DJ Spooky has been a big name in New York’s avant garde music scene for almost two decades. With a steady succession of albums, collaborations, and concept projects, he has consistently pushed boundaries across various genres and media.

DJ Spooky’s film, Rebirth of a Nation is arriving in Hong Kong on October 15th, after screening at top international institutions such as The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and London’s Tate Modern.

The multimedia performance, which includes a real-time remixing of the seminal film, The Birth of A Nation, (backed by a live string ensemble!) takes place on three screens simultaneously. The score, composed by DJ Spooky and originally performed by the Kronos Quartet, has gotten rave reviews.

Aside from these performances, DJ Spooky will also be presiding over a master class and dj demonstration (in English with Cantonese explanation,) on October 14th, that touches on applying dj techniques and philosophies to contemporary art and composition. At the class he will delve into the history of sound, citing the work of contemporaries such as Brian Eno, Moby, Steve Reich, and Chuck D.

Preliminary events at the Arts Centre
To give audiences greater insight into the work of DJ Spooky, the Hong Kong Arts Centre is organizing two dj workshops (conducted in Cantonese,) on September 24th to familiarize people with the basic tools and techniques used in d.j.ing.

There will also be a seminar (in Cantonese,) on October 8th, examining the significance of the original film, The Birth of a Nation, as well as DJ Spooky’s version.

For more detailed information, check out the Arts Centre’s website.

DJ Spooky – Rebirth of a Nation
October 15th, 2011 two shows: 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Hong Kong Arts Centre
2 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong

DJ Spooky – Master Class + DJ Demonstration
October 14th, 2011
Hong Kong Arts Centre

Preliminary events
Seminar and discussion on The Birth of a Nation
October 8th, 2011
Hong Kong Arts Centre

DJ Workshops
September 24th, 2011
Hong Kong Arts Centre

Please visit the Arts Centre website for ticket prices and details.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (單身男女,) a Mandarin language film starring Daniel Wu, Louis Koo, and Gao Yuanyuan, is an inventive romantic comedy set in the offices of Hong Kong’s Central district.

While the film is solid and enjoyable (see the review below,) the big story here is the fact that it’s in Mandarin, starring Hong Kong stars, in a Hong Kong setting, by a Hong Kong director (Johnnie To.) After over 25 years of Cantonese-language dominance, is Hong Kong cinema about to return to its Mandarin-language past?

Even at the opening reception, there were signs of change. Part of the actors time was devoted to a QQ backdrop and Mandarin-language interview session. If you quickly consider it from the film company’s point of view – would you rather sell to an audience of 7 million or 1 billion? Long gone are the days that the Hong Kong entertainment industry can rely solely on the local, and overseas Chinese markets.

For years the Mainland market was negligible. However, now China has a vast (and growing) theater network, as well as a clear path to screen more Hong Kong films. (Previously, Hong Kong movies were considered foreign films, and faced murky rules in order to enter the market.)

Wai Ka Fai, Gao Yuan Yuan, Daniel Wu and Louis Koo

While last year had a strong showing of very local H.K. productions, the trend may again be reversing. If Don’t Go Breaking My Heart is a success with Mainland audiences, it may trigger a new fragmentation of the Hong Kong industry, creating a string of local Mandarin-language productions.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – a capsule review

Gao Yuanyuan, Daniel Wu, Louis Koo, JJ Jia, Larisa Bakurova, and Terence Yin

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart revolves around a female lead played by Gao Yuanyuan, who must decide between two men (Daniel Wu and Louis Koo,) each with different strengths and abilities to commit. The film delivers genuine laughs and builds the audience’s empathy towards the characters without ever veering into sappy territory. There are numerous amusing gags as the duo competes for attention. Solid performances and ingenuity make it an entertaining romantic comedy.

Like the hitman he portrayed in the 1989 film, The Killer (喋血雙雄,) Chow Yun Fat has had a hard time escaping his past.

Though an exceptionally versatile actor, his genre-defining, charismatic performances of the late 80′s to early 90′s have left fans longing for him to return to similar roles – even after 20 years!

When the kung fu film craze died down in Hong Kong in the mid-eighties, it was replaced by more contemporary feats of chivalry, often featuring charismatic gunplay. The icon of this new genre of ‘heroic bloodshed’ (or ‘bullet ballet,’) as it has been called, was actor Chow Yun Fat.

Immortalized in films such as John Woo’s “The Killer,” and others by directors Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark, the actor left a massive impression on film-goers that endures to this day.

