Beijing Film Studio A Modern Peking Opera

Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy Collectively adapted by The Taking Tiger Mountain
by Strategy Production Team of the Peking Opera Troupe of Shanghai Starring: Tong
Xiangling as Yang Zirong
Shen Jinbo as the Chief of Staff Shi Zhengquan as Li Yongqi
Qi Shufang as Chang Bao Zhang Youfu as Hunter Chang
Wang Mengyun as Mother Li He Yonghua as Vulture the Bandit Boss
Sun Zhengyang as Luan Ping Scene One
Advancing in Victory Halt the march! Report, Chief of Staff!
We've come to a fork in the road. - We'll rest here.
- Yes, sir! - LŸ Hongye! - Here!
- Stand guard! - Yes, sir!
- We'll rest here! - Yes, sir! Supply Chief! We'll rest here! Everyone must be
tired then, eh? - Not at all!
- Good! Comrades! Comrades Yang Zirong and Shen Dehua
are scouting up ahead. We've arranged to meet them here. The regimental Party
committee,
following Chairman Mao's directive ... "to build stable base areas
in the Northeast" ... sent us as a pursuit detachment here to
arouse the masses in the Peony River area ... to wipe out the bandits,
to consolidate the rear guard ... and to coordinate with our field army in
smashing the US-backed KMT advance! It is a task of great strategic importance!
Vulture and his die-hard gang have hidden
themselves deep in the mountains. We have been trudging through
the snow for many days ... but there is still no sign of them. We must exercise our
continuously fighting spirit. Be resolute! Do not fear sacrifice!
Surmount every difficulty! Onward to victory! Report! Platoon Leader Yang and
Shen have returned from scouting! - Report!
- Comrade Zirong, you've worked hard! We set out in disguise,
following our orders. On our way, we rescued a mute boy
from an isolated ravine. Thanks to his father's directions,
we reached Black Dragon Ditch. Our investigation there has put us
on the trail of Vulture! Excellent! This area is infested with bandits. They call
themselves the "3rd Regiment
of the 5th Peace Preservation Brigade". Last night, Black Dragon Ditch ... was
pillaged by them again. Vulture, vicious and cruel,
has committed monstrous crimes. After their assault they
fled to Jiapi Valley ... where I think the gang has
returned to Tiger Mountain! Comrades! We have learned the
whereabouts of Vulture. And now we must press on! Luo Changjiang! We'll camp
at Black Dragon Ditch tonight! Comrade Zirong! We need
more information on the enemy. Take Shen Dehua, Zhong Zhicheng,
and LŸ Hongye - ... and continue your scouting ahead.
- Yes, sir! Let's set off! Scene Two
Pillage of Jiapi Valley Boss ... We've picked up a lot of loot this time
on our way back to our stronghold. This Jiapi Valley is right on our
doorstep, let's leave it alone. That's right, "a rabbit doesn't
foul its own hole". Who cares? Go grab me
some of those poor peasants. We'll put them to work building
more fortifications on Tiger Mountain! - Men and women, I want them all!
- I understand! Chief Adjutant! It's been ten days since Howling Wolf
went off looking for Luan Ping, right? That's right! I'm getting
worried about this, too. The first thing we'll do when we get back
to Tiger Mountain is expand our forces. Yes, sir! If Howling Wolf
can find Luan Ping ... and get his hands on
Horsewhip Xu's recon map ... then the whole Peony River
area will belong to us! But I hear Commissioner Hou is
also looking for that map. We cannot ever let him get it! Don't worry, Boss!
Howling Wolf and
Luan Ping are sworn brothers. That recon map will not fly away! The Americans
pretend to work for peace
between the KMT and the Communists ... but secretly they are helping Chiang
Kai-shek transport soldiers north. I hear Chiang has turned up in Shenyang,
taking personal charge of the fighting. They want to wipe out the Communist
troops within three months. It seems to me that our chance has come! Great! When
the KMT army returns, you'll
be made commander of all the northeast! First it was Marshal Zhang, then Japan's
Manchukuo, and now it's Chiang's KMT. None of them could do
without you, Boss! Ha ha ha! Children! Bandits are coming!
Someone save us! Flames leap into the sky
and the people cry out. Mothers call their sons, children shout
for mama, the bandits burn, kill, and rob. I'll risk my life to
have it out with them! Daughter-in-law! Mother! Mother! My child! My child! Nooooo!
Yongqi! Yongqi! My child's mother! My child's mother! Daughter-in-law! Disasters
strikes like thunder,
fury burns in my breast. With deep hatred I swear revenge ... against you, Vulture!
I'll hack you to pieces with my ax
to repay this debt of blood! Yongqi! - Yongqi! Yongqi!
- Mother! Mother! Scene Three
Asking About Bitterness
Deep in the Forest Dad! That man and woman
were really rude. They finished off the bit of
venison we just got! Chang Bao, do you know who
that man and woman were? Didn't that man say that he was from the
Chinese People's Liberation Army? Eight years ago when the bandits dragged
me up to Tiger Mountain ... I saw him there, he's called
Howling Wolf and he's a bandit. We can't stay here any longer! Let's get
our things together at once ... and go to your Uncle Dashan's
place in Jiapi Valley. Right! Those two fur traders who
came a few days ago ... said that the Communists were
now in our old home village ... and helping the poor fight for their
emancipation, I wonder if it's true. Dad! Those two fur traders
were good people. If they hadn't rescued me from
that snowy ravine ... I'd have frozen to death! That's true! Hurry now! Dad,
someone's coming again! Keep quiet! We've been hot on the trail of a
suspicious pair, but we've lost them. - Yang, isn't this Hunter Chang's place?
- That's right! We'll call on the hunter again to
help us solve our problem. - Comrades Shen Dehua and LŸ Hongye!
- Here! Continue scouting ahead and report
back here with any information! - Young Zhong! Stand guard!
- Yes, sir! Old fellow! - You are?
- Don't you recognize me? I'm the fur trader that was
here a few days ago! The fur trader? Little brother, your father
doesn't recognize me. Wasn't I the one who helped
you get home that day? - What a clever kid!
- Oh! You're Yang the trader! That's right, we're from the
same village! Let's sit inside. Are you feeling better? - He's a mute.
