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Festival coverage

London East Asia Film Festival

19 October – 29 September 2017

Shock Wave
Shock Wave

After enjoying great success in its first two years, the London East Asia Film Festival continues with its work to provide a bridge between cultures and introduce Londoners to the diversity of films coming out of East Asia today. Back for its third year, it features blockbusters alongside films by emerging talents.

"Building from our successes in 2015 and 2016, LEAFF is delighted to be back in London. As a global hub, it represents the perfect Western gateway to show films from all over East Asia, appreciating the rich diversity of a region bubbling with creativity and renewal," says festival director Hyejung Jeon.

The festival runs from 19 to 29 October.

Box office and information

Latest reviews

  • Before We Vanish
    Review preview for Before We Vanish

    Sometimes absurd, sometimes bone-chilling, strikingly original.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    Narumi and her husband Shinji are going through a rocky patch when Shinji suddenly vanishes, returning several days later, utterly transformed. At the same time, a family is brutally murdered, and the town beset by strange phenomena. Journalist Sakurai begins to investigate the mystery…
  • The Mourning Forest
    Review preview for The Mourning Forest

    Naomi Kawase approaches it with a sincerity and grace that make it both believable and magical.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A carer and a patient from a small retirement home become stranded in the forest.
  • Shock Wave
    Review preview for Shock Wave

    With a set-up and title like this, it's obvious from the outset that Yau isn't going to let the emergency services wrap things up neatly and go home for a nice cup of tea.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    An explosives expert has to overcome a series of challenges in order to save the lives of hundreds of people trapped in a tunnel by a crazed bomber with a personal grudge.
  • Our Little Sister
    Review preview for Our Little Sister

    It is in the women's emotions that the heart of the matter lies and Kore-eda, as always, handles them with an elegant lightness of touch.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    Three sisters take their 15-year-old half sister into their home and hearts.
  • The Grandmaster
    Review preview for The Grandmaster

    Wong Kar Wai knows how to frame faces like no other, with embroidered collars, white straw fedoras, a rowdy monkey, cotton flowers and words escaping lips that are like song.

    Anne-Katrin Titze · 5 out of 5
    The story of Ip Man, the martial arts master who trained Bruce Lee.
  • Tokyo Sonata
    Review preview for Tokyo Sonata

    Considering each aspect individually, this is a picture of outstanding quality, from the strong cast to the photography and haunting soundtrack to the acute character studies.

    Emma Slawinski · 3.5 out of 5
    A Tokyo salaryman loses his job and tries to conceal it from his already dysfunctional family.
  • Election 2
    Review preview for Election 2

    Whatever he lacks in narrative drive, To is still the master of style.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    Triad gang underlings vie for the top job.
  • Infernal Affairs
    Two men, working undercover for the police and Triads respectively, have to eliminate each other to save their jobs, and their lives.

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