Description
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With an urban nocturne atmosphere, PTU is one of the finest examples of Johnnie To’s “Kowloon noirs," named after the Hong Kong neighborhood where they take place. Set over the course of a single night, the film's precision-tuned plot kicks into gear when hapless Sergeant Lo (Lam Suet) of the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) has his gun stolen. While he and his fellow officers search for it—sometimes via extrajudicial means—they find themselves caught up in a gang war while trying to stave off rival investigations by Vice Squad and Homicide bureaucrats. Full of To’s signature action set pieces and sprinkled with absurd humor, this is a film that rewards close attention: every incident and character who appears onscreen contributes to the story, sometimes in surprising ways.
(Johnnie To, Hong Kong, 2003, 85 min., 35mm, Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles)
Accessibility: The public elevator in the West Building (Freer Gallery of Art) is out of service, so your route to the event location may take a few more minutes than usual. Use the accessible entrance at the corner of Independence Avenue and 12th Street SW, and follow the directions when you arrive. Get more accessibility details.
Films are shown in the 300-seat Meyer Auditorium. Preregistration (up to four tickets per person per film) is encouraged but not required. Seating is available on a first–come, first served basis for patrons without tickets.
Image courtesy of Mei Ah Development Company Limited
Cost
Free. Register in advance (recommended)
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Accessibility & Accommodations
Captioning, Wheelchair accessible
