The owner of a Hong Kong film company has criticised dystopian film Ten Years, after it was awarded “best film” at the 2016 Hong Kong Film Awards.
Tycoon Peter Lam Kin-ngok – who is also chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board – previously said the award given to the box office hit was “unfortunate for the Hong Kong film industry”. He then appeared on a Now TV programme on Sunday criticising the decision once again.
“If I told you a wonton noodles shop is the best restaurant in Hong Kong, would you accept that?” he questioned.
“The first film by a new director – is that better than Tsui Hark? The best directors? Is that better than those they make?” he said. “It is a matter of opinion, but to me, I do not accept that.”
Tsui Hark won the best director award for the film The Taking of Tiger Mountain at the film awards in early April. It was also nominated for “best film”.
Lam added that a film should not be rewarded for the attractiveness of its topic. It is necessary for the film awards to discuss whether to change its review mechanism, he said.
Lam is the chairman of Hong Kong listed conglomerate Lai Sun Group, and the owner of the Hong Kong-based Media Asia Film. He is also a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Michelin star rated
Despite Lam’s comments, a wonton noodle restaurant was named in the 2016 Michelin Guide Hong Kong/Macau. The acclaimed Wing Wah Noodle Shop was also featured on the official website of the Tourism Board.
Local netizens were quick to criticise Lam’s comments over the weekend.
“Are wonton noodles not good enough for you? Please try to make a wonton yourself,” a commentator who shared the news on Facebook said.
“If all high class restaurants lost to one selling wonton noodles, it should be those restaurants who need to reflect on themselves,” said another.
