Tucked away in a nondescript corner of Shau Kei Wan, on the eastern tip of Hong Kong Island, is the city’s newest movie house, L Cinema.
The first theatre in Hong Kong from Lotte Cinema – South Korea’s second-largest movie-theatre chain – the complex, which opened in February, comprises two auditoria of 87 seats each.
A visit to the second-floor theatre is like taking a trip back in time: there’s a simple counter serving snacks and a few posters on the walls but that’s about it. And while it looks out of place among the key cutters, launderettes and domestic-helper agencies around Mong Lung Street, an area not big on entertainment or retail, it’s a welcome addition, according to movie-goers who visited one wet Monday night.
“It’s a really convenient location for people living in the Eastern District,” says 14-year-old Shau Kei Wan resident Felix Ho. “I’ll be coming a lot.”
“I just watched Zootopia and it was a really comfortable experience. Plus the ticket prices are really good!” says Janet Ho, who is accompanied by two school friends. “The staff are friendly and the sound was fine, though it wasn’t as good as some cinemas, but that doesn’t bother me.”
Daily screening schedules can be found on the L Cinema Shau Kei Wan Facebook page.