i enjoy the cinematographic recreation of china in the 1930s in this beautiful film . the story be simple . an old male performer want to pass on his art to a young man although he have no living child . the face of the actor be marvelous to see . the story reveal the devotion and gratitude of child to those who treat them well and their longing to be treat well . the opera in the film remind me of farewell my concubine and which be more sophisticated and intricate . the story here remind me of a dickens tale of day when child be almost chattel . the plot be a bit predictable and a bit too sentimental for me but well worth the time to view for the heroism and humanity and and history portrayed .