Top five films to watch in Hong Kong this week (May 31-June 6), from On Happiness Road to No. 1 Chung Ying Street

An animated feature set in Taiwan, Derek Chiu’s provocative comparison of the “umbrella movement” and 1967 Hong Kong riots, a hilarious prom night romp and – yes – the latest Star Wars film are among our picks of the week

Film reviews

Edmund Lee

Published: 7:00am, 31 May 2018

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1. Solo: A Star Wars Story

It’s a shame to see this spin-off prequel flop at the box office. Director Ron Howard has more than acquitted himself with this exhilarating sci-fi action adventure movie after taking over mid-production, while Alden Ehrenreich, stepping into the sizeable shoes of Harrison Ford, proves a flawless choice for the title role. (Now showing)

2. On Happiness Road

First-time filmmaker Sung Hsin-yin mines her own memories and experiences to create this powerful animated feature, which reflects on the last four decades of Taiwanese history via the intimate tale of an Americanised young woman – voiced by actress Gwei Lun-mei – looking to reconnect with her past. (Opens on May 31)

3. No. 1 Chung Ying Street

Director Derek Chiu Sung-kee (The Road Less Traveled) makes a surprising change of pace and delivers one of the most politically ambivalent Hong Kong films in years. His decision to present the anti-British riots of 1967 and the “umbrella movement” protests of 2014 side-by-side is as controversial as it is patently provocative. (Opens on May 31)

4. Jupiter’s Moon

A science-fiction fantasy that is nevertheless firmly rooted in reality, this unconventional superhero origin story by acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó (White God) follows a Syrian refugee as he is gunned down – and then miraculously reborn with the power to levitate. A visually entrancing experience. (Now showing)

5. Blockers

Don’t be surprised if this raunchy directing debut by Pitch Perfect writer Kay Cannon becomes one of your favourite comedies of the year. Leslie Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz are just hilarious as parents trying to stop their daughters from having sex on prom night, only to end up in a wild adventure themselves. (Now showing)

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