When it comes to the best movies to watch, Hongkongers are spoiled for choice. No wonder it’s a city of cinephiles. Hong Kong has a reputation for producing some of the best films. For instance, Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love is often listed as one of the greatest films of all time and one of the best examples of Asian and Hong Kong movies by critics. In addition, Hong Kong’s action cinema has also developed a strong cult following.
Despite the number of streaming platforms, nothing beats watching a movie on the big screen. With Hong Kong slowly returning to normal, many films are screened in cinemas. So, are you looking for what to watch next? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a fan of action bangers, arthouse indies, or blockbusters, these are the best films to watch in Hong Kong cinemas.
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – December 2023
Sound of Freedom
Sound of Freedom takes inspiration from the incredible true story of a former government agent turned freedom fighter. He embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue dozens of children from human trafficking. Pack some tissues because this emotionally riveting narrative is a powerful story of heroism.
Now showing
Wonka
Wonka is based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s books. The movie tells the story of how the great inventor, musician, and chocolate maker became the Willy Wonka we know today.
Showing on December 7
The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film takes place in Tokyo, near the end of World War II. Eleven-year-old Mahito loses his mother in a fire and takes refuge in her hometown together with his father. The young boy has an estranged relationship with his father and her stepmother. To make matters worse, he also becomes alienated at school. One day, his stepmother goes missing so Mahito looks for her. Led by a grey heron, he unwittingly embarks on a journey into another world.
Showing on December 14
May December
Loosely based on the story of Mary Kay Letourneau, the movie follows actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman). As part of her research for an upcoming role in an independent film, she meets Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore), the woman she’s going to play. Gracie was involved in a nationwide scandal when she at 36, was caught having a relationship with a minor for which she served a prison sentence. However, the life of the couple begins to crumble when Elizabeth enters their life.
Showing on December 14
Wish
This musical fantasy animated film tells the story of Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) who makes a powerful wish, answered only by a cosmic force called Star. But she gets more than she asked for as the cosmic force comes down from the sky to help her save her kingdom.
Showing on December 21
Evil Does Not Exist
Takumi (Hitoshi Omika) and his daughter (Ryo Nishikawa) Hana live in a village close to Tokyo. Just like the generations before them, the father and daughter live a quiet life following the order of nature. But the peace is disrupted when the government announces their plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house which will impact the village’s water supply. Academy Award-winning director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest film focuses on the clash between urban and nature.
Showing on December 28
Goldfinger
Goldfinger marks the reunion between Infernal Affairs co-stars, Tony Leung and Andy Lau. Set in the 1980s, the movie is based on the downfall of the Carrian Group. The Hong Kong corporation rose rapidly but collapsed shortly after following a corruption scandal.
Showing on December 30
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – November 2023
Kyrie
Japanese auteur Shunji Iwai returns with this music drama, based on his novel of the same name. Kyrie revolves around a homeless street musician (Aina the End) who busks to make ends meet. In addition, she loses her ability to speak and can only do so when she sings. She later meets her childhood friend Ikko (Suzu Hirose), who becomes her manager.
Showing on October 26
In Broad Daylight
Investigative journalist Kay (Jennifer Yu) receives a tip about an abuse case happening in a care home for the elderly and disabled. To learn more, she goes undercover as one of the patient’s granddaughters. She soon discovers that the horrors spread far worse than she imagined. Owing to her profession as a journalist, Kay strives to reveal the truth even with her hands tied.
Showing on November 2
The Marvels
The Marvels, the latest movie in the MCU, follows Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) aka Captain Marvel after she reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree. But unintended consequences see Carol needing to shoulder the burden of a destabilised universe. Soon enough, her powers become entangled with that of superfan, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) aka Ms. Marvel and Carol’s estranged niece, Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Together, the unlikely trio must work together to save the universe.
