'' Life on a String '' ( ) is a 1991 Chinese film by acclaimed film director Chen Kaige . Made before his international breakthrough '' Farewell , My Concubine '' , '' Life on a String '' is a more intimate and philosophical affair , telling the story of a blind sanxian player and his young disciple . The film was based on the novel by Shi Tiesheng . The film was entered into the 1991 Cannes Film Festival
1991 Cannes Film Festival
1991 Cannes Film Festival
Life on a String (film)