Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch

Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch, also known as Last Eunuch in China (Chinese: 中國最後一個太監) is a 1988 Hong Kong historical drama film directed by Jacob Cheung in his directorial debut and starring Max Mok in the title role of Liu Lai-shi. The film is based on Ni Kuang's novel about eunuch Sun Yaoting.

Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch
Film poster
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese中國最後一個太監
Simplified Chinese中国最后一个太监
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhōngguó Zuìhòu Yīge Tàijiān
Yue: Cantonese
JyutpingZung1 Gwok3 Zeoi3 Hau6 Jat1 Go3 Taai3 Gaam3
Directed byJacob Cheung
Screenplay byEddie Fong
Story by
  • Ni Kuang
  • Jacon Cheung
  • Eddie Fong
  • Chan Wai
Produced bySammo Hung
Starring
CinematographyTom Lau
Edited byPeter Cheung
Music by
  • Joseph Chan
  • Sherman Chow
Production
companies
Distributed byGolden Harvest
Release date
  • 4 March 1988 (1988-03-04)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryHong Kong
LanguageCantonese
Box officeHK$15,624,171

Plot

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During the chaos of the late Qing Dynasty, Liu Lai-shi (Max Mok) envies the glory of his fellow townsman and eunuch Siu-tak-cheung and asks his parents for purification. Soon, the Qing dynasty collapses, Liu failed to become an imperial eunuch and was sent to Beijing to study opera. Subsequently, he meets his childhood friend Chiu Tai (Irene Wan). Liu intends to lead a normal family life, but unable to do so after his identity of a eunuch was exposed. The opera troupe leader (Sammo Hung) sympathizes Liu's life experiences and tried to arrange him to the palace to be China's last eunuch. In 1924, Xuantong Emperor was expelled from the Forbidden City and Liu also began his wandering career.

Cast

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Theme song

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Box office

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The film grossed HK$15,624,171 at the Hong Kong box office during its theatrical run from 4 March to 31 March 1988 in Hong Kong.

Accolades

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Accolades
Ceremony Category Recipient Outcome
8th Hong Kong Film Awards Best Director Jacob Cheung Nominated
Best Actor Max Mok Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Wu Ma Nominated
24th Golden Horse Awards Best Actor Max Mok Nominated
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