Showing on November 8
The Breaking Ice
The Breaking Ice takes place during the cold winter in Yanji, northern China. A visiting urbanite Haofeng (Liu Haoran) meets Nana (Zhou Dongyu), a tour guide. She introduces him to a restaurant worker, Xiao (Qu Chuxiao). The three quickly form a bond over drinks, fueled by their lust and fascination with each other. As they grow closer, the trio begin to confront their own trauma and desire.
Showing on November 9
Time Still Turns the Page
After finding an anonymous suicide note in his classroom, high school teacher Cheng (Lo Chun-Yip) looks back at his own repressed childhood memories. Despite his own family problems, Cheng tries to prevent the tragedy from happening. This powerful directorial debut from Nick Cheuk explores generational traumas and addresses the student suicides that have plagued Hong Kong in recent years.
Showing on November 16
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The prequel movie to The Hunger Games franchise is releasing this month. It is set around the years before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem. The 18-year-old (Tom Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace. As the 10th annual Hunger Games approaches, Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the tribute from the impoverished District 12. Lucy Gray does the unthinkable during the reaping ceremony and Snow believes he might be able to turn the odds in their favour.
Showing on November 16
Napoleon
Action epic Napoleon details the rise and fall of French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix). With Ridley Scott at the helm, the movie captures Bonaparte’s journey through the prism of his own volatile relationship with Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) as well as his visionary military and political tactics.
Showing on November 23
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Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – October 2023
Saw X
John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back in this latest instalment of the SAW franchise. Set between the events of SAW I and SAW II, this chapter explores the untold story of Jigsaw’s most personal game. A sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure. He hopes for a miracle cure for his cancer—only to discover the entire operation is a scam to trick the most vulnerable. John turns the tables on the con artists in his own, signature way.
Showing on September 28
Bad Education
This award-winning film marks the directorial debut of Taiwanese actor Kai Ko. It revolves around three young delinquents who are celebrating the night of their high school graduation. High on booze and about to enter a new chapter in their lives, they decide to share their darkest secrets with each other. After that night, they have to keep a secret that forces them to become adults.
Showing on September 28
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter follows the story of how one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. The R-rated movie takes place before his vendetta against Spider-Man with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the titular role.
Showing on October 5
The Brotherhood of Rebel
Seventeen years ago, an assassin tried to ambush a well-known triad boss and leaves him crippled for life. Triad members, Chai (Bosco Wong) and Kam (Carlos Chan) try to find the assassin. They discover that he is Mao (Louis Cheung), their childhood best friend. Rather than catching Mao, they help him flee Hong Kong.
Showing on October 5
My Heavenly City
My Heavenly City chronicles three interconnected stories about three different characters’ struggle for survival. They explore the aspirations of new Asian immigrants to the city of their dreams: New York. A lonely woman who is working as a translator, a young couple dealing with a child who has a mental illness, and a young couple fixated on hip-hop.
Showing on October 12
Don’t Call it Mystery
Talkative student Totonu Kunou (Masaki Suda) heads to Hiroshima for an art exhibition. There, he meets a teenage girl, Shoji Kariatsumari (Sairi Ito) who offers him a part-time job. The “job” turns out to be related to the succession of an enormous inheritance. Totonu decides to help her but finds himself tangled in an inheritance battle, where mysterious deaths have occurred in the past.
Showing on October 12
Killers of the Flower Moon
This star-studded movie takes place at the turn of the 20th century when oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation. As a result, these Native Americans became some of the richest people in the world. With such wealth, it immediately attracted the attention of white interlopers. They manipulated, extorted, and stole money before sorting to murder. The epic western crime saga is based on a true story and told through the eyes of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone).
Showing on October 19
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – September 2023
Ransomed
Diplomat Min-jun (Ha Jung-woo) doesn’t have anything special about him but he’s determined. He’s so determined that when he receives a coded message from a missing diplomat in Lebanon, he volunteers for the unofficial rescue mission. This is all in the hopes that he gets work in the United States. Upon arriving in Lebanon, he meets Korean taxi driver Pan-su (Ju Ji-hoon) who also happens to be a swindler. Alone in a foreign country during a civil war, Min-jun has no choice but to rely on Pan-su to complete his mission.
