Movies I Like: Hu Du Men

Hu Du Men is the latest movie that I have watched and liked. It is a Cantonese movie directed by Shu Kei, starring Josephine Siao, Anita Yuen, Daniel Chan and Lee Chi Hung.

The English subtitles helped, but as always, somethings are lost in translation. Anyway the blurb from the DVD case has a useful summary and it reads, "In traditional Chinese theatre, there is an imaginary line separating the stage from the real world. This line is called Hu Du Men. When the actor crosses this stage door, all sense of 'self' must be left behind as the actor becomes the role. Lang Kim Sang, a famous Cantonese Opera actress strives to revitalise the traditional art. She hires a new director called David Lam whose Broadway style of staging and effects stir up resentment and jealousy within the troupe."

I like this movie because it gives me a better understanding of what Chinese opera is all about, especially behind the scenes. The protagonist Lang Kim Sang sacrifices her personal life for her art. There are both serious and light moments to keep one interested all the way.