Farewell My Concubine Casting process

When Chen Kaige filmed "Farewell My Concubine", Bai Yu, who was originally a producer at the Beijing Art Center, became Chen Kaige's production director. In the choice of the actor, Chen Kaige first thought of Zunlong, but the harsh conditions set by Zunlong's agency have been unheard of by the crew. First, because I don’t know which country will Zunlong film in when I start the movie? So the crew must book air tickets to several countries for him at the same time. Second, Zunlong's two dogs have to go in and out with him, so it is impossible to stay in ordinary hotels. Third, Zunlong must be equipped with two bodyguards, two servants, a line teacher, a Putonghua teacher, and a body teacher. Fourth, Zunlong must use mineral water delivered by air from foreign countries or Hong Kong to wash his face and teeth every day, not to mention food and beverages. Fifth, to be equipped with camping cars, there must also be dedicated tennis courts and swimming pools. The request made by the agency company felt insulted to the crew of "Farewell My Concubine". Everyone was excited for artistic creation, but some people played big names like this. In the end, a five-member team consisting of Chen Kaige, Chen Huai'ai, Gu Changwei, Wei Lu and Zhang Jinzhan voted. Chen Kaige abstained from voting, and the other four unanimously opposed it. Chen Kaige gave up the idea of choosing Zunlong.