1
[brooding horn music]
[bells tolling]
[horn music continues]
[cheery string music]
[techno music rises]
[upbeat techno music]
[energetic techno music]
[shimmery techno music]
[window button clicking]
Driver, step on it.
Woman: Ryan.
Oh, thank you.
Hey, Tim.
How are you?
Francesca here yet?
Oh, she can't come.
She had to go to the hospital.
What the fuck?
Don't worry.
I'll take care of it.
Janet.
Good morning, sweetheart.
Morning.
You said vampire
on a ski slope, right?
It's not finished,
darling.
Still got to add
the blue highlights
to her cheekbones,
see?
No, it's just
too geisha-to-Gollum, sorry.
Bloody hell.
Let me see what else I've got.
Oh,
is Gudlaug ready yet?
She's trying on
the furs.
- Which one?
- Urn, let's see.
Yeah, we'll have her go
with this right here.
- Kay.
- Thank you.
Actually, hold on.
Janet,
can you cut this pattern
and put it
on her face like this?
And also on
the other side too?
[shrieking]
That looks like
an allergic reaction.
Oh, no. Oh, God.
Why didn't you tell us
you were allergic to fur?
It has never
happened before.
Oh, you think
she's enjoying this?
We are screwed.
Um, Tim,
let's change models.
No, no, no,
we're not changing anything.
The client wants her.
She's gonna wear the fur,
all right?
- No, no, don't.
- Just-just wear the fur.
You can't make her wear it.
Look, go see a doctor
immediately, okay?
Are you kidding?
She's not going anywhere.
But she might get
permanent scars.
This is my decision.
If she goes,
I'm gonna sue you and you.
I'll handle it, okay?
You go now, all right?
- Did you hear what I said?
- Yes, I did.
I'm fucked.
I'm fucked.
Are you all right?
I screwed up
the last shoot too.
My boss said
this is my last shot.
Gudlaug, darling,
could you be an angel?
Beautiful.
Haunting.
[camera shutter clicking]
Melancholic.
Did you see
the latest "Mais Oui" cover?
Mm-hmm.
Yours will definitely be
[camera shutter clicks]
[indistinct chatter]
- Oh, hey, Eddie.
- Hi, how was it?
Haunting, beautiful,
melancholic.
Super.
Oh, uh, Francesca
wants to talk to you.
It's got to be about
the "Mais Oui" cover.
All right.
The "Mais Oui" cover,
I'm going to give it to Eddie.
What?
But you promised rne
this issue.
Stop whining.
I've got something
better for you.
This is
a perfect match.
Here.
Who's this?
Qui See-yow Ning?
What?
Qui? Ki?
How do you say it?
I don't know.
Who is this?
He's an up-and-coming actor
in China.
Don't you know him?
So James is his PH,
and he said his film
is getting a lot of buzz
in the festival circuit,
and he needs a makeover
desperately,
as you can probably tell.
Well,
just give it to Eddie.
No, he only wants to work
with a Chinese person.
What? That's crazy.
You have no idea
how much he's paying us.
Now, that's crazy,
and it's all in cash.
[sad flute music]
The story is
very powerful.
This thing might actually
turn out to be huge.
Let's be realistic.
How big can
a Chinese movie get?
"Crouching Tiger?"
"Joy Luck Club?"
Yeah,
and what else?
"Kung Fu Panda!"
[laughter]
Come here, Missus.
[laughs]
Ah, excuse me.
I can't believe
she gave the cover to Eddie.
I didn't get it
because I'm Asian.
You'll get it one day.
Yeah, what if I don't?
I don't know,
maybe my parents are right.
In America, Chinese people
should only be doctors.
Believe rne, you would have
made a crappy doctor.
Yeah, well, at least
they'd be proud.
Come on, you're not sleeping
on the streets.
I'm almost 30, you know,
and-- and what
do I have to show for it?
Huh?
A bunch of designer clothes
and-- and a couple of spreads
in some B-level magazines?
Stop feeling sorry
for yourself.
You're hard-working,
you're talented and bitchy,
perfect for the fashion world.
No problem.
You got it.
Sure. Okay.
Good-bye.
He's waiting for you.
Pardon?
On.
H-h-he's waiting tor us
in the restaurant.
