Reel Deal: What to watch at the cinema this month

Beauty and the Beast and Kong: Skull Island dominated Hong Kong’s box office in March, and although they’re still proving popular in cinemas, this month sees the release of a slew of new standout films. Spanning the genres of science fiction, anime, action and neo-Western, here’s our list of must-see movies this month.

Ghost in the Shell

It seems everyone is talking about Ghost in the Shell, a live action adaptation of the hit anime film from 1995, which was based on a Japanese manga series of the same name. Scarlett Johansson stars as Major, a human-cyborg hybrid who heads up an elite task force called Section 9. Major and her humanoid crew must eliminate an enemy that wants to sabotage Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology. Another reason to see this sci-fi flick is the fact that the futuristic setting was partly shot in Hong Kong, with scenes depicting Central and Victoria Harbour.

In theatres now

Fast & Furious 8: The Fate of the Furious

The Fast & Furious franchise is still going strong 16 years later, and this month will see another action-packed, explosion-filled blockbuster hit the big screen. Familiar faces like Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez are back once again, plus some new additions, including Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren. When the villainous Cipher (Theron) lures Dom (Diesel) back into the criminal world, the crew travels the globe to bring him back. Even those who love to hate the franchise won’t be able to look away. According to Slash Film editor Peter Sciretta, “The Fate of the Furious takes the ridiculousness of the franchise to a whole new level, yet feels very different. Should be a gigantic hit.”

In theatres 13 April

Hell or High Water

Set in Texas, two estranged brothers reunite to fight a common enemy – the bank that is threatening to foreclose on their family’s property. They exact their revenge by robbing branches of the bank, all while being pursued by Texas Ranger Marcus, played by Jeff Bridges (who is perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of ‘The Dude’ in The Big Lebowski). The Guardian described the film as: “Part heist, part western for the Occupy generation, this sharply plotted thriller is a triumph for both director David Mackenzie and writer Taylor Sheridan.”

In theatres now

In This Corner of the World

Japanese anime fans won’t want to miss the latest film by director Sunao Katabuchi, who has previously worked on several Studio Ghibli films. In This Corner of the World tells the story of Suzu Urano, a young woman who gets married in 1944 and finds herself helping to run a household in challenging wartime conditions. Then, just a year after her honeymoon, the bombs start falling and everything changes. Despite the despair, this film has a touching message: love trumps nationalism.

In theatres now

Text: Emily Petsko

What to see and do in Hong Kong this April

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Much more than just a rugby sevens tournament, the HK Rugby Sevens has evolved into the highlight of Hong Kong’s sporting events calendar. Globally recognised as a genuinely good time, fans from all over the world congregate every year to enjoy rugby, revelry and dressing up in fancy dress. The more adventurous will no doubt find themselves in the notorious South Stand, where beer and song are the order of the day(s) and almost nothing is taboo! This year’s tournament will host the same pedigree of rugby big guns, with Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England and South Africa all vying for a shot at the title. Local hometown heroes will also be represented in Hong Kong’s very own sevens team and they always get the loudest cheer of the day!

Venue: Hong Kong Stadium
Date: 7-9 April
Enquiries: 2504 8311
Website: www.hksevens.com

Bollywood Show: Da-Bang the Tour

Da-Bang: The Tour promises to be a no-holds-barred Bollywood extravaganza and will be making its way to Central Harbourfront this month. Chock full of all your favourite Bollywood stars and starlets, it promises to be a toe-tapping, booty-shaking whirlwind of the best of Bollywood music, dance and showmanship. Led by Bollywood legend Salman Khan, the renowned actor, producer and TV personality, the show will feature a host of Bollywood stars doing what they do best. Make sure you get your tickets now to be sure not to miss out on this taste of Indian acting royalty. Prices start at a reasonable HK$99.

Venue: Central Harbourfront
Date: 21 April
Enquiries: 021 636676
Website: www.dabanghk2017.com

Queen Elizabeth II Cup

First established in 1975, the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup is one of the biggest events on Hong Kong’s illustrious horse-racing calendar. The race, which will be held at Sha Tin Racecourse this year, is run over a distance of 2,000 metres (10 furlongs) on turf. Sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet since 1999, the prize purse stands at HK$20 million. Horses from all over the world will be competing, including entries from the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, France and, of course, Hong Kong.

Venue: Sha Tin Racecourse
Date: 30 April–1 May
Enquiries: 2504 8311
Website: www.hkjc.com

Hoppy Wednesday Easter

Celebrate Easter with a night at the horse races. There will be Easter-themed treats, including chocolate-covered fruits, and opportunities to win sweets from Chocolat-ier.

