Celebrating the classics of Asian cinema and beyond, Restored is a regular series showcasing Asian films that have been meticulously preserved and restored by different institutions from across the world. The platform revisits these classics in a new light and allows them to be appreciated by new generations of audiences.
4K RESTORATION
SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE
Director: Johnnie To
Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese with English Subtitles
Rating: NC16 (Some Violence)
Synopsis
A deliriously camp and wildly entertaining cult favourite, genre maestro Johnnie To’s sci-fi fantasy-action flick features a star-studded cast of Hong Kong cinematic icons, Anita Mui, Michelle Yeoh and Maggie Cheung, as the film’s unparalleled headliners. Slathered in frenetic cuts, hyper-stylised set designs and expressionistic cinematography, The Heroic Trio follows three knife-throwing, sword-toting, shotgun-wielding super-heroines in their mission to set aside their striking differences and defeat a corrupt baby-stealing eunuch who cannibalises children for world domination. Lending an unrestrained martial arts vitality to the generation’s comic book frenzy, the three female warriors join forces as the eponymous “Heroic Trio”: Wonder Woman, Invisible Woman & the Thief-Catcher.
Beneath the maximalist barrage of motorcycle acrobatics, flying heads, hurling knives and kinetically choreographed wire work, the film references Hong Kong’s socio-political zeitgeist in the 1990s as the upcoming handover of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to the Chinese government approaches. Often glossed over by audiences due to its kitsch and shock value, Johnnie To’s action packs much satire in his punches, highlighting uneven power structures and the increasing anxieties Hong Kong citizens face.
Tickets on sale now.
Showtimes
Friday, 19 August 2022, 8pm
Sunday, 28 August 2022, 2pm
Saturday, 3 September 2022, 4pm
Oldham Theatre’s opening hours
Friends of AFA members may select the “Friends of AFA” option and enter your membership number if you wish to redeem your remaining complimentary tickets.
For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org
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