- Oh, that's right. You're a trader that also wears
a uniform? Just what is your job? Actually I'm not a trader. I'm a soldier in the
Chinese
People's Liberation Army! You're in the People's
Liberation Army, too? That's right, you've seen
PLA soldiers here before? Oh, um no ... never ... Last time, we didn't get to talk
very much,
my unit comes from Shandong Province. We're a battalion led by Chairman
Mao and the Communist Party. Wow, that's a long ways, but what ... are you guys
doing here? Fighting bandits! Fighting bandits? Can you do that? We've got a big
force not far behind! Our PLA has won many big
victories in the Northeast. The entire Peony River
area has been liberated! We've already smashed
most of the bandits. Only Vulture and his gang remain,
buried deep in the mountain forests. Soon we are going to wipe them out, too! That
Vulture! Old Chang, Vulture has brought
devastation and suffering to these parts! You two have hidden yourselves
away here in this forest. You must have a lot of
pent-up hatred for them! Go ahead, Old Chang, tell us! It's been eight years ...
why bring it up again? Dad! Chang Bao, how could you? Child! Chairman Mao and the
Communist Party have our backs. Speak! Uncle, I will. I will! Eight years ago ...
on a night of wind and snow ... disaster struck suddenly! Vulture killed my grandma
and
took my mom and dad hostage. My Uncle Dashan in Jiapi Valley
took me in and raised me. Dad escaped and came back, but
mom threw herself off a cliff and died! My mom! We hide ourselves in the mountains,
afraid
I'd fall into those devils' hands. From then on I pretended to be mute
and disguised myself as a boy. During the day father and daughter
would hunt in the mountains ... while at night we would
mourn my grandma and mom! Gazing at the stars and the moon ... and longing for the
time the sun
would shine over the mountains. Longing for the time when
I could speak freely. Longing for the day I could
dress as a girl again. And longing for the chance to settle
that debt of blood and tears. If only I could sprout wings,
I'd take hold of my hunting rifle ... fly to the mountain peak ... and kill every
last one
of those jackals and wolves! Oh, Dad! Young Bao's litany of
the bandits' crimes ... brimming with blood and tears ... stir up a righteous fury
in my breast! Oppressed people all over the world ... are owed debts of blood and
tears. They must have revenge!
They must have justice! The blood debt must be paid for in blood! Wipe out Vulture
and win
liberation for the people. Become masters of your fate,
welcome the sun to these mountains! From this day forward follow the
savior Communist Party ... and bring the land a new life! This place is just the
same
as our hometown. Our days of glory ... will last ten thousand years! Old Yang! Have
a seat! Old Yang, what you've said
goes straight to my heart. But beating Vulture won't be easy. His stronghold is
protected by
9 groups of 27 forts. He can attack, he can defend, he can
slip away, nobody can touch him! I see! I have heard that getting to the top
of the mountain is next to impossible! Exactly, there's only one path up,
and it's steep and dangerous. Plus, it is heavily guarded,
how can anyone get up there? How did you manage to make
your getaway that year? On the back of the mountain
there is a precipitous path. It's all steep cliffs and crags,
no one dares to use it. The bandits don't even guard it! Eight years ago, that's
how I came down. If I hadn't fallen onto a tree branch,
I would have been dashed to pieces! Old Chang, you've given us some
very useful information! As long as we all work together,
there is no mountain we can't conquer! That's right! We are all looking forward to
that day! Old Yang, I didn't mean
to take you as a stranger before. It's just that there was just
a man and woman here. The man was obviously a bandit, but
he said he was a PLA soldier. My dad saw him eight years ago on Tiger
Mountain, he's called Howling Wolf! Howling Wolf? What did he say? He called the
woman "sister-in-law"
and said, um, what else ... He said he was Luan Ping's sworn brother. Luan Ping? It
seems that the woman
must have been Luan Ping's wife. Howling Wolf had a big argument with
her, over some kind of map. - A reconnaissance map!
- That's right! A reconnaissance map? Platoon leader! Shen and LŸ have returned.
Yang, northeast of here,
deep in the forest ... we found a body of a woman with
a blood-stained glove lying beside her. Because of the wind and deep snow,
there were no footprints left ... so we couldn't tell where
the murderer had gone. Old Chang, have you seen
this glove before? It looks like Howling Wolf's glove. He must have murdered her
and stolen the recon map. Comrades, this situation
is getting more complicated. And that Luan Ping we caught
is somehow involved. - LŸ Hongye!
- Here! We will pursue the murderer, you report
back on all this to the Chief of Staff. Tell him I suggest we interrogate Luan Ping
to find out about this recon map! Old Chang, this situation is urgent,
so I cannot chat more with you now. Here, this is a bit of food for you. - Old
Yang!
- You keep it! Uncle ... Goodbye! - Old Yang, where are you going?
- I'm going after Howling Wolf! Don't do it! Howling Wolf will
head for Tiger Mountain. That trail has always been tricky, and you
won't be able to find it under all this snow. A stranger would definitely lose his
way. Come on, Bao and I will show you the way! - Old Chang, thank you!
- Let's go! Scene Four
Drawing Up a Plan The north wind blows ... howling through the forest. The deep
valley ... shivers. I gaze at the snowflakes
dancing throughout the sky. Towering peaks are capped with silver. A fine scene of
the northern landscape! A land so magnificent! An atmosphere so majestic! How can
we let ... wild beasts again lay waste to it? The Party Central Committee
points the way forward. The raging flames of revolution
cannot be extinguished! The PLA, in battle after battle
for thousands of miles ... shoulders the hopes of the people. We will plant the red
flag
all over the nation! Let the Americans and the KMT gang up,
talking peace while moving in to attack. Fighting openly and stabbing in the dark,
they resort to a hundred tricks. With justice in our hands
and hatred in our hearts. Even one against ten,
those reactionaries ... will be completely wiped out! Report! Old Yang? Did you
catch the murderer? We caught him! We found this letter hidden on him. Along with
this recon map. Well done! The trails around here are hard to find,
luckily Hunter Chang was guiding us! The murderer passed himself off
as one of our PLA scouts ... until the hunter Old Chang exposed him. Now we know he
is one of
the Tiger Mountain gang. His name is Li Chonghao, also
known as Howling Wolf! Good! That hunter has been a great help! As Chairman Mao
instructed us long ago: "A revolutionary war is
a war of the masses. It can only be won by mobilizing the
masses and relying on them." Without the masses, we wouldn't
be able to move one step forward! True! Hunter Chang told us of two
trails going up the mountain. I sketched them according to his
directions here on this map. Howling Wolf admitted to this route
going up the front of the mountain. He said it is not defended,
and easy to climb. Obviously these are lies. Have you made arrangements for
the hunter and his daughter? We gave our grain rations to the hunter. They are
planning on
moving to Jiapi Valley. Good! Hm? Old Yang, that Luan Ping never
said anything about this map before. Howling Wolf said that the recon map
shows the locations of 300 secret contacts ... throughout the Northeast and
controlled from Breast Mountain. This is a very serious problem! Luan Ping has been
detained, we should
interrogate him about this map right away! OK! I'll bring him in. Hey, Old Yang,
Luan Ping is your adversary,
so you'd better do the questioning. Very well! - Young Zhang!
