It's raining movies

Young and old alike thronged theaters across the city for the HK$30 Cinema Day amid the heavy downpour, as some hoped the event could be regularized to boost the movie industry.

As amber and thunderstorm warnings were up most of yesterday, film buffs braved the weather to catch their favorite movies at a reduced price.

People were spotted queuing to purchase tickets and enter the B+ cinema in Kwun Tong shopping mall apm.

A family of three, including a five-year-old boy, watched Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, saying the HK$30 ticket was attractive as they spent only HK$90. Ordinarily, that would have cost them about HK$290. "We seldom watch movies together in cinemas. I worry that he [my son] won't be able to sit quietly for an hour or two or be frightened by the sound or visual effects, but I found him engaged in the story in the dark setting, and maybe that is the beauty of cinema," the mother, surnamed Lau, said.

The family, who planned to have lunch at the mall after watching the film, considered the event not only a boost to the film industry but also to nearby catering outlets. They hoped it can be held regularly or at least twice a year.

At STAR Cinema in Tseung Kwan O, display screens showed that many of the films screened there were nearly full-house, with a handful of seats in the first row available.

A couple, who had canceled their planned hike due to the rainstorm, secured two tickets at the last minute for Civil War.

"We still want to spend some time outside the house, and we were surprised that there were still films available so we bought two tickets for tonight," the husband surnamed Kwok said.

"We will do some shopping and have afternoon tea before the movie."

People also bid farewell to the Golden Harvest cinema in Kai Tak as it shuts today when its lease expires, the second Golden Harvest cinema ceasing operation in six months. The cinema was established in Yue Xiu Plaza in 2018, a three-decade-old shopping mall in San Po Kong.

Movies screened at the cinema yesterday included the Japanese anime Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle, mainland film YOLO and Hong Kong film The Lyricist Wannabe.

Not many people were lining up at its ticket counters yesterday but according to its website, most of the screenings were nearly sold out, with many movie fans buying popcorn and drinks before entering the cinema house as well as souvenirs.

Mei Foo resident Lee brought his family to watch The Lyricist Wannabe for the second time, saying he only learned that the cinema would be closing down after he bought tickets.

"The film is so passionate and realistic, telling a story of youth pursuing dreams; that's the story of life, also of this cinema, even though it's shutting."

Hui, who watched Kung Fu Panda 4 with his wife, described the cinema as convenient to reach and well-equipped. He was saddened by the scarcity of small cinema houses where "the screen looks bigger."

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com

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