Films at the Gate 2011
Before the Films:
As in past years, in 2011 we used the vacant lot for performances and demonstration classes before the films. Here’s a blog post about the events, including a performance by The Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association.
The Films
WAY OF THE DRAGON [猛龍過江] (1972). 88 min.
Thursday 8/25/11 8PM
Bruce Lee plays Tang Lung, a young martial artist from Hong Kong who travels to Rome to help out at a friend’s restaurant. The local mafia kingpin wants the property and sends his thugs to shut down the restaurant. The standoff leads to a final battle in the Colosseum between Lee and a young Chuck Norris – one of the most famous cinematic smackdowns of all time! Written and directed by Bruce Lee. Starring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Nora Miao. In Cantonese. Thursday’s film will be preceded by a brief demonstration by students of Zhou Xuan Yun starting at 7:30PM. Zhou Xuan Yun has studied at the Wudang temple in China, and has been teaching at the Ultimate Fitness Gym (home of Nam Pai Academy) in Boston’s Chinatown. Watch a video of his work on Youtube.
GALLANTS [打擂台] (2010). 100 min.
Friday 8/26/11 8PM
A low budget indie film shot in 18 days with a cast of mostly over-the hill kung fu actors from the 70s, GALLANTS was a surprise hit in Hong Kong last year, and was named as “Best Film of 2010” by both the Hong Kong Critics Society and the Hong Kong Film Awards. An affectionate comedy about finding the soul of old Hong Kong in the modern day. Directed Derek Kwok, Clement Cheng. Stars Leung Siu-lung, Chen Kuan-tai, Teddy Robin. See Gallants Trailer on You Tube. In Cantonese. Friday’s film will be preceded by a demonstration by Wah Lum Kung-Fu Athletic Association, under the direction of Sifu Bob Rosen, starting at 7:30PM.
THE YOUNG MASTER [師弟出馬] (1980). 106 min.
Saturday 8/27/11 8PM
Jackie Chan is an orphan raised in a kung fu school. When his older brother runs off to join a gang, Jackie volunteers to bring him home, which brings him into conflict not only with the gang, but also with the police, who mistake Jackie for his brother. Written, directed by Jackie Chan. Starring Jackie Chan, Shek Kin, Yuen Biao, Lily Lee. In Cantonese.
Saturday’s film was preceded by a demonstration by Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association, starting at 7:40PM.
THE KID [細路祥] (1950). 77 min.
Sunday 8/28/11 8PM
Bruce Lee plays Ah Cheung, an poor orphan living with his uncle and cousins. Their fortunes seem to improve when a rich man (played by Lee’s real-life father) crosses their path, bringing new opportunities. But soon complications arise, leading to Ah Cheung joining a gang which plans to rob the rich man’s factory.
Directed by Fung Fung. Starring Bruce Lee, Yee Chau-shui, Lee Hoi-chuen, and Fung Fung. In Cantonese.
A MOMENT IN TIME (2010). 60 min.
A documentary about the experience of the Chinese in San Francisco’s Chinatown, told through the films they loved. This retrospective film retells the immigrant story, and revives the emotions felt by audiences in Chinatown’s theaters. An uplifting reflection on how cinema shaped community, and a tribute to Chinatown theater movie-goers. Directed by Lambert Yam and Ruby Yang. In English.
2011 Links
Kung Fu Cinema 8/23/11
Boston.com 8/8/11
2011 Sponsors
Hong Kong Restaurant • Rebecca A. Lee • Vincent Moy • Rebecca Nedostup • Michael Tow • Tufts Medical Center • Leslie & Sam Davol • Jean Lukitsh • Hei La Moon Restaurant • Maloney Properties, Inc • Tufts University – Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service • Kelley Chunn & Associates • Emily Yu • Jeremy Liu & Hiroko Kikuchi • Aiko Beauty & Massage Therapy • The Life Initiative • Chong Chow • M.I.T Dept. of Urban Studies & Planning
2011 Special Thanks
Films at the Gate Volunteers and Interns • ACDC staff • Albert Leung, Hei La Moon and Apollo Restaurants • Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association • Wah Lum Kung-Fu Athletic Association • Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway • Jeremy Osborn • Biying Zhang • Harvard Urban Program Student Volunteers • Chinatown Main Street • Boston Chinatown Crime Watch • Gilbert Ho • Wong Family Association • Boston Light & Sound • Albert Li, Li Construction • Vinh Sun BBQ Restaurant • Excel Signs • Hemlock Ink • Ni Deng • tweetee.co
2011 Credits
Presented by the Asian Community Development Corporation • Curated by Jean Lukitsh • Produced by Boston Street Lab