Leading actors Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi attend the global premiere cermony of "Forever Enthralled", Chen Kaige's biopic of Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang, on December 2, 2008 in Beijing. The film will open in Chinese theaters on December 5. [China.org.cn]

Leon Lai plays Mei Lan Fang, while Zhang Ziyi plays Meng Xiaodong, another famous opera performer of the 1920s.

For director Chen Kaige, the film is considered something of a comeback. Chen is best known for 1993's Oscar nominated "Farewell My Concubine'. His last film, the 2005 epic fantasy "The Promise' was panned by critics.

Mei Lan Fang's son Mei Bao Jiu thanked the director for the film's portrayal of his father. Mei Bao Jiu said he was touched by the film.

He presented a favourite painting of his father's to the producers at a press event before the premiere.

"Forever Enthralled" opens in theatres all across China on December 5th.