And why does he not want
to go to the Moxie Club?
Well, it's his first time
in America.
I guess he feels homesick.
Does he even speak English?
Perfectly.
His mother is a translator
tor the government.
And, um, how long
is he here for?
Well, he extended his trip
because the first stylist
didn't work out.
- Wait, I'm a replacement?
- Mm-hmm.
What happened with
the first one?
He said she didn't know
anything about Chinese culture.
It's a styling job,
not a history lesson.
Well.
Actually, driver,
stop here, please.
Thank you.
The restaurant
is just down this alley.
James, you got
to come with me.
He said he prefers
to meet you alone. My orders.
Well, who does he think
he is, Mao Zedong?
I-- God knows.
All right, let's go.
Oh, God.
[all speaking native language]
Hi, Mr. Qi?
Mm.
Oh, Lyan.
Yes, Ryan with an R.
I said the same thing.
Wan.
Sit.
You don't look Chinese.
Oh, why, thank you.
Yeah, some people think
I'm half-Caucasian.
[speaks native language]
American borrow Chinese.
[laughter]
Pardon me?
Like the pandas,
borrow from China, you.
[laughter]
[speaking native language]
[speaking native language]
[speaking native language]
My daughter's a big fan.
We should get a discount.
This should be free.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Eat.
Eat.
[dishes clattering]
[speaking native language]
[shells crunching]
What are you doing?
Washing off the grease.
[speaking native language]
He's weird.
Country bumpkin.
I can manage,
thank you.
[speaking native language]
So disrespectful.
No, you eat.
[laughs]
Look, Mr. Qi,
we're here to talk about
your styling, so let's just--
No, we meet
at my place tomorrow.
Why don't we just talk here?
We're Chinese, say eat,
no talk, sleep, no speak.
Now no work.
We enjoy eat.
[speaking native language]
[crunching]
[gentle music]
[gentle music]
[all speaking native language]
[tiles clattering]
[tiles clattering,
indistinct chatter faintly]
[doorbell rings]
[tiles clattering,
indistinct chatter]
Hey, Lyan.
[laughs]
Ly, Ly, Ly.
Hey, you want to play?
Uh, you know,
I didn't know
you guys were having a--
a party
or-- um,
I'll just come back next time.
No, no, don't worry them.
We-- we do now.
All right.
[sighs]
So what you have?
Okay, so since
this is your first shoot
and we're introducing you
to the U.S. public,
I, uh, think
something like that.
Hmm.
[speaking native language]
This makes you look old.
This looks like that TV actor.
What's his name?
[laughs]
Mr. Bean, huh?
[laughter]
[speaking native language]
I'll take that.
I'll take this.
You know, we could just meet
at my office tomorrow.
[clears throat]
I-- I can really just
come back another time.
I thought you want to get
to know one another,
play mah-jongg,
drink wine so we can be pengyou,
friends, eh?
I like working with pengyou.
Uh, yeah, no, of-of course.
It's just that, um, I'm not
a very social person, so.
We're both Chinese,
so should help each other.
[indistinct speech]
Mm-hmm, yeah.
On.
My father...
Taken before June 4.
June 4th?
You call Tiananmen Square
[indistinct] Day in West.
Oh, um, was he involved
in the massac--
I mean, um,
was he killed?
No.
My father was in the army.
He was one of the first
to enter the square.
Do you know much
about June 4?
Urn, yeah.
I mean,
I was young at the time,
but, uh, I remember the kids
at school would ask rne
if I was a Communist.
When I was 14 I was
questioned by tourists,
found out the world
saw China very different.
So I think my style
should be very Chinese
because China
not poor anymore.
We are much stronger,
so I-- I don't want to wear
those Western-style clothes.
I want to represent
a new China.
Can you do that, Lyan?
For the new China?
[Amanda Lear's "The Queen Of
Chinatown" playing]
[singing] It was down in
Chinatown
That I met the opium queen
Baby-face
girl from Shanghai
Never smiled
and never cried
She now rules
the underworld
Down in Chinatown
She runs all the opium dens
Down in Chinatown
Bring her your gold
Bring her your worries
And when life gets
A bit too dreary to stand
Give a ring to the queen
of Chinatown
[song continues playing faintly]
[all speaking native language]
Hey, your office
is very small.
