Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch

Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch

Film poster
Traditional 中國最後一個太監
Simplified 中国最后一个太监
Mandarin Zhōngguó Zuìhòu Yīge Tàijiān
Cantonese Zung1 Gwok3 Zeoi3 Hau6 Jat1 Go3 Taai3 Gaam3
Directed by Jacob Cheung
Produced by Sammo Hung
Screenplay by Eddie Fong
Story by Ni Kuang
Jacon Cheung
Eddie Fong
Chan Wai
Starring Max Mok
Irene Wan
Sammo Hung
Andy Lau
Wu Ma
Lam Ching-ying
Music by Joseph Chan
Sherman Chow
Cinematography Tom Lau
Edited by Peter Cheung
Production
company
Bo Ho Films
Paragon Films
Distributed by Golden Harvest
Release dates
  • 4 March 1988
Running time
90 minutes
Country Hong Kong
Language Cantonese
Box office HK$15,624,171

Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch, also known as Last Eunuch in China, 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.

Plot

Chaos during the late Qing Dynasty, Liu Lai Shi (Max Mok) envies the glory of 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

Box office

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.

Award nominations

External links