GOMA Australian Cinémathèque: Maggie Cheung and John Woo

GOMA’s Australian Cinémathèque is honouring two icons of Hong Kong cinema this spring with In the Mood for Maggie Cheung (October 24 to November 30) and John Woo: Bullet Ballets (November 21–29). Together, these programs celebrate the artistry, influence and enduring power of Hong Kong’s cinematic golden age.

In the Mood for Maggie Cheung traces the celebrated actress’ evolution from 1983 Miss Hong Kong winner to international star through more than 20 of her most acclaimed films. Spanning romantic comedies, martial arts epics and arthouse dramas, the program showcases Maggie Cheung’s expressive naturalism and magnetic screen presence in titles such as Police Story, As Tears Go By and In the Mood for Love. Many films screen from new digital restorations and rare imported 35mm prints, with a free talk by Sydney-based writer Dylan Cheung on Sunday October 26 exploring her career and cultural impact.

Later in November, John Woo: Bullet Ballets spotlights the filmmaker’s groundbreaking ‘heroic bloodshed’ masterpieces, including A Better Tomorrow, The Killer and Hard Boiled – newly revived from legal limbo and presented in glorious 35mm on the big screen.