The timeless influence of John Woo’s groundbreaking Hong Kong action cinema is set to be celebrated anew, as a pivotal film series brings his iconic works back to the big screen. This comprehensive event highlights the distinctive visual grammar and thematic depth that redefined the action genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continuing to inspire filmmakers worldwide.
Crucially, many of these influential Hong Kong films have been largely inaccessible to U.S. audiences for years due to complex rights issues. The upcoming series, spearheaded by the American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest in collaboration with Shout! Studios and GKIDS, marks a thrilling opportunity to experience these explosively exciting movies, now meticulously remastered in stunning 4K from their original camera negatives.
The highly anticipated series will commence with the U.S. premiere of the newly restored “Hard Boiled,” John Woo’s 1992 masterpiece and his final Hong Kong film before his move to America. Audiences will have the rare chance to witness the legendary director himself present at the Egyptian Theatre screening, followed by his return for “The Killer” (1989) and a special triple-bill of the “A Better Tomorrow” trilogy.
Beyond his celebrated Hong Kong Cinema contributions, Woo transitioned to Hollywood in 1993, directing notable English-language films such as “Mission: Impossible 2” and “Face/Off.” His enduring impact on global cinema, from Classic Movies to contemporary blockbusters like the “John Wick” franchise, underscores a continuous learning process among filmmakers, a sentiment Woo himself champions.
Complementing the action-packed retrospective, filmmaker Alex Ross Perry continues his innovative streak with “Videoheaven,” an epic essay film exploring the cultural significance and evolution of video stores. This bold, form-defying documentary, narrated by Maya Hawke, offers a nostalgic yet insightful look into their crucial role in shaping film culture, with Perry attending multiple Q&A sessions in Los Angeles this week.
Further enriching the cinematic landscape this week are diverse screenings, including André de Toth’s 1944 noir thriller “Dark Waters” in 35mm, starring Merle Oberon. This tense Southern Gothic tale will be accompanied by a Q&A and book signing with author Mayukh Sen, adding scholarly depth to the viewing experience. These Film Restoration efforts ensure such Classic Movies can be appreciated by new generations.
For a lighter, yet equally engaging, experience, the “Cat Video Fest” offers a unique communal delight. While readily available on personal devices, the collective joy of experiencing countless feline antics in a shared theatrical setting provides a distinct and memorable form of entertainment, rounding out a week celebrating the vast and varied world of Film Festivals and independent cinema.
