Mar 14 2009
You have to plan ahead to see a movie in Hong Kong!
I have always been a sponteaneous movie-goer - popping in the theatre for a movie in between shopping, taking a mini study break hiding in the theatre… In fact, I always believe that watching movie should be relaxing like watching a block-busters at home - only you pay more to enjoy the great sounds, the nice seats, minus the distractions.
Back in “those days in Toronto”, watching movies were all about arriving the theatre 30 minutes early, grab a good seat and enjoy movies. — simple and straight forward…
This habit was annoyingly changed when I arrived Hong Kong.
I remember watching Hong Kong TV series and people say “Hey, I got tickets for Tuesday’s XXXX movie, you want to join me?” and I thought “This excuse is so lame! You have to ORDER MOVIE TICKETS IN ADVANCE to ask for a date?”
Now that I am here, I realize the TV series was actually the reality!
Ticketing logistic operates more or less like operas and musicals where you need to book your tickets WAY AHEAD in order to get decent seats for the movie you like! There are many times (yes, I still do that after so many times failing) I couldn’t get a spot for a movie just because I ordered on the spot even if I am 2 hours early!
HongKongers are well planned in their movie-going, and you have to blend in to get your spots! IF you want to watch a movie in Hong Kong, here are the two that I always go - the seats are comfy. Do note that the booking opens usually 24 - 48 hours ahead.
