Classic Films

We will be meeting at Forever Lounge in Causeway Bay on Sunday, May 17th. We will begin with informal introductions, where you will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and your background, experiences and/or goals). Your host Ben will introduce a new topic (this week we will discuss different ways of lighting a scene on a zero-low budget), and finally we will wrap up by discussing any projects we are working on or would like to get started. The emphasis is always on the creative, artistic, and collaborative aspects of filmmaking. All are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Questions and opinions are always encouraged. If you have any materials (scripts, showreels, raw/edited footage, etc.) that you would like to share, please feel free to bring it along, but all you will need is enthusiasm and confidence! Forever Lounge is near Tin Hau MTR station (exit A1), at 176-178 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay 銅鑼灣銅鑼灣道176-178號地舖 [Forever Lounge - Western Wine Bar in Causeway Bay Hong Kong | OpenRice Hong Kong](https://www.openrice.com/en/hongkong/r-forever-lounge-causeway-bay-western-wine-r18523)

Unlike the usual BYOB format of this group, this is an **assigned reading format.** **You are expected to have read some of the book** to join the discussion :) I am excited to finally read this book, its an award-winning, one of the most highly rated non fiction books across Goodreads/Amazon and for good reason! About the book: # "In vivid detail... examines the little-known history of two extraordinary dynasties."--The Boston Globe An epic, multigenerational story of two rival dynasties who flourished in Shanghai and Hong Kong as twentieth-century China surged into the modern era, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Shanghai, 1936. The Cathay Hotel, located on the city's famous waterfront, is one of the most glamorous in the world. Built by Victor Sassoon--billionaire playboy and scion of the Sassoon dynasty--the hotel hosts a who's who of global celebrities: Noel Coward has written a draft of Private Lives in his suite and Charlie Chaplin has entertained his wife-to-be. And a few miles away, Mao and the nascent Communist Party have been plotting revolution. By the 1930s, the Sassoons had been doing business in China for a century, rivaled in wealth and influence by only one other dynasty--the Kadoories. These two Jewish families, both originally from Baghdad, stood astride Chinese business and politics for more than 175 years, profiting from the Opium Wars; surviving Japanese occupation; courting Chiang Kai-shek; and losing nearly everything as the Communists swept into power. In The Last Kings of Shanghai, Jonathan Kaufman tells the remarkable history of how these families participated in an economic boom that opened China to the world, but remained blind to the country's deep inequality and to the political turmoil at their doorsteps. In a story stretching from Baghdad to Hong Kong to Shanghai to London, Kaufman enters the lives and minds of these ambitious men and women to forge a tale of opium smuggling, family rivalry, political intrigue, and survival. Note: ***location subject to change **but we'll keep it nearby. *You **must** buy something at the venue. *** First timer attendees **are requested to contribute 20HKD to fund the Meetup Group Subscription. *No-Shows make the host sad (please update your attendance)

**(Only reservations via whatapps are accepted)** For any booking or questions please WhatsApp 61355931 [https://wa.me/85261355931](https://wa.me/85261355931) Sunday Private Deep Stretching Class (Splits, Middle Splits & Shoulder Opening Focus) 🕒 Time: 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM 👥 Small Group \(6 people max\) \| Focus on Details \| Personalized Guidance Address：426 Shanghai Street, Multifield Centre,Mong Kok, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon (Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit A1) 🌟 Suitable For: ✅ Beginners or those with experience looking to master the front splits, middle splits, and shoulder opening ✅ Individuals who frequently work out, run, or experience tightness from long hours of sedentary office work ✅ Anyone wanting to improve flexibility, correct hunched posture, and prevent sports injuries ✅ Those who prefer small classes where the instructor can understand each student's needs and adapt the content accordingly 📘 Class Features: 🔹 Weekly focused sessions on either "Upper Body" or "Lower Body" deep stretching for systematic flexibility improvement · Lower Body Focus: Hamstrings, calves, ankles, hips, hip joints, etc. · Upper Body Focus: Shoulders, neck, upper back, shoulder blades, arms, wrists, and spine, etc. To reserve your spot, please contact us in whatapps :61355931 Trial Class: $100 Single Session: $180 4-Class Package: $600 (Valid for 6 weeks) Our studio is fully equipped with all necessary yoga equipment and changing facilities for your convenience. Hi everyone, I'm Bella Lee, your yoga instructor! I was super stiff and tight when I first started yoga too – so trust me, I totally get it! 😊 Don’t worry if you're new or feel inflexible – this class is welcome to all levels and genders. I’m here to guide you patiently and clearly, making sure every posture feels good and safe for your body. Please just let me know before class if you have any injuries or concerns – that way I can help you practice mindfully. Can’t wait to meet and flow with you all! Yoga Instructor information · 9+YEARS EXPERIENCED YOGA INSTRUCTOR · 200 HOURS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATE COURSE · XIN KINESIOLOGY FOR SPINES AND BACKBENDS COURSE · USUI REIKI RYOHO LEVEL 1（靈氣治療等級一） · ZEN MEDITATION LEVEL 1 禪修等級一 · RPYT-85 HOURS REGISTERED PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING · STICK MOBILITY LEVEL 1