Well, it certainly feels
cramped now.
Do you guys always
travel in a group?
Oh, my fans are more women.
They're very important.
I need women tell me
what to think.
Mm, okay.
Hmm, here, try this on,
please, all right?
The titling rooms are outside.
Wear this?
Yeah, I'm only interested in
the concept, okay?
And if it works out,
we can specially design a pair
for you made with real silk.
I want to look
strong and manly.
And if we get them tailored,
you will look strong and manly.
He look like he's in bed.
[laughter]
Or "Come to bed with me
because I'm hot."
- Hot?
- Yeah, sexy.
All right, look, Asian men
are rarely seen as sex symbols
in this country, okay?
So we're trying something new
and refreshing here.
[speaking native language]
What's he saying?
Don't listen to him.
Look, just try it on.
It's not gonna kill you.
[women speaking native language]
Urn, too tight?
Yes, too small.
Well, at least try
the pants on. Here.
I-- I ask my girlfriend.
What, your girlfriend?
Why?
- I want her say.
- No, no, keep it on.
Let me just take a picture.
[speaking native language]
Where are you going?
You guys coming back?
[club music thumping]
Shouldn't you be asleep?
Your baby can't live
off caffeine.
What the tuck did you do
this time?
Ryan: What?
Ning dropped us.
That fucking homophobe.
I don't fucking care
what he is.
I told you before you have
to please your clients.
He's going to be interviewed
by "Culture Chic" next week.
"Culture Chic?"
Francesca: Yes, "Culture
fucking Chic," Ryan.
Look, just calm down, okay,
Francesca? I'll talk to him.
I don't care what you do.
Just fucking fix it.
Hi, urn, 1602?
[speaks native language]
Hey, Ning, it's Ryan.
Can we please talk?
Ning: We don't match.
How many stylists
do you intend to go through?
Ning: We don't match.
Look, there are only
a handful of Chinese stylists
in New York, so--
Wh-James, he said
he can find another one.
Well, yeah, a lousy one.
I mean, all the good ones are
booked up well in advance, okay?
So can I just please come up?
[sighs] Um, so, uh,
you don't want
to wear the pajamas?
No.
We can try something else.
But it has nothing to do
with that, has it?
Is it because I'm gay?
No.
Well, let me tell you
something, okay?
All the good stylists are gay.
All right, listen, urn,
you have a interview next week,
so let's just please
try and work together.
We are fire and water.
We do not mix.
Fine.
Unless--
Unless what?
Unless you don't show
your homo side so openly.
My homo side?
Are you serious right now?
You must--
wait, what do you mean
by my homo side?
You know what I mean.
Ah.
Mm, okay,
let rne tell you something.
I might be gay,
but I have absolutely
no interest in you whatsoever,
if that's what
you're worried about.
Yeah, I'm what they call
a potato queen.
I'm only interested
in white men.
I've never slept
with a Chinese man before,
and I never will,
so don't worry.
You're safe.
Deal?
I-- okay.
Okay, thank you.
Fucking biscuit.
[sighs]
[elevator dings]
[melancholic music]
So how did you do it?
Look, this Rosemary's Baby's
really fucking up my hormones.
I'm sorry I snapped last night.
Look, Francesca,
he hates gays.
I can't work with him.
Ryan, if you want
to get ahead,
you have to learn
how to deal with assholes.
Maybe-- maybe you just need
to get to know him better.
Let me book you a table, okay?
Okay.
[smooth music]
So you like French food?
J'adore
la cuisine francaise.
I beg your pardon?
I adore French cuisine.
Good evening, gentlemen.
Would you care to start
with a drink?
Hmm.
'95 Opus One, not bad.
Um, what do you fancy?
Fancy?
What do you want to drink?
Sake.
A sake, sir?
Do you have it?
I'm afraid not.
Whiskey then.
I'll have the petite syrah.
Very good choice, sir.
This is a French restaurant.
So?
In Beijing, Americans,
they always order dim sum
at a Sichuan restaurant.
What does restaurant do?
[Snaps fingers]
Put dim sum on menu.
So your-- your family,
uh,
what do they work?
