A biopic about the life of renowned Beijing opera artist Mei Lanfang, active in the cultural milieu of 1930s-1940s China. The movie starts with a young Mei Lanfang and his rise to fame in the Beijing opera world for playing female roles. Though his performance is appreciated by many, his feminine roles receives disdain. He incurrs the wrath of veteran performer and family friend Shi Sanyan, and a duelensues. Shisanyan is defeated and dies, and Mei Lanfang fears that he will end up the same way. Although married, Mei Lanfang carries on an affair with Meng Xiaodong without much consideration for his wife Fu Zhifang, leaving her to dwell in her own jealousy. Not for long, though. Meng Xiaodong eventually realizes and understands Fu Zhifang's words when she confronts her: "Mei Lanfang is not yours or mine. He belongs to his fans." Meng Xiaodongends the affair with Mei Lanfang and disappears from his life. Despite the loss of a confidante, Mei Lanfang continues to his performances, winning the hearts of a Western audience