Film Archive to premiere "The Wild, Wild Rose (4K restored version)"

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The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the premiere of the 4K restored version of "The Wild, Wild Rose" (1960) at 7.30pm on July 30 (Sunday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Meanwhile, the HKFA will schedule another screening at 7pm on October 27 (Friday) at its cinema, accompanied by a post-screening talk with veteran film researchers Shu Kei and Sam Ho as the speakers in support of the annual World Day for Audiovisual Heritage.

"The Wild, Wild Rose" is the HKFA's second 4K digitally restored film, following "The Valiant Ones" (1975). After digital restoration and colour adjustment, more details and texture of the original version are refurbished for the audiences. Film restoration not only breathes new life into cinematic treasures, it also augments the viewing experience for many generations to come.

The film is a masterpiece of Mandarin musicals, and also one of the HKFA's "100 Must-See Hong Kong Movies". It is an adapted movie, tailor-made by scriptwriter Qin Yifu (also known as Chin Yu) for the always-enchanting actress Grace Chang as an Eastern version of Bizet's opera "Carmen". Through the camera of director Wong Tin-lam, it tells the story of a heartbreaking romance between a sultry nightclub songstress with a heart of gold, played by Chang, and an honest and straightforward pianist played by Chang Yang. Shot by the director in high-contrast black and white, the film features stylised lighting, sets and art direction, painting an enticing portrait of the smoky, alcohol-spiked atmosphere of 1950-60s nightlife. Meanwhile, the jazz-inspired film score by Yao Min, and songs delicately combining Chinese and Western cultural elements composed by Ryoichi Hattori with lyrics by Li Junqing, all became popular classics after Chang's superb song and dance performances in the film.

The film is in Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles. Tickets priced at $45 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from tomorrow (July 1). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/pe-event-2023-wr.html or call 2739 2139.

In 2005, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated October 27 of every year as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. It promotes awareness of the importance of preserving audiovisual documents from the past, which play an integral role in recording local and regional cultures.

Ends/Friday, June 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00

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