China. Ming Dynasty.
The year is 1457 AD.
At that time, the eunuchs held special privileges and power.
They had control over two groups:
the East Factory Guards and the Brocade Imperial Guards.
These are the Fan-tze.
Fan-tze are secret agents.
The Fan-tze and Brocade guards are stone-hearted and vicious.
If the peasants heard them approaching
they would be frightened to death.
He is their second-in-command, Mao Tong-Chin.
This is their top boss, Li shao-Dang.
These guys are good at fighting, but do evil work.
The leader of these people is a man called Tzao Shao-Chin.
Not only is he in charge, he is also an expert swordsman.
His fighting ability is extraordinary.
The officials are all afraid of Tzao Shao-Chin.
Today he is acting as prosecutor.
The one sentenced to be executed is Yu Chien,
a protector of the people and a true patriot.
But he was framed by low-life bureaucrats,
found guilty of welcoming foreigners
and the punishment was death.
His family have been banished to the Dragon Gate...
DRAGON GATE INN
Fu-Ho Grand Theatre
Greetings, my lord.
What is the matter?
They are meddling.
They couldn't have gone far, we can catch up.
No!
Wait for them at the Dragon Gate.
How many guests are staying here?
This month? We don't have any.
Good.
We'll book the entire inn.
The entire inn?
Yes. We'll be staying here for five-to-ten days or so.
While we're here, don't allow any other guests.
Do you understand?
I understand, but this...
Go and arrange the rooms for their stay!
Yes.
Kind sir, spare some money for wine?
Wait there.
Projection Room
You see! Yu-Chien's spirit will not go away.
Banishing these folks to the border has caused endless trouble.
My lord is observant.
A weed must be exterminated at the roots, or it grows again.
Be cautious! Now go!
Halt!
Stop!
Stand aside, stand aside!
Get lost!
Errand boy, take them away.
- This righteous one..? - Hurry up!
Quickly, bring water!
What name do you go by?
Hsiao Shao-Tze.
Brother Hsiao,
how do you make your living?
I don't work.
Anyplace where someone will feed me, I will stay awhile.
I don't really think about what I do.
I don't mean to be rude but...
You come to this wilderness... for what purpose?
Manager Wu is my friend.
How do you make your living?
I come from the criminal law division.
I lead these wandering monkeys.
So you're here on a case?
I don't have a choice, I can't refuse.
Later, I may even need your assistance.
You are too kind.
So, what case are you working on?
Brother Hsiao, not to be rude,
but in our line of work, we usually can't say much.
Ah... understood, understood...
This time we are on a secret mission.
The authorities command that there should be no bystanders.
I understand. You're asking me... to leave.
Dare I say,
if you will help me, I'll repay you in the future.
No need for that.
I have enough money for the road.
You're too kind.
But if Wu comes back...
I'll be back.
Of course, thank you.
Manager, check.
It's alright, no need.
- Well, thanks. - See you around.
See you again.
Did you know this theatre is haunted?
This theatre is haunted?
Ghosts.
I am Japanese.
Goodbye.
Take a break.
Open the door.
My lord, please take a look.
We won't have to worry after we pass this mountain.
Lord Tzao.
You've lost what's down below, better protect the top.
Teacher Miao.
Shih-Chun.
Teacher, you come to see the movie?
I haven't seen a movie in a long time.
No one comes to the movies anymore.
And no one remembers us anymore.
Business Closed
Please place your hand, male left, female right.
Please select your blood type.
Please choose your question.
Please take your fortune.
I remember, under the moon,
I remember, before the flowers,
So much of the past lingers in my heart,
Half is bitter,
Half is sweet.
Year after year, I can't let go
Can't let go, can't let go
Under the moon, before the flowers
Can't let go, can't let go
I'll remember with longing forever...
'Can't Let Go' An oldie from the 60's.
Performed by Yao-Lee. Music: Hattori Ryochi / Lyrics: Chen De-Yi
Tsai Ming-Liang