Cast members Zhang Ziyi (left) and Leon Lai attend the global premiere 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. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

A movie about renowned Peking opera artist Mei Lanfang, starring Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai, is to open in Chinese theaters on Friday, the China Film Group Corp. said.

"Forever Enthralled" depicts the life and career of Mei, a contemporary of Charlie Chaplin.

Mei (1894-1961), a household name in China, was the first artist to spread Peking opera to the rest of the world. He was also known in China for his patriotic refusal to perform from 1937, when Beijing was occupied by the Japanese, until 1945 when the war was over.

The movie was directed by Chen Kaige, who is known for his Golden Palm-winning movie "Farewell My Concubine" in 1993.