Hong Kong Cinema

Traces of Places,

Hong Kong cinema is actually just one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese-language cinema, along with Mainland Chinese cinema and Taiwanese cinema. However, as a former British colony, Hong Kong had greater political and economic freedom than either of the other threads. For decades, Hong Kong was the 3rd-largest motion picture industry in the world, after Indian cinema (Bollywood) and American cinema (Hollywood), as well as the 2nd-largest exporter. Despite Hong Kong’s transfer to Chinese sovereignty in July 1997, the Hong Kong film industry, especially its action cinema, has managed to retain much of its distinctive identity and prominence on the world stage. Today, the entire Hong Kong film industry, which includes the associated cultural and creative industries, represents 5% of the territory’s economy.

Movies from Hong Kong directors that I would recommend include:

  • Ip Man 1, 2, 3, and 4: The Finale (2008/2010/2015/2019, Wilson Yip) – starring Donnie Yen
  • Red Cliff / Red Cliff II (2008/2009, John Woo) – set during China’s Three Kingdoms period
  • Seven Swords (2005, Tsui Hark)
  • Kung Fu Hustle (2004, Stephen Chow)
  • Infernal Affairs / Infernal Affairs III (2002/2003, Andrew Lau & Alan Mak)
  • Shaolin Soccer (2001, Stephen Chow)
  • In the Mood for Love / 2046 (2000/2004, Wong Kar-wai) – starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung & Maggie Cheung
  • Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997, Sammo Hung)
  • The Legend of Drunken Master (1994, Jackie Chan & Lau Kar-leung)
  • Ashes of Time (1994, Wong Kar-wai)
  • Chungking Express (1994, Wong Kar-wai)
  • Hard Boiled (1992, John Woo)
  • Once Upon a Time in China I, II, III, & V (1991/1992/1992/1994, Tsui Hark) – starring Jet Li
  • A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy (1987/1990/1991, Siu-Tung Ching) – starring Leslie Cheung
  • A Better Tomorrow / A Better Tomorrow II (1986/1987, John Woo) – starring Chow Yun-Fat
  • Police Story / Police Story 2 (1985/1988, Jackie Chan)
  • Legendary Weapons of China (1982, Lau Kar-leung)
  • The 36th Chamber of Shaolin / Return to the 36th Chamber / Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1978/1980/1985, Lau Kar-leung) – starring Gordon Liu
  • Five Deadly Venoms (1978, Chang Cheh)
  • Infra-man (1975, Hua Shan) – the first superhero film set in Hong Kong
  • The Way of the Dragon (1972, Bruce Lee)
  • One-Armed Swordsman (1967, Chang Cheh)

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