Oh, my father's a lawyer,
and my mother teaches
art history at NYU.
And they-they don't want you
to be lawyer or doctor?
No, they're not Chinese
in that way, no.
And they know that
you are...
you know,
abnormal?
I'm not abnormal.
Uh, unusual then.
They're okay with it.
I can't imagine any parent
being okay their son's--
I can't imagine you've never
worked with someone gay.
We must exist in China.
Yes, many time, but never
someone like you, so...
no shame.
You know, it's not all
that hard being gay nowadays.
You never problem?
No laughing?
Well, when I was younger
my parents sent me
to Sunday School
to learn Chinese,
and yeah, some of the kids
there were stupid.
How?
They called me names.
Nothing creative;
things like
[speaking foreign language]
Hate you?
They'd try to
make rne cry many times,
but I never cried
in front of them.
And that's why I'm so happy
to be in this industry
where being gay is not
just accepted
but celebrated,
until now.
[clears throat]
[rock music playing faintly]
[bouncy electronic music]
[phone buzzing]
[phone continues buzzing]
Hello?
Hey, Lyan, it's Ning.
Do you know what time it is?
Oh, you asleep?
I call you tomorrow.
No, no, no, no, I'm good.
So what can I do for you?
Ning: I, uh, don't know
wear what for my interview.
Uh, you go shopping with me?
About dinner--
[computer chimes]
Fucking asshole.
What?
Urn, no, not you.
I'm sorry.
You-- you're busy.
I-- good night.
No, hold on, hold on, hold on.
Um, yeah,
I-- I'll go shopping with you.
Oh, you will help me?
Ryan: Yeah, I just want you
to look good, you know?
For the sake of "Culture Chic."
[chuckles]
Thanks, Lyan.
Oh, one last thing.
Can you please
not bring the tour group?
Thanks.
[carefree music]
There are way more choices
in America, huh?
Made in China, huh?
So how long have you been
with your girlfriend?
Three years.
And does she buy
all your clothes?
Uh, yes.
Well, you should fire her.
She's not doing
a very good job.
Hmm.
Ning?
Please come here
for a second?
So, um,
is your girlfriend
gonna visit you anytime soon?
It's hard for a girl
to get a visa.
America no free.
Mm.
She not allow visa before
we leave, so we work out it.
Oh, and, uh,
what does she do?
She, uh,
won a beauty prize.
Now she wants
to be a actress.
Wedding bells?
She wants,
but if I marry,
fans not happy.
What's her name?
Miao.
Miao?
What is she, a pussy?
Pussy?
Urn, yeah, it's, uh,
it's a fashion word
for, um, stylish.
Yeah, kind of like
catwalk.
Pussy.
So you are pussy?
Yeah, I'm--
I'm very pussy.
Thanks.
Uh, so is she
your first girlfriend?
Why do you want
to know about her?
Uh, nothing, just--
just making conversation.
Earlier this year,
the Parson family
decided they were going
to try to survive
without using any products
made in China.
Without using any products
made in China.
Mr. Parson, what inspired you
to start this 100% USA campaign?
Mr. Parson: Well,
I was taking my boys
shopping for baseball gear,
and we noticed everything
in the shop's made in China.
I looked at my boys,
and I wondered how
could they have any pride
or sense of belonging
if everything they--
[TV clicks off]
Did you see that?
They say made in China
is bad for America.
- What are you doing?
- I cook for you.
Oh, I said
no need for dinner.
Hey, whoever crosses
the door is a guest.
Anything you don't eat?
No cams.
No, no crab,
don't worry.
Urn, what does that
t-shirt say?
Central Academy of Drama.
You know, you should just wear
that to the interview tomorrow.
Wear this shirt?
Not very respectful, no?
I think it says
a lot about you.
After all that cash
you made rne spend today,
you want rne
to wear this shirt?
[speaking native language]
Ryan, Gus's schedule
has changed.
He can only do tomorrow.
The pajamas aren't
ready yet, okay?
Gus is a fucking big deal.
Just embrace it,
and don't fuck it up.
Ning, oh, they
finally dropped the pajamas off,
thank God.
Hey, tell the doorman
the Chinese press coming.
Wh-- what press?
They want to interview rne.
