With soaring high-rises, highlands and a sweeping harbour, it’s no wonder producers have snapped this pic-perfect city as the backdrop for many big-screen blockbusters.
It’s mid-way through the 41st HK International Film Festival (runs until 25 Apr), which showcases the best of Asian and Hong Kong cinema. Drawing inspiration we highlight the Fragrant Harbour’s most famous film locations, now known for their Insta-appeal.
Arthouse fans of Wong Kar-wai’s seductive Chungking Express (1994), should head for Tsim Sha Tsui’s chaotic Chungking Mansions. The notorious multi-storey warren of shops, zero-frills hotels, restos and flashing neon is at the heart of this melancholy romantic cop movie, starring heartthrobs Tony Chiu-Wai Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro.
Alternatively, why not commemorate Bruce Lee’s kung fu classic Enter the Dragon (1973) with a pilgrimage to heritage-listed Tsing Shan Monastery at the foot of Castle Peak, a 30-minute hike from Tsing Shan Tsuen light rail station in the western New Territories. When replaying the famous “kick me” scene, where Lee schools a youngster, channel your “emotional content” And…action!
Batman devotees can revisit The Dark Knight (2008), which stars Central’s IFC (International Finance Centre) in the epic finale. While we don’t advocate bat-swooping from the IFC’s vertiginous second tower into the first and crashing through the windows into baddie Lau’s lair, these twin peaks make stellar snaps.
In spy thriller Die Another Day (2002), Pierce Brosnan’s Bond escapes custody by diving into the waters of Victoria Harbour, emerging at Causeway Bay’s Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. He actually pops up on the wrong shore (a factual error as the scene is supposed to take place on Kowloon side), so work those nocturnal skyscraper reflections.
For more movie-worthy listings, city insight and customised itineraries shop the LUXE Hong Kong guide
– A version of this article originally appeared on PenCities.
