In three separate segments, set respectively in 1966, 1911, and 2005, three love stories unfold between three sets of characters, under three different periods of Taiwanese history and governance.
Shu Qi
May / Courtesan / Jing
Chang Chen
Chen / Mr. Chang / Zhen
Liao Su-jen
Hostess / Madam / Jing's Mother
Mei Di
May's Mother / Madam / Aunt
Chen Shi-Zheng
Haruko / Ah Mei / Blue
Lee Pei-Hsuan
Yue / Mickey
Mei Fang
Old Woman
Lawrence Ko
Wang Chih-cheng