Film Review #145: REMEMBER WHAT I FORGOT (HKFGP)
Hong Kong Cinema Memories Rekindled: Remember What I Forgot
This review may contain spoilers.
Remember What I Forgot is a Hong Kong drama directed by Chiu Tsz Yiu. The story centers around a mysterious film enthusiast named Kim, who is everywhere in film spaces but remains an enigma. Kim’s deep knowledge of Hong Kong cinema and frequent appearances at film sets, premieres, and press conferences attract the curiosity of reality show producer Ginger, who begins investigating him. Suspecting Kim to be a critic who manipulates the industry through negative reviews, Ginger is intent on unveiling his motives. However, as she digs deeper, she finds Kim’s motivations are more personal and complex than expected.
The film invites viewers to see Kim not only as a film buff but as someone deeply rooted in Hong Kong cinema’s history. His connection with cinema reflects unresolved personal issues and emotional wounds, turning the witch-hunt into a journey that explores Kim’s hidden past and Ginger’s own self-reflection on her values.
Remember What I Forgot excels in visual storytelling, filled with references to iconic Hong Kong film moments. Kim often appears in places that evoke Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage, e.g. old theaters, bustling sets,etc. All of which pay homage to the golden age of Hong Kong movies. His dedication reflects his longing for a time when films felt authentic and connected to ordinary lives.
“I only want to remember everything about Hong Kong films. I don’t know it would bring everyone so much trouble... things just escape me all the time.”——Kim
Some memorable scenes include:
Old-School Cinemas: Kim is often shown sitting alone in vintage cinemas reminiscent of the 1980s and 90s. These scenes echo classics like
Days of Being Wild, capturing the quiet solitude and nostalgia of Hong Kong’s cinema heyday.
Gangster Films:
In a fantasy sequence, Kim imagines himself as a character in Infernal Affairs. The dark tones and tense atmosphere pay tribute to Hong Kong’s classic gangster genre, allowing viewers to feel the thrill of iconic cop dramas.
Romantic Cinema:
In several scenes, Kim reminisces about lost love, and the cinematography evokes
In the Mood for Love with warm lighting and lingering shots. This mirrors Wong Kar-wai’s style, creating a bittersweet beauty that reflects Kim’s inner world.
Martial Arts Films: A playful fantasy shows Kim imagining himself as a hero in a martial arts film, referencing Jackie Chan-style action scenes with fast-paced choreography and humor, celebrating Hong Kong’s rich action legacy.
These homage scenes are not only artistic choices but also highlight Kim’s emotional connection to films that have defined his life, underscoring his search for purpose and belonging.
The relationship between Ginger and Kim evolves from suspicion to mutual respect. Ginger used to be a screenwriter and has work to her name. When Kim plays this particular film, she is moved to tears, as memories flood back and touch a deep part of herself, what we often call our “original passion.” That is the turning point - Ginger’s investigation turns inward when she recognises the sincerity of film enthusiasts like Kim, who find their very beings inexplicably intertwined with cinema.
“Having made one good film is hard enough.”——Kim
As the film concludes, Ginger and Kim’s relationship reaches a new depth, with Kim finally opening up about his reasons for clinging to cinema. His story becomes a universal tale of finding solace in art, prompting viewers to reflect on their own sources of comfort and connection.
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About the author: Rachel Xia is a film director from China who’s been in love with art since childhood. Turning that passion into a career? Pure joy. But where she really has fun is with sharing films and the emotions they bring. She respects every creator’s voice—it's the mix of different perspectives that makes life colorful.
Remember What I Forgot will have be screening on 23 Nov, Saturday 2.00pm at Golden Village Suntec City, as part of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2024 in Singapore.
Get your tickets at: https://www.gv.com.sg/GVMovieDetails?movie=2246#/movie/2246
Visit https://www.singaporefilmsociety.com/hkfgp2024 for more info.
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