- Here! - Bring in Luan Ping!
- Yes, sir! - Luan Ping?
- Yes? How is your confession coming along? I want to come clean, I'm
owning up to everything I know. There is one thing you
haven't owned up to! Officer, I don't have anything to my name
except the clothes on my back! A map! - Map?
- A reconnaissance map! Let me think ... Oh ... yes ... that's right ...
I remember now. I heard that Horsewhip Xu
has a map of secret contacts. You heard? Officer, don't misunderstand me. That map
is precious to Horsewhip Xu. I never even had the chance to see it. Luan Ping! You
ought to understand our policy! I do! I do! Leniency to those who confess,
severity to those who resist. I'm asking you, what was your
job on Breast Mountain? This you already know,
I was a contacts officer. A contacts officer who doesn't confess his
contacts, and hasn't seen the recon map? It seems to me that you don't
want to tell the truth! - Take him out!
- Go! No, no! I, Luan, deserve to die
for trying to fool you! I'm sorry, Officer, I will tell you the truth
now ... There is a recon map. It has the secret contacts of
Horsewhip Xu all over the Northeast. There's 300 in all! The map is now in the
hands of my wife,
how about you let me out ... and I'll find her and
deliver the map to you. I want to make amends and
earn lenient treatment. Besides those 300, where else
do you have secret contacts? Where else? At Tiger Mountain
with Vulture. Vulture has wanted sole control
of the Northeast for awhile now. He and Horsewhip Xu are
allies only on the surface ... so he and I rarely had dealings. Last year Vulture
invited me to a Hundred
Chickens Feast to celebrate his birthday ... but I didn't go. - You'd better come
clean!
- Yes, yes! I want a detailed report on
all your contact points. Yes, yes! - Take him out.
- Move! That guy is really crafty! Even the craftiest fox can't
escape the skilled hunter! As for the recon map, his story
matches Howling Wolf's version. But he let slip mention of
a Hundred Chickens Feast. And in that letter, Vulture is again
inviting him to the feast this year. - There's something shady going on there.
- I agree! - Report!
- Enter! Chief of Staff, the comrades are eager
to attack Tiger Mountain. They've all written requests
for battle assignments! I suppose you are behind this? - Me?
- Ha ha ha ha! I can understand how the comrades feel. Other units have already
sealed off all the
roads and waterways around Peony River. There's no escaping for Vulture! However,
catching this
guy is no easy task. Haven't we discussed this several times? Sending a large force
would be like using
your fists to smash fleas, it won't work. We could lure the bandits
one by one and take them out. ... but our task is too urgent,
it wouldn't work either! This is a special mission! We must keep in mind
what Chairman Mao tells us: "Strategically we should
despise our enemies ... but tactically we should
take them very seriously!" Comrade Dehua, please convene
another democratic meeting of the men ... and talk it over again in
light of the latest developments. Yes, sir! Hey, Old Yang. What do you think we
should do? I want to question Howling Wolf to learn
more about that Hundred Chickens Feast. Good! I'll be waiting to hear your
proposal! Yes, sir! Over the last few days, we've appraised
the enemy and learned a great deal. We've analysed carefully and
deliberated over our plans repeatedly. Tiger Mountain has a system
of forts and tunnels. So it seems that if victory
is what we want ... devising a stratagem
is the best course. Choose one capable of disguising himself
as a bandit to penetrate their lair ... in order to strike both from
within and without. Who could best carry out
this crucial task? Yang Zirong meets all the qualifications
to meet this challenge! His background as a
hired farmhand is good. From childhood he struggled
on the brink of death. Filled with deep enmity, he
looked for salvation. He found the Communist Party ... and took the revolutionary
road! After joining the army, he vowed
to uproot exploitation. A veteran of battle, he has faced untold
dangers and earned merit many times! He's often used his wits to
blow up enemy strongholds. He's even ferreted out
spies in enemy territory. ... and rescued many
comrades and compatriots. Here in the vast forest he's fought
against bandits many times. He's caught Luan Ping, arrested Hu Biao,
and taken Howling Wolf prisoner. If I decide to send him on this
dangerous solo mission. I'm sure, with his fiery red heart
and determination like steel. ... he will surely bring victory
over the bandit ... Vulture! Chief of Staff! Comrade Dehua, how did
the democratic meeting go? We analyzed the situation and decided
that we could only take it by strategy. Direct force won't work! Instead we need
to get a comrade into the enemy fort. You're right! Come, let's talk it over! Hu
Biao is here to present the map! Hu Biao? Old Yang! Ha ha ha! Quick, tell us what
you have in mind. Chief of Staff, in order to
take Tiger Mountain - ... it is best to use strategy!
- Precisely! The enemy's Hundred Chickens Feast
is a good opportunity. Did you find out about this
Hundred Chickens Feast? Yes, every lunar year on the last day of the
last month Vulture celebrates his birthday. He gives himself a feast of chickens
extorted from a hundred different families. They call it the Hundred Chickens
Feast. I suggest that we send a
comrade there in disguise ... to find out how the tunnels and
forts are laid out. Then, when all the bandits are gathered
for the feast, get them drunk. A detachment can launch a surprise attack
before they figure out what's happening! That's right! Chief of Staff, give
this mission to me! The comrades also propose that this
mission be given to Old Yang! Very good! Comrade Dehua, make a copy
of this recon map. Also notify the others there will be
a Party branch committee meeting. - Yes, sir!
