Wong Kar-wai's classic film Fallen Angel has recently been re-released in a 4K restoration to celebrate its 30th anniversary, exclusively screening at Emperor Cinemas in Hong Kong and Macau. Originally premiered in 1995, this iconic Hong Kong film brings the dazzling nightlife of 90s Hong Kong back to life with cutting-edge technology, allowing audiences to once again immerse themselves in the unique allure of this city that never sleeps.
The brand new 4K restored version adjusts the aspect ratio from the original 1.66:1 to 2.35:1, realizing Wong Kar-wai's vision of a wide-screen experience and overcoming the limitations of past film technology. The restored image quality is crisp and detailed, recreating the neon lights and shadows of the golden era and providing the audience with a stunning visual feast.
Wong Kar-wai reminisces about shooting entirely on-location, capturing significant moments in Hong Kong's history. The filming spots included Kwun Tong, Tsim Sha Tsui East, and Wan Chai Road East, with hopes that audiences will rediscover those beautiful times through the 4K version. The film features a stunning lineup of actors including the peak beauty of Leon Lai, Lee Ka-sing, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Carina Lau, and Candy Lo, allowing fans to relive the charm of that era.
In Takeshi Kaneshiro's portrayal, the mute character he plays is deliberately crafted, as Wong Kar-wai believes that his unique sense of humor brings the character to life. When asked if similar actors can still be found today, Wong Kar-wai mentioned that Kaneshiro's charm arises from the fusion of diverse cultures. His success is a perfect blend of timing and environment, so there’s no need to search for a second Takeshi Kaneshiro—there are plenty of outstanding talents in the present.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fallen Angel, the Empire Theatre in Tsim Sha Tsui has set up an immersive photo spot for audiences to relive the classic scene of Angel No. 2 (Anita Lee) riding with Angel No. 3 (Ho Chi-Mo). The setup includes a motorcycle, tunnel backdrop, and sound effects, creating an experience that feels like stepping into the movie itself. Additionally, the surrounding walls showcase stills paired with iconic lines from the film, such as Recently, things have been a bit different. I’ve started making some decisions for myself. Whether they’re right or wrong, these choices belong to me. and other memorable quotes.
Emperor Cinemas will also hold a special screening on September 21 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the film's premiere. Attendees at this special event will receive exclusive souvenirs, including unique cardholders, filter cards, lightbox magnets, and specially designed posters. Regular ticket buyers can receive a 30th Anniversary Edition 4K Poster with the purchase of two tickets, while VIP members will get a A4 commemorative folder with the purchase of one ticket.