Showing on September 7
A Haunting in Venice
Based on the 1969 novel Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie, this film serves as a follow-up to 2022’s Death on the Nile. A Haunting in Venice follows Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), who is now retired. But after a murder occurs at a séance he attended; he has no choice but to solve the case.
Showing on September 14
Talk to Me
A group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. Excited about the new thrilling experience, they become hooked—until one of them goes too far.
Showing on September 14
Stand Up Story
Stand-Up Story narrates the life of a father-son duo. After being abandoned by his mother, Mancer (Ng Siu Hin) is tasked with being the full-time caregiver for his intellectually disabled father (Ben Yuen). Mancer ends up joining a stand-up comedy competition for the prize money. But he realises that he actually enjoys making people laugh. While searching for inspiration, he finds out that his best jokes come from his hardships.
Showing on September 14
The Forger
This 2022 film is finally getting its Hong Kong release this month. It centres around 21-year-old Cioma Schönhaus (Louis Hofmann), a Jewish person living in Berlin in the 1940s. During such a turbulent time, he decides to live in hiding and takes on a new persona as a German naval officer. But he secretly forges IDs and saves the lives of others. However, this also puts him in more danger. His last chance of survival is his own forged document.
Showing on September 21
Expend4bles
In the fourth instalment of this action-packed franchise, a new generation of stars join the original cast for another adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Elite mercenaries Lee (Jason Statham), Barney (Sylvester Stallone), Gunner (Dolph Lundgren) and Toll (Randy Couture) are back for a new mission and new team members with new styles. Will there be a clash between the original and new blood?
Showing on September 21
The Creator
The Creator taps into a not-so-distant future as the human race and A.I. clash. Only this time, it results in war. Ex-special Forces agent Joshua (Joshua David Washington) is tasked to hunt down the Creator, the architect of an advanced A.I. with the ability to end all of mankind. But they soon discover that the destructive weapon is actually in the form of a young child.
Showing on September 28
Farewell My Concubine (4K)
Leslie Cheung starter Farewell My Concubine gets a 4K-restored version for fans in Hong Kong to enjoy exclusively on September 30. Don’t miss the chance to relive the magic of the award-winning film starring one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated icons. The restoration comes 20 years after Cheung’s untimely passing as well as the film’s 30th anniversary.
Showing on September 30
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – August 2023
Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is based on the life of British motorsports racing driver Jann Mardenborough. The film follows a young Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) as he aspires to become a professional race car driver.
Showing on August 10
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael), set out to win the heart of New Yorkers. Hoping to be accepted as normal teenagers through their heroic acts, they take on a mysterious crime syndicate. However, they soon face challenges when an army of mutants is unleashed in the city.
Showing on August 10
Concrete Utopia
Concrete Utopia takes place after a massive earthquake with Seoul reduced to rubble. Everything in the city collapsed except for one building—Hwang Gung Apartments. Upon hearing this, survivors gather at the apartment. But the original residents started feeling threatened. One man, Young Tak (Lee Byung-hun) steps up to keep things under control. Soon, unexpected conflicts begin to arise among them.
Showing on August 17
Blue Beetle
Xolo Maridueña is bringing to life the DC Comics character Blue Beetle in this movie of the same name. It revolves around a college graduate, Jamie Reyes who gains superpowers after an alien Blue Beetle scarab grafts into him. Eventually, he becomes the symbiotic host and emerges as Blue Beetle.
Showing on August 17
Death Notice
This film starring Louis Koo centres around a serial killer called Darker who leaves death notices. He informs his targets when and how the murder will take place. Despite this, the victims can never escape Darker’s clutches.
Showing on August 18
Past Lives
Past Lives narrates the story of two childhood friends, Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae-sung (Teo Yoo), torn apart when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they reunite in New York for a week. The fateful meeting sees them contemplate their relationship, their own lives, and their future.