- Old Yang. You're going to be disguised as a bandit
and make your way into Tiger Mountain. - Can you handle it?
- I have three advantages. - The first?
- The gang at Breast Mountain was beaten. I can pretend to be Horsewhip
Xu's adjutant Hu Biao. He is in our custody now and
Vulture has never seen him before. I've learned the way bandits talk
to each other and won't be found out. - And the second?
- I'll present the recon map to Vulture. With this gift at our first meeting,
I'll win his trust! - Good!
- The third is the most important! It is the loyal heart of the PLA soldier,
dedicated to the Party and Chairman Mao! Chief of Staff, you understand
me completely! Old Yang, this is no ordinary mission! Chief of Staff! A member of
the Communist Party ... always heeds the Party's call. He takes the heaviest burden
for his shoulders! I am set on smashing the chains
of a thousand years. And opening a fountain of endless
happiness for the people! I know that there will be danger ahead. The more danger
there is,
the more I push forward! No matter how much storms may threaten ... revolutionary
wisdom ... will always win! Like the foolish old man
who moved a mountain ... I will break through every obstacle! The flames that blaze
in my red heart ... will forge a sharp sword
that will slice with ferocity! Good! You can take Horsewhip
Xu's black-maned steed ... and ride northeast along the trail that
the hunter showed us. - And wind my way up the mountain!
- We will go to Jiapi Valley ... to arouse the masses and prepare for
battle while we wait for word from you. I'll put a message for you in the pine
grove southwest of Tiger Mountain! I'll send Shen Dehua to
pick it up on the 26th. I guarantee it will be there on time! Good! We'll set out
immediately after
receiving your report. We'll strike from within and without
to wipe out Vulture and his gang! Chief of Staff, this is a well
thought out plan, let's decide upon it! Comrade Zirong! Be brave, but cautious! I'm
confident that you can
fulfill this important mission. Everything depends on
this important task. We'll call a Party branch committee
meeting to approve the plan. And with collective wisdom ... we'll defeat the enemy!
Scene Five
Battling a Tiger Going Up the Mountain Through the vast forest ... across the snowy
terrain My heroic spirit ... soars to the skies! To express my determination I
staunchly face the mountains. I want to see the red flag
in all corners of the world. ... waving in concert! Nevermind seas of fire or
mountains
of knives, I'll still charge ahead! How I wish I could command
the snow to melt. And welcome in the spring ... that will change the human world!
The Party has given me
wisdom and courage. Hazards and hardships
are insignificant. To exterminate the bandits
I must first dress as a bandit. And like a daggar pierce their
stronghold at Tiger Mountain! I swear I'll bury Vulture
in these mountains. My determination shakes the mountains,
my courage echos through the valleys. I can't wait to join with my comrades
at the Hundred Chickens Feast. Our storming of the bandit
lair will be like ... overturning heaven and earth! Gunfire! The bandits are coming
down
the mountain. I've just killed one beast, and now
the whole pack is here! I'll make sure that you all have
the same inescapable fate! Halt! What road to mushrooms
travel? What's the price? Tiger! Tiger! What bravery! That tiger is dead. A great
shot! Got him right
through the head! - Did you kill it?
- It got in the way of my bullet. Quite the man! Which mountain
are you from? - What are you doing here?
- I guess you are from Tiger Mountain? That goes without saying. - So where is it
that you're from.
- That's not for you to ask. I want to see Brigadier Cui in person,
I have important business with him! How is it that you don't even know
the rules of the mountains? You're not one of the brotherhood,
you're a fake! If I'm a fake, would I dare come
barging into Tiger Mountain? - Moha? Moha?
- Speak up! If I don't see Brigadier Cui,
I'm not saying a word! All right then! Let's go! Where's your piece? Don't be
scared! - Carry the tiger, lead the horse!
- Yes, sir! Scene Six
Into the Bandit Lair Boss orders the "brother" to be brought in! Bring the
"brother" in! Though I have come
alone into the tigers' den ... it is just as millions of class
brothers are by my side. No matter if Vulture spews flames
ten thousand leagues high ... for the people I will fearlessly wage
war against this evil monster! The gods of the heavens
shield the earthly tiger! The precious pagoda
represses the river sprite! - Moha?
- Speak at the stroke of noon ... no one has a home! Why is your face so red? My
spirits are flourishing. Why is it yellow again? I smeared it with wax to ward off
the cold! Whoa, two with one shot! That's super! So you say that you're one
of Brigadier Xu's men? I am his calvary adjutant, Hu Biao. Hu Biao? So let me ask
you, when did you join
up with Brigadier Xu? When he was the chief of police. - He has some things he
prizes the most ...
- There are two things! - Which two things?
- A fast horse and a sharp sword! - What does his horse look like?
- It has a curly coat and black mane! - What kind of sword is it?
- A Japanese officer's saber! - Who gave it to him?
- The Japanese Imperial Army! - Where was it given to him?
- Peony River's Five Prosperities Pavilion! Hmph! If you really are
Brigadier Xu's calvary adjutant ... at the last meeting
called by Commissioner Hou ... why did I only see Adjutant
Luan Ping and not you? Brigadier Cui, I was just a
foot soldier for Brigadier Xu. How could I compare to Luan Ping?
He went to all the important meetings! Why is it that you've
come to Tiger Mountain? I want to join with you, Brigadier,
and rise in the world. This is the first time I've come here, but
none of you seem to trust me. Isn't that a little unjust? We have to think about
our stronghold's security. Hu Biao, when did Breast Mountain fall? The third day of
the twelfth lunar month. What took you so long to get here? Brigadier Cui, my trip
here
was not easy at all. After Breast Mountain fell, I had to hide
out in White Pines Glen for a while. - White Pines Glen?
- In the home of Luan Ping's third uncle. - Did you see Luan Ping?
- I saw him! - And Howling Wolf?
- Howling Wolf? Yeah! I don't know about him. Hu Biao, you've come here,
but what about Luan Ping? - Luan Ping?
- That's right! - Don't bring him up.
- What do you mean? Well ... Back up, back up! Hu Biao, just what is the
matter with Adjutant Luan Ping? It's a long story! Just talking about
Luan Ping enrages me. What did he do? He cares nothing for our code of honor. Huh?
