Hong Kong International Film Festival 2019: the films you shouldn’t miss
- Subjects include drugs in Colombia to free climbing in Yosemite, first world war footage in colour to a documentary about Alien
- Other films are about a footballer who loses his skill and a documentary about Alexander McQueen
Boasting more than 230 films from 63 different countries, the 43rd Hong Kong International Film Festival kicks off on March 18.
A 15-day celebration of the very best in world cinema, the festival showcases world premieres from around the region, as well as the latest offerings from celebrated global auteurs.
Restored classics from Sammo Hung Kam-bo, Dario Argento and Stanley Kubrick will screen alongside retrospectives of China’s lauded Fifth Generation filmmakers, and a special tribute to a century of Korean Cinema.
Beyond the award winners and festival darlings, here are 15 films you’d be a fool to miss:
1. Bodies at Rest
Finnish director Renny Harlin is best known for his 1990s action offerings Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and The Long Kiss Goodnight, but now delivers his first Hong Kong film. This year’s official opener is a taut psychological thriller in which Nick Cheung Ka-fai’s forensics expert goes toe-to-toe with a despicable Richie Jen Hsien-chi that is sure to kick off festivities in rousing fashion. (March 18)
