Pass the Popcorn brings listeners into Omaha’s film scene with insights and recommendations, in partnership with Film Streams.
By Gabriel Escalera
Dundee Theater Showcases Restored Hong Kong Cinema Classics This May
May 14th, 2026
The influence of 1980s Hong Kong cinema on American filmmaking is impossible to ignore. Its fast-paced action choreography, emotional storytelling, and stylized visuals helped inspire generations of filmmakers and franchises, including The Matrix, John Wick, and the films of Quentin Tarantino.
This May, Film Streams is celebrating that legacy with Hong Kong Classics, a special late-night series at the Dundee Theater featuring newly restored versions of three influential action films: A Better Tomorrow, Peking Opera Blues, and City on Fire.
“Its thrilling action choreography, distinctive visual styles and emotional storytelling have inspired everything from Quentin Tarantino’s filmography to the iconic Matrix and John Wick franchises,” said Elijah Hoefer, general manager of programming at Film Streams.
The series begins with A Better Tomorrow, directed by legendary filmmaker John Woo. Released in 1986, the film became a defining entry in the “heroic bloodshed” genre, combining stylized gunplay with deeply emotional storytelling centered around two brothers caught in the criminal underworld.
The following week features Peking Opera Blues from acclaimed director Tsui Hark. The film blends comedy, action, and political intrigue as three women attempt to stop a president from declaring himself emperor amid the vibrant world of the Peking Opera.
The series concludes with City on Fire, starring Chow Yun-fat in a performance that helped establish him as one of Hong Kong cinema’s biggest action stars. Directed by Ringo Lam, the gritty undercover cop thriller later became a major influence on Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
According to Hoefer, the opportunity to screen newly restored versions of these films is especially exciting for repertory and arthouse theaters.
“These three films have long been sought after for fans of action cinema and cinema history lovers,” Hoefer said. “We’re thrilled to present them in their most pristine quality.”
The restorations were completed by Shout! Studios in collaboration with the Hong Kong Film Archives. The films were scanned in 4K from original camera negatives with restored video, audio, and newly translated subtitles.
The Hong Kong Classics series screens Friday nights on May 15, May 22, and May 29 at the Dundee Theater.
Tickets and additional information are available at Film Streams.
