Life Must Go On (2022)
Ying Chi-wen’s directorial debut, Life Must Go On, is a heartwarming comedy that elevates dodgeball to new heights. The film’s star-studded cast is headlined by Ekin Cheng and Catherine Chau, who are joined by rising actors Gladys Li, Chung Suet-ying, and Isabella Chang. Life Must Go On follows a social worker (Chau) who faces cancelled funding for the “Midnight Gymnasium” in Fanling. Determined to save the project, they assemble a ragtag dodgeball team of at-risk girls who are coached by an ex-celebrity athlete (Cheng). Together, the teammates embark on a transformative journey that changes their lives in unexpected ways.
Zero to Hero (2021)
Jimmy Wan’s Zero to Hero is based on the inspiring true story of Hong Kong’s Paralympic legend So Wa-wai. Starring Leung Chung-hang as So and Sandra Ng as his mother, the movie follows how So discovers his extraordinary talent for running under his mother’s unwavering care. His journey from underdog to six-time Paralympic gold medallist is a tale every Hongkonger holds dear, earning him his nickname “Wonder Boy.”
Lion Rock (2019)
Lion Rock is another movie adapted from real life, chronicling the remarkable true story of Hong Kong rock-climbing athlete Lai Chi-wai. Known as the “Asian King of Rock Climbing”, Lai once won the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Contest. The film stars Lam Tak-sun as protagonist Kee Tai-wai (based on Lai) and Wai Sze-ya as Kee’s wife. After a traffic accident leaves him paralyzed, Kee refuses to surrender to despair. With unparalleled willpower and support from his wife, Kee climbs Hong Kong’s iconic Lion Rock in a wheelchair, showcasing a triumph of spirit that defies all odds.
Men On The Dragon (2018)
Hong Kong is the birthplace of modern dragon boat racing, which serves as the backdrop for Men On The Dragon. Sunny Chan’s debut film blends humour and heart through the lens of Hong Kong’s beloved sport. The film follows the story of three middle-aged mechanics – played by Francis Ng, Poon Chan-leung, and Wu Tsz-tung – who work in the engineering department of a telecommunications company. The trio find themselves thrust into a company-sponsored dragon boat race amidst personal struggles. Under the guidance of their coach, played by Jennifer Yu, they not only rediscover their motivation but also reignite their zest for life.
Weeds on Fire (2016)
Weeds on Fire transports us back to the 80s and chronicles the rise of Hong Kong’s first youth baseball team, the “Sha Tin Martins.” Directed by Steve Chan, this real-life adaptation stars Tony Wu, Lam Yiu-sing, and Sham Ka-ki as real athletes who, under rigorous training, transform from mischievous teens to international competitors. The film captures their blood, sweat, and tears, earning critical acclaim and winning the first ever Hong Kong First Feature Film Initiative.
To The Fore (2015)
Dante Lam’s To The Fore is a cycling spectacle that marries action and artistry. Starring Eddie Peng, Shawn Dou, and Choi Si-won, the film follows pro-cycling teammates-turned-rivals who must overcome their differences to reach new heights in the competitive world of cycling. Shot in locations all over Taiwan and Asia, the film is a visual feast that reignited the city’s interest in the sport.
Full Strike (2015)
With the likes of Ekin Cheng, Andrew Lam, and Susan Siu Yam-yam leading the cast, you already know that Full Strike will pack a comedic punch. This adrenaline-fueled drama follows a washed-up badminton player who meets the “King of Thieves” (Cheng) and his group of reformed crooks and becomes their badminton coach. Together, they grow from clueless novices to court champions, reflecting their improvement and newfound love of badminton.
The Way We Dance (2013)
The Way We Dance features a number of real dancers, including captain of MIRROR Yeung Lok-man, “Milk Tea” Lydia Lau, Tommy “Guns” Ly, and leading lady Cherry Ngan. This energetic film captures the lives of university students who join a dance club and face the trials and tribulations of friendship and love, ultimately culminating in a bid for the Dancing Championships. The movie explores the passion and perseverance in the dancing world through the eyes of Hong Kong youth.
Gallants (2010)
Teddy Robin stars as Master Law, a martial arts legend who wakes from a 30-year coma to find his school in shambles and being run as a teahouse. With the help of his disciples and a young clerk played by Wong You-nam, Master Law revives his legacy and leads his students back into the ring, delivering a knockout film. Co-written and directed by Derek Kwok and Clement Cheng, Gallants won Best Picture at the 2010 Hong Kong Film Awards, while stars Teddy Robin and Susan Siu Yam-yam took home the Best Actor and Actress awards respectively.
All About Ah Long (1989)
Johnnie To’s All About Ah Long is a timeless classic starring Chow Yun-Fat. Chow plays Ah-long, former motorcycle racer and philanderer who ended up briefly in jail after a motorcycle accident. After his wife leaves him, Ah-long, now a rough-and-tumble construction worker, raises his son Porky alone with fierce love and loyalty. When his estranged wife (played by Sylvia Chang) reappears and wants to take Porky with her to the United States, Ah-long faces a gut-wrenching choice. The film’s climactic motorcycle race is etched in cinematic history as a heartbreaking tour de force.
Translation by Sophia Zhang
Editor
Peggie Kei
