Film Archive to premiere “Last Romance” (4K digitally restored version) (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the world premiere of the 4K digitally restored version of "Last Romance" (1988) at 7.30pm on September 8 (Sunday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), allowing audience members to revisit this timeless classic on the silver screen. The screening is one of the celebratory programmes of the 35th anniversary of the HKCC.
     
     The film, which highlights director Yonfan's meticulous pursuit of aesthetics, has not only left a lasting impression on audiences since its release, but has also become one of the significant works that shines a light on Hong Kong's popular culture during the 1980s. The partner organisation of this screening, Far-Sun Film Company Limited, has commissioned and financed the 4K digital restoration of the film. It collaborated with the HKFA to present the world premiere of this cinematic gem, enabling this classic to appear on the big screen again.
    
     Adapted from the novel with the same Chinese title by renowned author Yi Shu, the film was written and directed by Yonfan, who is known for his romantic cinematic style. The two renowned film stars, Cherie Chung and Maggie Cheung, acted as the protagonists who have an inseparable bond since their teenage years. However, they fall in love with a boy named Ga-ming, played by Japanese actor Shingo Tsurumi, at the same time. The trio's brief encounters end when life takes them in separate directions, with the girls having very different turns in their journey into adulthood. When they cross paths with Ga-ming again, the friendship between the two protagonists becomes strained, but they ultimately navigate these complications to remain pillars of support for each other during hard times.
 
     Ticket holders of the screening can visit an exhibition at the 2/F foyer of the HKCC (near the entrance to the Grand Theatre) on the day of the screening, which showcases a selection of rare film stills and behind-the-scenes photos. The exhibits will also be displayed at the HKFA from September 11 to December 30 with free admission.
 
     The film is in Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles. Tickets priced at $70 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from August 9 (Friday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/last-romance/pe-event-2024-last-romance.html or call 2739 2139.