In three separate segments, set respectively in 1966, 1911, and 2005, three love stories unfold between three sets of characters, under three different periods of Taiwanese history and governance.
Shu Qi
May / Courtesan / Jing
Chang Chen
Chen / Mr. Chang / Zhen
Su-jen Liao
Hostess / Madam / Jing's Mother
Mei Di
May's Mother / Madam / Aunt
Chen Shi-Zheng
Haruko / Ah Mei / Blue
Lee Pei-Hsuan
Yue / Mickey
Mei Fang
Old Woman
Lawrence Ko Yu-Luen
Acting
Wang Chih-cheng
Art
Brokeback Mountain
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Taxi Driver
Bed and Board
Rumble Fish
Captivity and Light
Walk the Line
Mountains May Depart
Blind
I'm in Love with a Church Girl
The Sleeping Dictionary
Lady Chatterley's Lover
Her Story
The Golden Era
The Wanderers
Forrest Gump
East of Eden
Blood and Sand
Dangerous Liaisons
The Wings of the Dove