beauty_of_beauties_2160x1023

Chinese Independent Film Foundation presents

Beauty of Beauties 西施

A grand retelling of one of China’s four great beauties, rendered in vivid Technicolor splendour.

Li Han-hsiang 李翰祥 | China | 1965 | Unclassified (15+)
Film

Tickets

Full

$20

Concession

$16

Member

$14

When

Sun 3 May 2026

See below for additional related events

Set in the Warring States era, Beauty of Beauties follows the courtesan Xi Shi, whose grace becomes a political weapon when she is sent to seduce the enemy king. Director Li Han-hsiang 李翰祥 blends historical drama with operatic artifice, creating a film that epitomises mid-century Hong Kong studio spectacle. Beyond its romantic tragedy, Beauty of Beauties explores the timeless interplay of beauty, power, and sacrifice - themes central to Sinophone cinema, where personal desire and political fate often collide.

Format: 4K Digital Restoration DCP
Language: Chinese with English subtitles
Source: Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute
Courtesy: Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute

Event duration

122 mins

Rating

Unclassified (15+)

Where

Cinema 2, Level 2

Plan your visit

Program Passes

See more films in this program for less

3-Session Pass

Full $48, Concession $42, Member $39

6-Session Pass

Full $90, Concession $78, Member $72

Terrorizers

Once Upon A Time In 華語 Cinema

There are no upcoming related events at this time.

ACMI – the home of festivals

Meet the festivals and film clubs on Melbourne’s cultural calendar that call ACMI home.

Find out more
Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) - BPM still
A couple checks out consumes from The Last Emperor in The Story of the Moving Image (image credit: Phoebe Powell)

Not an ACMI Member yet?

Experience ACMI in the very best way. Get a range of discounts and invitations to exclusive previews.

See membership options
Film books in the ACMI Shop - Photo by Phoebe Powell

ACMI Shop

Melbourne's favourite shop dedicated to all things moving image. Every purchase supports your museum of screen culture.

Shop online

Join our newsletter

Get updates on the latest news, exhibitions, programs, special offers and more.