Hong Kong Strong: Ultimate Chinese New Year 新年快樂

Learn filmmaking from me! myfilm.school/...
📷: / brandon_l_li 🎭 / rungunshoot 📷: vimeo.com/rungu...
A deep dive into the many layers of Hong Kong. A film about the madness and beauty of this seemingly impossible city in the days leading up to Chinese New Year. And an exploration of my own Cantonese heritage.
Director's Commentary: • Hong Kong Strong: Dire...
Original Post (May 2016): vimeo.com/rung...
Featured by National Geographic: bdn.li/natgeo
Featured on BBC: • "Hong Kong Strong" Bra...
Vimeo Staff Pick, Best of the Month, runner up Best of the Year: vimeo.com/blog...
a6500 filmmaker kit: goo.gl/Z1DH2k
All my gear: bdn.li/kit
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Additionally, I participate in other affiliate programs, and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through my links.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

This short film was featured by National Geographic, BBC, TIME, Vimeo's Best of the Year, and many others. It was a passion project that took four months to finish, covering much of the culture and landscape of Hong Kong. I've posted it to KZbin in honor of Chinese New Year 2017. Gong Hey Fat Choy! Please see description for Director's Commentary. Original Post: vimeo.com/rungunshoot/hongkongstrong

[@Taj_mahaul_earth_cruiser_4x4]

amazing work Brandon!!! you captured it well.

[@chris_8806]

Brandon Li could you do a tutorial of how you do that mask transition at 2:27 I can't find anyone on KZbin who describes how to do that and I know you would teach it perfectly

[@9DEZiGN]

Love it! Awesome Video! I saw a sony 50mm f/1.8 with hood @4:51 which is same like mine~ 新年大進步！

[@mommeak]

Brandon Li great job!!!! Love it!

[@rumputkuning76]

Not surprised. This is gold, you're the real director.. salute ! :)

[@PieceofAmr]

This is a piece of art. You killed it, period

[@arbbell]

First time I watched this video was almost 3 years ago. now I'm at the end of my military service and I'm starting to get back to filmmaking, this video had me in tears. amazing and inspiring.

[@nomadicoutlaw2566]

The tension throughout this was nothing short of genius. This is art! I can only hope I'll get somewhere near as good as yourself some day. Really enjoyed watching!! I'm in Shanghai and hope to visit Hong Kong very soon.

[@Joey_Helms]

Glad it finally ended up on your channel on youtube :)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I needed a good time..Chinese New Year seemed appropriate

[@Joey_Helms]

Brandon Li Lets crack the NatGeo viewcount ;)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Goals!

[@eddykra]

OMG This deserves more Views !

[@Miklosselva]

Totally agree!

[@theopunkguy]

i agree with you too

[@baltoproduction8759]

Wonderful story, i almost crying while watching this. I can't imagine that evrything about our life can be show out in 7mins. I'm your fan now Brandon. This is the first time I look up your channel.

[@lagazzettadiyoutube]

I cannot understand the reason why people put dislike. That's literally awesome, Brandon, I think you're the best filmmaker I ever seen. Chapeau

[@artistandcamera3245]

The only thing more insane than this video is how few views the video has. This is stellar filmmaking!

[@willsmith39]

This makes me cry now, when I watched it the first 20 times when you uploaded it things were so different. I hope Hong Kong can find a way to survive. I'm still here.

[@albertplanas7936]

Still one of the best videos in KZbin ever. Can't understand why it doesn't get millions of views... says a lot about KZbin audience

[@MsSamsondidi]

why at the end of the video my eye in tears ... is so beautiful . thank you for making this Brandon !!!

[@danc.3768]

amazing. this shows the fast and slow paced culture of hong kong and it's simply beautiful, we'll put out.

[@kcsreenath]

I just dont have words to explain the joy I feel when I watched this. Just awesome. My #1 youtube channel from today.

