| In the mood for festivity |
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| Culture | |
| Friday, 19 February 2010 | |
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It has been a long tradition that a comedy film will come out every Chinese New Year to bring in some festive joy and laughter. This year, movie-goers in London saw the simultaneous Asia-wide release of Hong Kong’s latest comedy ALL’s WELL ENDS WELL 2010 (dir: Raymond Wong). Those who are familiar with this series will know that they will be treated to some cheap laughs, whacky characters, and (hopefully) some hilariously over-the-top performances by a star studded cast (Sandra Ng, Louis Koo), and even more star studded cameos! Of course director Wong himself will make his obligatory appearance somewhere too. Whilst credit must be given for bringing in ALL’S WELL ENDS WELL 2010 to London, it would have been a real case for celebrations if they had gotten the much anticipated CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun Fatt. Have a peek at the trailer and let us know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgiM1ubNCYc&feature=player_embedded) Nonetheless, catching ALL’S WELL ENDS WELL 2010 will no doubt bring a smile to the audience’s face and remind them of a typical Chinese New Year celebration back home. ALL’S WELL ENDS WELL 2010 is currently showing at the Prince Charles cinema.
Also at the Prince Charles cinema is the closing film for the East Asian Film Festival. Having screened many classic films from Hong Kong and Japan, this festival is due to close on the 22nd February with the gorgeous cinematic gem, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (dir: Wong Kar-wai). From the beautiful costume to the mesmeric score, it is probably worthwhile to re-watch this again on the big screen or introduce others to one of the best Hong Kong films ever made.
Another film currently showing in London and other cities throughout the UK is BREATHLESS. This Korean crime drama tells the tale of a lowlife gangster, debt collector Sang-hoon (Yang Ik-june) exercising thuggish ways to collect his money. The recipient of nothing but anger since his childhood, he expresses himself through violence. When he finally encounters someone who can stand up to him, feisty school-girl Yoon-hee (Kim Kkobbi), they become unlikely friends. Together, they try to change their lives, to escape the confines of society’s periphery; change and escape never comes that easily though. Winner of over 13 awards at international film festivals, this film has done well on the festival circuit and has played well to female audiences outside of the UK despite the subject matter. Times and venue listing: http://bit.ly/Breathless_Listings
Over at the BFI and as part of Meridian Society’s year long focus on Shanghai, the classic film TWO STAGE SISTERS will be shown on the 21st February. Music, melodrama and revolution combine in this tour de force from leading director Xie Jin, whose life and work spanned the emergence of the People's Republic. The world of the Shaoxing opera is the setting for an intimate story of two actresses in an all-female company, whose lives in the turbulent years of 1930 to 1950 are seen as a microcosm of much wider social upheaval and transition. Released on the eve of the Cultural Revolution, the film was condemned and its director sidelined until his provocative return in the late 70s. http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/events/chinese_new_year/two_stage_sisters
Lastly, after touring the UK with Visible Secrets: Hong Kong’s Women Filmmakers, London will get the double screening of MING MING (dir: Susie Au) and VISIBLE SECRETS (dir: Ann Hui) at the Riverside Studios on the 25th February. Whilst first-time director Au makes a stylish and attractive debut feature, it is the work of veteran helmer, Hui that stands out in the programme. For those who caught the entire festival up in Manchester, they would have seen a selection of her films such as July Rhapsody, The Postmodern Life of My Aunt, Night and Fog, and The Way We Are. Notable for her subtle social-commentary approach and non-commercial subject matter, The Way We Are was a critical success in Hong Kong and the film won many awards including Best Director for Hui. From the auteur to the avant-garde, Hong Kong cinema has a strong tradition of women working behind the camera. Perhaps surprisingly, most of their work has rarely been seen in the UK. It is also worthwhile to note that in a male-dominated film industry, Hong Kong cinema has embraced the female filmmakers and acknowledged their outstanding work. Unlike the Western counterpart, the Oscar is still yet to reward its first-ever female director in the honor rolls. Ming Ming and Visible Secrets is screening on the 25th February. http://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/cgi-bin/season.pl?f=Hong%20Kong%20Women's%20Filmmaking
There are still plenty of activities and events happening all across London for the Chinese New Year. From arts and crafts to museum hopping, see a selection of “what’s on” here: http://www.dimsum.co.uk/community/chinese-new-year-fun-for-children.html Of course, the annual CNY parade is happening this Sunday 21st Feb. The official opening ceremony kicks off in Trafalgar Square at noon with various festive performances throughout Chinatown’s main stage and Soho. Dimsum’s featured artist Tuanne Mac will also be making her debut at the Dean St stage to share some of her songs of heartache and romance. Hopefully this year, the weather will shine and won’t snow on her parade!
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