In February 2025, Australian label Chameleon Films is releasing the Blu-ray for Sparrow, a 2008 Hong Kong film from Johnnie To (Three, Office, Running on Karma). The label’s past titles have been All Region, so there’s a chance this one will follow suit.
The most sheer delight you will ever experience from a Johnnie To film? Filmed over three years between other projects, this story of men who pick pockets and a woman who steals hearts is nothing less than a love letter to Hong Kong. Shot on the streets and backed by a playful lounge jazz score that is equal parts Paris and China, it tells the story of Kei (Simon Yam) and his group of pickpocket brothers who fall under the dangerous spell of a damsel in distress (Kelly Lin).
This sets up a series of set pieces that show To working at the peak of his mastery. A man, a woman, a balloon; the erotic possibilities of a shared cigarette; a face-off in a cramped elevator—this is the intoxicating stuff that explains why we love Hong Kong cinema. The balletic finesse of the climactic scene, shot in slow motion in the rain, invokes a Hong Kong of grace and gallantry and professional skill, a Hong Kong that exists now only in the imagination.
Exclusive Features:
- Pressed CD soundtrack by co-composers Xavier Jamaux & Fred Avril (45 mins)
- Collector’s slipcase & booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Sean Gilman
- New audio commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Frank Djeng
- “A Playful Departure” – a new video essay on Sparrow by filmmaker Zach Closs (8 mins)
- Newly translated and improved optional English subtitles by Dylan Cheung
- Reversible sleeve with newly created and original poster artwork
Archival Extras:
- 2011 Interview with Co-Composer Xavier Jamaux, Editor David Richardson & Production Supervisor Ding Yuin-shan (13 mins)
- Interviews with Director Johnnie To and performers Simon Yam, Kelly Lin & Gordon Lam Ka-tung with newly translated English subtitles (33 mins)
- Gala Premiere featurette (4 mins)
- Press Conference featurette (9 mins)
- The Making of Sparrow (2 mins)
- Photo gallery
- Theatrical trailer
- UK trailer
Visit Chameleon Films for more info.
