Is Lost Cemeteries Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Lost Cemeteries represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When Pak Tin Estate is going to be demolished, the residents will move to a new place, but how about the dead residents? Where could they go? Ho Ying-kuen who majors in Myth and Poetry, and Playwriting, leads us to a time and space of a demolishing public estate. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When Pak Tin Estate is going to be demolished, the residents will move to a new place, but how about the dead residents? Where could they go? Ho Ying-kuen who majors in Myth and Poetry, and Playwriting, leads us to a time and space of a demolishing public estate. We will come across the residents of the estate, a mother with her two sons selling incenses, and two monkeys having conversation about their mother. A mixture of fiction, experimental and documentary images, Lost Cemeteries studies about filial piety and death with a strange and interesting approach."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Andy Chan Kong Hung ensure that the emotional beats of Lost Cemeteries always land with sufficient weight. Andy Chan Kong Hung provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Ho Ying Kuen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 25 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Lost Cemeteries truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Lost Cemeteries explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ho Ying Kuen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Lost Cemeteries is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Andy Chan Kong Hung or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lost Cemeteries is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.