Showing on August 24
Miss Shampoo
Fen (Vivian Sung) works tirelessly day and night to become a full-fledged hairdresser. One stormy night, a gang boss stumbles upon her salon while escaping from his rival. To return the favour, he starts bringing his underlings to the salon while also pursuing Fei. As a budding romance ensues between the star-crossed lovers, the gang’s rival shows up.
Showing on August 24
Joyride
When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip goes haywire, she asks her childhood best friend Lolo (Sherry Cola), her college friend Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and cousin Deadete (Sabrina Wu) for help. The four unlikely friends embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of self-discovery and belonging.
Showing on August 31
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – July 2023
Elemental
Elemental is a new, original feature from Disney and Pixar. It follows Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), a tough, quick-witted, and fiery young woman. Her friendship with Wade (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy, challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.
Showing on July 6
See Hear Love
Adapted from a Korean webtoon, See Hear Love tells the story of Izumito Shini (Yamashita Tomohisa), a young manga artist. He gradually loses his sight at the height of his popularity. Later, he meets Aida Hibiki (Araki Yuko), his fan who was born deaf. Together, they embark on a life-changing journey.
Showing on July 6
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) returns in this new instalment from the Mission: Impossible franchise. Ethan and his IMF team go on their most dangerous mission yet: to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens to destroy humanity. A deadly race around the globe ensues.
Showing on July 8
The Childe
Marco (Kang Tae-ju), a boxer living in the Philippines struggles to make a living. He participates in illegal matches to make ends meet for his ailing mother. To raise more money for her surgery, he decides to meet his father in South Korea. But before he can set off, a mysterious man starts chasing him. Amidst all this, Marco discovers a shocking truth.
Showing on July 12
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
Based on six short stories by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is set shortly after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. It follows a talking frog and an elusive cat as they help a bank employee, his traumatised wife, and a lonely accountant find meaning in life.
Showing on July 13
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s latest film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons. It is based on the 2005 biography, American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh.
Showing on July 20
Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is based on the popular toy dolls and is the first live-action Barbie film. It tells the story of Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) after they are expelled from Barbie Land for being not-so-perfect dolls. They set off to the real world and discover what’s it like to live among humans.
Showing on July 20
Small, Slow But Steady
This semi-fictional film centres around boxer Keiko Ogasawara (Yukino Kishii). But she’s not just any boxer. She has a hearing impairment. But despite this, she continues to pursue her dream of becoming a professional boxer. Soon, her mentor (Tomokazu Miura) starts facing health issues and her gym faces imminent closure due to the pandemic. Keiko starts to realise that her biggest battle is just starting.
Showing on July 20
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – June 2023
The Covenant
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant tells the story of US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and local interpreter, Ahmed (Dar Salim). Following an ambush, Ahmed risks his life to bring Kinley on a sweeping journey of courage and friendship
Showing on May 25
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) returns for the next chapter of the Spider-Verse saga. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is brought into the Multiverse. There, he encounters a team of Spider-People. But the heroes clash on how to deal with a new threat and Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must choose what kind of hero he wants to be in order to save the people he loves the most.
Showing on June 1
The Round-Up: No Way Out
Seven years following the events in Vietnam, Ma Seok-do (Don Lee/Ma Dong-Seok) joins a new squad to investigate a new murder case. He finds out that the case involves a new synthetic drug and starts to dig deeper. The person behind all this is Jong Sung-chul (Lee Jung-hyuk) who is working with Japanese drug distributors Ricky (Aoki Munetaka) and his gang. They cause chaos in South Korea and things get out of hand. It’s up to Ma and his team to solve another case.
Showing on June 1
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
The newest addition to the Transformers franchise, Rise of the Beasts takes audiences on a globetrotting adventure with the Autobots. A new faction of Transformers known as the Maximals joins in the battle between Autobots and Decepticons. The film serves as a sequel to 2018’s Bumblebee as well as a prequel to the first Transformers film.
