I die
for the Revolution.
No Chinese Woman has yet shed blood
for the Revolution.
I shall be the first,
although the world doesn't know much
about the Revolution.
I leave behind my husband and children.
My death
is my contribution to the Revolution.
It will build an indestructible home
for all people,
a peaceful and calm world for all children.
The long-enslaved masses are numb,
they know not peace, nor calm.
These two children
will soon lose their mother.
I die for all children.
I die for the Revolution.
I'm not afraid, nor do I care about death.
I rejoice at my martyrdom:
At this moment
I cry with blissful tears.
Put the donation boxes in prominent spots.
Go over to the door.
Be vigilant.
Yes.
Let Mr. Sun rest.
Don't disturb him.
Yes.
Juemin.
Who's that?
Who?
Look.
What?
Go, quick.
Get up, there's a woman here.
Don't bother, just go.
Keqiang.
Time to get up.
Get up.
Let me sleep three more minutes.
Alright.
Get up.
Two minutes.
Fine.
Two minutes.
One minutes.
I'll get up.
I should go to Guangzhou for the uprising.
What?
You forgot the committee's
decision last night?
Keqiang, listen.
I won't.
I must throw myself into battle.
Then last night's meeting was a waste.
Why can't we talk it through again?
There's nothing to discuss.
Huang Xing leads the Guangzhou uprising.
Sun Wen handles fundraising overseas.
We voted.
Promise.
Promise.
These are donations from abroad.
Overseas Chinese helped us.
I promised them.
I cannot fail them,
I must carry out my pledge.
It's not a personal promise
but Tongmenghui's promise.
They wrote these letters.
Who's this Woman?
Zonghan.
Xu Zonghan.
Tongmenghui member from my village.
I'm Huang Xing.
Zonghan coordinates underground
organizations in Guangzhou.
You two pretend to be husband and wife.
It's a good cover.
No, it's not appropriate.
Why not?
I'm a woman and I don't care.
What are you afraid of?
It's easy to die in battle,
but hard to motivate the living.
You have the difficult task.
The Guangzhou uprising
will finish off the Qing Dynasty.
Take this pocket watch.
On the day of the uprising,
we'll monitor time together.
Go,
Charge.
Quick.
Quick.
Destroy this wall.
Yes.
You rebel.
You dare revolt.
You revolutionary.
You dare revolt.
You...
You...
Where's Zhang Mingqi?
I don't know.
Quick.
And my Wife.
Quick.
Comrades taking part in the uprising
know me better.
It's easier for me to coordinate...
Nonsense.
I can wield my pen
and scalpel,
why not a gun?
Remember: You're still a wanted man
by the Qing court,
you can't risk it.
If you return to China
to lead the uprising,
you're being irresponsible.
Yu Peilun.
Yu Peilun.
Yu Peilun.
Here.
We couldn't Contact the other groups.
Zhang Mingqi ran away.
Keqiang said,
if the uprising fails,
you must inform Sun Wen immediately.
What else did he say?
He said,
if he's not back by dusk,
you must leave Guangzhou at once.
Quick.
Back off. All of you.
Listen to my command.
Attack from the sides.
- Yes.
- Hand grenades.
- Yes.
- Follow me.
Charge.
Keqiang.
Your hand.
Keqiang.
Don't mind me, charge.
Yes.
Charge.
Get away.
Run.
- What are you doing?
- Run.
Let me go.
Let me go.
Yu Peilun.
Gentlemen,
our fundraiser today
was originally organized
for the Guangzhou uprising.
But just now,
I received news.
Fighting in Guangzhou has ceased.
The uprising has failed.
The telegram states,
the uprising failed,
many of our core members are dead.
You've never met them.
These young people who died were talented,
some came from rich families,
some have just gotten married.
They were willing to sacrifice themselves,
whatever the cost.
They sacrificed their lives for the cause
because they have faith.
What do your lies
have to do with us?
Good question.
Most of you gathered here
are overseas Chinese.
You know Well
our faces mark us as Chinese,
and we've suffered discrimination
and bullying.
We've endured unfair treatment.
All because the country of our people
has long been corrupt
and weak,
writhing in pain.
Our Chinese compatriots
face adversity,
our land taken by others.
Our Revolution
ensures people can pursue happiness,
that our race will regain dignity.
The Chinese revolutionary movement is
blessed by support from overseas Chinese.
For many years,
I strongly believe this.
Overseas Chinese are the
mother of the Revolution.
Gentlemen,
your children
have died for you.
Fang Shengdong.
Lin Shishuang.
Yu Peilun.
Chen Gengxin.
Lin Juemin.
This young man will soon be a father.
What's this?
US$300,000.00
Donation from Zhigongtang
I won't hide this from you.
We sold our ancestral house.
Yat-sen,
we're overseas Chinese,
our roots are in China.
The Qing Dynasty is no longer our home.
Without a place called home,
why Keep an ancestral house?
Take it.
If the Revolution fails,
you'll owe us for generations.
Another one.
Yat-sen,
your pocket Watch
can block bullets,
but not cannon shells.
Fire.
Empress Dowager,
I hear.
Sun Wen has long escaped abroad,
he hasn't returned for more than a decade.
We might want to arrest him,
but it's going to be hard.
Didn't we alert our envoys
and foreign governments
about Sun, telling them
they should monitor his movements?
But Sun gives public lectures everywhere,
raising funds, organizing rebels,
trafficking arms, plotting uprisings.
Minister Xu, perhaps you overstate.
He hasn't appeared before our eyes.
He's only mortal,
not the Monkey King.
What power can he wield?
Sun's done enough to rock the boat.
These years, unrest seethes everywhere,
rebellions follow one after another.
Sun's been misleading others with his lies,
so many follow his path.
What a troublemaker.
As if he doesn't make enough trouble.
The Qing Dynasty will not
fall because of him.
If he dares enter the Forbidden City,
our Manchurian imperial army will kill him.
Yes,
let's just eradicate.
Sun Wen and his cohorts.
We'll destroy them once and for all.
Stop carrying on like this.
No matter whether to kill them,
or praise or punish them,
or whatever other solution,
I only have this to say:
Please, all of you,
let Us have some peace.
Recently,
the mortgage of our railways
against the Four Nations Bank loan
has led to riots.
What's the use of your rifles?