[chuckles]
No, no, no, no, no.
Gus doesn't allow any press
when he shoots, so.
I told them yes first.
They already are
waiting outside.
Um...
all right, let me
just ask Gus first, okay?
[sighs]
Gus: Chair goes over there.
[clears throat]
Gus: Put the chair
over there.
[sighs]
Uh, hi, Gus?
How's it going?
Is he ready?
I got to catch a plane
at 7:00.
Well, um, 7:00,
I didn't--
Where is he?
Um, well,
he's almost ready.
It's just that, uh--
well, he was wondering
if a very famous public--
Chinese publication can--
No!
Urn, Gus says no.
I know.
He has a big voice.
All right, don't worry.
Let me handle the press.
Gus: What are we
waiting for?
[speaking foreign language]
He's an asshole,
but he takes great pictures.
You'll be fine.
This is not gonna work.
Well, what's the matter?
Look at
his tricking underpants.
Ning, can you just--
No.
Talk to him in Chinese.
Tell him we can't shoot
with his underpants on.
Well, you tell him in English
I won't do what he wants.
- Ning, please, can you just--
- No!
Look, this shoot's
as important to you
as it is to me, okay, so--
I don't care
about American market.
But I do!
Okay.
[sighs]
But I want
everybody out.
Wh-- no, Gus doesn't do--
If he can shout,
he can move lights around.
We can't let white
devil win all.
Oh, my God, Ning, this isn't
a time to get political.
Tooth tor tooth.
He should
respect people more.
[sighs]
Gus, he wants everyone out
of here so he can--
[indistinct speech]
All right, guys, this is
a closed set from now on,
so everyone out except for the,
uh-for assistants.
- Right.
- You heard him.
Let's go.
Out, quick, move, move.
Thank you.
Dex, what time is it?
4:00.
Are you ready yet?
[sighs]
Thank you so much
for doing this.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Oh, this is no good.
What is wrong now?
Look at his tricking feet.
You know, I can get Dex.
I can just--
I got a plane to catch.
Come on.
No, no, no, no,
don't you move!
I'm still shooting.
I hate working
with fucking amateurs.
You don't have to do this.
Gus: Oh, for Christ's sake,
hurry up.
Come on, hurry up, hurry up,
hurry up!
Come on!
What the fuck are you doing,
giving him a pedicure?
I thought you people
were supposed to be good
at that sort of thing.
Shut the fuck up!
Come on, let's go.
[dramatic music]
[phone buzzes]
Merde!
I can't believe it!
You're fired!
Well, fine.
[phone beeps]
Shit.
You can always come
to work in China.
China?
I know many actors there.
You can style them.
I can't even
speak Mandarin, okay?
Good, they like that.
You'll do even better.
"Vogue," "GO,"
they're all in China now.
You'll start own company.
Here you're just a kid.
In China you are a--
A lion?
Yes, Lyan.
[laughs]
Thanks.
That shirt looks
really good on you.
Oh, no, it looks
better on you.
No, really, no.
It looks good.
Hey, Ning,
you ever try weed?
Mmm.
[both chuckle]
How do you feel?
Very...
USA.
[laughs]
[both laughing]
Very USA.
[both laughing]
[laughs]
[Amanda Lear's
"Fashion Pack" plays]
Oh, girl,
this is my jam.
Ooh, ooh.
[singing] It was night
And suddenly
I felt like dancing
I took a cab to show me
to the disco scene
He said, "Okay
"You want to see
those crazy people
Hustling out the door
to get into Studio 54?"
[singing] Who is in?
Who is out?
Oh, jamma, jamma, jamming
Who is in?
Who is in?
Who is in?
[doorbell rings]
[doorbell rings]
" Lyan?
Lyan
[speaking native language]
It's mom.
Oh, fuck.
[speaking native language]
Open the door.
Open the door.
Mom, I told you to call
before you come.
[speaking native language]
Remember, we're meeting Mama.
Oh, shit, I forgot.
[speaking native language]
What a mess.
Young people are like that.
You had a party?
No.
Yeah.
[Ning sneezes]
Aya.
[speaking native language]
Let's go.
He has to come with us.
Let's go.
Your Mama misses you.
Oh, yeah, no, I'm--
I'm coming with you.
