Film Screenings
Jun 2013:
The Wonderfully Humorous Yu Ming
Yu Ming entered the film industry with his older brother Yu Leung. He has since acted in over 300 films, initially playing antagonist characters like womanizers, traitors, thugs and robbers. Later in his career, Yu began acting in comedies, playing everyman characters like the nice guy in romance films and the sidekick strategist who helps the hero formulate schemes. Yu’s acting style of playing the bumbling, over-the-top comic relief became a signature style that audiences loved. We have chosen four films that will showcase Yu’s wide range of acting styles, covering multiple genres over his long, distinguished career. This is our sincere tribute in honor of the 89-year-old veteran actor.
The Morning Matinee series is guest-curated by film researcher Yuen Tsz-ying
Commemorating Wong Man-lei’s 100th Birthday: Wong Man-lei, an Actor’s Actor
The great Wong Man-lei (1913-1998) began her acting career at the age of 17 during the silent film era. In the pre-war era, Wong earned the nickname of “The Divine Star of Tragedies” for her heartbreaking tragic roles and her excellence in acting craft. Over her 60 years' film career, Wong witnessed both the rise and fall of Hong Kong Cantonese cinema. To commemorate Wong’s 100th birthday as well as the 15th anniversary of her passing, the Hong Kong Film Archive will host a retrospective of 11 films that showcases Wong’s screen persona along with a small photo exhibition.
May 2013:
The Vile Wench
The six Wong Man-Lei films in May highlight the actress’ vile wench persona. This persona has protected deadbeat sons and treated daughter-in-laws harshly. Even the comedic version of that persona displays greed with an wicked smile. In 1995, Wong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th Hong Kong Film Awards for her contributions and achievements in Hong Kong cinema. Her consummate professionalism and devotion to her craft should serve as a model to young actors everywhere.
The Morning Matinee series is guest-curated by film researcher Yuen Tsz-ying
Apr 2013:
The Divine Star of Tragedies
The five films in April focus on Wong Man-Lei’s screen persona as a devoted mother, displaying her kindness, glum and gentleness. We intentionally chose some of Wong’s lesser known works, putting aside her most acclaimed titles made under Union Film.
The Morning Matinee series is guest-curated by film researcher Yuen Tsz-ying
The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.