Tell them:
If they revolt,
they'll all die in vain.
Lin Juemin.
You're educated,
you come from a good family.
Why did you join the rebels?
Zhang Mingqi,
why do you hide in darkness?
What are you afraid of?
What am I afraid of?
You're afraid of my youth.
I have chosen death,
but I'm still young.
You might live,
but you are old and worthless.
Have you read the study of evolution?
Survival of the fittest.
Have you considered
the leading nations in the world
were all borne of revolution?
China must also have a revolution.
Affairs of the nation
are not your concern.
Sun Wen said,
China is Weak.
There's no way out.
The royal family, aristocrats and officials
all follow their old ways,
but what of the people?
They barely survive, ignorant of the world.
China is no match for other countries,
it's a dire situation.
Young man,
the Qing court has a hard time too.
The court?
The court gave Hong Kong to England
and Taiwan to Japan.
That's the good Work of the Qing court.
What's the use of keeping it?
I'm interrogating you,
yet you turn around to question me?
You have no grounds to sentence me.
Lin Juemin,
I had wanted to exercise clemency.
There's no need.
My comrades and I fought together,
we'll die together.
I can't be an exception.
When you die,
you'll be left with nothing.
The Qing court wants my life;
I'll destroy the dynasty at its heart.
Hello, Your Royal Highness,
this is a car used by British royalty.
As a member of Chinese royalty, let me try.
Please.
You've come because of
the Sichuan railways?
The loan agreements between our countries
and the mortgage of your railways
cannot be written off.
That's the trouble.
I knew it.
The mortgage of the Sichuan
and Guangdong railways
against your loan
will lead to trouble down the road.
If you forcibly take the railways,
it'll be a catastrophe.
Can't we find a solution, my dear lord?
Look at this invention.
It's an iron machine.
It can move forward and backward,
left and right,
whatever you wish.
My lord,
please enjoy this humble gift
and steer it in the right direction.
Mr. Ambassador,
we've already sent troops from Wuchang
to suppress the Sichuan riots.
Don't you worry.
Your Royal Highness,
you're a great strategist.
You're the one holding the steering wheel.
You have money,
you have navel fleets,
you've always been better
businessmen than us.
In 50 years,
the car you gave me
will be scrap metal,
but my little gift to you
will be priceless.
Thank you.
Open the door. Huang Keqiang.
Quick, open the door. Huang Keqiang
I Know you're inside..
Open,
Huang Keqiang.
Huang Keqiang,
open the door.
Open the door for me.
What are you doing?
Put it down.
Give me the blade.
Let me go.
What are you doing?
What?
You can't die.
I know you saw
all of them being killed.
I know
we failed.
I didn't want to die, Zonghan
I want to keep this hand
to wield the gun.
Help me,
chop it off.
No.
- No.
- So we failed,
we've failed before.
No.
Children,
do you know what the telegram says?
No.
Huang Keqiang is alive.
Fate has been kind.
Who's he?
Huang Keqiang
is a strong and determined man,
a man who won't die.
We don't know him.
But do you know Homer Lea?
Yes.
Take me to him, please.
Yes.
Where's Homer Lea?
There.
Homer Lea.
Homer.
Homer.
- Homer.
- Hey, I'm here.
Mr. Lea,
tell me.
Why are you so interested
in Chinese revolution?
Nowadays,
a Chinese revolution
is the only thing that can
make exciting history.
Exciting?
That's not what our revolution is about.
Why revolution?
I was once a doctor.
I used to save a lot of lives
with my scalpel.
But sadly,
in my country,
life is so miserable
it might be Worse than death.
I always wonder
why my compatriots
have to endure their lives with no dignity.
They survive like animals
with very basic needs,
suffering the oppression
from the ruling class
and foreign powers.
Now,
I cannot accept it,
I will not accept it.
I want to change.
I want a revolution.
Come,
I'll show you.
Recently, in Sichuan,
the central part of China,
people have launched a movement
of protecting railway projects against
the hopelessly corrupt Qing government.
It is said that the Qing government has to
mobilize the army from Hubei province o Sichuan.
What they don't know is many officers
who stayed behind in the army of.
Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangsu,
are active members of Tongmenghui,
the Restoration League,
I have a feeling
that in the south of Yangtze River,
an even bigger movement
will take hold.
I want to join your revolution.
That's fine.
I would like to invite you
to join the Chinese Revolution
as a military advisor,
but I'm afraid I cannot afford you
and pay the attention that you deserve.
This,
this is not about money.
It's about you, Sun.
You must be China's revolutionary leader.
I promise you.
Peng Chufan.
Liu Fuji. Yang Hongsheng.
The three of them plotted mutiny.
L'I3Vf1'S punishment is upon them.
We execute them today
as a Warning to all.
Among you...
Governor,
we found the list. What should we do?
What else can we do with
those rebels from the Gongjinhui?
Starting tonight,
kill everyone on the list.
No one will be spared.
All of you,
ask your own conscience.
The Qing court supports
and protects you,
yet you plot to rebel,
following such thugs as Sun Wen.
Isn't that the behavior of unfilial sons,
killing their parents?
Stop, you two.
What are your names?
Xiong Bingkun of the 8th regiment,
Jin Zheolong of the 8th regiment,
Lie low.
This is a crisis.
Don't be hot-tempered.
Yes.
What is this?
A mutiny?
Not sleeping?
What do you want?
What?
This is a mutiny.
Tao Qisheng.
Brother,
put down your rifle.
I'm leading a mutiny.
How many more will you kill?
You're lucky that
I'm aiming at you.
Brother,
this is not a joke.
If we don't do it now, then when?
Help.
Tell Zhang Zhenwu to bring
two of his battalions.
Aim all artillery at the
Governor's mansion.
When Xiong Bingkun lights the torch,
fire at the mansion.
Yes.
Charge.
Hand grenades.
Go.
Jin Zhaolong
Jin Zhaolong, Xiong Bingkun.
Lead two platoons.
Order everyone to bring gas canisters.
Rush in to fuel the fire.
Light the target.
Yes.
- Quick.
- Quick.
Quick.
Quick.
Ready,
aiming at the Governor's mansion.
Load.
Done.
Fire.
Load.
Fire.
Good morning, Mrs. Johnson.
Good morning.
Here.
Oh, yes.