Regional and international audiences embraced Chow Yun Fat particularly for his action roles, which paved the way for a career in Hollywood films.

Though he is inarguably a multi-talented actor, and one who doesn’t deserve to be typecast, Chow Yun Fat’s action fans just won’t let him walk away. News of every new project he takes on is secretly greeted with the optimistic hope that he will once again reprise one of his legendary roles. (And for over fifteen years, he hasn’t!)

For a quick analogy, it’s as if they stopped making James Bond movies after the first few, and you were stuck watching Sean Connery and Roger Moore in less captivating, non genre-defining roles.

Let the Bullets Fly

Let The Bullets Fly, Chow Yun Fat’s most recent film, is neither a Western, nor an action movie, but more of a veiled social-commentary, with elements of farce and comedy gluing it together.

Though Chow Yun Fat looms large, he seems like a co-star in the film, behind Mainland actor Jiang Wen, who is also the film’s director.

Let the Bullets Fly boils down to a fast-paced duel of wits and words between the two main characters, a notorious bandit impersonating a governor (Jiang Wen,) and the local gangster who actually runs the town (Chow Yun Fat.)

The performances are all on point, and Jiang Wen truly shines in his role, however, foreign audiences won’t get the thick, multi-layered wordplay, and what remains is solid, but not a dazzling film. Two additional weak points include the opening sequence (with its improbable outcome,) and an odd, somewhat lonely quality at the end.

Chow Yun Fat action fans, this one isn’t what you’ve been waiting for. Until then:

The trailer for the upcoming film Gallants is yet more proof in our theory that Hong Kong films are making a comeback. A nod to times when the city’s movies kicked both figuratively and literally, it reminds you of the original recipe that lead to H.K. cinema’s international success.

The Gallants trailer is a masterpiece itself, deftly balancing a retro feel and stylized editing, with intense action and a sense of humor.

Direct lineage to an earlier era
Produced by Andy Lau’s Focus Films, the movie features veteran actors Chen Kuan-Tai, Leung Siu-Lung, and Teddy Robin.

Chen Kuan-Tai often played a hero in Shaw Brothers films of the 1970′s (alongside notable names such as Ti Lung, David Chiang and Fu Sheng.) This makes him a member of the first wave of Hong Kong cinema’s popularity, part of the same group of actors who were venerated by a generation of movie fans.

The trailer for Gallants even includes a throwback 70′s-inspired title sequence.

On the younger side of the cast, there’s Wong You Nam, J.J. Jia, and M.C. Jin sporting a neck brace! Gallants looks exhilarating, hilarious and fun! Check out the trailer below:

It’s been a long time since I’ve been impressed with a Hong Kong movie poster. In fact, most of the recent local films have had shamefully bad posters.

Can you judge a film by its poster?

Absolutely! A bad poster often indicates that the director and film company care little about the quality of their work.

If this theory is correct, then Dream Home, the new film by director Pang Ho Cheung, should be a clear standout.

The advertisement for the slasher film features an expressive painting-style with a large close-up of lead actress Josie Ho’s face, and a hand clutching a knife. There’s also blood splattered strategically!

The poster is a real attention getter, especially when it’s prominently displayed in sterile environments such as the Causeway Bay MTR station.

The film itself deals with an issue that most people in Hong Kong can relate to – the quest for real estate (in a market notorious for exorbitant property prices.)

Initially titled, ‘Victoria Bay,’ the first trailer for the film was shot in the style of a luxury development commercial – something that we in Hong Kong are barraged with every day!

Though not in the film, actor Edison Chen appears in the trailer, which I’ve read was shot by Conroy Chan.

It’s cool to see so many Alive Not Dead artists involved in the production including Andrew Lin and Phat Chan, among others.

Dream Home opens around town on May 13th!

Every decade seems to bring new challenges to the Hong Kong film industry. Over the years there’s been lots of talk of the industry dying out completely. In the most recent threat, local film companies have turned their backs on the comparatively tiny Hong Kong market and have instead set their sights on the blossoming Mainland box office.

By focusing on making films for outside audiences, recent movies have lacked the local feel of previous generations of H.K. productions.

But just over a week into the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival, I’ve caught four movies that point in quite the opposite direction. Could it be that Hong Kong cinema is making a come back?

During the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Filmart last week, I was able to preview a diverse group of Hong Kong movies that will soon be opening in theaters. The films span multiple genres including action, comedy, and romance.

