Local cinema had long been associated with martial arts flicks and gangster crime dramas, but in recent times, there has been an increase in films that centre on social issues—here are our picks of the best ones
When it comes to iconic Hong Kong movies, Fist of Fury (1972), In the Mood for Love (2000) and Infernal Affairs (2002) would probably come to mind. Legends like Wong Kar-wai, Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung (who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards on April 14) have paved the way for the local film industry’s reputation in top-notch kung fu flicks, gritty crime thrillers and romantic comedies.
But the Hong Kong film industry is evolving—and in recent years, there has been a rising number of productions that focus on social issues—think the racial divides, refugee struggles and mental health awareness, to name a few.
Tatler has put together a list of Hong Kong movies that bring the city's social issues and heartwarming tales to the fore.
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1. Time Still Turn the Pages (2023)
Time Still Turn the Pages is directed by Nick Cheuk—he won Best New Director for the film at the Golden Horse Awards 2023, the Asian Film Awards 2024 and the Hong Kong Film Awards 2024. It follows the story of a depressed secondary school teacher, who discovers a suicide note that had been anonymously written by a student; this takes him on a journey down memory lane, back to his own childhood, which was fraught with academic pressures and parental abuse. He grapples with his own suicidal past while finding ways to help his student.
Inspired by the death of a close friend of Cheuk’s, the story shines a light on mental health issues and the alarming student suicide rate in Hong Kong in recent years.