Oh, Dr. Sun.
Yes?
It seems like there's something
in today's paper about China.
Thank you.
Do you need some help, Dr. Sun?
Can I give you some water?
I'm all right.
Yat-sen.
Hey, what's going on in here?
What are you guys doing?
Come on.
Yat-sen. The Revolution has succeeded.
- Hey, what's the matter with you?
- Sorry.
On October 10,
The Revolutionary army took over Wuchang.
Governor Rui Cheng fled overnight.
Wuchang revolutionaries telegraphed
the entire country,
asking them to join in the rebellion.
The world's in shock.
Yat-sen,
you should return to China immediately.
I'll reserve a boat ticket for you.
You only need to spend 20 days across
the Pacific, then you'll reach Shanghai.
It happened in Wuchang.
It happened in Wuchang.
Send a telegram to Keqiang in Hong Kong,
so he travels to Wuchang
to lead the revolution.
Yes.
Sun,
I'm ready.
I'll go to China with you.
No.
I'm going to Europe first.
Huang Xing is much better than me
to handle this in China.
Why?
The unrest in China
will be closely linked to the
Four Nations Bank loan to the Qing court.
The court's out of money now,
but if they get the loan,
they can thwart the revolution.
Reserve tickets for Europe.
Zonghan,
don't bother making dinner.
We're running out of time.
Put it down.
Why are you so anxious?
You don't need it.
The battle in Wuchang will be intense.
I'm concerned for your safety.
What about your own safety?
Don't Worry,
I won't die.
Fate will be kind to me.
I should go now.
Go.
What happened?
Only yesterday Rui Cheng reported to us
that the rebel leaders were killed.
A day passed and...
The New Army had it easy.
Clearly,
the Wuchang regiments were sent to Sichuan
to stop the unrest,
so the city was unguarded...
Tell me something I don't already know.
The Qing court has ruled for more than 200 years.
We've ridden through many storms.
It's only a small flame,
we'll extinguish it.
Who should we send
to extinguish this flame?
Empress Dowager,
I humbly believe...
I recommend Yin Chang,
head of the Imperial Army.
This is his duty.
Xu Shichang.
Yes.
Just now,
what were you saying?
Yuan Shikai can fulfill this task.
Better to appoint Yin Chang.
This is family affair.
It's better to send over a Manchu.
Yes.
Empress Dowager,
I would like to submit a request.
Say it, Royal Prince.
Food and supplies precede an army.
There's this old saying...
Be precise,
- don't just quote the classics.
- In my opinion,
We should finalize the loan
from the Four Nations Bank,
we'll have less to worry about later.
Haven't we discussed this for months?
Why hasn't this been done?
The Four Nations Bank felt
we've been indecisive
about mortgaging our railways.
There's been criticism outside.
People say that
we're giving away our sovereignty.
If we're not rulers here,
is this even a country?
General Li,
for the sake of the times, please decide.
I've treated you well.
Why are you making it so difficult for me?
We ask that you lead the
Military Government.
We're not making it difficult.
Drop your gun.
Please ask him to drop his gun.
Put it down.
General Li,
you've treated us well.
We wish you'd lead the Military Government.
You nave great talents
among the revolutionary ranks.
Why don't you ask Sun
Wen to be your leader?
Li Yuanhong.
The revolutionary party
will select our leaders.
At present.
Sun Wen is still abroad,
and Huang Keqiang is on his Way here.
That's why we offer you this.
Li Yuanhong,
do you understand your predicament?
I can give up my position
in the Qing court,
but I don't want to become
a revolutionary official.
I only want to return home.
You have no idea of the real situation:
Although Rui Cheng and Zhang Biao
have gone into hiding,
if the court's troops
were to counterattack,
they can destroy Wuchang in a second.
Come back.
Stop.
- Come back.
- Go.
Stop.
Go.
Lie down.
Yin Chang's firing at us
from a German battleship.
General Li,
are you all right?
What damned battle is this?
I'll die because of you.
Remove the ammunition, quick.
We'll die together.
We'll count you as a revolutionary martyr.
Li Yuanhong, General of the Mixed Brigade.
I'm Military Governor Li Yuanhong.
If you Want to live,
return to your stations.
Attention.
Yes.
Target: Battleship "Chuyu"
Distance: 2400 feet.
Load.
Prepare for rapid firing, first round.
Rapid firing, first round.
Fire.
Distance:
Load.
Fire all three cannons.
Fire.
Cease fire.
Why did we stop?
I'm the Military Governor,
I make all the decisions.
Why did they stop?
They ran out of ammunition?
Doesn't look like it.
Should we fire back to test them?
What for?
Better keep our lives. Run.
Run.
Even if we annihilate Yin Chang,
so what?
He's of no consequence.
The real battle is ahead of us.
Yes.
You want to cut my queue?
Fine.
Come.
Since you revolutionaries
have bestowed such honour on me,
I'll be presumptuous and break the law.
Father.
Good news.
You scared away my fish.
You're coming out of seclusion.
You can't hold your horses, can you?
General, Huafu is here.
Huafu.
Let's show
the revolutionaries and
those in the Forbidden City
our great Beiyang Army
and our great power.
Yes.
Attention, artillery.
Target ahead,
distance at 500.
Load.
Ready.
Fire.
Alcohol.
Keqiang.
Where should We go?
Wherever there's heavy gunfire.
Make way.
Make way.
Commander.
Avoid gunfire.
Avoid gunfire.
Hide in the trench with your squad.
Hide in the trench.
Hide in the trench.
Don't run.
Go back.
Don't run.
Retrieve the gun.
Remember,
alive soldier is useless
without his weapon.
Tell me, Huafu.
Tell me.
General,
We've taken.
Hankou.
Your order to Scorch
we attack Wuchang right away.
Now gives us access to Wu...
What's your next step?
Morale is high,
we attack Wuchang right away.
Great.
We take Hankou first,
then attack Beijing.
We'll conquer the world.
Sit down, have some food.
This is a Heaven-sent opportunity.
Sit down.
Keding,
you're cutting to the quick.
Let's wait on.
Wuchang.
After the rabbit is killed,
the hunting dog will be cooked.
Enemy positions nave advanced.
Once they cover their firing range,
the infantry will attack.
The key to combat is to avoid gunfire.