How did he go back on our code? When Breast Mountain fell, we
were lucky to get away. I urged him to come with me and
join your brigade on Tiger Mountain. Is he coming or not? Every man has the right
to make his own choice. He shouldn't have ... He shouldn't have
slandered his friends ... with such awful ravings! - What did he say?
- He said ... What was it? Hey! Old Hu, tell me, out with it! He said ... Vulture
has to take Commissioner Hou's - What?
- ... orders! - What? I take orders from him?
- Bullshit! Who does he think he is? That wasn't all he said! What else did he say?
The Eight Invincibles are
a pack of worthless rats! What? What a bastard! He said he's a phoenix who wants
a high branch to perch upon. And that Commissioner Hou is a big tree
and his roots are deep! - To hell with him!
- While he spoke, he showed me a map. - A map?
- A whole scroll! He intended to take it to
Commissioner Hou for a promotion. Is it the recon map? Yes, the secret recon map
with the contacts. Then he's given it to Commissioner Hou? Don't get upset. Pleased
with himself,
he grinned all over. From the inside room, he
brought out a jug of wine. I poured him three bowls,
one after the other. Luan Ping got so drunk ... he couldn't see. Ha ha ha ... he
got drunk! So, while he was in such a drunken stupor - I ...
- Slaughtered him? I couldn't do that, we've
been friends for years! Of course, of course!
Friendship is important! You're a true friend! Old Hu, go on! He had his plans, but
I had ideas of my own. -What did you do?
- I ... ... I seized the opportunity to
change coats with him. Jumped on the black-maned horse ... and galloped through the
snowstorm ... directly to Tiger Mountain! Old Hu, you mean that you've
got the map on you now? Brigadier Cui, please lift your head
and cast your eyes toward ... the treasured map
I present to you here! Oh recon map, I have yearned for you ... both day and night.
Today my heart's wishes
have been fulfilled! Old Hu, you're the best! Quite the man! With the map in our
hands, the whole
of the Peony River area is ours! That's right, Old Hu is right! When the KMT army
arrives, I'll
be a commanding general! I'll make you all division
and brigade commanders! We rely on your beneficence, Boss! Old Hu, because of the
great benefit
you have given Tiger Mountain - ... I bestow the name Old Ninth upon you!
- WIth gratitude, Boss! We belong to the KMT army, so
you will have an official title, as well! I hereby appoint you to deputy commander
in the Fifth Peace Preservation Brigade! Thank you, Boss, for the promotion! I will
look to you brothers for guidance! Well said, well said! - Bring wine!
- Get the wine, get the wine! Everyone down a bowl
to congratulate Old Ninth! Congratulations, Old Ninth! For delivering the recon map
and earning his stripes! Today I drink my fill to
their congratulatory fill. But I will not rest until
my mission is fulfilled. The day is coming when
I will show my skill. I willingly shed my
blood to write history! Scene Seven
Mobilizing the Masses Illness wracks my body,
our grain is all gone. I call out to my son,
but there is no reply. Hate runs deep in the blood
and tears of us poor folk. When we will be able to find peace? Aunt! It's Dashan!
Aunt, are you feeling any better today? I was dizzier than ever
when I got up this morning. - Aunt, here is some sorghum bran.
- Dashan! - You shouldn't ...
- Aunt ... Yongqi is not here, but you still
have the rest of us! - Yongqi!
- Dashan! Mom! Yongqi! Can I be dreaming that
you have returned? Seeing you so battered and bruised ... pains me deeply! - Mom!
- How did you leave that tiger's den ... and escape with your life? I jumped down a
cliff on the backside
of the mountain and got away. This mother-son reunion is bittersweet. The happier I
feel, the more I mourn
my daughter-in-law and grandson! So many crimes to be avenged ... all engraved into
my heart. The fury in my breast
bursts into flame. Someday I will kill my foe! Soldiers are entering the village! -
Run away! Run!
- Don't run, neighbors! We're with you! - Ah! Vulture has come again?
- Are they after me? Quick, hide, I'll go out and take a look. Son, you'd better
hide yourself! Hide? Where can I hide, mother? It's better to fight! It's me or
them now!
I could take one or two of them with me! - Yongqi, you ...
- Is there anyone home? Yes! We're not all dead yet! - Neighbor!
- Aunt! - Don't be afraid, Aunt, we are ...
- Get to the point! Neighbor, we are the Chinese
People's Liberation Army! Hmph! This and that army, I've seen plenty! Who knows
whose army you really
are? Whatever you want, just say it! If it's money, we don't have any! Grain,
you already took it all! If it's our lives ... - Yongqi!
- Neighbor ... We are worker and peasant soldiers. - We protect the common people.
- That's what you say! - Mom!
- Aunt is sick? We'll get our medic to come. - Right!
- Who you trying to fool? Chief of Staff! - How are things going?
- There is an old woman who is ill inside. Send for our medic, and
tell her to bring some grain! Yes, sir! It's really tough to work
with the masses here. The villagers here in Jiapi Valley
don't understand us. They've been fooled by the bandits before. Did you forget?
Howling Wolf passed
himself off as one of our scouts. - That's right!
- Young Zhong ... if we don't mobilize the masses, we
won't be able to get a firm foothold ... and wipe out Vulture. But unless we
destroy the bandits, we
won't be able to mobilize the masses. I understand. Go tell everyone, we must be
concerned
about the welfare of the masses. We must patiently explain
the Party's policies. Follow the Three Rules of Discipline and
Eight Points for Attention to the letter. - Only by our example will we succeed!
- Yes, sir! By the way, find out if Hunter Chang
has come yet. Yes, sir! - Chief of Staff, where's the patient?
- In that house. Neighbor! Our doctor is here, neighbor,
open the door! Yongqi, don't do it. What are you afraid of?
I can fight them with this! - Yongqi! I'm begging you.
- Mom! - Quick, give her first aid!