Star Road Language Exchange 🌃 . *Update: Click Attend and get $20 discount! . Welcome to Star Road Language Exchange. In this group, everyone is a star! :) . Enjoy learning a new language or meet new friends in a relax atmosphere. . We try to organise every week. Looking forward to seeing you. :) . Time: Sunday 5:15-7:15 Place: Rizzy Coffee, LKF, Central , HK (G/F, LKF 29, 29 Wyndham St, Central Hong Kong) https://maps.app.goo.gl/pVyy1Hbj8i95QR227?g_st=ic . Entrance Fee: $40 (Plz buy at least 1 drink!) Click Attend and get $20 discount! . Proposal 😂 17:15 Star Rd Lang Ex 19:15 Dinner together . Whatsapp (65078638) me for any enquiries . Check out Star Road Language Exchange on Meetup https://meetu.ps/c/4vfpY/xy0yQ/a . #HK #English #friends #language

Chinese Sword Dance - Beginners 中式劍舞 (初班) 🗡️ Discover the Art of Chinese Sword Dance ! 🩰 Beginner’s Class – No Experience Needed Thu 8-9pm lai Chi Kok /Sun 6-7pm South Horizons $120/hr Step into the graceful world of Chinese Sword Dance, where tradition meets movement. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn: ✨ Fundamentals of Chinese Sword techniques in a dance-inspired style ✨ Basic Chinese dance movements to enhance coordination and flow ✨ Strength and flexibility training for arms, wrists, and fingers ✨ Footwork that tones and strengthens your legs ✨ A full-body workout that blends elegance with power The sword adds gentle resistance, turning each movement into a dynamic fitness experience. Whether you're exploring a new cultural art form or seeking a graceful way to stay active, this class is for you! Enquiry 查詢/ Class Booking 預約: lssdance2012@gmail.com WhatsApp : 65230389 Regular students no need to register here.

Call Kamong 92235629 before you walkin \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Absolute beginners - Sunday This course introduces the fundamental elements of Argentine Tango and introduces basic technique that can help improve the quality of movement. We expect participants to be able to start dancing socially after following the course for one term. The course is designed to be followed from the beginning to the end. **Anyone who wishes to revisit the fundamentals of tango are welcome to join.** Programme Tango embrace & Connection (Open & Close embraces technique) Male & Female Walking technique Walking to the music El paso basico (the "basic step") El ocho (figure of eight) El giro (half & full turn) La cruzada (crossing) https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/7/2/4/600_464298212.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/9/e/7/event_455635783.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/b/d/600_450824989.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/e/7/600_449322471.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/b/9/5/600_445587541.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/5/6/6/600_444510054.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/9/5/e/600_443230590.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/6/0/d/600_442062509.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/1/5/600_441137685.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/b/7/a/600_439312090.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/1/0/7/600_438157127.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/2/c/7/600_436949383.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/4/1/600_435824865.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/a/5/6/600_433943126.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/2/3/8/600_433001528.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/6/b/600_432060619.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/b/6/600_426730422.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/d/a/600_397830682.jpeg

Sports Chanbara Regular Class (Sunday) Sports chanbara is a free-style Japanese combat sport, which originated from Kodachi Goshindo (Self-defense with a short sword). We would like to introduce this new sport to Hong Kong. Please join us and be a Samurai. Dress code: Sport Attire The session will include the following: Warm-up exercise Basic Japanese Dojo manners Sports Chanbara Basic movement (Kihon Dosa) Attaching Techniques Blocking Techniques Basic Movements of Dodging Sparring Date: Each Sunday Time: 2000-2200pm Location: 6/F, Activity Room, Tai Kok Tsui Sport Centre Fee: $600 per 4 classes Others: Attendee no need to bring/buy any helmet or gear and coach will borrow the gears for attendee use during class. For reservation, please message/call Stephen Sensei at 61762261 https://wa.me/85261762261 To find out more, please visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HongKongSportsChanbara Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/sports_chanbara_hong_kong/