Yes.
Idiot,
trying to run away? I'll kill you.
Drop your gun.
He's Huang Xing, our Commander.
Salute.
I command you all:
From now on,
follow my orders.
Yes.
Always be prepared to enter the frontlines.
Yes.
We torched Hankou well,
it was a great offense.
But now,
we won't follow up.
If the revolutionaries
can be easily defeated,
the country still belongs
to the Qing court.
If the Qing court is also weak,
the revolutionaries could seize power.
Somehow,
we must be get a share of it.
Here's my condition:
I take full power over the
army and its supplies.
Now.
Empress Dowager Longyu
and the princes must Know that
they either get the loan
from the Four Nations Bank,
or there'll be no more battle.
Regarding the revolutionaries...
Should we Contact Li Yuanhong
and test the waters?
He's not a revolutionary.
In the long run,
we should find someone we can connect with.
Sun Yat-sen and Huang Xing.
Reporting to the General.
Wang Jingwei is here.
Please.
Isn't Wang
supposed to be in Beijing, in prison?
Zaifeng released him.
You were locked up for a year.
You've suffered.
Times have changed, don't
mention it any more.
I treasure you most among
the revolutionaries.
I was just telling Keding,
we should swear as blood brothers.
Zhaoming,
tell me.
What do the revolutionaries want?
We Want to establish a republic.
Republic?
But Why?
Feudalism has kept China
back for far too long.
As long as there's an Emperor,
we cannot rid ourselves of the old system.
The Revolution must
depose the Emperor
and the imperial system.
That's all theory.
We have to put it in practice.
When the Republic is established,
who will lead it?
A leader of the Republic
is elected by all citizens.
Zhaoming.
The General pondered seriously
before inviting you from Beijing.
He'd like your help.
You're the one who knows
the revolutionaries well.
Zhaoming
ls Sun Wen still abroad?
Gentlemen.
Gentlemen,
you know who I am
and Why I'm here.
It seems to me
that you have decided that
you're against the revolution.
Am I right?
Go.
If that's the case,
the Qing government will take this loan,
buy guns and shoot through
the hearts of revolutionaries.
Your money will support
the corrupt Qing government,
in exchange for What?
Railway?
Our railway.
Sir.
Sir,
please keep your voice down.
You're deciding the future
of my country here.
Being a Chinese,
I have the right to know
what's going on here.
We've already informed your government
regarding our decision.
You must tell me your decision.
Let me remind you that we're in Europe.
You really should behave like a gentleman.
Do you understand what's
happening in China now?
Mr. Sun Wen.
He won't answer.
They are bankers,
they only care about their money,
not other people's fate.
Mr. Hillier,
do you know who he is?
No.
He's the man who will
decide the future of China.
Who are you?
Tang Manrou.
Idiot.
Your father is the Chinese
Imperial Ambassador,
and you spoke for Sun Wen?
Do you know who he is?
Who is he?
He's a traitor of the Qing Dynasty.
He's a wanted criminal.
He's a revolutionary.
Don't you know?
Tang Manrou.
I know who he is,
that's why I helped him.
Mr. Hillier.
Hillier.
I must go before this person arrives.
We cannot be present in the same place.
Why leave, Minister Tang?
I beg you, you still haven't done us
the honour of accepting our invitation.
You really mustn't leave.
Please. Don't leave.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I'm well aware that I've
come here uninvited.
However,
as the leader of the Chinese revolution,
I only ask you,
please reconsider the 6 million pounds,
your loan to the Qing government.
Sun Wen,
you're a subject of the Qing Dynasty,
yet you show no respect for your country.
How can you claim
any respect regarding our country?
You've lost it all a long time ago.
I represent the Whole Chinese people,
and speak in the name
as leader of the Chinese revolution.
Dr. Sun,
we will not break
such an important business contract.
Mr. Thompson,
this is not a business contract,
it's a political deal.
If this contract is signed,
what's at stake here
is Chinese sovereignty.
Mr. Sun,
our German banks only care about business,
we don't care about domestic politics.
My dearest German delegates,
every time the Qing
government fires a gun at us,
your money presses the trigger.
The Qing government will buy weapons
with your loan, nothing else.
Perhaps you've misunderstood.
According to my understanding, this loan
is intended to help rebuild the railways.
Mr. Sun,
our minister in Peking,
Sir John Newell Jordan,
said the same thing about the loan.
Dear Sir Buchanan,
I believe when Mr. Jordan realizes
that the money is used to destroy
the Chinese revolution,
he will change his mind.
Sun Wen.
This is my second warning.
Do not defame the Qing Dynasty here.
Defame?
Minister Tang,
how you underestimated us.
We Want to depose you and the court.
Gentlemen,
we all know that to give good money
to a bad client
is a fatal mistake.
The Qing government
is like a patient diagnosed with cancer.
Your loan is like sugar pills,
it'll only make him feel better,
but the fate is sealed.
It seems that you are quite pessimistic
about the future in China.
No, I'm not.
On the contrary,
my vision of the new China
is very positive.
I see huge miles covered
with natural resources.
I see thousands of banks
providing new capital.
I see a mountain of railways connecting
all the modern communities.
Gentlemen,
you are bankers,
you should know to invest
your money wisely.
Would you rather invest your money
into a dying government
or the emerging one?
Mr. Sun Yat-sen,
I know you are the leader
of this revolution,
and I respect your revolution.
However, we cannot invest money
against the interests of our own nation.
You may know that
I'm a surgeon.
As a doctor, my duty
is to save my patient's life.
One day
I found my country
is suffering cancer.
Mr. Hillier,
The situation of China
is like this roast lamb,
it's unlikely our people
would enjoy freedom,
equality
and fraternity.
Yes,
that is to say,
this is China.
And all of you Want a piece.
Germany
here's your piece,
the Shandong peninsula.
Good location, isn't it?
What's all this?
Sir Buchanan,
your piece,
left rather small on this plate:
Only Hong Kong,
and you know very well,
this is a gate
to reach China.
Mr. Thompson, let me out out
a special piece for you,
in memory of all those Chinese lives
that were lost carving out your mountain
for the transcontinental railway
where they sleep, buried,
the bones of Chinese labourers.
It's a pity,
all those countries not here today:
Russia,
Japan and Portugal.
