The portrait of Stanley Kwan at the 18th Five Flavours!

Stanley Kwan remains a largely unknown figure in Poland. However, in Hong Kong, he has been recognized from the start of his career as a distinct and independent filmmaker, unconcerned with trends or producers' expectations. As a figure of the Hong Kong New Wave, Kwan's films revolve around the theme of emotion, exploring his female protagonists' inner lives and relationships. However, his disregard for mainstream audiences didn’t prevent him from working with major stars. Maggie Cheung delivered a stunning performance in “Center Stage”, while his early films featured iconic actors like Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung and the remarkable duo in “Rouge” was created by Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui.

In the late 1990s, Stanley Kwan publicly revealed his sexual orientation in a documentary film. A few years later he directed Lan Yu, a bold portrayal of a romantic relationship between two men in 1990s Beijing.

Kwan's career began in the mid-1980s and continues to this day. However, in recent years, the filmmaker has focused primarily on mentoring and supporting emerging talent. As part of the 18th Five Flavours programme, two films he produced will also be showcased.

Women

Nu ren xin

dir. Stanley Kwan

Hong Kong, 1985, 92'

[theatre screenings+online]

Bao-er’s life has just taken a sharp turn—her husband has gotten involved with a younger woman, and to make matters worse, their son has taken a liking to her. Now, she must decide what to do next. Fortunately, she has her loyal friends by her side, with whom she can openly talk about anything. But can this support group solve her biggest problems?

Full of melancholy and humour, “Women” is Kwan's debut, which resonated with both local audiences and critics. Its positive reception marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable careers in contemporary Hong Kong cinema.

Love Unto Waste

Dei ha ching

dir. Stanley Kwan

Hong Kong, 1986, 96'

[theatre screenings+online]

Four young friends lead an eventful social life in Hong Kong. When Ling is found dead, an unconventional detective takes the case into his own hands. But this film is far from a typical crime story, and the fate of the characters will take an entirely unexpected turn.

Kwan's second film, layered and surprising, is now considered a flagship work of the Hong Kong Second New Wave. On set, actors who would soon become major stars—Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung—came together.

Rouge

Yim ji kau

dir. Stanley Kwan

Hong Kong, 1987, 96’

[theatre screenings+online]

The ghost of the beautiful Fleur appears in contemporary Hong Kong, searching for her beloved from decades ago. She was once a courtesan in a popular tea shop and he, a member of an influential family, was a client. Social conventions stood in the way of their happiness together, so the lovers decided to commit suicide together and meet up years later.

This allegorical tale of timeless love stands as Kwan's greatest artistic achievement. It features Hong Kong pop culture legends Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui. This is their only appearance together, both having died in 2003.

Center Stage

Ruan Ling Yu

dir. Stanley Kwan

Hong Kong, 1991, 126'

[theatre screenings+online]

Ruan Lingyu was a tragic legend of China's silent film era. An ambitious actress who found great success at a young age, she ultimately paid the highest price, taking her own life. Years later, Stanley Kwan sought to better understand her and decided to bring her story to the screen, casting none other than Maggie Cheung in the lead role.

While Kwan employs the framework of a biographical film, he transcends the genre’s conventions. The result is not only a portrait of an extraordinary woman ahead of her time but also a meditation on the essence of acting and the art of cinema itself.

Lan Yu

dir. Stanley Kwan

Hong Kong, 2001, 96'

[theatre screenings+online]

Lan Yu is an architecture student who moves from the provinces to Beijing, where he meets a wealthy businessman. Despite the many differences between them, their tumultuous relationship spans several years. In the background, China is rapidly modernising, offering both great opportunities and looming threats.

An adaptation of a controversial Chinese novel, published anonymously online, Lan Yu has become a cornerstone of Asian LGBT cinema. Kwan managed to shoot the film in Beijing, making the Chinese capital one of the film's key characters.

Passes for the 18th Five Flavours Asian Film Festival are available!

Buy the Pass

The 18th Five Flavours Asian Film Festival will take place in a hybrid form:

• Online, available across Poland: 13 November - 1 December 2024

• in theatres: 13-20 November 2024, Warsaw, Kino Muranów, Kinoteka

There are two types of passes available: 

• Five Flavours Pass Onsite+Online for 380.00 PLN – allows admission to all film screenings (with the exception of the opening ceremony) during the festival in the cinemas as well as access to all films on the festival VOD platform. The programme will include at least 40 feature films. The number of passes is limited.

• Five Flavours Online pass for 200.00 PLN – allows to watch all, 32, films available on the festival VOD platform. The number of online passes is unlimited and will also be available for sale during the festival.