In 1924, Beijing, the youthful Dou Zi and Shi Tou were brought together under the thumb of the strict master of a small acting troupe. It quickly becomes apparent that these are the most talented of the master's pupils, and he pushes them harder than his other students. Thirteen years later, their suffering has paid off. Dou Zi, now going by the name of Chen Die Yi, and Shi Tou, called Duan
