The Graduate (4K Restored Version)

This film is adapted from the Charles Webb's novel of the same name. Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) graduates from a famous university. His parents throw him a party to celebrate. Everyone offers him advice but Benjamin is at a crossroads, filled with confusion and uncertainty about the future. He is seduced by Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft) and has an affair with her. He later discovers that his true love is her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film reflects the turbulent social atmosphere in the US in the 1960s, when many liberation movements were sweeping through the nation and the younger generation, though desperate to throw off tradition, was uncertain where to turn. Dustin Hoffman's performance was nothing short of brilliant. The camerawork was textbook-perfect. The film was awarded five major Golden Globe awards including Best Film and Best Director. The Simon and Garfunkel song ‘The Sound of Silence' has also become international perennial classic.

Courtesy of Tamasa Distribution

Law's Statement

The Graduate is one of the films I have watched the most times. Interestingly, all through the years from my days as a youngster, I have never been tired of it.

But this film has really grown up with me, like an old friend who is always there, walking alongside as I went through my different stages of development and emotional states, joys and sadnesses.

The Graduate was made decades ago, but the way it tells its story and its cinematographic techniques is still just as relevant and admirable by today's standards. I especially enjoy the groundbreaking acting techniques, the neurotic dialogue, the non-conformist editing, the crisp and clear music, and most importantly that rebellious, over-the-top yet sentimental coming-of-age story that moves me even today.

# Post-screening talk with Alex Law and Shu Kei

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