Here’s a quick rundown of what I caught and why they are notable. No spoilers!

Fire Of Conscience

I wasn’t expecting much walking into this one. It appeared to be just another police story. In fact, I even contemplated watching a different film that was showing at the same time.

I’m extremely happy I decided to stay. The opening sequence alone totally knocked me out! I haven’t had a cinematic experience like that in ages. For me, the first few minutes of this film were more innovative than any of the 3-D chicanery in movies like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.

What followed was a fast-paced action film starring Leon Lai and Richie Ren. The movie features Leon’s best acting in years, along with some mind-blowing action sequences. I recommend Fire of Conscience for long-time fans of Hong Kong cinema that have abandoned the films in recent years. Be sure to watch this one on the big screen!

Crossing Hennessy

In the quest for making universal films, one thing that’s been lacking in Hong Kong cinema lately are movies are about average Hong Kong people. (One could argue that the city itself seems increasingly out of touch with the lives of normal people…)

As theatergoers we’ve had to be satisfied with stories about warriors from ancient China or famous kung fu masters. In contrast, Crossing Hennessy is a love story about normal, working class people, which makes it exceptional. The movie exhibits archetypal Hong Kong personalities and an excellent performance by lead actress Tang Wei.

Break Up Club
Although I’m not much of a fan of movie-within-a-movie plots, Break Up Club handles the jumble elegantly, and coaxes solid performances out of leads Jaycee Chan and Fiona Sit.

Here you’ll find a host of Hong Kong relationship dilemmas and several genuinely touching moments. Strong direction by Barbara Wong and good editing keeps this from slipping into gimmick territory.

Love In A Puff
Director Pang Ho Cheung’s latest film uses pick-up sidewalk smoking sessions as a springboard for different kinds of storytelling. The film has some great gags and is laced with Hong Kong-style humor. Starring Shawn Yue and Miriam Yeung, Love In A Puff features carefully crafted jokes and a few interesting twists.

Film fans have a new reason to cross the harbor. Less than two weeks ago, the UA cinema chain opened an IMAX theater in the brand new iSquare shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Previously, those seeking the thrills of the massive IMAX screen had to trek all the way out to Megabox in Kowloon Bay. The new cinema is far more conveniently located, with two exits that spill directly into iSquare from the main Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.

What else does iSquare offer?

Aside from the UA cinema, there’s not much yet to browse because so few shops are open.

The current occupancy seems only around twenty-five percent. They have a few new restaurants and shops, but most of the tenants are simply new branches of familiar chains.

Roaming the mall I spotted yet another new burger joint (enough already!) – Kraze Burger, in addition to a new frozen yogurt shop, Best Berry.

The mall has a peculiar layout, with a network of long-haul, multi-story escalators that run along the Nathan Road side of the building.

Since the glass is clear, the view is good, but perhaps it takes you away from the shops, and prevents you from browsing. This is in contrast to traditional shopping centers, where the escalators run along the central interior of the shopping mall, enabling you a view of shops on either side in-between floors.

One interesting technique is iSquare’s ample use of digital projectors. As you ride along the escalators, or pass through certain hallways, projectors beam designs and motion graphics against the wall.

Though this is currently used for beautification purposes, it wouldn’t take much to begin creating advertising opportunities and selling them to the mall’s tenants. Shoppers riding the long escalators are a captive audience after all.

iSquare – the new face of TST?

The iSquare shopping mall stands in contrast to most of the surrounding buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui. Rising up many stories above its neighbors, its mammoth size and modern design are perhaps a precursor to what may soon be commonplace in the neighborhood.

As the height limits of the area have expired with the closing of the old airport, a new vertical building boom has been slowly taking place. One only need to look further to West Kowloon to see what is possible. (Perhaps in a reversal, buildings in Central may be dwarfed by their Kowloon counterparts.)

UA iSquare IMAX movie theater

With its 3D special effects, Avatar is a great first film to christen the iSquare IMAX cinema. In addition to the IMAX, there are several other screens at the multiplex.

Tickets for the IMAX screening of Avatar aren’t cheap at a whopping $170 HKD per seat! The least expensive option is early morning on a Tuesday, which still goes for $120 HKD. Perhaps the reason for the extra high price is that filmgoers must wear 3D glasses for the Avatar screening (which you can keep after the movie.) Normal IMAX films are around $120 HKD. Despite the high price, the iSquare IMAX theater is nearly sold out (except early mornings) for over a week in advance!

