10 Movies Set in Hong Kong and Their Filming Locations
Looking back at many movies set in Hong Kong, it was inevitable that their films would gain recognition all over the world. The city has always been atmospheric and the films set around its urban landscapes greatly showcase the vibe. There is excitement on the roads, buzzing from the neon-lit shop signs, and even a hidden tension from its skyscrapers. In fact, Hollywood took notice of this versatility and shot some of their films there! Pay a visit to any of these Hong Kong movie locations to live out some of the best cinematic masterpieces ever made.
Hollywood movies set in Hong Kong and their filming locations
1. Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (2015) – Temple Street
One of the best activities to do in Hong Kong is going through night markets. The film Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong takes advantage of the vibrant atmosphere in these places as a way to bond. Ruby and Josh (played by IRL couple Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg) go through the popular Temple Street Night Market, where the energy never seems to fade.
Since there are tons to see on Temple Street, the unlikely couple has no shortage of activities to do together. Naturally, the vibrance of the street draws out sparks between them. Watch the film to find out if they end up together!
2. The Dark Knight (2008) – International Finance Centre
The rise of Hong Kong cinema also brought with it an influx of Hollywood movies set in Hong Kong. One of the most prominent examples is none other than The Dark Knight. Arguably, the standard of superhero films, this one follows Batman (Christian Bale) on his ordeal to stop a certain clown’s psychopathic criminal spree.
In the film, Batman needed to retrieve the corrupt businessman, Lau, in Hong Kong. In an amazing scene, Batman infiltrates the International Finance Centre Building from above the Hong Kong skyline! Now that we think about it, a corrupt businessman establishing his office inside the most prominent building in the Central District probably isn’t a smart decision. Lau certainly had taste though!
3. The World of Suzie Wong (1960) – The Peninsula Hong Kong
The World of Suzie Wong is possibly one of the most important movies set in Hong Kong. At the time, it provided audiences with a perspective on a relationship between a Westerner and an Asian. It turned and broke many stereotypes around, while offering an honest look at the difficulties of cross-culture romance.
The couple’s love story began, developed, and ended at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The neoclassical design of the hotel served as an atmospheric backdrop to the budding romance. A particular scene in the film sees the couple sharing and reflecting on the hotel balcony
4. Ghost in the Shell (2017) – Lai Tak Tsuen
Futuristic visions seem popular when it comes to Hollywood movies set in Hong Kong. And the production behind the film adaptation of Ghost in the Shell thought the same. To create the neo-noir cyberpunk look of a futuristic city, their team applied post-production filters. We assume it didn’t take a lot of time, especially when your film location is Lai Tak Tsuen.
But what’s so futuristic about the estate? For a start, the buildings on the estate share a cylindrical shape. This uniformity of architectural design gives it an interesting industrial design. One of its atriums served as a sample of housing in a futuristic city. Applied with filters, of course. Public housing doesn’t get more vibrant than this!
More Hong Kong movie locations you can visit
5. Police Story (1985) – Wing On Plaza
The Police Story series of films was the work that catapulted a certain actor named Jackie Chan to superstardom. While he starred in every film in the series, Chan directed the first two, with the first one featuring some of his most death-defying stunts. The highlight of the film is the intense and intricately choreographed mall fight!
The mall is easily one of the most visited Hong Kong movie locations. Known as Wing On Plaza, it has impressively remained the same throughout the years since the film’s release. It also helps that it’s located right at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s most frequented shopping districts.
6. Chungking Express (1994) – Chungking Mansions
When people talk about Hong Kong cinema, they would most likely think of action. Until one Hong Kong movie changed that idea radically. The romantic arthouse film, Chungking Express, by Wong Kar-wai showed a different side to films made in the city. And cliché as it may sound, the city of Hong Kong is certainly a character in this cinematic masterpiece.
Many scenes in Chungking Express are surreal. The chase scene between an unnamed police officer and a mysterious woman through its streets feels like a dream. Despite their proximity and their attempt to become intimate, they don’t see each other again. Hong Kong moves just too fast for them.
Quite evidently, the film owes its name to Chungking Mansions, another iconic building in Tsim Sha Tsui. This multilevel building takes up as many as five blocks with 17 floors each! Its upper levels consist of residential units while the lower floors are for commercial spaces.
Many people of different cultures live in and around Chungking Mansions. These cultures range from Indians, Africans, and Southeast Asians to a few European expats. So, expect a melting pot of influences convening within its bustling streets.
7. Infernal Affairs (2002) – Tai Kwun
Infernal Affairs was one of the most influential Hong Kong action movies set that Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese made a version of his own. The Hollywood adaptation was so ambitious that it starred heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson!
But that’s not to take away from the original! The captivating thriller pits two people smoking out each other as they leak information from opposite sides of the law. At the risk of spoiling the film inadvertently, we’ll stop at this vague summary. Trust us, the less you know, the better Infernal Affairs is.
The original Hong Kong movie features the former Central Police Station, now rehabilitated as Tai Kwun. While we can’t expound on the pivotal scene in Infernal Affairs, we can tell you that Tai Kwun is now a culture and heritage hub. The buildings around it were reconstructed to perfection and now house art galleries instead of police offices. But even if you haven’t seen the film, Tai Kwun’s inherent multiculturalism shouldn’t be missed when visiting Hong Kong.
8. Lust, Caution (2007) – The University of Hong Kong
While highly controversial during its time, Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution makes full use of film as a medium. This erotic thriller was set between Hong Kong and Shanghai during the 1940s, during the Japanese occupation. A university student hatches a plan to kill a collaborator of their invaders through seduction. However, her feelings are in the way.
One of the most important parts of the film was staging the play that the student was a part of. The theatre where the play was staged was shot inside The University of Hong Kong, particularly, inside Loke Yew Hall. It is now a preserved historical building and its neoclassical design makes for great photo backdrops.
9. Sparrow (2008) – Star Ferry
While popularly known for his crime-action films, Hong Kong cinema legend Johnnie To also directed many comedies and dramas. Sparrow casts a light on a group of sneaky pickpockets that operate in Hong Kong. But when a woman asks for their help, their loyalties to each other are put to the test.
To learn just how skilled these men are, they commit their pickpocketing crimes while aboard the Star Ferry. This popular route that carries passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon City daily sees a lot of foot traffic. The film showcases the group’s skills by going through passengers’ belongings unnoticed while aboard!
10. Enter the Dragon (1973) – Tsing Shan Monastery
We can’t really talk about cinema in Hong Kong without mentioning the late, great Bruce Lee. The Little Dragon himself was massively responsible for placing the global spotlight on Hong Kong action movies. Despite starring in only five films before his untimely demise, his legacy still shines prominently today.
His most famous film is Enter the Dragon, where he enters a tournament hosted by a criminal boss. In the film, Lee visits Tsing Shan Monastery to reconnect with his Shaolin practices as well as additional training. The real-life monastery sits at the foot of Castle Peak and served as its filming location.
It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and is possibly one of the three birthplaces of Buddhism in Hong Kong. You may not be a Shaolin master, but the monastery’s inherent tranquillity will help you reflect and reconnect.
We can’t blame filmmakers if they see Hong Kong for their next cinematic ventures. It’s an amazing city that’s full of life. With all these exciting works, we’re sure you’re dying to watch your next Hong Kong movie. Good thing that you’re spoiled for choice!
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