Just, um,
I have a friend.
Uh, Mom, Dad,
this is Ning.
Hello,
Mr. Fu,
Mrs. Fu.
[speaking foreign language]
You speak Cantonese?
I speak Mandarin.
Oh, you speak Mandarin?
Please sit.
- You want tea?
- Uh"
[speaking foreign language]
Talk to him in Mandarin.
Talk to him.
Go talk to him.
Uh, how are you?
Good.
Sorry, my Cantonese is rusty.
Why don't we just speak
in English, okay?
Um, so Dad,
do you recognize him?
He's an actor from Beijing.
Oh, actor?
Um, we saw TV you in?
[speaking foreign language]
"The Legend of the Eagle Blade."
"Eagle Blade"?
We've seen it.
You in it?
You the prince?
- Uh, no.
- Oh, you the Genlo?
Genlo?
[speaking foreign language]
General? Genlo?
Oh, General, I see,
but no, I wasn't the General.
Oh, you the monkey?
Mom, it's a Mandarin TV show.
[speaking foreign language]
Oh, it's a Mandarin TV show.
We've never seen it.
Tomorrow we get DVD.
Eat. Eat.
Aren't these for Mama?
[speaking foreign language]
Mama is old.
She can't eat all of them.
Oh, no, it's all lard.
It's gross, ew.
[speaking foreign language]
He's always complaining.
He busy, busy all the time.
Father very mad him.
Morn!
[speaking foreign language]
It's true.
Actor in China
pay good?
- Uh, depend on your name.
- How much earn?
Dad, you can't ask
those questions.
[speaking foreign language]
Whatever.
[indistinct] you say
white people we can't say.
He's [speaks foreign
We can say.
Ning, how old are you?
32.
32?
Very good number.
This boy tell us
all the time
he only see,
only date white men,
never Chinese man.
- Hey, [inaudible].
[speaking foreign language]
That's what you said.
Gay people okay.
White people no okay.
[speaks indistinctly]
- Hiya.
- [indistinct speech]
It's true.
Chinese like water,
take long time to boil,
but once hot,
lifetime to cool down.
White man like sand:
fast hot,
fast cold,
do not last.
Ning, come with us
to visit Lyan Mama.
She love for to see you.
[gentle music]
Mama is so smiley.
I can tell.
She finally see Lyan
with Chinese man.
Oh, Mrs. Fu--
I know, I know, I know, see.
Your parent know you are--
No.
Give them time.
When Lyan little,
we no time for him.
After school he go
community center all day.
The boys there beat him.
He come home one cut here,
one black eye there.
We scold him,
think it will
make him stronger,
more like a man.
He hate us.
Chinese people
very old-fashioned,
take long,
longtime changing.
When Lyan tell us
he no like girl,
we no talking
one whole year.
Then Mama sick.
He know life is short.
We talking again.
Now no problem.
You good Chinese son.
You no want
tell your parent
because you no want hurt
their feeling.
You want to give them hope.
What about no grandkids?
[speaking foreign language]
It's fate.
Some things...
Are never meant to be.
Ah.
- Ah, photo, photo.
- I-- I take your photo.
- Both: No, no, no, no, no.
- You too, you too.
- Yeah.
- Next to Mama.
Oh, no, no,
really, I don't--
With Mama. Eh?
Aya, next to Mama.
[speaking native language]
Lyan, Lyan,
[speaking native language]
Okay, ah.
[speaking native language]
Okay, ready?
[speaking native language]
Why didn't you tell them
that we're not--
Well, you saw
how happy they were.
Just let them
enjoy it.
They're wonderful.
Yeah, well,
now you know he's not
a lawyer
and she's not a teacher
at NYU.
What do they do?
Uh, they,
um-they run a nail salon.
It's where I grew up.
That's why you were so upset
at the photo shoot?
Yeah, yeah, I guess so.
Look, I just--
I remember them
working on people's feet
all day long,
and I told myself when I grow up
I'd never do that.
There's nothing wrong.
It's a job.
I know.
I-- I know.
I'm a snob.
I bite the hand
that feeds me.
Here.
But don't bite me.
