A man is crouched atop a hill in the dessert. He is looking up to the sky and has a sword at his side.

The Cinema of Wong Kar Wai Ashes of Time Redux

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 100 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

Hong Kong | 2008 re-release of the 1994 film | Cantonese and Mandarin language English subtitles | Drama/Martial Arts | M

Sandwiched between the releases of Days of Being Wild and Chungking Express, Ashes of Time Redux is director Wong Kar-wai's radical take on the wuxia martial arts genre. Re-edited and re-scored in 2008, this is the definitive version of his epic masterpiece: a film of haunted, elusive characters, landscapes that mirror psychological states, and fight scenes so fragmented and disorienting they become almost anti-cinematic - all shot by WKW's visionary cinematographer Christopher Doyle.

The story centers on Ouyang Feng (Leslie Cheung), a heartbroken and cynical man who spends his days alone in the desert, connecting expert swordsmen with those seeking revenge and willing to pay for it. As Ouyang narrates his tale, interweaving the stories of his unusual clients, old friends and future foes, he begins to realize the mistakes of his own past, and how his fear of rejection may have led him to a life of exile.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

A fresh and invigorating cut of Wong Kar-wai’s wuxia classic.

Timeout Worldwide

Cast and credits

Director and writer Wong Kar-Wai
Writer Louis Cha
Cinematographer Christopher Doyle
Cinematographer Pun Leung Kwan

Ou-yang Feng Leslie Cheung
Mu-rong Yin / Mu-rong Yang Brigitte Lin
The Woman Maggie Cheung
Blind Swordsman Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Huang Yao-shi Tony Leung Ka-fai
Peach Blossom Carina Lau
Hung Chi Jacky Cheung
Young Girl Charlie Yeung

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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