Venue: Happy Valley Racecourse
Date: 12 April
Enquiries: 2504 8311
Website: www.hkjc.com

Cliche Records 5th Anniversary Celebration

The record label celebrates its anniversary with a raging party featuring house/techno music by Borrowed Identity, and a performance by German DJ ATEQ.

Venue: On Hing Building, 1/F, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central
Date: 22 April, 11pm
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.facebook.com/cliche.record

Asia Wine Festival

Calling all oenophiles and wine curios. Get ready to taste the best wine from around the region at this year’s Asia Wine Festival. Featuring award-winning wines from across Asia including Japan, China and more, the festival promises to be a wine connoisseur’s dream.

Not only will there be tastings of the finest Asia has to offer but winemakers and master sommeliers will also be on hand to guide the tastings and talk you through the wines as you snack on tapas specially prepared and paired just for the occasion. In addition there will be masterclasses hosted by renowned winemakers such as Eddie MacDougall and others. If you are interested in attending the masterclasses it is advisable to register at: www.flyingwinemaker.com.hk.

Venue: Hotel Icon
Date: 19 April
Enquiries: 2522 2187
Website: www.flyingwinemaker.com.hk

The 41st Hong Kong International Film Festival

Hong Kong’s International Film Festival will take place in April for the 41st time and promises a line-up that includes multiple award-winning films from across the globe, such as the winner of the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival, On Body and Soul by Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi. Other highly anticipated screenings include: Spoor by veteran Polish director Agnieszka Holland; Bright Nights by Thomas Arslan,
the film that helped Austrian actor Thomas Arslan take home a Silver Bear Best Actor award; and I Am Not Your Negro by ex-cultural minister for Haiti, Raoul Peck. The latter
is also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Film.

Venue: Venues across
Hong Kong
Date: 11-30 April
Enquiries: 2102 7323
Website: www.hkiff.org.hk

Japanese ceramicist Koji Usaka’s work draws crowd to Central gallery

Japanese ceramicist Koji Usaka’s work is instantly recognisable. Telltale signs of an Usaka piece are the whimsical swirling patterns he often uses, plus the fusion of traditional and modern styles and the iconic red Mount Fuji that has become a central theme in his work.

Even in Hong Kong, where his works are now on display for the first time, there’s no mistaking his unique style and technique.

“What’s distinctive about his work is not only the organic shapes but also the swirling red pattern,” says Rachel Kosciuszko of Waka Artisans in Central, where Usaka’s works are being exhibited.

“You could take any one of his pieces and put it anywhere in the world, and someone who knows his work would be able to pick it out,” she says.

The exhibition – running until 12 April – features a large collection of Usaka’s work, including everything from bowls and pouring jugs to ornate plates and sake bottles. As testament to the artist’s popularity, the gallery was packed with visitors on opening day, and many of the artworks were already marked with a ‘reserve’ sticker.

Along with golden moons and birds (symbols of happiness and health), Mount Fuji is one of the main motifs of Usaka’s work.

In Japanese culture, the iconic mountain peak is representative of strength and power, and some artists feel they need to earn their stripes before using such an important symbol in their work.

For his part, the ever-modest Usaka waited until he turned 50 before he started using it.

Everything Usaka makes is entirely crafted by hand, so no two pieces are exactly the same.

Usaka uses two different techniques to mould the clay – oxidation firing and reduction firing – and the level of heat determines its colour. After the clay has been shaped, the details can be added one layer at a time. A simple piece would be fired in an oil kiln three times, while a more complex piece could undergo five firings.

The Waka Artisans gallery has featured many prominent Japanese artists since its inception.

However, in a break from tradition, its next exhibition will feature the works of five young Hong Kong ceramicists. That exhibit will be held from 28 April to 7 May.

Waka Artisans is located at Unit S303, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street in Central.

The gallery is open from 12pm to 7:30pm.

For more information, visit www.wakaartisans.com.

Text: Emily Petsko

VIDEO: Third edition of Art Central launches in Hong Kong

The third edition of Art Central is under way at Central Harbourfront and art fans are in for a treat with over 100 international galleries showcasing contemporary art.

This year’s Art Central features performance art pieces, site-specific installations, moving images, talks and more.

“As we return for the third edition of Art Central, we are proud to present our strongest programme to date,” said Charles Ross, the managing director at Art Central.

“As a content-driven fair that pushes boundaries in experimentation, we are dedicated to fostering new practices and discovering new talents in contemporary art.”