Showing on June 8
Asteroid City
Asteroid City is the latest film by filmmaker Wes Anderson, which recently premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. It is set in 1955 and follows students and teachers from across the country as they gather at a convention for various reasons—rest, recreation, drama, romance, and competition. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble such as Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, and more.
Showing on June 22
Monster
Award-winning director Hirokazu Koreeda’s family-themed movies continue with Monster. It tells the story of a mother (Sakura Ando) who notices her young son’s (Soya Kurokawa) sudden change of behaviour. She later finds out that a teacher (Eita Nagayama) is the cause and goes to confront him. Monster features a score by late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, with a screenplay written by Yuji Sakamoto who recently won Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.
Showing on June 22
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Harrison Ford reprises his legendary role as Indiana Jones for the last time in the fifth instalment of the iconic franchise. In another exciting adventure, the archaeologist races against time to retrieve an ancient dial that can change the course of history. This time, his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Pheobe Waller-Bridge) joins the quest.
Showing on June 29
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – May 2023
To Catch a Killer
Eleanor (Shailene Woodley) is a young investigator still wrestling with her past. She’s then called to the scene of a brutal crime—the work of a new and terrifying mass murderer. The police and the FBI launch a nationwide manhunt but are thwarted by the killer’s behaviour. Despite her inexperience, Eleanor becomes more deeply involved with the case and she soon realises that she be may the only person who can understand the killer and bring him to justice.
Now showing
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Guardians of the Galaxy
Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana). But he must rally his team to defend the universe while protecting one of their own in a new mission. But if not completed successfully, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
Showing on May 3
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Aftersun
Eleven-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) spends time with her loving father, Calum (Paul Mescal in an Academy-nominated performance) at a vacation resort. While Sophie is on the verge of adolescence, Calum struggles with his life outside of fatherhood. Twenty years later, Sophie recalls the painful memory of their last holiday. At the same time, she tries to reconcile with the father she thought she knew.
Showing on May 11
Fast X
The tenth film in the Fast & Furious saga, Fast X sees the final chapter of one of the most popular franchises. Over the many impossible missions, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have always outdriven every foe. But now, they’re confronting a lethal threat emerging from the shadows. In Fast Five (2022) Dom took out Brazilian kingpin Hernan Reyes. But what they didn’t know is that Reyes’ son, Dante (Jason Mamoa) witnessed it all and has spent 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay. Dante’s plot will scatter Dom and his family from Los Angeles to Rome, from Brazil to London, and beyond.
Showing on May 18
Day Off
For 40 years, A-Rui (Lu Hsiao-Fen) has been running a small barbershop. Despite hardships in life, A-Rui is committed to her work but her children treat her profession with disdain. One day, she receives a phone call from the family of a loyal customer who moved years ago. The family requests if A-Rui is willing to travel to cut the hair for the bedridden former customer. Going by her principle of “Always provide your best service”, A-Ryu closes her shop for one day, drives her beat-up car, and embarks on the journey.
Showing on May 18
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel (Halle Bailey), a beautiful and spirited young mermaid who has a thirst for adventure. She longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). But mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans. Following her heart, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), who gives her a chance to experience life on land—but it comes with a price.
Showing on May 25
Tales From the Occult: Body and Soul
It’s not Halloween yet, but Tales From the Occult: Body and Soul will terrify you every 30 seconds. This anthology film features three crime stories: Rapunzel, Cheshire Cat, and Tooth Fairy. The stories trigger the dark side of human nature.
Showing on May 25
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Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – April 2023
Soul Mate
Based on the Chinese film of the same name, Soul Mate is about two friends Mi-soo (Kim Da-mi) and Ha-eun (Jeon So-nee). Everything seems to be going well until Ha-eun falls in love with her classmate, Jin-woo (Byeon Woo-seok). The two friends start to grow apart when Mi-soo leaves the city to pursue a life of adventure while Ha-eun stays behind to live a stable life.
