Hong Kong Dreaming

You know what I really love? Hong Kong films!! No, not those silly b-movies with bad dubbing and outlandish martial arts. I’m talking quality here They are so good that Hollywood steals their plots and adapts them for westerners who can’t be bothered with subtitles. (You know how lazy that is? You’re missing out on sooo much!) Case in point:

You probably know this story as The Departed by Martin Scorcese. Yet Infernal Affairs is more awesome, and a whole trilogy of awesomeness at that!

So anyway, back on track. There are a few HK films I think everyone should watch. One is the Chungking Express (1994)

This is just a beautiful piece of art from start to finish. The cinematography is clever and the stories of two completely different couples are highly enjoyable.

Another is the insanely addictive and clever, Mad Detective (2008)

I watched this twice in the same week, it was THAT good! It was clearly remarkably simple to put together, but the story is wildly complex with many different layers and interpretations. It had me hooked from start to finish with its wacky humour and absorbing characters.

Anyway, those are just a few films I’ve highlighted to you. The thing I love about Hong Kong cinema is its simplicity coupled with depth. The directors don’t use wild special effects or impossible camera angles to create their movies, but use the K.I.S.S principle to absorb you into their cinematic worlds. I reckon their smaller budget has caused them to be inventive and more original. This makes it refreshing and inspiring to watch.

I suggest you discover a good HK flick sometime. Try something new. I doubt you will be disappointed.

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