[lilting string music]
[singing in native language]
[singing in native language]
[music and singing continues]
[surf crashing]
[horn honking]
Hey, you want
to go to a party tonight?
Look, the only scary thing
in there is bad styling, okay?
Come on.
Oh, don't get hit.
[energetic dance music]
[dance music continues]
Am I your first Chinese?
My first Asian ever.
Is it different?
How do you feel?
Like a virgin.
[both laugh]
This isn't
your first time, huh?
Oh, please,
I could tell a difference.
How?
Well, a straight man moans
like this--
[snorting]
Um...
a closeted gay man
moans like this--
[feeble moans]
[laughs]
Oh, and a queen,
oh, she screams like this,
"Oh, Ning, Ning,
harder, harder."
Hey.
So, um, how many?
A few.
No, not how many men.
How many years
have you been doing this?
Too many.
Not enough.
I don't want to go.
Don't go.
Stay a little longer.
[plaintive music]
Do you always have
to look so pussy?
Pussy, what do you mean?
Pussy, it means stylish,
right?
Oh.
[laughs]
Who are you going to meet?
A man?
Oh, shit, work.
Come to Beijing.
Can you imagine all
the famous actors you can style?
Your parents,
they'd be very proud.
Ta-da!
[scoffs]
Slut.
[laughs]
Perfect.
I'm not like you.
I don't play hard-to-get.
What do you mean?
Wh-- you think
I should go with him?
Well, you don't have a job.
What's holding you back?
Are you crazy?
We just met.
Yeah, well, you don't have
to move there.
Just take a trip
and see if you like it.
Look, don't forget
he's still in the closet
and he still
has a girlfriend, so.
You moved to Kenya
for Lakey's dad,
and that didn't work out.
But I don't regret it.
[phone buzzing]
Hello?
Francesca: Aren't they
brilliant?
Gus loves them.
He has such an
unconventional way of working.
You know, he only said
those things
to get the shots he wanted.
You've done it, kid.
I want you to style
the next "Mais Oui" cover.
"Culture Chic" is gonna
print them in their next issue.
Oh, and I read your interview.
I can't believe you said
all those things about
how Chinese goods
are destroying America.
James says it's good,
bring many attention.
[sighs]
This is very important to me.
Thank you.
I thought you didn't care
about the U.S. market.
[both chuckle]
In China there are
many stories that we can tell,
but when I have a name
in America,
I'll make those stories
into movies.
And what happened to showing
the glory of the new China?
China's better.
When I was young
I didn't want to think
what life would be like
when I'm 30,
but now always dreaming,
dreaming of what I can do next.
China, it will be great.
We have to make it happen.
[plaintive music]
Any Suggestions?
Ryan?
So Ryan just did a shoot
with a famous Chinese actor
from Beijing,
and so this is
right up his alley.
Perhaps he needs
some more sleep too.
[both laugh]
Hey, Francesca,
can we talk?
I expect more
from you in a meeting.
So right after
the "Mais Oui" cover,
you will be working on the
[inaudible] spread.
I need a break
after the shoot.
Are you serious?
You finally got
the "Mais Oui" cover,
and you want a vacation?
Now is your time.
You know, many magazine
are asking about your rate.
Oh, that's fantastic.
Yeah, now with this
chinoiserie chic,
what is your idea?
Urn, look, I got
to take a week off.
There's something important
that I have to do.
What can be more
important than your job?
Do you want more money?
No.
Is it love?
Ryan, Mr. Qi
is here to see you.
. Hey-
Did you tell the press?
What the fuck?
Why would I do that?
I don't even know
what this stupid magazine is.
What are they saying here?
"Ning is in love."
But that doesn't say
you're gay.
This is not the first time
they say this about rne.
My parents,
they will be very ashame.
Look, don't worry.
Um, you know,
worse comes to worst,
you can just stay here with me,
all right?
I will never act again.
My dream is over.
I was planning
on going to China with you.
Don't you understand
anything?
I have to carry on
my family name.
So what-what
are you gonna do?
Just stay in the closet
forever?
[speaking native language]
Great, you are finally here.
Can you leave us alone?
[wistful music]
[speaking native language]
Such a sour face.
So dry.
Happy face, yeah?
Remember?
This always made you smile.
If you don't look
after yourself, who will?
