The King of Masks is an old street artist, a master in Sitchouan Opera and in the art of quick change of masks, so efficiently as if he were a wizard. His only son died some time ago. He is a lonely man, who wants an heir not for himself, but for his art. Tradition decrees that the art must be passed on to a direct heir and only to a boy, never a girl.
The story takes place in Sitchouan, in the beginning of the century, at a time dominated by famine and social corruption. Many families are forced to sell their children in order to survive. At one of these pathetic "markets," the King of Masks discovers an enchanting and vivacious little boy and takes him home.

The boy, nicknamed "Puppy," is thrilled and shows the King of Masks great love and affection, which the old man has always longed for. However, when he discovers that Puppy is in reality a girl, he feels betrayed and tries to get rid of her, by convincing himself that he could not possibly help her. Since she has no other place to go, Puppy begs him to let her stay, so she can clean and cook for him. Slowly she manages to convince him, and the King of Masks begins to teach her acrobatics to perform together on the streets.

Duration:101', 35mm, Color, 1996

Directed by Tian Ming Yu

Screenplay by Wei Ming Lun

Music by Zao Ji Ping

Cast: Gu Yiuk, Chao Yim Yin, Zao Zi Gang, Zang Rui Yiang.

Production Company: "Shaw Brothers Hong Kong Ltd"