This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
In the god-forsaken satellite city of Tuen Mun, 13-year-old Cookie suspects she's pregnant. Lately things have not been going her way. Her mother left; her father ignores her; her best friend is in reform school; and her boyfriend is off selling bootleg VCDs in bustling Mong Kok. Flanked by her ride-or-dies Banana, Sissy, and Bean-curd, she journeys into town to find an abortionist.
Director Lawrence Lau updates his 1988 debut Gangs – a shocking account of underage Triads – with an all-girlscast surviving on the lowest rungs of gang-life after the bosses have long gone legit. Swimming in turn-of-century malaise, this Category III youth drama offers a slice of urban grime as our quartet, who can only rely on themselves, navigate drug abuse, bad boyfriends and library books way past their due dates. Produced by Johnnie To (Election) and written by Lo Chi-leung (Viva Erotica), Spacked Out unfolds not unlike Hong Kong’s answer to Uli Edel’s Christiane F. or Larry Clark’s Kids: a slice of 90s urban grime (replete with all the shiny stylings from the era).
directed by: Lawrence Lau starring: Debbie Tam Kit-Man, Christy Cheung Wing-Yin, Angela Au Man-Sze, Maggie Poon, Vanesia Chu, Lam Hoi-Man, Michell Wong Yuk-Ting 2000 / 91 min / 1.77:1 / Cantonese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Newly scanned and restored in from the 35mm original camera negative
Interview with director Lawrence Lau and assistant director Tse Loh Sze, moderated by Shu Kei
Interview with actor Angela Au
Booklet with new writing by Margaret Barton-Fumo and archival photographs
New art by Shuilam Wong
New optional English subtitles
Original Cantonese Audio
Dubbed Mandarin Audio
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 96 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Spacked Out, a Category III youth drama from director Lawrence Lau, offers a gritty look at urban life in 90s Hong Kong through the eyes of four young girls. The Blu-ray release features a newly scanned and restored version with new art, booklet, and optional English subtitles. Customers praise the film's portrayal of young girls, its stunning visuals, and the quality of the Kani release.
Summary topics
Film Quality (21%): Many customers expressed appreciation for the film, stating it is a great cat 3 film with great packaging.
Visual Appearance (9%): Customers raved about how great the product looks, with multiple reviews praising its appearance.
Movie Experience (23%): Based on many customers, this movie is highly recommended and considered great, amazing, and stunning.
Release Quality (14%): Customers expressed appreciation for the Kani release, with many describing it as great and amazing.
Portrayal of Young Girls (6%): Customers loved the film for its portrayal of the role of a young girl in the family.
"The score is good, and the cinematography and overall execution make the film feel "young" and dynamic." — Thomas B.
"These four girls also have dim views of the future." — Vance T.
"This movie was stunning, the cinematography was beautiful and grimey." — Huseyin S.
Reviews
Bought blind
"Bought this film kind of blind. The cinematography looks interesting, and the story summary from the website sounded like it would be kind of unique for a Hong Kong film. I love the care put into these releases!"
— Tyler M. (5/5)
Slice of Life Social Realism
"Starts out as a raw slice-of-life documenting the chaotic existence of a group of rebellious teenage girls, then transforms into a social-realist drama. Would make a good double feature with Fruit Chan's "Made in Hong Kong. " Feels slightly ahead of it's time and reminds me of films like American Honey."
— William G. (5/5)
Kani cat 3. Intriguing
"Kani cat 3. Intriguing"
— Miles M. (5/5)
Coming of age drama
""Spacked Out" has been ratting around my head ever since I heard the title. This is a provocative coming of age film that deals with the turmoil of adolescence. Loved it!"
— Jon B. (5/5)
Another great release from Kani
"Very well made and acted hard to watch at times because of the graphic nature of it"
— Rohan J. (3/5)
great all around
"i love this movie and this is such a beautiful restoration!!"
— Lyla H. (5/5)
Go in blind!
"Went in blind and really enjoyed this one"
— Rory C. (4/5)
Raw, rebellious and deeply human
"A punchy and poignant slice of Hong Kong youth cinema. Spacked Out captures the confusion, anger, and fleeting joys of teenage girls living on the margins. It’s honest, confrontational, and never patronizing. The performances feel lived-in and real, and the visual style matches the rawness of the subject matter. A bold, empathetic gem."
— Thomas L. (4/5)
An Interesting Look at Early 2000's Hong Kong
"It's interesting how this movie provides a look at Hong Kong in the early 2000's. I also like how it creates a sense of realness with the use of new and small name actresses at the time. This release has some interesting extras including an interview with one of the actresses looking back on the film two decades later."
— Lela b. (4/5)
Great film. Reminded me a
"Great film. Reminded me a lot of Kids."
— Dave C. (5/5)
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