Top five films to watch in Hong Kong this week (January 11-17), from The Disaster Artist to Have a Nice Day

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1. The Disaster Artist

Actor-turned-director James Franco deservedly won a Golden Globe for his acting in this laugh-out-loud-funny homage to the 2003 cult classic The Room. Depending on how the new accusations of sexual misconduct surrounding him develop, however, this could also be the last great film Franco is involved in. (Opens on January 11)

2. 120 Beats per Minute

This is so much more than just another LGBT film. From the filmmaker who scripted Laurent Cantet’s 2008 Golden Palme winner The Class comes this dramatisation of 1990s Aids activism in France, a compelling ensemble drama that will serve to inspire any marginalised social group battling to be heard by the public. (Now showing)

3. Darkest Hour

After clinching the best actor prize at the Golden Globes this week, Gary Oldman looks increasingly like a shoo-in for an Oscar win in March with his electrifying performance as Winston Churchill in this historical drama, set during the important early days of the legendary politician’s first term as British prime minister. (Now showing)

4. Have a Nice Day

A distinguished piece of animation that has been hidden from Chinese viewers due to pressure from Beijing, writer-director Liu Jian’s second film paints a relentlessly bleak view of modern China, populated by violent, materialistic characters seemingly taken straight out of the Coen brothers’ crime dramas. (Opens on January 12)

5. The Room

This was meant to be a one-off screening for the diehard fans. But Tommy Wiseau’s cult favourite The Room, often labelled “the Citizen Kane of bad movies”, has proved such a hit with Hong Kong audiences that it has now been turned into a limited run in cinemas. Don’t miss the chance to see it with a crowd. (Opens on January 13)

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