Office (華麗上班族). 2015. Hong Kong. Directed by Johnnie To. With Sylvia Chang, Chow Yun-Fat, Eason Chan, Tang Wei. 3D. Courtesy Swank. In Cantonese; English subtitles. 119 min.
In this genre-defying experiment, Johnnie To transposes his kinetic visual style to the world of high finance, crafting a stylized musical satire set against the backdrop of the 2008 global financial crisis. Two screen legends, Chow Yun-fat and Sylvia Chang (who wrote the screenplay, based on her play) lead an ensemble cast through a labyrinthine office set designed by William Chang, its transparent walls and spiral staircases serving as a metaphor for corporate transparency and hierarchy. To’s camera glides through this abstract space with balletic precision, transforming mundane office politics into elaborately choreographed musical numbers. As a more commercial sideline to his crime thrillers, To has directed a series of romantic comedies designed for release around the Chinese New Year. Office takes those films a step further, blending Brechtian theatricality, biting corporate satire, and unexpected musicality.
Please note both screenings will be presented in 3D. Glasses will be provided.