Gafencu spoke to Japanese sound artist Yuri Suzuki about his interactive sound installation, Sharevari, which was unveiled by Swarovski.

Art Central is on until 25 March at Central Harbourfront.

Check out our video of this year’s event and interview with Suzuki.

For more information click here.

A look at the hottest new luxury timepieces that will debut at this year’s Baselworld

One of the highlights of the luxury watch industry’s calendar will soon be upon us. Arguably the most important event for luxury watch and jewellery makers everywhere, the Baselworld trade show has been an annual staple as far back as 1925. From humble beginnings – when only a handful of watchmakers were invited to exhibit their wares – today’s Baselworld features 2,100 exhibitors from over 45 countries and attracts 94,000 discerning visitors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the very latest – and best – in the world of haute horlogerie and joaillerie.

Held in the birthplace of luxury watchmaking, the city of Basel in Switzerland, this year’s iteration will run from the 23rd to the 30th of March. As always, in the run-up to the show, luxury watchmakers from across the globe have been busy working on the models to be featured. We take the opportunity to look at some of the hottest new models you can expect to see hitting stores this spring from some of the world’s most renowned names in luxury timepieces.

Long synonymous with high-end chronographs, Omega has been crafting luxury watches since 1903. From a certain fictitious British secret agent to the first man to walk on the moon, Omega watches have graced the wrists of some of the world’s most iconic and influential people. For this year’s Baselworld show, Omega’s line-up will include a new take on a classic model, the Omega Speedmaster. One of the world’s most recognisable chronographs, the Speedmaster has been part of the Omega line-up for over 60 years.

The latest incarnation of the Speedmaster remains true to its roots while incorporating new aesthetic touches. Sized at 38mm and suitable for both men and women, the Speedmaster 38 is available in a variety of colours. The case is made from stainless steel and 18-carat Sedna gold and comes with a classic leather strap. One of the most interesting features is the diamond-paved bezel that also includes a tachymeter scale on the aluminium ring. Deceptively simple and unmistakeably stylish, the Omega Speedmaster 38 is a triumph of design and aptly pays tribute to a timeless model.

From classic models to the epitome of modernity, part of Bulgari’s pre-Basel line up is the updated edition of the Octo Ultranero. Intensely black and undeniably masculine, the Octo Ultranero has a black Diamond Like Carbon (D.L.C.) case and comes in a purely black edition or with red hands and hour markers for a deft splash of colour. Housed in the case is the bidirectional self-winding Calibre BVL 193 with twin barrels, which allows for a 50-hour power reserve.

Moving with the times, Bulgari has also created a new model for women – increasingly being catered for in the Bulgari universe. Hot on the heels of the recently released Serpenti women’s timepiece comes a new edition of the Lvcea watch. Drawing on a heavy celestial influence, the latest edition of the Lvcea has been upgraded with a moon-phase indicator. In addition to enriching the aesthetics of the watch face the moon-phase indicator also precisely marks a new moon, first quarter moon, full moon and last quarter moon.

The watch has a mother-of-pearl dial and is available in different variations: one with dazzling diamond hour markers on the dial, another with brilliant-cut diamonds on its strap lug and bezel, and a third white gold version with a bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Available in an 18-carat pink or white gold case, each watch features 45 brilliant-cut diamonds and is powered by the Calibre BVL 191, which has a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistant to 50m, ladies can choose between a purple, blue or red glossy alligator leather strap.

High-flying watchmaker Breitling has also been busy updating a model first launched in spring of 2016. The Avenger Hurricane is a chronograph built for extremes, as evidenced by its rugged construction with protective reinforcements and supreme functionality. At 50mm in diameter, this timepiece is no shrinking violet and features a case made of Breitlight, an exclusive high-tech material that is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than steel, while being considerably harder.

“Today’s Baselworld features 2,100 exhibitors from over 45 countries and attracts 94,000 discerning visitors”

The Avenger Hurricane is a triumph of innovation. It’s exceptionally resistant to scratching, traction and corrosion and is thermally stable, anti-magnetic and non-allergenic. Powered by the Manufacture Breitling Calibre 01 – which has been certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) as testament to its precision – the Avenger Hurricane has an impressive 70-plus hour power reserve. Available with a cobra yellow or volcano black dial, the watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel that is equipped with four rider tabs that serve to memorise time. A perfect combination of comfort and sturdiness, the strap has a rubber lining and sides made of anthracite high–resistance military-grade fibre.

