei Lanfang – a man who became one of China's greatest opera stars. Featuring Leon Lai in the lead role, the film offers a profound exploration of Lanfang’s artistic genius, his intricate performances, and his significant contribution to the Peking Opera, where he portrayed female characters with extraordinary finesse and sensitivity.

One cannot overlook the ravishing Ziyi Zhang stepping into the shoes of Meng Xiaodong, Lanfang's lover and a fellow opera performer. Zhang's performance brings forth a passionate and riveting narrative of their complex love affair amidst the conservative societal norms. It was a relationship fraught with hurdles yet enduring, adding an undercurrent of personal and emotional intensity to the overall narrative.

Next is Honglei Sun, showcasing his acting prowess in the role of Qiu Rubai, Lanfang's rival and friend. He brings to life a character seething with jealousy, yet harboring profound respect for Lanfang's talent.

Forever Enthralled isn't just the tale of Mei Lanfang's journey to fame, but it also embodies his struggle to remain true to his art during the turmoil times of Japanese occupation. The film beautifully encapsulates Lanfang's refusal to perform during the invasion and his subsequent exile, symbolizing his spirit of nationalistic defiance.

At its heart, Forever Enthralled is a tribute to an art form considered a exemplar of traditional Chinese culture – The Peking Opera. The movie indulges the viewer in the absolutely mesmerizing world of opera with its splendid costumes, beautiful make-up, and visually arresting setpieces. The films does an efficient job recreating the ambience of a bygone era with meticulous detail.

The film’s score, composed by Zhao Lin, contributes to the scenic narrative by conveying both, the on-stage grandeur and off-stage turbulence, with aplomb.

Throughout, director Chen Kaige remains faithful in painting a picture rich in cultural subtleties and showcasing Opera not just as a performative art, but also an integral component of China's identity. His depiction of the transformation of Mei Lanfang, from a naive young boy to the revered performer, is done exceptionally.

The film benefits from its strong performances. Leon Lai, as Mei Lanfang, delivers an impressive act, pulling off the challenge of portraying the legendary opera star with conviction. His portrayal of Mei in his female roles does justice to the androgyny and challenge of the character, nicely capturing Mei's ability to mesmerize audiences with his feminine grace and strength.

Ziyi Zhang, one of China's most recognized actresses, is a powerful presence throughout as Meng Xiaodong. She fleshes out her character with remarkable emotivity, reflecting the internal conflict and passion of a woman who shares a love-cum-hate relationship with her beau, not only off-stage but professionally as well.

Honglei Sun, as the envious yet respectful Qiu Rubai, injects a good amount of tension into the story. His nuanced performance adds an interesting dynamic to the film's engaging narrative.

Forever Enthralled is a fitting ode to Peking Opera and its star Mei Lanfang. It boasts of compelling performances, glorious set pieces, and an inspiring tale of pursuing artistic perfection amidst personal and political upheaval. A rich cinematic experience, the film provides both, a historical as well as a cultural perspective, making it a must-watch for those interested in Opera, and a window into Chinese history and culture for the rest.