**Total beginners** **welcome!** A whole new movement, fitness & self defense cultural activity **outdoors!** Structured progressive practices for **Strength**, **Flexibility,** **Coordination** & **Self Defense** skills in a fun group environment! Totally NOT what you expect, **serious cardio**, **whole body movement** & **practical!** You will really be surprised by what WE do but even more by what YOU can do! Nothing like what you imagine about Kung Fu, No screaming, No rigidness, No mysticism & No getting hit… but YES, definitely a fun workout with great people! **Curious?** To get an ideal of what class is like, hear instructor & hear student testimonials go to [https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu](https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu) **FEE:** 1st time TRIAL fee of $100 HKD for residents. Please RSVP here or Whatsapp me. Non-Resident $150 HKD. After trial 10 class package is $1500 HKD or $200 HKD single class. **WEAR:** Workout clothing, sports shoes & bring bottle of water! **WHEN:** Sunday 5:45 pm NEW people, 6 pm students. Please be on time, warm up very important for your 1st class! **WHERE:** Inside Kowloon Park in the Multi-purpose room. Meet at McDonalds across from Indoor Swimming Pool entrance, next to Sports Center. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, or Austin. Link below: [Kowloon Park Swimming Pool](https://maps.apple.com/?address=22%20Austin%20Rd,%20Tsim%20Sha%20Tsui,%20Kowloon,%20Hong%20Kong%20SAR,%20China&auid=15054175802527892571&ll=22.301815,114.170365&lsp=9902&q=Kowloon%20Park%20Swimming%20Pool&_ext=CjIKBAgEEAUKBAgFEAMKBQgGEKcBCgQIChAACgQIUhADCgQIVRAQCgQIWRADCgUIpAEQARIkKSODum0jNjZAMWByPQiohFxAORGqqD1gZDZAQaw+9nwmkVxA&t=m) **WHY:** Out of shape? Gym BORING? More? You want to exercise & have fun building strength, flexibility, coordination & self-defense skills while cultivating patience, focus, confidence & yes… discipline! **HOW:** To get in touch with me, Whatsapp .9420.0360. or email through Meetup. For more info about my art, please visit NaturalStyleKungfu.com. **\- Book a Private 1\-on\-1 Kungfu Class\!** Learn at your own pace & prepare for later group classes, choose the day & time suitable to you! Private Class in Kowloon Park: 1.5 Hours $500, other locations $900 **-**

Come learn how to dance in a sexy feminine way with our most professional and popular dance choreographer JM Justin Vergara! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

*🗡️ Discover the Art of Chinese Sword Dance! 🩰* *Beginner’s Class – No Experience Needed* Step into the graceful world of Chinese Sword Dance, where tradition meets movement. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn: ✨ Fundamentals of Chinese Sword techniques in a dance-inspired style ✨ Basic Chinese dance movements to enhance coordination and flow ✨ Strength and flexibility training for arms, wrists, and fingers ✨ Footwork that tones and strengthens your legs ✨ A full-body workout that blends elegance with power The sword adds gentle resistance, turning each movement into a dynamic fitness experience. Whether you're exploring a new cultural art form or seeking a graceful way to stay active, this class is for you! **📍 *Location:* South Horizons Community Centre – 1F Activities Room** **🕒 *Time:* Tuesdays or Sundays, 6–7pm** **📅 *Date:* RSVP** **💰 Fee : 150/hr** **💬 *Contact:* WhatsApp 6523 0389** *Unleash your inner warrior with elegance and flow. Join us today!*

(Partner's Event) English Corner Time: Every Wed, Fri & Sun 19:00 - 23:00 Location: The Crazy Coconut Bar, ShenZhen Longhua Baishilong, 3rd floor, 3N100, Above Metro Exit B2 (BaiShiLong Metro Station) 瘋狂酒吧， 深圳龍華白石龍地鐵站B2上方，3樓 Refer to the picture for details on the BBQ Sat event.

Hi All, I am Lawrence, YTT500hrs Yoga Teacher, Movement , Certified Animal Flow Level III iinstructor and Certified Personal Trainer from A.C.E.
Roll & Flow Is branch of soft acrobatics, we will explore differentnt technique eg floorwork, cartwheel, roll, kick etc to train our body and create a flow togetherher
Class Fee:150 per person
Please feel Free to Message me for any questions.
你好 我係Lawrence , yoga. Movement, lv 3 Animal Flow 同埋私人教練
將各樣動作串連而成為一個好似舞蹈或者表演。
係班上，我會教大家各式既相關動作，無論你想鍛鍊或者伸展，都可以搵到適合你既野。 

費用:每堂150元
歡迎聯絡查詢。

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

IMPORTANT INFO: I strongly suggest not reading anything about it online before seeing it. It's best viewed with no previous knowledge. This documentary contains crude terminology and deals with cyberbullying, which may be a trigger for some folks. AGAIN, PLEASE DO NOT EVEN READ ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU SEE IT. A very unusual choice for his group... Unknown Number: High School Catfish is an American [true crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime "True crime") documentary film directed by [Skye Borgman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skye_Borgman "Skye Borgman") and released to [streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_media "Streaming media") on [Netflix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix "Netflix") on August 29, 2025. The documentary explores the events and investigation into an unknown person [cyberbully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying") and [harassing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harassment "Harassment") teenagers in [Beal City, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beal_City,_Michigan "Beal City, Michigan") using an unknown number via insults and sexual claims. It also explores the increasingly great impact of the harassment on the community, the eventual reveal of the culprit, and the trial that followed. Please be ready to discuss the movie by 7PM. We suggest arriving early enough to order and get food beforehand. Thanks. Unfortunately, it is only available on Netflix. If you would like to attend but do not have Netflix, say so and maybe we can figure something out. Icebreaker Questions: 1\. Did you figure it out? \(explain\) 2\. From a production perspective\, how do you rate it as a documentary? \(explain\)

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Tickets are on Sale now $22.00 curtainplayers.org** **please list your seat number in comments . Purchase in E .We also will meet for lunch if interested which is posted separately 😊**