Lai Shi, Chinas Last Eunuch (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)

Product Description

Director Jacob Cheung & star Andy Lau offered the blockbuster A Battle of Wits in 2006, but the two actually first collaborated in 1987 with Cheungs first feature film Lai Shi, Chinas Last Eunuch. The film also stars Sammo Hung, Max Mok, Irene Wan, & award-winning actress Kuei Ya Lei. Jacob Cheung always sympathizes with the underprivileged & the ordinary, showing the human side of his heroes. Lai Shi, Chinas Last Eunuch is no exception, with the films concern for the unfortunate eunuch portrayed by superstar Andy Lau.

Adapted from a semi-autobiographical novel, Lai Shi, Chinas Last Eunuch is set in China during the decline of the last dynasty. A lot of eunuchs return home for retirement & young boy Lai Shi, seeing their affluence, decides to become a eunuch to earn more money for the family. However, after his castration, the dynasty is overthrown & the imperial family stops recruiting new eunuchs. Lai Shi therefore ends up learning Peking Opera in Beijing, but after a few years he has a chance to work in the palace
- the Qing Emperor is allowed to keep his imperial way of living even after abdication. But that does not mean Lai Shi can lead a better life from then onwards...