To Live (Lifetimes / Huo zhe / 活着) (活着)

ERA International (HK) Ltd. presents

In Association with Shanghai Film Studios

Producer: Chiu Fusheng

Executive Producers: Kow Fuhong and Christopher Tseng

Associate Producer: Barbara Robinson

TO LIVE

Script: Yu Hua and Lu Wei

Screenplay: Lu Wei

Director of Photography: Lu Yue

Art Direction: Cao Jiuping

Sound: Tao Jiping

Music: Zhao Jiping

Editor: Du Yuan

Starring: Ge You - Gong Li

Directed by Zhang Yimou

The 1940s

You've lost again.

Not one lucky toss all night.

Chalk it up.

How much?

Chunsheng.

I've run up a pile of debts lately.

But my calligraphy's improving.

Long'er, you neglect your troupe.

But not my money. They sound like a pack of mules.

They're too tired. Been at it all night.

Why don't you have a go? Show them what it takes.

Business is good, Mr. Xie.

Come often. You're always welcome.

Old Man Heaven

Don't make it so late

Me and my lover

want more time

To frolic in our great big bed

Long'er, you're nearly there.

One more night like this...

you'll have him right where you want him.

Sure there's no mistake?

Look at the records.

Master Fugui is going home. You take him.

Take care.

Take care, Master.

Welcome home, sir.

Dad!

Degenerate! Another night gambling!

A dog's gotta eat shit! Little bastard!

If you don't stop...

we'll lose the little we have.

Aren't you capable of anything else?

Is gambling all you know?

Of all you could have learned, bastard!

Little bastards from big bastards grow.

I learned all I know from you.

How do you think we lost most of what we had in the first place?

You're the one they call big bastard, Xu, not me!

Will you cut it out?

- What'd he just say? - Nothing. Eat.

Mother, when you finish, send him to his room.

Grandpa's cursing you again.

He's just singing to himself.

You're up.

What's wrong?

Don't cry.

It's not good for the baby.

You said you wouldn't gamble if I got pregnant.

Who was gambling? I went to watch.

What are you crying for?

If nothing else, can't you think of the baby?

Let me wipe your tears.

I'm not your father. I can't be fooled.

All right, do it yourself. But please don't cry.

Fugui...

I've said all there is to say.

Can't you listen just this once? Quit gambling.

It's like kicking an opium habit, you know.

Too fast, and boring, you snap! Could kill you.

Can't rush these things.

Fengxia's growing up. Another's on the way.

Please.

I'm not asking much.

Only to live a quiet life together.

Fugui, you choose. Gambling or family?

Tell me.

You win, Master Fugui.

My luck's changed.

Write that down. Another round.

Master Fugui, your wife's here.

What are you doing here?

Well?

Mr. Long'er says if you're busy he'll take a rain check.

No, have him wait. I'll be right there.

This is the last time, okay? I promise.

Go home, go.

It's settled.

Mr. Xie...

get a rickshaw to take my wife home. I'm...

Of course.

Master Fugui, you lost.

Let's roll!

Master Fugui.

Come, give Mrs. Xu a seat.

Fugui, for the last time.

Come home.

Why don't you go home? There'll be other times.

Your wife is right here.

What's with you? Can't take "no" for an answer?

You want to make me lose face? Go away!

Get out!

I've just...

Let's play!

Don't worry about her.

Get out of my sight!

Go!

Let's roll!

Well?

Master Fugui, you're out of the game.

You've lost everything.

What do you mean?

You bet your property. It's equal to what you owe Long'er.

You don't have a roof tile to your name.

What is it?

Master Fugui must settle his account.

It's all in order, I'll be going.

Master Fugui, don't think badly of me...

for leaving you homeless.

But I sure like that mansion of yours.

See you there in a few days.

You can't just win and walk away.

The game's not over yet!

Master Fugui, I'm sorry...

but you've nothing left. What would you wager?

If you're unhappy, talk to Mr. Xie.

This can't be happening!

What are you doing?

It's not over yet!

Sit down.

- Sit down! - You planned all this, didn't you?

- Sit. - Just one more round!

I am very sorry, but you've got nothing left.

What could you stake the bit on? We don't accept empty bets.

I'll stake my life.

Don't talk like that.

Anyway, your life's worth little now.

Not that we'd accept it as ante.

We'll formalize the transfer in a few days...

and explain to your old man.

Just settle everything, okay?

We'll settle everything then.

Okay?

Your wife's been waiting for ages.

Fugui...

I just wanted to tell you...

I've realized...

you'll never change. I can't live like this.

I'm taking Fengxia with me.

If the baby is a boy...

I won't let him be like you.

Master Fugui, I'll take you.

- What are you doing? - Master Fugui.

I have nothing left.

63, 73, 83...

Mr. Xu, any mistakes?

No, Fugui's signature is on each one.

Long'er, is our Xu family home...

enough to settle Fugui's debt?

Good.

A gambling debt's a debt, and debts must be paid.

Everyone's here today.

So let's do what must be done.

The Xu family home...

goes to Long'er.

And the debt is hereby settled.

Both sides must sign.

I thought I'd live my final days here.

Fugui.

Turtle spawn! I'll kill him!

I'll cut him into pieces! I'll clobber him!

I'll never forgive you!

I'll never forgive you!

I want him dead!

Sir!

It's valuable. Don't scratch it. Take it slowly.

Careful, slowly. Don't move too fast!

Don't break anything!

Your mother's not well. Go now, for her sake.

I'll look after her for a few days?

Until you're set up elsewhere.

Want me to help you?

Needles and threads for sale!

Granny!

Jiazhen's come home.

Jiazhen.

Come look at your son.

He looks like you.

No, like Jiazhen.

What's his name?

"Don't Gamble."

He'll never gamble.

Who chose that name?

Me.