Das Tor des Tigers (1996)

Das Tor des Tigers: Directed by Kei Shu. With Josephine Siao, Anita Yuen, Daniel Hiu Tung Chan, Waise Lee. Cross the Hu-du-men – the demarcation between the back and front stage in Cantonese opera, and you leave yourself behind to absorb totally in your character. Lang Kim-sum is a charismatic Cantonese opera star who understands perfectly it’s a point of no return once she crosses the Hu-du-men on stage, and in life as well. Respected by colleagues and friends and about to retire, Lang has yet to face new, unexpected Hu-du-men’s in domestic and professional life. Husband Chan suddenly wants to immigrate. Daughter Mimi has a lesbian relationship. At work, her progressive opera director causes havoc in reforming a traditional art. Lang’s protege Ip Yuk-sheung chooses between career and love, and a secret of Lang’s past also surfaces. Lang, the quintessential master of vicissitudes on stage and in life, braves new crises and dilemma with gentle and light-hearted flair.

“The story of Sum, a woman who plays male characters in the Cantonese Opera. The title refers to the line between between backstage and onstage, between real life and the character portrayed onstage. Sum blends her feminine and masculine traits in her extraordinary life wonderfully. Sheu0026#39;s famous onstage and off, takes on an apprentice, her husband wants to emigrate to Australia, her young daughter seems to be getting into a lesbian relationship, and her past is creeping up on her. Beautiful choreography. Funny. Touching. Excellent.”