Kowloon shopping options to overtake Hong Kong Island?

iSquare is just one of a group of new shopping malls in Tsim Sha Tsui. The neighborhood is experiencing a spurt of new shopping destinations including iSquare, 1881, K11, and a complex under construction at the intersection of Granville and Nathan Roads.

1881

K11

Hong Kong Island snobs will be surprised when they finally take a trip over. Canton Road alone is giving Central a run for the title of best luxury shopping in Hong Kong. More on this topic in an upcoming post!

Happy Holidays!

i Square shopping mall
63 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
(Exit H from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station)

UA i Square IMAX
7/F, 63 Nathan Road
i Square shopping mall
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Tsui Hark’s Film Workshop to Hong Kong cinema in the mid 80′s thru 90′s. The company epitomized the magic and versatility of Hong Kong filmmaking. A list of their productions reads like a list of the best Hong Kong movies of all time.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Film Workshop, (a company formed by director Tsui Hark and his wife, the producer Nansun Shi,) the Hong Kong International Film Festival is curating a special exhibition at the Agnes B. gallery in Wanchai.

What’s inside?

Located up a set of stairs on Wing Fung Street, next to Pacific Place Three, the show consists of posters and props from Film Workshop’s movies. Glancing at the posters, you begin to understand just how many important works were born from the company.

Absolute classics including Shanghai Blues (a personal favorite!) Peking Opera Blues, A Better Tomorrow, A Chinese Ghost Story, Once Upon A Time in China, The Killer, Iron Monkey, Swordsman and Green Snake all bore the Film Workshop touch.

Poster for Shanghai Blues, 1984

Props, including specially hand-crafted weapons from the movie Seven Swords were also on display.

Interspersed are drawings, or studies of scenes that were to be shot for different films. A video containing interviews and clips from Tsui Hark’s movies is also on rotation. A bank of CD players allows visitors to hear film soundtracks, many of which contain hugely recognizable hits.

For a company as prolific as Film Workshop, the exhibition isn’t very in-depth. Compared to massive exhibitions staged in previous years, such as the collection of artifacts from the director King Hu, the Film Workshop exhibit is a little light, with an emphasis on his most recent work. Perhaps this is because it’s a struggle to locate and get the rights to artifacts.

Movie fans will still find the show a treat, especially the experience of standing in a room surrounded by posters from so many legendary films.

A Tribute to Romantic Visions
25th Anniversary of Film Workshop
agnes b. librairie galerie
1/F 18 Wing Fung Street
Wanchai, Hong Kong

Now until June 27th, 2009
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8pm (closed on Sundays)
Call 2869-5505 for more information

The past week has been a blur of films, receptions, after-parties and late night snacks. Hong Kong has been the epicenter of the Asian film industry, hosting four major movie events simultaneously.

In addition to the Hong Kong International Film Festival, and the Asian Film Awards (which was held on Monday night,) the four day Filmart and HAF film financing forum have just finished up.

During this period there have been several notable film launches. Wednesday night was the premiere of Hong Kong director Dante Lam’s new film, The Sniper. Starring Richie Jen, Huang Xiaoming and Edison Chen, the picture was originally scheduled to be released last year.

How did it turn out?

The additional post production time, and some extra editing, served the release well. The Sniper is an action movie involving a team of sharpshooters working for the Hong Kong police force. The plot centers around a former member of the team whose talent is only out matched by his apparent craziness.

The leading cast members, minus Edison Chen at the premiere.

The film features a lean plot that stays on track and remains sharp throughout. From what I’ve heard, a lengthy subplot involving Edison’s character ‘O.J.’ and his father was removed from the film. The result is a faster pace and arguably a stronger film.

The performances are executed well by Richie Jen, Huang Xiaoming and Edison Chen. Though there is a certain amount of bravado given the subject matter, there are also small, sophisticated touches involving the main character’s relationships. The film stays engaging throughout.

Coming soon to theaters in Hong Kong.

Sunday night the convention center was abuzz with two star-studded premieres marking the start of the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival. The cast of both opening films, Shinjuku Incident and Night and Fog were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

Movie stars and celebrities in attendance included Jackie Chan, Daniel Wu, Fan Bingbing, Takenaka Naoto, Simon Yam, Xu Jinglei, Zhang Jingchu, Derek Yee, Ann Hui, Karen Mok and many others. Check out the photos!