Another lunar-inspired design comes from Swiss watchmakers IWC Schaffhausen and their 2017 Da Vinci collection. Smaller and slimmer than the original Da Vinci watches that debuted in the 1980s, the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 is a work of feminine elegance. Striking a simple but brilliant aesthetic, the wristwatch comes in either a stainless-steel case or an 18-carat red gold case with a silver-plated dial and is sized at a comfortable 36mm for female wrists.

Last but certainly not least in our pre-Basel round -up is a watch that is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Introduced in 1997, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph has been given a fresh new look for 2017 and will be available in seven different models. Steel versions of the watch are offered with a choice of “Grande Tapisserie” dials in black, silver or blue and are fitted with classical stainless-steel bracelets. All of the new Royal Oak watches feature a two-tone dial design and subtle-yet-ingenious details such as larger chronograph counters and an additional luminescent coating for better readability. The Royal Oak Chronograph 2017 is powered by the Audemars Piguet calibre 2385 with 37 jewels and has a power reserve of 40 hours. It’s water resistant to 50m. All in all, something for everyone – and a tantalising sampler of the calibre of watches that will be on display at this year’s Baselworld.

Text: Hans Schlaikier

‘Daring Reasons to Travel’: Blueflower hosts intimate talks with avid explorers

Paul Niel has hiked the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on every continent. Michael Pittman, a paleontologist, has searched for dinosaur bones in the harsh Gobi Desert. Amy Yu has visited some of the world’s most volatile countries, like Iraq and Syria.

So what’s the common thread connecting these three disparate personalities? Well, all three live in Hong Kong, they all love adventure and they all shared their captivating stories at Blueflower’s recent ‘Daring Reasons to Travel’ seminar.

Held at Blueflower’s trendy ‘Travel Salon’ in Wong Chuk Hang, the ongoing seminars are intended to stimulate intelligent conversation and offer tips on how to traverse the planet as a traveller rather than a tourist. Guests can browse the salon’s extensive collection of artworks and books from around the world, followed by a four-course meal prepared by Blueflower’s founder, Andrea Oschetti, who also happens to be a chef.

While Blueflower is technically registered as a travel agency, Oschetti said the label doesn’t quite fit. Blueflower offers bespoke trips tailored to the individual client, with the aim of creating intimate experiences that allow the traveller to explore a destination in a deeper and more fulfilling way. In other words, trips that “aren’t just about the bucket list or about following what the guide says”, Oschetti explains.

“I see myself as a mentor, someone that sits next to my clients and I help them to pursue their dreams,” Oschetti says.

Amy Yu, an American who has lived in Hong Kong for about eight years, has a keen interest in geopolitics, which has spurred her to travel to places that few dare to visit, either because of real dangers (in the case of Iraq) or imagined ones (in the case of misconceptions about Sudan). During a recent trip to Iraq, she met with a family from the Yazidi minority, an ethnic Kurdish group whose members are heavily persecuted. The family abandoned their home in Sinjar to come to Lalish, and by doing so escaped a perilous fate. Sinjar was attacked by ISIS in 2014, and thousands of Yazidis were killed or enslaved.

“To meet these people, and meet Yazidi women, it humbles you to know that you’re talking to people (that lived it),” Yu says.

“This is not just a story in the news. This is why I travel. You meet people and all of these things become real.”

Although adventure was the theme of the evening, Oschetti says Blueflower’s services are not just for mountain climbers and deep-sea divers.

“The company helps you to achieve these difficult-to-do dreams, but not necessarily just those,” he says. “I think that a daring trip to do, for example, is to go to Italy and try to explore the culture through its food and understand Italy through its food by changing the way visitors experience food.

“So, for example, being able to turn the tables and instead of being hosted in a restaurant, to be the host yourself – and to host the best producers of a region; to have picnics in the place where Saint Francis used to walk; to go in a real house of someone who is not a local who hosts tourists day in and day out, but has actually just opened for the first time to a visitor, so you experience true hospitality.”

Oschetti was referring to Blueflower’s food-focused trip to Central Italy where guests can invite the most interesting local producers to dine with them in a private villa.

‘Daring Reasons to Travel’ was the second seminar hosted by Blueflower, and the agency plans to host more in the future.

Blueflower’s upcoming seminars:

‘South American Food Battle’

Thursday, 23 March, 7pm
Discover South American cuisine with Hong Kong’s leading chefs in a battle for the best dish

‘Trips That Make An Impact: Conservation and Wildlife’
Wednesday, 5 April, 7pm
Hear from a safari specialist and learn about conservation efforts in Africa

For more information, visit www.blueflower.la/

Text: Emily Petsko