- Yes, sir! The Chinese People's Liberation Army? These soldiers care for
people ... and cure their ailments ... saving their lives. They are considerate ...
and kind ... and helpful. Since ancient times, soldiers and bandits
seemed the same, always oppressing us. After what has happened today,
could my doubts be dispelled? Can the saviors we've longed
for have really arrived? Water ... Neighbor, your mother is
awake now, don't worry! What's your name, neighbor? Li Yongqi. You're not from
around here, are you? My family is from Shandong. My father did manual labor in
Jinan. After the April 12 coup, he was killed
by Chiang Kai-shek in a strike. Damn! How did you end up here? After my dad died,
my mom brought me
here to eke out a living. - What do you do?
- I'm a railway worker. Great! Then we are one big family! Whose troops are you
anyhow? What are
you doing here in these mountain forests? Neighbor! We worker and peasant soldiers
have come to the mountains ... to destroy the reactionaries
and change the world! We've fought for decades for revolution
in both north and south. The Communist Party and
Chairman Mao lead the way! A red star on our army caps ... and two red flags of the
revolution on our collars! Where the red flag goes,
dark clouds disperse. The people in liberated areas are
overthrowing the landlords. The people's army shares
the people's hardships. We've come here to sweep
away Tiger Mountain! Our eyes have been watching
for you day and night. Who would've thought that
you'd come today ... to fight the bandits, to save the
poor folk, to to put an end to suffering? Our very own army, here before us! My
dear friend! I shouldn't have ... confused right from wrong. I shouldn't have taken
friend for foe,
I'm ashamed for my mistake. For thirty years ... I've worked like a beast of
burden,
not able to see the sunlight. Feeling the lashes and bruises,
I can hardly suppress my rage. I struggle in a bottomless abyss! We villagers have
untold misery
and wrath to pour out. We gnash our teeth with
hate at Tiger Mountain! Some said our suffering would
go on without end. Who would believe
an iron tree could bloom? Or that withered branches
could sprout anew? I'll go with the Party to drive
out those beasts. No matter if I have to walk through
water or bore through fire. Even if my body and bones are
smashed to pieces I am willing! Through thousands of
difficulties and dangers ... to destroy that Tiger Mountain ... I will be on the
front lines! Chief of Staff! Chief of Staff, the villagers are
coming to see you! Superior Officer! Grandpa, we don't use such terms,
call him "commander". - Call me "comrade"!
- Chief of Staff, this is Old Chang. Old Chang, you came from the mountains? We
couldn't stay in the mountains, we've
moved in with Bao's uncle, Dashan. - Good girl!
- Old Brother Chang! Yongqi, our saviors are here at last! Commander, we villagers
are burning with
one desire -- to attack Tiger Mountain! Neighbors! Our PLA is winning
big victories at the front. The Peony River area has been liberated! - Wonderful!
- Vulture has no place to run! Let's destroy his nest! - Commander, give us guns!
- Yes, give us some guns! If we have guns, every man in Jiapi Valley
could take out two or three of them! - That's right!
- Everyone will have a gun! However, none of you have any winter
clothes, and every family is low on grain. How can you go after the bandits in
the deep mountain forests? Then what do we do? There are plenty of medicinal herbs
in
Jiapi Valley and lots of timber, too. If we get the little train running again
- ... we can trade for clothing and grain.
- That's right! Everyone can also organize a militia. With the little train running
again, you'll have food and clothing. When we fight Vulture, you'll
be all the stronger! When can we start repairing the railroad? We can start right
now,
let's all work together! Commander, that is heavy labor! Grandpa, we here are
all from poor families. When we hold guns, we fight!
When we hold tools, we work! Great! Commander, we really
are of the same family! We mountain folk mean what we say, our
words are straight, our hearts are true. To seize the dragon, we'll go with you
- ... to the depths of the sea!
- To catch a tiger - ... we'll follow you up the mountain!
- Like spring thunder the earth will shake! And then, Vulture ... your days are
numbered! Scene Eight
Sending Out the Message Is this where Old Ninth
usually does his shadow boxing? That's right. - Where else has he been?
- He's toured the forts on our 5 peaks. What! You even let him inspect
our 9 groups of 27 forts? He's one of us, so why not show him? I don't like the
look of things these days,
and there's a lot of activity down below. Howling Wolf still hasn't come back, and
none of us had set eyes on Hu Biao before. He shows up alone at a time like
this, I've got to be cautious. Everything is ready according
to your instructions, Boss. Good! Like I told you last night,
let's see what he's really made of. Yes, sir! Hacking through thorns and
thistles ... I do battle ... in the heart of the enemy! As I look in the distance
and think
of my comrades-in-arms ... the army and the people together
awaiting the signal to attack these wolves ... my fighting spirit soars! The Party
has placed great hopes on me. Comrades at the Party branch committee
meeting offered weighty advice. Their many exhortations
give me strength. Their flaming red hearts warm my breast! I must never forget to
be brave,
but cautious. I will succeed through
my courage and wits. The Party's every word
is victory's guarantee. Mao Zedong Thought shines forever! Tiger Mountain is indeed
heavily fortified. With forts above and tunnels
below, everywhere is defended. The leadership's decision to
use strategy is correct. A direct attack would
mean heavy losses. After seven days here
I know the layout well. I secretly wrote a report and
have it concealed on my person. Now at daybreak, pretending to take
a stroll, I'll send it out. Why have the sentries up
here suddenly been increased? This message ... If I can't send this message, I'll
miss the
chance at victory, ruin the attack plan. ... and let down the people and the Party!
Lunar New Year's Eve is near,
I cannot hesitate or waver. The grass may be knives and the trees
swords, but I must charge ahead. I'll overcome these obstacles
to descend the mountain. That the mountain is tall cannot stop me. I will resist
the cold
and melt the snow with ... the morning sun in my heart! - Hey, hurry it up!
- I'm coming, I'm coming. - Oh, good morning, Old Ninth!
- Morning. - Gunfire!
- The Communists are coming! What? Can the comrades be here? No! Chief of Staff has
not
received my message yet. There's no way they
would come before that. That shooting doesn't
sound right, either. Heh heh, this is another test! OK! I'll beat them at their own
game
and I'll get my message off! Brothers! The Communists are
coming! Come with me and fight! Quick, charge! Old Ninth! Old Ninth! Wait a minute!
- Halt!
