Comedian Chen Peisi returns to big screen after 32 years

Chen Peisi, a household name in Chinese comedy, has returned to cinema after 32 years with "The Stage," a film he wrote, directed and starred in based on his stage play.

Actor Chen Peisi interacts with the audience at the premiere of "The Stage" in Beijing, July 14, 2025. [Photo courtesy of PFDM Media]

Set during the war-torn Republic of China era (1912-1949), the film follows Hou Xiting (played by Chen), leader of a Peking Opera troupe, who brings his performers to Beijing. Chaos erupts when a teahouse attendant (Huang Bo) is mistaken by a warlord (Jiang Wu) for famed opera star Jin Xiaotian (Yin Zheng) and forced to perform "Farewell My Concubine." As backstage intrigues collide with onstage farce, the troupe becomes entangled with rival factions in a whirlwind of absurdist drama.

Following the premiere, the film earned thunderous applause. One audience member called the film "a mirror that reflects both the times and us," while another described it as "a sophisticated comedy with a tragic core."

Chen, facing the audience with tears glistening in his eyes, said, "Your love for it is my joy. This is what I live to do, and I'll keep creating with this same happiness."

Chen, a multigenerational comedy icon, rose to fame in the 1980s through a series of family comedy films co-starring his father, veteran actor Chen Qiang. His popularity skyrocketed after teaming up with actor Zhu Shimao to perform classic sketches on China's Spring Festival Gala — the world's most-watched television event. Later, Chen shifted his focus to television and stage productions.

Chen's return created a deeply nostalgic moment that moved many to tears. Many celebrities attended the premiere to show support and pay tribute, including his longtime collaborator Zhu, veteran comedians Pan Changjiang, Cai Ming and Liang Tian, director Cao Baoping, China's rock 'n' roll godfather Cui Jian and legendary singer Wei Wei.

"You see, there are still tears in my eyes," said Zhu, who delivered a lengthy speech praising the film. "It's been years since I last saw such an extraordinary story. Peisi, I've never cried for you before. This is a first."

Yu Yue, chief writer of the original stage play, said that the film adaptation exceeded expectations: "The gap between stage and screen is extremely difficult to bridge, but 'The Stage' made the leap vividly and successfully. It didn't lose the soul of the original work and even used cinematic techniques to enhance it."

The cast and crew of "The Stage" pose for a photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, July 14, 2025. [Photo courtesy of PFDM Media]

The film's cast praised the story and their roles at the premiere. Lead actor Huang Bo said his character was "pure" and compared the role to "being suddenly pulled onstage at a Jay Chou concert and somehow becoming the main act. It was such a joy to play!"

Veteran actor Jiang Wu, who plays the warlord in the film, lit up when speaking about the role: "Ten years ago, they invited me to play this character in the stage version. The script was already rock solid. So, when they adapted it into a film with Chen Peisi directing a decade later, I would have been missing out if I hadn't taken part. The warlord's overbearing yet adorably clueless energy was such a blast to play!"

Actor Yin Zheng also praised the script as being "as solid as a diamond," while actor Yu Shaoqun tied his character's persistence to Chen's own creative spirit: "To create art, you need to hold on to something. Feng Xiaotong protects the opera in the film just like Chen Peisi protects the soul of comedy in reality."

"The Stage" will open in cinemas nationwide on July 25.