They want Pescadores, Liaodong Peninsula
and Macau.
Gentlemen,
this
is the last time you can
gather to feast on China.
I really hope
I made my point clear.
Mr. Tang,
please wait a moment. Please.
Go home.
Please.
Please stay.
Stay.
Here it is.
Please tell me, what does Revolution mean?
Like a doctor who heals patients,
a revolution saves an entire people.
Mr. Sun,
I heard girls in China
have to bound their feet from young age.
Is it painful?
Yes, it's painful
but
it will be gone very soon.
I see. Thank you.
Must people
lose their lives in revolution?
The final goal of revolution isn't death,
but to change fate.
Young people sacrificed themselves
for the revolution,
so those living can lead better lives.
Extend firing range.
Come.
It's overheated. It won't fire.
Go, piss.
Lie down.
Lie down.
Nurse.
Little Hubei,
gather hand grenades.
Give them to me.
- Give them to me.
- No.
Let go.
- Commander.
- Let go.
Don't pull me back.
Don't pull me back.
Let go.
Go.
Little Hubei.
Ammunition handler.
Charge.
General,
Huafu is here.
General,
We've taken Hanyang.
Should we continue fighting?
There's
no need to be in such a rush.
We nave to let the Qing court understand,
if they don't pay up,
we won't move.
Your words mean...
Can't you read?
Read it yourself.
Fight slowly,
wait and see?
- But morale is high.
- I must return to Beijing
and see what the Empress Dowager says.
Let me tell you my bottom line:
If the court
doesn't give me enough money,
I won't fight.
I'd thought it'd be easy to defeat them,
but Sun's rebels
are resilient.
I also lack ammunition and supplies.
Empress Dowager,
I was forced to cease
the battle of Wuchang.
Yuan Shikai.
Yes, Empress Dowager.
How much do you need?
Tell me.
If I have12 million taels of gold,
I can finish off the revolutionaries
within a few months.
If we have no money for battle,
we only have one choice:
To make peace with the revolutionaries.
You dare?
Making peace means we acknowledge them.
The Beiyang Army is on its
last round of ammunition.
I'll never agree to
your making peace.
If you really care about the Qing court,
do something useful, donate your riches.
Why don't you donate your
own money to the cause?
Yuan Shikai.
Empress Dowager,
as I had reported earlier,
we must have enough money
to support the army.
Yuan Shikai is indeed hard pressed.
You love to argue
all the time,
pretending to be loyal ministers.
Now
in times of crisis,
you've all become selfish.
The dynasty is destined to fall.
Your servant
will give up all of his possessions.
This is a time of crisis, I will lead
my entire family to protect the country.
Your servant
doesn't want a coffin,
nor does he care about his ancestral grave.
If money can help destroy the rebels,
then
I'll leave everything and
return to my home village.
The Four Nations Bank has
been persuaded by Sun,
I'm afraid we won't receive
a cent of this loan.
I know.
Heaven will punish.
Sun Wen for this.
Empress Dowager,
even though we run out of money, food,
and ammunition,
we still have for centuries
our loyal subjects.
I only have this to say:
I will die for the Qing Dynasty.
Sun Wen, your interference...
with the Four Nations Bank loan
has generated controversy in China.
This is the Prince Regents
order to assassinate you.
This one
looks more like
a portrait of the deceased.
I don't agree with you,
but I respect your courage.
I won't Kill you.
I want to persuade you.
Sun Wen, we are both past middle age.
Confucius said,
At 50, I knew my destiny.
He also said,
At 40, I am not deluded.
I've never wavered
from my beliefs.
I know Why you won't Kill me.
You're a father,
you know
the Qing court you serve
will eventually destroy your children.
We all want a strong and bright China
for our children.
Go,
I don't want to see you again.
Mr. Jordan,
you're the first guest in my new house.
Now that you've moved to Beijing,
we can see each other more often.
Yes.
I don't intend to leave the city this time.
How's the situation in the South?
Difficult.
Sun Wen and Huang Xing
are southern barbarians with big appetites.
You could have conquered Wuchang,
but you stopped.
We all knew
the Qing Dynasty has run out of money,
the end is near.
You want to profit from the power balance
between the Qing court and
the revolutionary army.
So now you want peace.
What do you think
of this balance between
my left and right hands?
Truth be told, I'm very impressed.
But the revolutionaries won't talk to me.
Now I understand.
Would you like us to extend a hand?
You...
We'll pave the way for you to negotiate
peace with the revolutionaries.
It's not good for anyone
if fighting continues.
What's most important now
is holding onto power.
Real power.
I'm looking for a collaborator
to protect the interests
of Britain in China.
Well, you've found him.
Military Governor, let me explain.
I sent Keqiang to Shanghai
because of the overall strategy
of the revolutionary movement.
I don't understand.
The Wuchang uprising attracted
the world's attention.
Isn't that also part of
the overall strategy?
Since we can attack Nanjing,
why can't we defend Wuchang'?
In Wuchang,
we're in a stalemate with the Beiyang Army.
Our trainee soliders
have suffered heavy casualties.
In Nanjing,
the enemy is weak.
Our plan is to attack Nanjing,
than retake Wuchang.
'That's our overall strategy.
This is the decision
made by the Tongmenghui.
I must abide by it.
Fine. Whatever you say.
But I won't go to Shanghai.
Please understand,
it hasn't been easy to
forge our paths together.
My home is here.
My power base is here.
Military Governor Li,
it appears we won't be sharing
the same path.
My child, don't move.
Don't move.
Lie down.
Listen,
if you want to live,
we must amputate your leg.
Can you hear me?
Alcohol.
It's fine.
Ready?
- Be brave.
- We begin now.
Listen to me.
Listen to me.
Stop.
Stop.
Come.
Take him away.
You've said it before.
So we failed.
Haven't we failed before?
I'm talking to you.
Idiot.
Mr. Sun,
telegram from England for you.
Okay,
here you are.
Thank you.
Mr. Sun,
I must inform you right away.
The Four Nations Bank decided to hold off
on the loan to the Qing government.
You once told me that.
Revolution is life,
not only living,
but fate.
I don't understand Revolution,
but I've struggled and fought, I was angry.
I also knew,
I'd end up as sacrifice
along with my father.
I wish your Revolution,
I'1O,
wish our Revolution,
every SUCCESS.