- Stop shooting! Cease fire! What's the matter? This is an drill that I've
arranged. If you hadn't stopped me, I'd have emptied
this clip and taken down a few of them! Boss, why wouldn't you tell me
that you were arranging this drill. Don't worry about it, I didn't tell anyone
about this drill, go ahead and ask. You don't say, I thought the Communists
were coming myself! I wish they would, I ready
and waiting for them! Old Ninth, you're all right! Let's go! Hurry it up! Boss,
this "brother" ran
into the wall outside. What? Boss, we went down under orders,
we saw the little train running again. But before we got to Jiapi Valley,
we ran into some Communist soldiers! Jiapi Valley, eh? And you're
the only one who got away? Ten to one you got captured
and they let you go. No! No! - You bastard!
- Boss, no need to get so excited. If he had been captured by the Commies,
he wouldn't dare come back. That's right, we all know how Boss hates
anyone who lets the Commies get him. What are you still doing here, can't
you see you're making Boss angry? - Yes, sir!
- Now beat it! Old Ninth is a good guy. Give the order, tighten all defenses! Yes,
sir! Boss, I'll send some men down on a raid. That will be something to celebrate
at the Hundred Chickens Feast. You'd better be careful this time. - Got it.
- Boss! We are Tiger Mountain, with all our
defenses, what are we worried about! But we shouldn't just sit around and
wait for them to attack us. Right, what do you have in mind? We need to practice
our charging and
get the men into top shape. Then, after the Hundred Chickens Feast,
we'll take on Jiapi Valley! You're a smart one! You take command
and put the men through some drills! Yes, sir! What an idiot! A fool and a cheat,
Vulture
plays another trick. But it gives me a chance to
go down the mountain! Comrade Dehua ... the task of fetching the
message falls to you. When its time to annihilate the bandits
at the Hundred Chickens Feast ... we'll sing the song of victory! Hey, the little
train is running again! Soldiers and the people are
one family, linked at the heart. Scenes of jubilation fill
our mountain village. A good snow falls, everyone is smiling. Dividing clothing and
food,
we celebrate liberation! - Aunt!
- Commander! Have you got enough for
the New Year's holiday? Plenty! Jiapi Valley will have such
a good New Year's this year. Who could have dreamed it? If you all hadn't have
come, well ... I don't know what we
would have done this year! The best days are yet to come! We owe it all to the
blessings of
the Communist Party and Chairman Mao! - 1, 2, 3, 4!
- 1, 2, 3, 4! Those militiamen sure are full of pep! But the ones who will have to
stay behind
to guard the village are grumbling. Especially that Chang Bao,
she just won't hear of it! - Oh, that girl ...
- That girl ... 1, 2, 3, 4! Charge! Listening to the forceful shouting
over at the drill grounds. Seeing their training, full of fight
to smash the enemy. I'm so anxious to join them
that my heart is aflame! To slay the bandits and see
that the blood debt is repaid ... is what I long for day and night. Through the
night I oil my gun,
imbued with deep hatred. In the midst of a blizzard ... upon the high cliffs ... I
dare to charge the tiger's den. So why pick me to stay behind
and guard the village? I must see the Chief of Staff at once ... and tell him again
what's on my mind. I am resolved to fight on the battlefield. I swear that those
bandits ... will be completely exterminated! - Chang Bao!
- Sister. Put in a good word for me!
Let's go find the Chief of Staff. What are you two talking about? Uncle, let me go
to fight! Protecting the village is also
the duty of the militia! I hate that Vulture so much,
I've just got to kill him with my own hands! How could you keep me here?
I ... I've just got to go! Chang Bao, you are still young! What? Still young? Chief
of Staff, Bao is class conscious,
skis well, and is a good shot. She can also help me look after
the wounded, do let her go! Commander, Bao has suffered greatly and
is thirsty for revenge, let her go! Oh? You think so, too, Militia Leader? That's
what I think. So you are all of one mind on this. All right then, it's decided!
Yes, sir! Commander, the prisoners Luan Ping and
Howling Wolf have been taken away. It looks like ... we're about to
attack Tiger Mountain? What's the matter? Impatient, eh? To reach the path on the
backside of the mountain ... at the rate we ski,
how long should it take? To go to the backside of
the mountain is 80 li further. I think we can do it in a day
and a night at most! - Good! See that the militia is ready!
- Yes, sir! Chief of Staff! Why are we still waiting around here? The
comrades can all ski as fast as needed. And the militia has been organized. And
we've been sent reinforcements. I think we should set out right away,
our victory is guaranteed! Comrades, we should guard against
impetuousness at critical moments. - Wait patiently for orders.
- Yes, sir! Though I've urged them to be patient ... I cannot keep calm myself. The
day is close and the
enemy is approaching. But there's no sign of Shen Dehua
returning with the message. If anything goes wrong ... I have another idea. We must
not miss our chance at
the Hundred Chickens Feast. Yongqi mentioned the dangerous path on
the backside of the mountain. Surprise and courage will carry
us charging into Tiger Hall! Chief of Staff, Old Shen is back! Comrade Dehua! I'm
not late, am I? No, hurry and take some rest. "The dangerous trail up the back of
the mountain leads directly to Tiger Hall ... Burning pine torches will be the
signal!" Old Yang, a hero! Chief of Staff! When the train reached the West Branch
River, the bridge had been destroyed. We got out to repair it and were attacked
by bandits, but we drove them off. - What about the two prisoners?
- Howling Wolf was killed by a stray bullet. - And Luan Ping?
- He escaped while we chased the bandits. Luan Ping escaped? If he heads for Tiger
Mountain, that
puts Comrade Yang in danger ... and may even ruin our plan! - Quick, assemble the
detachment!
- Yes, sir! Comrade Dashan, you and Old Chang
take over the defense of the village. Yes, sir! Comrades! Our situation has changed
and
our mission is urgent. Every single second counts! Comrades, to arms! We fly
forward! Forward march! Scene Nine
Rapid Offensive Scene Ten
Converging on Hundred Chickens Feast Bring in the "brother"! Boss! - Luan Ping!
- Sir! - Adjutant Luan!
- Boss! - Why are you here?
- I ... I've come to pay my respects
on your birthday. Hmph! Where did you come from? - Me?
- Yeah! - I ...
- Speak! Out with it! I'll tell you ... I ... I've come
from Commissioner Hou! Oh, so you've been
with Commissioner Hou. - That's right.
- Summon Old Ninth! You're wanted, Old Ninth! Boss, everything has been
prepared for the feast! - Old Ninth, look who is here.
