Top five films to watch in Hong Kong this week (October 18-24), from Searching to The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Click on the film titles to read SCMP.com reviews.

1. First Man

Another Damien Chazelle film, another dreamer character sacrificing his personal relationships in the hope of achieving greatness. The sombre biopic of Neil Armstrong – which reunites the La La Land ’ director with that film’s star, Ryan Gosling – offers an utterly immersive look at the astronaut’s experiences both at home and up on the moon. (Now showing)

2. Searching

Move over, Crazy Rich Asians . This enthralling mystery-thriller by Indian-American director Aneesh Chaganty is the year’s best showcase of Asian-American talent. Told entirely on a computer screen, it stars John Cho as a Korean-American father who learns a lot more about his daughter after she goes missing. (Now showing)

3. The Miseducation of Cameron Post

A coming-of-age drama set around a gay conversion therapy centre for teenagers, this compassionate film by director Desiree Akhavan sees Chloë Grace Moretz give another outstanding performance as an emotionally confused young woman struggling to find herself. (Opens on October 18)

4. A Star Is Born

The fourth telling of this classic romantic melodrama is a tale of two marvellous debuts. First-time director Bradley Cooper, who also co-stars, impresses with his aptitude for crowd-pleasing set pieces, but it is Lady Gaga, in her first starring role as an aspiring singer, who leaves the most lasting impression. An affecting delight. (Now showing)

5. Distinction

A modest tale of self-discovery, Jevons Au Man-kit’s first solo directing effort follows a trio of characters as they re-evaluate their priorities in life during the production of a musical at a special needs school. Best known for his contribution to Ten Years and for Trivisa , Au again confirms himself as a socially conscious filmmaker to watch. (Now showing)

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