Yat-sen.
Yat-sen.
Keqiang.
Where are you?
Keqiang
I'm here.
Can you hear me?
I can.
Where are you?
Huang Keqiang.
Yat-sen.
I'm starboard.
Me too.
Keqiang.
At the Welcome ceremony,
you have to put on
the revolutionary army uniform.
Yes.
Yat-sen.
Binglin, you're all here.
Not in first class?
- No.
- Second class?
No.
Yat-sen.
It saved my life once.
Keqiang,
your hand.
Guangzhou uprising.
Doesn't matter.
Yat-sen.
Mr. Sun.
Dunchu.
You're here.
Yat-sen, we searched all
the way to the beam.
You're all here.
A hug.
Let's go.
Yat-sen, we waited so long for your return.
Shiping, you haven't aged a bit.
Mr. Sun,
after your ship departed from Europe,
on your journey back,
what thoughts came over you?
After 16 years of tribulations,
I've returned to my motherland.
Mr. Sun,
we hear you've returned
with huge donations,
ls that true?
I don't have any money.
All I bring is the Revolutionary spirit.
What is the ultimate
goal of the Revolution?
The goals of the Revolution are simple:
We overthrow imperial rule
and save our people.
Mr. Sun,
what did you tell
those bankers in Europe?
I told them,
it's the Chinese people
who'll steer the fate of China,
not foreigners
or Manchu royalty.
Mr. Sun, the north and south
are now negotiating peace.
What is your opinion?
My opinion is this:
We haven't reached our Revolutionary goal,
we won't negotiate.
Tie up them.
Our position is that
unless the Emperor abdicates,
there'll be no peace agreement.
Our position is that
the monarchical system cannot change.
This is a family dinner. Shaochuan,
you're part of the family.
Come, try this.
A specialty from home.
Lotus root with glutinous rice.
Come, sit.
General,
this is.
To thank you.
You put in so much effort
in the negotiations.
You've worked so hard.
Please tell me
what's on your mind.
You're the only one among Us
who knew Sun Wen.
I want to know more about.
Sun Wen.
What type of a man is he?
Zhang Shizhao said,
China will rise because of Sun,
he's the person
who'll revive the country.
Miyazaki considers Sun
a hero who will save China.
Kang Youwei claimed Sun is illiterate.
Wu Zhihui says that Sun
is a hardworking scholar.
Some say he's like Robin Hood,
an outlaw.
Some say he's a real scholar,
an itinerant doctor holding a scalpel.
Others call him
a good-for-nothing liar.
There are many versions.
Shaochuan,
he has so many followers.
How does he do it?
I did hear this from many people:
That Sun
is selfless.
A selfless person?
Where in the world can We find one?
It's been 2000 years,
we can't wait any longer for.
- China's first Republic.
- Representatives from
the 17 provinces have decided
not to elect a President,
but to elect a Grand Marshal.
Mr. Sun, please sign.
A Grand Marshal cannot be head of state.
We must elect a President.
On the Presidential election,
should we wait to hear from Yuan Shikai?
If he can really hasten
the Emperor's abdication...
The negotiating parties
already made a pact.
Whoever first deposes the Qing government
will become President.
Yuan Shikai hasn't deposed the Qing court.
We didn't break our promise.
It you insist on a Presidential election,
people will use that
as an excuse to resume fighting.
So what?
We fought and look what
we've achieved today.
Keqiang.
If we resume fighting,
what are our chances of winning?
We have no money,
morale is low,
we have no sure chance of winning.
How can we fight?
This is impractical.
When the revolutionary army had nothing,
we were willing to sacrifice our lives.
Now we have half a country,
what are We afraid of?
The international community
nee expressed support for Yuan Shikai.
Overseas Chinese all hope that we could
setup e government as soon as possible
and elect a President.
To be safe,
I think we should wait.
If Yuan doesn't depose the Emperor
for another 100 years,
do we still wait?
Let's put pressure on him, now.
If Yuan makes the Emperor abdicate,
do we have to keep our promise?
Even if Yuan makes the Emperor abdicate,
he isn't qualified to be President.
Not true.
If Yuan keeps his promise,
he can become President.
If you've promised him anyway,
why bother holding an election?
Good question.
It's Worth it.
First,
we have to establish
the concept of a Republic.
It's just like building a road
in the wilderness,
so the Revolution can continue its path.
In future, in China,
no one can turn back.
Lie down.
Against the wall.
All of you.
Against the wall.
Against the wall.
He's the assassin.
Release him.
Who sent you here?
Sun Wen is a sinner,
he's corrupt,
he's sullied the Qing dynasty,
he's immoral,
he misleads the people,
he's beyond pardon.
Everyone can kill him.
It's no use interrogating him.
We live in entirely different worlds.
Yes.
Two days ago,
on December 27,
provincial representatives voted
and approved
the Provisional Government
Organizational Draft.
They also approved the Presidential system
as well as
the nomination of candidates.
Elections will take place
today, December 29,
for the position of.
Provisional President.
I declare
each of the 17 provinces,
though some with more
representatives than others,
is only given one vote.
A candidate receiving
more the two-thirds of the votes
will become Provisional President.
Those in favor, raise their hands.
This is the Presidential ballot.
Your decision is crucial.
We hope you will not disappoint your people
in your choice.
Please fill in your ballot.
Homer.
Sun.
What are you doing here?
The Presidential election
is ongoing in the conference hall.
I'm one of the candidates.
History,
you're making history.
I'm witnessing history.
I'm standing right beside history.
For thousands of years,
in Chinese history, we the people
never received the opportunity to
elect the head of government.
Never.
That
is what we've been fighting for.
Our people have been fighting
ongoing for so long.
And now we've finally done it.
Homer,
when did you get here?
Why didn't you tell me you were coming?
Now, as head of the Assembly...
I must be there.
I declare the results.
Out of a total of 17 votes,
Sun Wen received 16.
The Provisional President
of the Republic of China is.
Sun Wen.
Dr. Sun,
I heard your name.
I told you,
you'd be China's first President.
Tang Shaoyi,
didn't you say he's selfless?
What an slap in the face.
General.
Go.
Order.
Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui
to issue a joint telegram
against the Republic.
Tang Shaoyi is sympathetic to the Republic,
unable to fulfill his duties,
he's dismissed as representative
to the negotiations.