- Oh? Oh, Brother Luan! What are you doing here? How are you?
Did Commissioner Hou give you a post? I, Hu Biao, congratulate you
on your promotion! What are you now,
a regimental commander? What kind of post did
Commissioner Hou give you? Huh? Hu Biao, my foot! - You ... You're not ...
- I'm not what? Am I mistaken or are you
the one whose mistaken? I was a true friend to you and followed
the code of brotherhood! But you, Luan ... I told you to join Brigadier Cui, but
you
tried to drag me off to Commissioner Hou. You can't blame me for breaking the code!
Now hurry up and give Boss an answer! You've suddenly showed up here today,
what business brings you here? - Boss, listen to me.
- Quit talking rubbish! Today is Boss's fiftieth birthday, he
doesn't want to listen to your nonsense! That's right! Don't talk nonsense! I just
want to know what you are doing here? I want to pledge myself to you
and join your gang. Didn't you just go to Commissioner Hou
looking for an appointment? Luan, why is it that Commissioner Hou
has sent you here? You'd better be honest with us! That's right, speak up! Out with
it! I wasn't sent here by Commissioner Hou. That's not what this jerk just said,
he sure changed his tune pretty quick. Quite the two-faced friend! Don't laugh at
me! You've all been conned! He isn't Hu Biao,
he's a Communist soldier! OK! So I'm a Communist soldier
just because you say so. So why don't you tell Boss and the brothers
more about this Communist soldier. That's right, you say he's not Hu Biao
but a Communist soldier ... so how did you come to know him? He ...! - He ...!
- Hey! - He ...
- Boss! This guy Luan can't say anything without
stuttering and contradicting himself. I think he's hiding something. I'll bet he
was captured by the
Commies and then released! - No, no!
- Did the Commies let you go? Or maybe they sent you here? - Speak!
- The Commies sent you here, didn't they? - Admit it! Speak up!
- Boss! Our defenses here are airtight, the
Communists couldn't get anyone through. But now this guy comes along,
there's something fishy about this! - There isn't, I swear!
- Luan Ping! Inconsistent and sinister, your evasiveness
surely hides something treacherous! You trudged into our fortress, leaving your
tracks for the Communists to follow! - Captain!
- Here! Double the guard and keep a close watch,
let no one off duty without my order! Right! Without Old Ninth's order,
no one is to leave his post! Yes, sir! You treacherous dog ... First you tried to
get Old Ninth to go
with you over to Commissioner Hou ... now you come here to divide us and
want to bring the Commies in as well! This is too much! Boss, he isn't Hu Biao,
he really is a Communist soldier! Luan ... you really are a snake! You are trying
to do me in
by the boss's hand. Too bad I didn't kill you with my knife
when we had drinks at White Pines Glen! - Right! Right!
- Boss! I, Hu Biao, have never myself be
pushed around by little men! For your sake I've offended this
mad dog so he's attacking me viscously! If you believe I'm a Communist soldier,
then finish me off right now! If you believe I'm Hu Biao, then let me go,
it's either him or me, keep him or keep me. As you please, Boss! Don't leave, Old
Ninth!
Don't leave, Old Ninth! Boss, don't let Old Ninth leave! That's right, don't let
Old Ninth leave! Don't act childish, Old Ninth! Come on, put it on. - I will treat
you right!
- Put it on, Old Ninth! Boss! Boss! My brother Hu Biao! I ... I'm worthless, I
deserve
to die, I'm not a man! The hour has arrived, let everyone
congratulate Boss on his birthday! Let everyone congratulate
Boss on his birthday! Today is your fiftieth birthday, you can't
let this stray dog ruin it for you. If you don't kill this evil star, it will
be bad luck for Tiger Mountain! - Yes, he must be killed! Kill him!
- My brothers, Brother Hu Biao! Boss! Boss! Boss, spare my life! Please, Boss!
-Take him away!
- Let me do it! Old Ninth, spare me! Old Ninth ... You've done evil for decades,
your blood
debts are countless and crimes heinous. In the name of the nation I execute you,
for the people I will get revenge! now we pay our respects to you, Boss! Old Ninth,
you are the officer of
the day, you take charge! - OK! Brothers!
- Here! Light lamps in the hall, burn pine torches
outside, offer our best wishes to Boss! Best wishes to Boss! Brothers! Tonight we
will eat and drink
our fill! Let's drink until we fall down! Yes! Let's drink until we fall down! -
Boss, please be seated.
- After you, brothers. It's your fiftieth birthday, you
must be seated first! That's right! After you, Boss! Very good! Please, please ...
Boss, have something to eat ... Drink up! - Captain!
- Here! Call in the brothers on guard and
let them drink their fill! Yes, sir! The mountain is a blaze of
light on New Year's Eve. This is the signal I have lit from the mountain! The
Hundred Chickens Feast
has started as planned. The bandits are eating and
drinking themselves into oblivion! I only hope the comrades show up soon. So I can
witness them smash this bandit
lair and annihilate the enemy! How time drags when I'm impatient. Why haven't the
comrades
sprung into action yet? I have to restrain myself from
going outside to look. I must keep cool at this critical moment ... and block their
way into
this secret tunnel! Old Ninth! Why don't you
have a seat at the table? The brothers all want to toast you
with a couple bowls of wine. - That's right!
- It's your birthday, we should toast you! Come, fill up Boss' bowl! Fill it! Yeah,
fill it up! - Old Ninth, drink it dry!
- After you, Boss! Lay down your guns or be killed! Boss, the Communists have
blocked
the entrance with machine guns! Brothers, hurry! Break our way out! Charge! Charge!
Charge! Old Ninth! Quick, come with
me into the secret tunnel! Lay down your guns or be killed! You're not going
anywhere! - Don't move!
- Then you are ... ?! I am a soldier in the Chinese
People's Liberation Army! - Old Yang!
- Comrades, the secret tunnel is here! Rescue the villagers and
catch Vulture alive! Comrades! Charge! Don't move! - Let's go!
- Move it! Kill! Don't move! Get going! Lay down your guns or be killed! - Old
Yang!
- Chief of Staff! The End Subtitles by kuyahukduk
English translation adapted from
Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy
-- A Modern Revolutionary Opera
(Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1971)