The tragic love triangle of early 20th century Peking Opera star Chiu Hai-tang, his beautiful stage partner, and the warlord who forces himself between them, has been a favorite with Chinese audiences for decades. There have been numerous adaptations both on stage and screen, but none can equal the sumptuousness or star power of the opulently produced Vermilion Door. The superlative stars' traditional musical skills give an extra layer of verisimilitude to the film's fascinating milieu and intense interpersonal drama.