Film enthusiasts Stefan Hammond and Mike Wilkins offer the following introduction to the wonder that is Chinese cinema. "In describing Hong Kong cinema - its excitement, vitality, electricity - film-school polemics fail. There is no pointy-headed, white-wine-and-baked-brie philosophizing that adequately describes its 'scalding propulsion,' the force that blasts you out of your seat and rearranges your popcorn. ... Hong Kong movies are, simply, some of the most entertaining films on the planet."
Interested? Here are five "can't miss" offerings from the Hollywood of the East.
The Killer (1989), Directed by John Woo. Arguably, this film has done more to spark Westerners' interest in HK cinema than any other. A poignant portrayal of the uncommon bond that emerges between a cop and hitman who share mutual enemies on Hong Kong's violent streets.
The Bride With White Hair (1993), Directed by Ronnie Yu. Shakespeare never did this. An exquisitely filmed adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in the dark, supernatural confines of Asia's so-called "underworld."
The Heroic Trio (1992), Directed by Johnny To and Ching Siu-tung. Three super-heroines do battle against a baby-snatching eunuch in this outrageous comic-book fantasy. "Wonder Woman" never looked so good.
Naked Killer (1993), Directed by Clarence Ford. The epitome of Asian "trash" cinema. A stylish, in-your-face cult classic complete with lesbian lovers, Aphroditic assassins, and enough eye-candy to render subtitles useless.
Chungking Express (1994) Directed by Wong Kar-wai. Is there such a thing as a Hong Kong "date" movie? This offbeat romance from one of Hong Kong's most artistic directors will warm even the most jaded hearts.
Fortunately, Western access to Chinese cinema is growing. Most major cities, notably Montreal, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., now feature annual Hong Kong film festivals. Chinese video stores are another option. Keep in mind however, most of their proprietors understand little or no English, and most Hong Kong film titles appear in Chinese characters only! Fortunately, several Hong Kong film anthologies (See below.) have mercifully catalogued many well known titles in both English and Chinese, thereby eliminating this problem. More popular Hong Kong titles (such as those cited above) are readily becoming available at larger video stores, typically in letter-boxed, subtitled editions.
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