Hong Kong has selected local smash hit “The Last Dance” as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
Directed, produced and co-written by Anselm Chan, the film stars Cantonese comedy icons Dayo Wong and Michael Hui along with Michelle Wai and Chu Pak Hong. Following wedding planners who pivot into the funeral business during the pandemic, partner with Taoist ritual masters, and spark stories about family alienation, traditions and reconciliation.
“The Last Dance” is Hong Kong’s best-selling local Chinese release, winning 18 nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, tying most nods in a year.
“Chang’s third handsome feature is a moving drama about finding the meaning of life from the final farewell ritual with a loved one,” said Richard Kuipers, reviewing the film for variety. “For those who instantly associate the Order’s priests with hopping vampires and hungry ghosts from the heyday of Hong Kong’s Gong Singh horror comedy in the 1980s (like “Mr. Vampire” and “Kung Fu Zombie”), the “Last Dance” offers an attractive and insightful look in the daily lives and work of these religious and community leaders.
Hong Kong has submitted films in the International Function category since 1959, but has not won yet. The region secured three nominations in 1991 for Zhang Yimou’s “Raise the Red Lantern.” Wong Kar-Wai’s “The Grandmaster” won the nominee list in 2013.
The Oscar International feature summary will be announced on December 16th, with the last five candidates announced on January 22nd.
