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Edmund Lee

Click on film titles to read SCMP.com reviews


1. Dunkirk
After turning out modern classics that range from Memento and The Dark Knight to Inception and Interstellar, blockbuster director Christopher Nolan surprises even avid followers by eschewing his signature mind-bending tricks for an impressionist war epic – and one of the best movies of 2017. (Opens on July 20)


2. Their Finest
The second wartime drama to open this week is a decidedly different, but no less enchanting, effort – and could make up a magnificent double bill alongside the male-driven Dunkirk. Gemma Arterton plays a witty woman hired to provide a female perspective to British wartime propaganda films. (Opens on July 20)


3. Eraserhead
A definitive title in cult cinema history, David Lynch’s 1977 debut takes a nightmarish look at one man’s anxiety about parenthood. In its surreal, uncompromisingly creepy ways, this remains one of the most disturbing films ever made. (July 21 and 24, part of The Nightmare Maker: David Lynch Retrospective programme)


4. Wiener-Dog
Taking inspiration from Robert Bresson’s Au Hasard Balthazar, which evaluates mankind through a donkey’s eyes, American filmmaker Todd Solondz bounces back from his 2011 misfire Dark Horse to fashion a terrific deadpan comedy, infused with uncomfortably harsh views on human sufferings. (Now showing)


5. War for the Planet of the Apes
In an era of ill-conceived sequels and remakes, and after Tim Burton’s 2001 reboot, few were giving this project a chance when it was mooted. But three films in – with this film and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, both directed by Matt Reeves, drawing particular praise – we’re looking at a more engrossing prequel series than anyone could’ve hoped for. (Now showing)
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Top five films to see in Hong Kong this week (July 20-26), from Dunkirk to Their Finest

One of the best films of the year in Christopher Nolan’s war epic, a gentler war-themed film, and one of the most disturbing movies ever made in Eraserhead are among our critics’ top picks this week

Gemma Arterton in the other war film opening this week, Their Finest. Photo: Nicola Dove

Culture

Film & TV

One of the best films of the year in Christopher Nolan’s war epic, a gentler war-themed film, and one of the most disturbing movies ever made in Eraserhead are among our critics’ top picks this week