Yes.
Send a telegram to Wu Tingfang:
I recognize neither the
Nanjing Provisional Government
nor its so-called President Sun Wen.
Yat-sen,
we just heard.
Zhang Xun has amassed
his troops around Suzhou.
Also,
some Qing soldiers have been sighted
near Qinhuai River this afternoon.
Mr. President,
we advise
delaying the inauguration ceremony.
Yes, better to be cautious.
Today is New Year's Day of 1912,
everything is renewed.
The Provisional President
of the Republic of China
must be sworn in today.
Fine.
I'll take care of all security details
for the Provisional President.
Photo session.
Please, look here, here.
I pledge to overthrow the Qing dynasty,
strengthen the Republic of China,
foster better livelihoods for all.
These I promise to the people.
I will follow them.
I will serve the country with faith.
I will serve all people.
Until the hegemony of the Qing dynasty
is overthrown,
and the country has no strife,
when China will stand tall in the World,
recognized among nations.
At that time,
I will resign from the position of
Provisional President.
This is my pledge to all citizens of China.
Just now,
I pledged myself as the
Provisional President.
Now,
I have a few words to add.
Today,
the Republic of China is established,
but the feudal court still stands.
Unless feudalism is uprooted,
our Revolution isn't complete.
I await
the day
I'll relinquish my position
to the person
who carries through the abdication
of the Qing Emperor.
What's going on?
I'd said it before,
we shouldn't rush to elect a President.
The Beiyang Army has been mobilized,
war will erupt very soon.
I hear Yuan Shikai has
even engaged assassins.
Who's afraid of assassins?
Mr. Sun,
may I suggest,
in view of the situation,
please ponder this seriously.
If Yuan Shikai doesn't
depose the Qing court,
President Sun will not step down.
Does Mr. Sun want to indulge
in the position of President?
Wang Zhaoming,
Sun Wen isn't that type.
Since he's so selfless,
what's the harm of my asking?
It's all about trust,
belief,
and faith
without any doubt.
I'm only afraid of
an all-out battle between North and South.
Who'd be responsible for that?
If our Revolution is
stolen by someone else,
who'd be responsible for that?
Huang Keqiang, you...
Zhaoming.
Stop arguing, please.
I protect you in front of everyone,
but we must be frank behind closed doors.
You don't have to close any doors.
Just say it, Keqiang.
We cannot accede to any
of Yuan Shikai's demands.
But he has the power.
He can quickly depose the Qing court.
To establish our Republic
we need not only battles but also politics.
This is Revolution,
not giving a crown to someone else.
Sun Wen,
the Revolution doesn't
belong to any single person.
Keqiang,
what do you mean?
You don't understand.
Idon%?
You're accusing me of not
understanding politics.
But I know Yuan Sl'1ilai.
Keqiang.
You've never seen
how he killed young men.
I'm Worried.
He might become an enemy of the Republic.
He might
even restore autocratic rule.
It's my ninth wife's birthday.
Westerners celebrate birthdays with cakes.
But we don't.
We eat peaches.
Look how festive they ere.
It hurts.
Please let go.
It hurts.
Where's Weiting?
I need to talk to him.
What happened?
Weiting,
let's step aside.
What are you afraid of?
So what if I want to revolt?
So what?
It's high time
we race against Sun Wen.
Look, they haven't been idle:
Electing President,
setting up government.
The best peaches on the tree
are picked clean by others.
I'll kill you.
You're a madman.
Stop him. Stop him.
Sputtering madness.
Help.
Please stop him.
Weiting.
Calm down.
Why did you hit him so hard?
At this moment,
I can't afford even one mistake.
You're right.
It's simple.
I'm sitting on a bed of nails.
If I don't force the court,
the situation is dire:
The Revolutionaries
control half the country,
I can't oppose them much longer.
But if the Emperor abdicates because of me,
I'll be blamed for generations to come.
This is indeed
a tricky situation.
The crux of the matter is,
I want to become President.
When I arrived,
I was resentful.
But now that I've seen you,
I'm no longer angry.
Now,
our baby is inside me.
Keqiang,
this painting will soon be finished.
But I can't decide
where to hang it.
I want to propose.
Wu Tingfang to issue a public statement.
If the Emperor doesn't abdicate,
the ceasefire will end.
Whoever tarries,
whoever resists,
will be punished by all.
If the truce cannot be maintained,
we'll declare war again.
If we resume war,
I'll lead the troops to the North.
Keqiang.
You were right.
I've thought long and hard.
We have to establish provisional laws.
It's unimportant who serves a single term.
We must establish
a system
to restrain not only Yuan Shikai
but
anyone who ever dreams
of becoming an emperor.
Painter,
please use bright red for
the flag with 18 stars.
Yes.
Comradres, I hear you are
disputing my resignation,
but it takes more than a day
of feudal hegemony.
I do hope you will not just focus on
one official title,
but create a truly relevant,
legally protected revolutionary system.
The vvol'ldisirT1h'1ehse.
Those who follow the righteous path thrive,
those who do not become extinct.
I hold fast to the Revolution,
knowing it will bear fruit.
After such a long journey,
we will reach our revolutionary goal.
What does Sun Wen want?
What telegram?
What declaration? What war?
Mr. Jordan is right.
It is most important to hold onto power.
The President's chair isn't comfortable.
Even if it's full of pins,
I still Want to sit on it.
The British Ambassador told me:
That winter, like today,
the winds were chilly,
it was snowing.
It was around Spring Festival,
but the entire city was desolate,
the atmosphere almost tragic.
The guillotine was placed
in the middle of the public square,
icicles of blood
still hanging on the blade.
Louis XVI
was bound and taken there.
He was cold, without even a coat.
He was shivering.
Everyone brought their family
to witness this great occasion.
When the hour came,
the executioner put the
King's head on the block,
the blade was released,
there was ice on his face.
Listen...
Go on, Yuan Shikai.
Go on.
Listen.
The whoosh of the blade.
The whoosh of the blade. Then?
Go on, Yuan Shikai.
Then, the end.
The end?
That quick?
Yuan Shikai,
you're kidding.
You're making this up.
You've made up this story
from the West for me.
I reappointed you against
my better conscience,
yet you do this to me?
Royal Prince, appease your anger.
