The 10th London East Asian Film Festival opened in style with the UK premiere of Hong Kong’s classic Hard Boiled (4K restoration) at the Odeon Leicester Square.
Established in 2015, the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) is a non-profit arts organisation dedicated to celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and diversity of East Asian cinema. Following a highly successful pre-festival that same year, LEAFF’s first official edition launched on 20 October 2016 with Kim Jee-woon’s The Age of Shadows, screening 40 films over 11 days and closing with Johnnie To’s Three.
LEAFF continues to champion a spirit of cross-cultural collaboration in East Asian filmmaking. Its philosophy seeks to transcend cultural and cinematic borders, offering audiences a vibrant and diverse programme that reflects the richness of the region’s stories and people. With films from more than 13 countries, the festival draws audiences in with the familiar while inviting them to discover something new.
Renowned among cinephiles for fostering mutual admiration between the cinemas of Hong Kong and Korea, LEAFF has become Europe’s most dynamic platform for talent from both regions to meet and connect. In London, the world truly meets.
John Woo’s Hard Boiled (1992) stands as one of the most iconic and influential action films in world cinema. Blending balletic violence with emotional depth, the film redefined the aesthetics of action filmmaking and introduced a new cinematic language that continues to shape global cinema today. Its operatic gunfights, choreographed with precision and rhythm, transformed the genre into a form of visual poetry — earning Woo international acclaim and paving the way for his transition to Hollywood. Beyond its technical mastery, Hard Boiled captures the tension and moral complexity of Hong Kong society on the brink of transition in the early 1990s, embodying both chaos and grace. The film’s influence can be seen in the works of filmmakers from Quentin Tarantino to The Wachowskis, making it not only a Hong Kong classic but also a cornerstone in the evolution of modern action storytelling.
At the opening gala ceremony, Miss Fiona Chau, Director-General of the London ETO, addressed the audience:
“The London ETO is proud to partner with LEAFF for the tenth consecutive year in shining a spotlight on Hong Kong cinema. Hong Kong cinema has always stood out for its bold creativity and rich cultural roots. Today, it continues to grow and evolve, bringing fresh stories, unique perspectives, and a spirit that connects with audiences around the world. We are confident that Hong Kong remains a vibrant crossroads of East-meets-West, and a vital hub for international cultural exchange.”
The festival also honoured director YonFan with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his exceptional contributions to Hong Kong cinema. YonFan joined a Q&A session on 24 October to share his experiences in the industry. On the same day, directors Jonathan Li and Chou Man-yu also took part in a discussion with audiences.
Across its 11 days, the festival featured the UK premiere of Hard Boiled (4K restoration) alongside screenings of Behind the Shadows, Crossing Years, and Sons of the Neon Night — reaffirming LEAFF’s commitment to showcasing the best and boldest voices from East Asia.
The festival is ongoing until 2 November.
Full programme here.