[phone buzzing]
Ning?
Le petite syrah.
It's what you like,
right?
So how are you doing?
I'm all right.
Look, um...
what I-what I said to you,
that was-that was bad.
I'm sorry.
Gan bei.
[glasses clink]
Go back to China
next week.
On.
Urn, that's great,
going back home.
But before I go,
there's something
I want to do,
something to do with us.
Oh, um...
do you want me
to go with you?
There are many directors
who want rne in their next film,
but they are afraid
of the magazine.
I need to clear my name
before they use me.
So...
can you please,
please help me?
Say something on my--
And tell them
you're not gay?
Something like that.
James, he'll tell you
what to say.
You just have to say it.
Lyan.
Lyan.
Lyan, please!
Please help me.
[gentle music]
[singing] As I lay in the
morning
With the sun on my face
As the new day is dawning
What am I doing
in this place?
And there's no regrets
or sorrow
Just an emptiness inside
As I look
to what's tomorrow
What hurts
is not just pride
It's only natural to defend
We all end up losing
in the end
And I know
when I'm on the run
And all's said and done
I'll live to be the one
Standing in the shadow
of the sun
[music fades]
"Mr. Qi and I
are both tennis fans,
and we share a mutual fondness
of watching Miss Sharapova"?
Why don't they just ask you
to make gorilla noises
and scratch your balls
while you speak?
Don't do it.
Out the bastard.
Ning: After we took a walk
in the park,
Ning: After we took a walk
in the park,
we actually made it happen.
[laughter]
James: Yes?
When is "Springtime
in Nanking" coming out?
It will come out next March
during the springtime.
[laughter]
Next question?
Yes, sir?
Mr. Qi, having been here
for a month now,
how would you compare
New York to Beijing?
Very similar,
full of opportunities, both,
but Beijing, better food.
[laughter]
Anybody else?
reporter: Miss Song,
what's your take
on New York?
We had a breakfast
at Tiffany?
[light laughter]
We have time
for one more.
Yes?
Recently in the magazine
there was a picture
of you that
stirred up some rumors.
Do you want to
comment on that?
Of course.
You know, the press
has a very big imagination.
It was a normal photograph,
and the photographer use
angle to make me
and my friend look abnormal.
The other person in the photo's
actually good friend of us,
and he is here now,
so I ask him to come up
and tell you the truth.
My Chinese-American friend,
Ryan Fu.
[applause]
Mr. Fu, can you describe
your relationship
with Mr. Qi?
I am gay.
[crowd murmuring]
[camera shutter clicks]
I told Mr. Qi this
the first day we met.
But Ning doesn't
mind rne being gay.
He's a-- he's a type of person
who treats everyone
equally despite their race,
class, or sexuality.
And I think it takes
someone who's very happy
and confident with himself
to be so kind and accepting.
Yeah, uh,
very proud
to call Ning my friend.
No, actually, he's-- he's
like a brother to me.
James: Two brothers.
Mr. Qi has a flight to catch,
so we have to wrap this up now.
Thank you, everyone,
for coming.
We have tea, coffee, and cakes
waiting for you outside.
Thank you very much.
[applause]
[knock at door]
Thank you.
I hope you're happy.
We Chinese have a saying.
You have to plow
in order to harvest.
You have to give up something
in order to achieve your dream.
[somber music]
[Uplifting music]
[uplifting music continues]
[upbeat dance music]
[singing] I just can't
stop obsessing of
When again
you'll need my love
My love still lingers
I don't know
who I'm supposed to be
Without your company
And I hope
you'll come around
Say it ain't over
I don't know
why you pulled apart
Took half the rent
Stole my heart
My heart won't answer
And though you moved along
you'll see
Our hearts will never beat
The same way
Now bring it back to me
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
Me and the way
we thought as one
Two broken hearts,
we lived undone
Undone together
I know
you've moved along I see
Our hearts
will never beat
The same way
Now bring it back to me
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
Our hearts
will never beat
Our hearts will never
Our hearts will never beat
Beat, beat, beat, beat
Beat-beat-beat-b-b-beat
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
Whoa, oh, oh, I see
And I
I, I, I still feel
You're into
[dance music crescendos
and cuts off abruptly]