Now showing
Super Mario Bros
A movie version of the popular game, Super Mario Bros follows Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy) and other beloved characters as they assemble to stop the all-powerful Bowser (voiced by Jack Black) from conquering the world.
Showing on April 5
AIR
AIR is a sports biopic based on the true events of the origin of Air Jordan. Nike shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) approaches then-basketball rookie Michael Jordan for a partnership that would change the sports and fashion world.
Showing on April 5
A Light Never Goes Out
This Hong Kong drama marks Anastasia Tsang’s directorial debut and stars Sylvia Chang as Mei-heung. Mei-Heung loses her husband Biu (Simon Yam), a neon-sign maker who wanted to recreate a famous demolished neon sign before his passing. To fulfil his unfinished dream, Mei-heung seeks out the help of Biu’s young apprentice, Leo (Henrick Chou).
Showing on April 13
What’s love got to do with it?
How do you find lasting love in today’s world? For documentary maker and dating app addict Zoe (Lily James), swiping right has only delivered a stream of wrongs. Meanwhile, for her childhood friend and neighbour Kaz (Shazad Latif), the answer is an arranged marriage. As Zoe films Kaz’s journey from London to Lahore to marry a stranger, she begins to wonder if she needs a new approach to finding love.
Showing on April 13
Renfield
Renfield is a horror comedy film based on an original idea by Robert Kirkman with characters from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula. The film revolves around Count Dracula’s (Nicolas Cage) lackey, R.M. Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) as he adapts to living in modern-day New Orleans. When he falls in love with a traffic cop (Awkwafina), he realises that he needs to stand up to his creator to live freely.
Showing on April 20
Mad Fate
Mad Fate is directed by Soi Cheang and produced by Johnnie To, marking their second collaboration since 2009. It tells the story of a fortune teller (Gordon Lam) who meets the owner of a tea restaurant (Mirror’s Lok Man). He foreshadows that the young man will be sentenced to prison for murder. Knowing this, he tries to change the man’s fate.
Now showing on April 20
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – March 2023
Suzume
Famed Japanese director Makoto Shinkai returns with his latest animated feature, Suzume this month. It follows 17-year-old Suzume, who lives in a quiet town in Kyushu, as she meets the mysterious Souta. Later, she finds an old door in the mountains and discovers that it will wreak havoc on Earth. Together with Souta, they travel around to lock the door and prevent the impending disaster from happening.
Now showing
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Lost Love
This heartwarming drama centres around Chan Tin Mei (Sammi Cheng). Still reeling from the pain of suddenly losing their son, Mei is reluctant to have another child. She finds out that they can become a foster family instead, allowing her to feel like a mother again. Mei starts to take in different kids, each with their own scars but the experience changes her and her idea of motherhood.
Now showing
Scream 6
Scream is back for its sixth instalment! The sequel takes place after the latest Ghostface killings as the four survivors leave Woodsboro to start afresh. Characters such as Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera), Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown), Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), and Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) are returning to their roles, alongside new characters.
Showing on March 9
Cyber Heist
Flying the flag for Hong Kong movies this month is this action-thriller. It stars Aaron Kwok as a cybersecurity engineer who develops an AI programme that has the potential to disable all of Hong Kong’s networks. But because the programme holds such power, he also has to prevent it from landing into the wrong hands. Other Hong Kong stars such as Gordon Lam, Simon Yam, and Megan Lai are also part of the cast.
Showing on March 9
Broken Keys
Broken Keys is Lebanon’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at this year’s Academy Awards. Set in 2013, the film centres around Karim, a pianist who lives in a war-torn village in Syria. He dreams of escaping to Europe to continue his music career. However, for him to achieve that, he has to sell his beloved possession—the piano he inherited from his mother. Just before he could do that, his piano is damaged from the conflict, so he embarks on a mission to repair the broken keys.