Did the French also
celebrate Spring Festival?
Royal Prince, calm down.
Royal Prince.
I've received news that.
Sun Wen insists on a Republic.
They will not compromise.
Empress Dowager,
I tell you the story of
the French Revolution
because I don't want you and the princes
to share the same fate.
I'm loyal to you.
Heaven can attest to it.
Yuan Shikai,
come over here.
Come over here.
Empress Dowager
I'm at your command.
What if
that day comes?
You won't let Us
face the guillotine,
you won't let us starve.
Certainly.
Go back.
The South is eager to resume battle,
Empress Dowager, please ponder this.
I know.
I take my leave.
- Prince Regent.
- Here.
Yuan Shikai has broken his promise,
he's banded with the rebels.
I do regret this.
I dismiss him as Prime Minister.
Things have developed thus.
It won't help.
They're still dragging their feet,
prolonging their dynasty?
They are acting against people's wishes.
How they overreach themselves.
They're becoming enemies of all people.
What a pipe dream,
thinking they can still hang on.
What happened?
Mr. Sun.
What is it?
Send a telegram,
make it public.
The Revolutionary Party's
patience is running out.
Don't these feudalists have any shame?
Reporting to the Empress Dowager:
Our Ambassador to Russia
and others have sent telegrams to you,
hoping that you treasure the Chinese people
rather than insisting on one man's position.
There are mutinies in the Northeast,
Xinjiang and Tibet.
and Duan Qirui,
have signed a petition in
support of the Republic.
Tell me something I don't already know.
Empress Dowager.
We have served you and the royal court.
We do not support the idea of a Republic.
Please do not falter in your position.
Why would I falter?
It's all Yuan Shikai's doing.
Yuan had betrayed Emperor Guangxu,
now he betrays Emperor Xuantong.
He's a real traitor.
His family has received
such grace from the court,
yet he's such an unfilial cur.
He has the ambition of Wang Mang
in becoming Emperor.
If the Emperor doesn't abdicate,
he can't make his deal.
I'd told you before,
he's not to be trusted.
As long as Aisin Gioro is here,
the Qing Dynasty will not fall.
Ancestors in Heaven,
HOW
other countries bully us,
the Revolutionaries run wild,
our ministers are corrupt,
they sell whatever they can
for their own gains.
There's nothing left now.
We have failed you.
At least Sun Wen
is Clement.
He doesn't invade the Palace,
there are no guillotines.
We want a bloodless revolution,
no more sacrifices...
or needless killings.
Abdicate.
Friends, greetings.
This is a historical day,
let's begin.
- Mr. President, this way.
- Let's
have a pose.
How?
- Mr. President, please lift up your hat.
- OK.
Let's change a bit.
Mr. President, this way.
Mr. President, you look so young.
Such glib words.
When you cut my queue,
don't hurry,
take your time,
move slowly.
This is a historical
moment, do you understand?
Yes.
You talk about Revolution
and Republic all the time.
A Revolutionary has to
have a Revolutionary look.
Let me show you.
Look.
Ambassadors,
Today I meet you as the
Provisional President
for the first time,
also the last time.
I can't believe this.
Before I leave the Presidency,
I hope you will request
your respective governments
to recognize our new country.
To you
and to the entire world,
this is truly significant.
Mr. President,
how do you plan to treat
the Qing royal family?
They'll become citizens of the Republic.
The Revolutionary Party has decided
to pay the royal family 4
million taels of silver.
Is that how you treat your citizens?
Money cannot be a measure here.
Not all revolutions need guillotines.
What do you say, Mr. Ambassador?
I agree.
When I was in England,
I once met one of your
parliament members, Mr. Hillier.
I told him,
when China is freed,
I'd invite him as my guest.
I'll use Chinese liquor,
Revolutionary liquor, to toast him.
Come,
cheers.
Minbao, Xinwenbao and other newspapers
nave published articles questioning
your decision to step down.
I read them.
We're in financial trouble.
We can't find funds for restitutions
to the martyrs' families.
We must find some money
no matter how.
People's representatives want to meet you.
Please set up a time.
Yes.
Homer Lea is determined
to resign from his post
as Military Advisor.
What's his reason?
He said he won't Work with Yuan Shikai.
Tell him,
he's helping China,
not just a person.
This is a letter from Juemin.
Yat-serfs been Keeping it for you.
He asks that I give it to you.
A few days ego,
members of the Tongmenghui came to see me.
They are planning a new grave.
They asked that I prepare
a funerary outfit.
I went to the shop.
When he was alive,
Juemin and I always made
decisions together.
So I asked,
Juemin,
which one do you want?
Only then did I know
he's no longer with me.
Zhongxin,
this is a letter from your father.
Look.
"Letter to My Wife"
shouldn't be kept only in this household.
Keep it,
let others know about it.
Yesterday,
the Qing Emperor abdicated,
ending two millennia of monarchy.
Countless revolutionaries
have given up their lives
for our new Republic.
Today,
February 13, 1912,
moon of the Xinhai Year.
Keep my promise,
I resign from the post of President.
We strive for the success
of the Revolution,
but do not covet recognition.
We are all of the same minds
to realize the goal of Revolution.
The goal is to establish
an independent country
for the Chinese people.
We build a Chinese Republic
where land is divided among all.
Nationalism, democracy, livelihood:
These are what we strive to attain,
Three Principles.
Today you ask me,
what does Revolution mean?
Perhaps people will ask the same question
a century later.
Qiu Jin, our Tongmenghui member
who was killed in Shaoxing, said,
Revolution will provide all children
a peaceful and gentle world.
Lin Juemin, one of the martyrs of
Huanghuagang, wrote this to his wife:
Revolution seeks eternal happiness
for everyone in the World.
I believe
the Revolution enables a republican system
to reach the people.
People will understand we'll fight whoever
dares support the monarchy.
Revolution enables factories,
banks, rail roads, mines
owned by Chinese to benefit the people.
Revolution enables our Chinese
race to become strong,
no longer bullied by others.
We will no longer be slaves.
Revolution can take place anywhere,
anytime,
in any heart,
forever,
forever,
no longer afraid of foreign powers,
ridding the country of
feudalism and royalty.
No one will be impoverished,
and the Chinese people can
stand tall in the East.
This is the meaning of Revolution.