Jackie Chan was originally offered the role of Duan Xiaolou due to his own childhood experience of training in the Peking Opera. But he turned it down, fearing that the film, which deals with themes of homosexuality, might tarnish his image.
Leslie Cheung was the first Hong Kong star to act in a mainland China film.
During filming, Leslie Cheung could hardly speak Mandarin Chinese, let alone a genuine Beijing accent (as every actor speaks in this film). His voice is dubbed by native Beijing actor Yang Lixin (uncredited).
Originally banned in China, but was released due to outside pressure. The film would go on to receive international critical acclaim. Later on it would be censored.
The very first film from the People's Republic of China to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.