Showing on March 23
The Sunny Side of the Street
The Sunny Side of the Street marks the directorial debut of Malaysia-born Hong Kong director, Lau Kok-rui. It tells the story of a young Hong Kong-born Pakistani refugee (Sahal Zaman) who forms a pseudo-father-son relationship with a local taxi driver (Anthony Wong). Unbeknownst to him, the driver is the murderer of his father.
Showing on March 23
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John Wick
Keanu Reeves returns for the fourth instalment in the John Wick film. John Wick finally uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, he must go against a new enemy who has powerful alliances across the globe. For John, this means his old friends turn into foes. The film boasts a stellar cast, featuring Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, and more.
Showing March 31
Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – February 2023
The Wandering Earth II
Based on the same short story by Liu Cixin, The Wandering Earth II boasts a stellar lineup including Hong Kong actor Andy Lau. It serves as a prequel to the 2019 mega-hit, The Wandering Earth. Set in the future when the sun continues to expand, the Earth’s destruction looms on the horizon. In order to find a new home, humankind must start building giant engines that could help the planet travel outside of the solar system in search of another habitable galaxy. But the road to finding a new home is difficult and dangerous.
Now showing
Tár
The Oscar-nominated film Tár tells the story of fictional world-class conductor Lydia Tár, played by award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. Being the Berlin Philharmonic’s first female chief conductor, Tár takes pride in being one of the best conductors in the world. At the height of her career, she starts preparing for her upcoming book launch and live performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. But leading up to the big day, her life begins to unravel in the most unexpected ways.
Now showing
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Superhero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp for this film. Joining the duo are Hope’s parents, Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) as well as Scott’s daughter, Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton). Together, they explore the Quantum Realm where they encounter strange new creatures and embark on a journey that will push them to their limits.
Now showing
Return to Seoul
Cambodian-French director Davy Chou returns with his second feature, Return to Seoul which was recently shortlisted for Best International Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The film follows 25-year-old Freddie (Park Ji-min), a Korean adoptee from France. By chance, she visits her birth country for the first time and begins an unexpected journey to look for her biological parents. Along the way, she starts learning about her native language and culture.
Now showing
Where the Wind Blows
Hong Kong actors Tony Leung and Aaron Kwok team up in this new crime thriller from director Philip Yung. The two play corrupt police officers during the 1960s, during the foundation of the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (HKICAC). Ambitious and power-hungry, they want to change the status quo and start building their own corrupt empire. With this, they control both organised crimes and the police force. But a power struggle soon ensues. Meanwhile, Lui Lok (Kwok) and Nam Kong (Leung)’s positions hang in the balance.
Now showing
Cocaine Bear
It may seem bizarre, but Cocaine Bear is inspired by the real-life story of an American black bear who ingested a bag of cocaine in 1985 and dies. The film adaptation deviates a little and follows the drugged bear on a killing rampage in a rural Georgia town. Both locals and tourists join hands to fend it off and survive the attack.
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Best movies to catch in Hong Kong cinemas – January 2023
A Guilty Conscience
A Guilty Conscience follows sharp-tongued barrister Adrian Lam (Dayo Wong) who mishandles a child abuse case. Due to his negligence, an innocent Jolene Tsang (Louise Wong) receives a 17-year prison sentence. Feeling guilty, Lam decides to become a public defender—until an opportunity arises to right his wrong. He assembles a team for Tsang’s appeal but sees himself in a David and Goliath courtroom battle against tycoons, Victoria (Fish Liew) and Desmond Chung (Adam Pak). Under pressure, will he get to serve justice?
Now showing
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The Banshees of Inisherin
Directed by Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin is set on a remote island on the west coast of Ireland. Lauded by critics, this black comedy received nine nominations at the 95th Academy Awards. It centres around two friends (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson), who find themselves at crossroads when one decides to abruptly end their friendship.
Now showing
Have you added any of these to your to-watch list yet?
This story first appeared here.
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