As part of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024, an annual event focused on Hong Kong culture, the Hong Kong Film Archive has handpicked more than 20 wuxia films from the 1970s to the present. In addition to being a hit at the local box office, it has captivated audiences around the world, fostered generations of international kung fu film enthusiasts, and inspired multiple Hollywood films. These works span the genres of wuxia, kung fu, modern action, and action fantasy, and show how Chinese culture and tradition are fused with elements of popular culture.
The program will open as Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain (1983) restored in 4K and concludes with Wong Kar-wai's work Grand Master (2013), both of which will be specially screened at the Hong Kong Cultural Center Grand Theatre. Here's the lineup of movies grouped by six themes: butterfly murder case (1979), dragon's path (1972), police story (1985), and Once upon a time in China (1991), many of which have been digitally restored. This is a great chance for fans of wuxia movies to see the evolution of action choreography, visual effects, and how on-screen heroes are created in Hong Kong cinema.
Tickets are on sale for $45 and all films except the opening and closing films will be screened at the Hong Kong Film Archive over the weekend.
