Big Screen lists some of the best films ever, from our nearby Asian neighbor.
 

There’s a certain sensibility to Hong Kong films, whether they’re action movies or art-house offerings. The kinetic ballet of martial arts is dazzling, with sequences that range from slapstick to sublime. Atmosphere, derived through historical setting and attention to detail, merges with powerful characterization, in the domestic dramas that never fail to move.

Here, in no particular order, are nine films from Hong Kong that are simply must-sees.

Hero (2002; directed by Zhang Yimou)

Nameless (Jet Li) is brought before the King of Qin to claim the reward for killing a trio of notorious assassins: Flying Snow, Broken Sword, and Long Sky. The flashbacks that unfold reveal layers of truth and untruth, culminating in a startling revelation.

Scene to see: the glorious red-infused duel between Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi)

Enter the Dragon (1973; directed by Robert Clouse)

The last completed film that Bruce Lee appeared in before his untimely death, Enter the Dragon is one of the seminal martial arts films. Among the stuntmen were members of the Seven Little Fortunes, including Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung.

Scene to see: the film’s opening Shaolin temple fight sequence, directed by Bruce Lee

Shaolin Soccer (2001; directed by Stephen Chow)

The fight between good and evil, depicted on a soccer field, pits misfits against seemingly insurmountable odds. This mo lei tau sports comedy dominated the 2001 Hong Kong Film Awards, with star and director Stephen Chow walking away with most of the awards.

Scene to see: the priceless training sequence, showing off the different skills of the team

Once Upon A Time in China (1991; directed by Tsui Hark)

Largely credited with starting the period martial arts craze of the early to mid-1990s, Once Upon A Time in China stars Jet Li as the legendary folk hero and real-life martial arts master, doctor, and commander of the local militia, Wong Fei Hung. It was the first of the highly popular movie series, and propelled Jet Li to stardom.

Scene to see: the final showdown, with Jet Li’s fist techniques

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000; directed by Ang Lee)

A meditation on duty, love and loyalty, and human struggle, this beautiful film is a masterpiece of direction and design. Featuring a stellar cast including Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen, this wuxia-style film was an international success, garnering multiple awards globally.

Scene to see:  The theft of the Green Destiny sword and the subsequent chase scene

Hard Boiled (1992; directed by John Woo)

Two cops must team up to put an end to a crime syndicate in this John Woo-helmed action film, containing what many claim to be the best action sequences ever filmed.

Scene to see: your pick—motorcycles exploding in mid-air, cars blowing up, endless gunplay

Drunken Master (1978; directed by Yuen Woo-ping)

One of Jackie Chan's first movies, in this film he fights inebriated—in the ‘Drunken Master’ fighting style, leading to one of the most celebrated performances in Hong Kong film, as Chan introduces the comedic martial arts style that would make him famous.

Scene to see: The restaurant scene is a favorite.

Infernal Affairs (2002; directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak)

This star-studded crime-thriller (Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, Kelly Chen, and Sammi Cheng) about an undercover cop and a triad mole is one of Hong Kong’s best-loved films. It was recently remade by Martin Scorsese as The Departed.

Scene to see: The entire film is tight and must be seen—nothing overblown here.

In the Mood for Love (2001; directed by Wong Kar Wai)

In Hong Kong, 1962, Chow Mo-Wan is a newspaper editor who shares a crowded building with neighbor Su Li-zhen. With their spouses away, a delicate friendship grows—one that is put to the test when terrible truths are revealed.

Scene to see: Almost every frame is saturated in rich colors—see it not only for the story, but also for the art direction.

Chungking Express (1994; directed by Wong Kar Wai)

Consisting of two stories told in sequence—each about a romance involving a policeman—Chungking Express swept the 1995 Hong Kong film awards, among them Best Picture, Best Director (Wong Kar Wai), Best Actor (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), and Best Actress (Faye Wong).

Scene to see: Any scene with Tony Leung and Faye Wong – that’s chemistry.

Most of these movies can be found on DVD or VCD at:


(Dean Francis Alfar has won many writing awards and been published nationally and internationally. He is a leading advocate of the speculative fiction movement on the Philippine literary scene. )