Who says watching movies has to be in a movie theater? This summer, Tai Kwun is bringing a special “Moonlight Cinema” event, where audiences can gather outside the parade ground to enjoy a selection of local films, short films, and animations together, and experience a unique movie-watching experience!
Hong Kong cinema has been polished and refined through the ages, experiencing constant changes in times, accumulating countless cultural gems that we can be proud of. “Moonlit Cinema” has selected ten Hong Kong films, spanning from the 1960s to the post-millennium era, showcasing our creative works and urban landscape over the years, blending Eastern and Western cultures, and carrying international significance. Before each film screening, short films by young Hong Kong creators will be shown, allowing movie fans to reminisce and trace old-fashioned sentiments, while also capturing the current state of Hong Kong cinema.
Liu Zhenwei’s “The Magic Box of Journey to the West 101” and “The Fairy Tale of Journey to the West: The Grand Finale” (1995) are nominally adapted from classical works, but in reality, they overturn the relationships, personalities, causes, and consequences of the characters in the classic works, subversively telling a love fable. Playful and deep in emotion, it has created countless memorable quotes and scenes, and is also the most exuberant performance by comedy superstar Stephen Chow, worthy of nostalgic recollection.
Tsui Hark’s “The Lovers” (1997) combines 2D and 3D animation techniques, turning the continuous earth-shattering action spectacle into high-quality animated art. “The Lovers” seemingly turns the popular “A Chinese Ghost Story” film series of the 1980s into animation, but in reality only takes some character prototypes and story outlines, then freely develops, creating a colorful and lively, human-demon coexisting futuristic ancient world, pioneering innovation in Hong Kong cinema and special effects production.
Ann Hui’s “Summer Snow” (1995) does not sensationalize the tragic plight of elderly life, but calmly describes the final days of a dementia patient and the gradual understanding between the daughter-in-law and the elderly father. It extracts a gentle and compassionate ethical story, rich in realistic life experiences, making every ordinary character shine gradually in casual conversations, representing a Hong Kong film closely tied to social issues.
In “Throw Down” (2004) by Johnnie To, Hong Kong is turned into a martial arts world where everyone knows judo, showcasing skilled fighters in hidden corners of the streets. The character, Suet Bo, who has given up on life, goes through various struggles in the story and rediscovers judo and himself. It can be said that the director’s response to the post-SARS downturn was powerful and resonant.
“Comrades: Almost a Love Story” (1996) outlines the unknowns of Hong Kong on the eve of its return, with Maggie Cheung seemingly blending the characters of “Ho Lai Yu” and “Suzie Wong” into one, displaying both playfulness and subtle thoughts, making it one of her breakthrough performances. The film was mostly shot in the Yau Tsim Mong area, capturing the once bustling and chaotic appearance of Hong Kong, along with the transient and hesitant collective mentality portrayed in the film, making it a unique record of the era.
Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” (2000) is acclaimed as one of the most important film works of the 21st century, with its ambiguous entanglement and elaborate visual elements captivating both local and international audiences, influencing numerous filmmakers, and giving fans the opportunity to revisit it.
In addition, there are classic masterpieces such as Tang Shuxuan’s “Madame Dong” (1968), director Lau Kar-leung’s “The Martial Club” (1981), another masterpiece by Tsui Hark “The Legend of Zu” (2001), and New Wave director Stanley Fung’s “Half a Loaf of Kung Fu” (1983). At the same time, there will also be short films by Hong Kong’s emerging filmmakers at the event. Film enthusiasts should not miss it!
Date: July 28 to August 7, 2022
Time: 8:00 PM (Movie on July 30 starts at 7:30 PM)
Location: Tai Kwun Parade Ground
Ticket Price: $150 Regular / $50 Discount
Image source and learn more: Tai Kwun
