Chinese Film Panorama 2015: four films to watch
Modernisation and patriotism in war among the themes of our selection of the best of the annual Hong Kong fest
The Chinese box office, already the second largest globally, is on track to overtake the US as the world’s largest film market in three years. Although audiences on the mainland flock to see Hollywood blockbusters, Chinese films are increasing in popularity.
Perhaps the best example is the festival known as Chinese Film Panorama. Started by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in 1997 – the year of the handover – to commemorate Chinese cinema in Hong Kong, the programme is now in its 19th year and still going strong. There are 10 films on the bill, which runs from October 19 to November 20 at various venues around the city.
Here are our top four films:
Hundred Regiments Offensive
This year is the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the second world war, and Hundred Regiments Offensive – about the heroic efforts of Chinese soldiers as they take on the Japanese army – would serve as the programme’s opening film. Expect massive battle scenes and unabashed Chinese patriotism.