Plot Analysis Summary
Three stories connect uncanny beliefs, grief, and devotion through characters struggling to accept loss and separation.
Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
The Puppets and the Fire
An old master insists that his puppets contain his life and soul and must pass on with him. A curse and a fire leave Gaan worried that the puppets may truly be cursed.
Key Events
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The Puppetry Tradition — An old master says his puppets contain his life and soul and must pass on with him. Characters: Gaan (segment "The Wheel")
Location: Traditional puppetry setting
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A Curse Is Declared — The old master curses anyone who disobeys his demand about the puppets. Characters: Gaan (segment "The Wheel")
Location: Traditional puppetry setting
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Fire and Confusion — A chaotic confrontation and fire leave Gaan wondering whether the puppets are cursed. Characters: Gaan (segment "The Wheel")
Location: Traditional puppetry setting
A Troubled Apartment
The story moves to a shabby building facing demolition, where a photographer and caretaker are introduced. Yu Fai cares for Hai'er while Chan arrives searching for Cheung and learns that he is being held captive.
Key Events
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Building Facing Demolition — The story shifts to an apartment building being cleared for demolition. Characters: Photographer (segment "Going Home"), Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home")
Location: Shabby apartment building
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A Photograph Is Attempted — A photographer tries to get a young man to sit still for a picture. Characters: Photographer (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment building
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The Caretaker Complains — The elderly caretaker complains about the building's new tenants.
Location: Apartment building
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A Couple's Routine — Yu Fai cares for his paralyzed wife and urges her to be brave. Characters: Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Chan Searches for Cheung — Chan arrives looking for his missing son, Cheung. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home"), Cheung (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment building
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A Denial and Confession — Yu Fai denies seeing Cheung, then admits that he has kept Chan captive. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
Devotion and Denial
Yu Fai treats Hai'er as though she were asleep and believes herbal baths will cure her. Chan challenges his belief, while Yu Fai's recollections reveal the depth of his attachment to Hai'er.
Key Events
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A Denial and Confession — Yu Fai denies seeing Cheung, then admits that he has kept Chan captive. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Herbal Baths Continue — Yu Fai believes herbal baths will cure Hai'er's tumors and continues caring for her. Characters: Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Memories of Romance — Yu Fai recalls his university romance and years with Hai'er while talking to her. Characters: Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Chan Challenges the Delusion — Chan tells Yu Fai that Hai'er is dead and could not have spoken to him. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home"), Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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A Brief Release — Yu Fai briefly lets Chan go, believing Hai'er's body is warming and she will awaken. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home"), Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
The Truth of Hai'er's Death
Yu Fai briefly releases Chan because he believes Hai'er is about to awaken, but police arrest him. The Doctor explains that Hai'er has been dead for years and that Yu Fai rejected conventional cancer treatment.
Key Events
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A Brief Release — Yu Fai briefly lets Chan go, believing Hai'er's body is warming and she will awaken. Characters: Chan Kwok-wai (segment "Going Home"), Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Police Arrest Yu Fai — Police arrest Yu Fai after he briefly releases Chan. Characters: Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment building
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The Doctor Explains — The Doctor says Hai'er has been dead for years and describes her body's unusual preservation. Characters: Doctor (segment "Memories"), Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
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Treatment Was Rejected — The Doctor reveals that the couple had cancer and Yu Fai rejected conventional treatment. Characters: Doctor (segment "Memories"), Hai'er (segment "Going Home")
Location: Apartment
A Hopeful Reflection
The Wife reflects on the independence she learned during separation from her Husband. As another separation looms, she hopes that sleep will not mean the loss of her soul.
Key Events
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Living Through Separation — The Wife reflects on learning independence during a long separation from her Husband. Characters: Wife (segment "Memories"), Husband (segment "Memories")
Location: Unspecified
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Hope Against Another Loss — Facing possible separation again, the Wife hopes her soul will remain in her body as she sleeps. Characters: Wife (segment "Memories"), Husband (segment "Memories")
Location: Unspecified
