The city of Toronto is gearing up for an exceptional cinematic extravaganza as the 2023 Mulan International Film Festival approaches. Managed by a dedicated group of movie enthusiasts and volunteers, this year’s festival promises to captivate audiences with a curated selection of Chinese-language films that span a diverse range of genres, eras, and perspectives. From August 11 to 20, film lovers will gather at the prestigious Innis Town Hall on the grounds of the University of Toronto and PC Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre for a celebration of cinema like no other.
Kicking off the festival on a high note is the opening film, “The Sunny Side of the Street,” starring the acclaimed Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong. Directed by a talented filmmaker, LAU Kok Rui, this film sets the tone for an immersive experience that awaits the festival attendees. The choice of Anthony Wong, known for his versatile acting prowess, adds a touch of anticipation and excitement to the festival’s grand opening.
Spanning over ten days, the Mulan International Film Festival will showcase more than 30 Chinese-language films, each carefully selected to provide a comprehensive glimpse into the world of Chinese cinema. Notably, the festival will feature two classic Hong Kong-produced films that have left an indelible mark on cinematic history.
First on the list is the ultimate version of “Ashes of Time Redux,” a masterpiece directed by the visionary Wong Kar-wai. Renowned for his distinct visual style and narrative depth, Wong Kar-wai’s film promises to enthrall both cinephiles and newcomers to his work.
Adding further depth to the festival’s offerings is “Boat People,” directed by the esteemed Ann Hui. This poignant film brings to light societal issues and human emotions in a way that only masterful storytelling can achieve. Its inclusion in the festival lineup exemplifies the commitment to showcasing cinema as a medium to explore cultural nuances and provoke thought-provoking conversations.
The 2023 Mulan International Film Festival is more than just a series of film screenings; it’s a celebration of culture, art, and the shared human experience. By bringing together a diverse array of Chinese-language films, the festival serves as a platform for fostering cultural exchanges and facilitating discussions on the common threads that connect us all. It’s a unique opportunity for both movie enthusiasts and casual viewers to immerse themselves in narratives that transport them to different worlds while resonating with universal emotions.
For those eager to participate, the festival’s official website, mulanfestival.com, provides detailed information about the event, including screening schedules, film synopses, and ticketing details. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or someone looking to broaden your cinematic horizons, the 2023 Mulan International Film Festival promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired, entertained, and enriched by the power of storytelling on the big screen.
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Opening Film – The Sunny Side of the Street – Synopsis
Having swum from Mainland to Hong Kong decades ago in pursuit of a livelihood, Pak-yat (Anthony WONG), long-estranged from his son, is now a vessel of smoldering resentment drowned in alcohol, echoing the malaise of middle age. The young Hassan (Sahal Zaman), who arrived at Hong Kong with his family as refugees from Pakistan, understands very little of his parents’ worries and goes astray to join a gang. Two ill-fated lives, bonded through the death of Hassan’s father, will soon confront the thorns of their connection. Forever strangers to Hong Kong, they are burdened with unresolvable sorrows as well as ceaseless but mundane hustle and bustle.
Movie:The Sunny Side of the Street
Length: 113 mins.
Director: LAU Kok Rui
Cast: Anthony Wong, Sahal Zaman, Endy Chow, Inderjeet Singh, Kiranjeet Gill, Sohail Saghir
Screening Date: August 11, 2023
Theatre: Innis Town Hall
Boat People (4K Restoration) – Synopsis
Invited to document the progress of postwar Vietnamese society, a Japanese photojournalist (George Lam) initially finds a picture-perfect image of communist contentment. But when he begins looking beneath the idealized surface the government wants him to see, he discovers a world of poverty and brutality that shocks him into helping a desperate family escape.
Movie:Boat People
Length: 109 mins.
Director:Ann Hui
Cast: George LAM Tsz-cheung, Andy LAU Tak-wah, Cora MIAO Chien-jen, Season MA Si-san
Screening Date: August 16, 2023
Theatre: Innis Town Hall & PC Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (4K Restoration) – Synopsis
Two master warriors (CHOW Yun-fat and Michelle YEOH) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (ZHANG Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy—and the inescapable, enduring power of love.
Movie:Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Length: 120 mins.
Director:Ang Lee
Cast: CHOW Yun-fat, Michelle YEOH, ZHANG Ziyi, CHANG Chen, LUNG Sihung, CHENG Pei-pei
Screening Date: August 16 and 17, 2023
Theatre: Innis Town Hall (8/16) & PC Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre (8/17)
Ashes of Time Redux (4K Restoration) – Synopsis
Ashes of Time Redux is inspired by JIN Yong’s novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes.” It centers on a man named OUYANG Feng (Leslie CHEUNG). Since the woman he loved rejected him, he has lived in the western desert, hiring skilled swordsmen to carry out contract killings. His wounded heart has made him pitiless and cynical, but his encounters with friends, clients, and future enemies make him conscious of this solitude.
Movie:Ashes of Time Redux
Length: 95 mins.
Director:WONG Kar-wai
Cast: Leslie CHEUNG Kwok-wing, Tony LEUNG Ka Fai, Brigitte LIN Ching-hsia, Maggie CHEUNG
Screening Date: August 17, 2023
Theatre: Innis Town Hall
Source: Mulanfestival.com