[@starky497]

I found you through gear reviews but your work has really inspired Brandon. I feel your work encapsulates, and perhaps re-defines, a new and beautifully efficient film making practice that might have been facilitated by changes in tech, but, at it's best, is not defined by it. Your editing is very refined and gut felt, playful and powerful. It transcends the equipment as it does the mundane. The shots are stunning but its your cinematic language that excites me. It's new. You speak it well. Thanks

[@emmanuelcaballes7409]

Legend says this video is still rendering. Dope work man!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

"What we render in life, uploads in eternity" - Gladiator

[@tobymaggs3981]

Dude this is amazing🔥🔥🔥👌🏻super impressed , it's rare that I got it he effort of liking a KZbin video but this is way beyond what's out there . Killing it , seriously . Totally blown away .

[@kattyen4782]

Your work is the most magnificent mind blowing discovery i've made on KZbin. You deserve a lot more recognition. I will show this to my friends and family, thank you very much.

[@pixelpearlproduction538]

Your pacing is out of this world. As much as people say any one can be a videographer , I think it’s an art form. Like not everyone can paint a masterpiece. Your an artist. Great work to follow o learn a lot from you. Thanks

[@Biswajit_Baruah]

excellent video man . so much of hard work . it was very immersive video . that was mind blowing brandon

[@m0nztam0nk]

my goodness... your edits and shots are not just film but art man. cant believe you only have 70k views on this...liked and subbed.

[@ahemoo]

You're such an amazing cinematographer all of your pieces have given me goosebumps, incredible work :)

[@978962]

Wow this is simply stunning. So creative. I can't even imagine how this was like to edit. Big inspiration for me dude. Keep it up. Much love from Newzealand.

[@lukehero]

Fantastic in every way, the story telling, pace, transitions, creativity, quality, *everything!*. I really love HK, one of my favourite places. I must say though, that drone shot at 0:10 has got to be illegal, flying in the city centre above traffic and people.

[@oliviag7964]

How is this only one person.... amazing seriously (this should actually be a movie)

[@HungryTourist]

The editing almost made me dizzy, but man the talent, the skill, the effort and the passion COMES THROUGH THE SCREEN and grabs the viewers attention in an instant. Beautiful work. This is what cinematography is all about. Creators like you inspire people like me.

[@dennisswiss7522]

This is actually so amazing Brandon! For 7 minutes Ive been in another world !

[@NsK363]

A masterpiece... hundreds of incredible ideas. I love the scene with the dragon "chasing" the kids in the maze by alternating plans. No word for such an amazing video.

[@dimasmr9530]

honestly i dont even know why am i crying at the end. Its make my adrenaline rush with the progressive vibe. U killed it man. My inspiration!!

[@Alexo_]

This is fantastic

[@fpvwithpatrick]

This is amazing. Masterfully crafted, loved the way you tied together different subject matters so seamlessly. Great job!

[@nimbuskhannk627]

A shot direct to my memories, shorting every single synapse. Now, I HAVE been there. Thank you.

[@RavindraSDhande]

Oh can't believe the edits in this and the sound is just amazing. I jist can't stop myself watching this film again and again. So much to learn from you. You just have put your heart into it. Just have no words for it.... i am stunned.... completely....

[@julietasilva5135]

This is a piece of art! It should be in a museum literally... your editing skills are super stunning!

[@aussiemaarten]

Words can't describe what I've just watched! Seriously the most amazing video I've seen in a long time.

[@sanketss84]

Incredibly awe-inspiring , every second of the 7 minutes 01 seconds i was just getting immersed in this beautiful artistry you created called "Hong Kong Strong" I just fell in love with your work right from second 1.

[@JasmineDragonXYL]

Incredible would be an understatement. Everything in the video is done perfectly. The amount of times I've watched this in the last few years is crazy.

[@rifke]

It’s just TOO GREAT, Brandon. Right On.

[@HelgeAlbjerk]

Wow.. this video is like a roller coaster, and I love it!!

[@maxszeto7030]

This video made me yearn for something deeply. As an Australian Born Chinese (HK) I have yet to realise parts my heritage and explore my roots. This is such a breathtaking, intense and visionary piece. I am inspired by your work and will likely look back on this many years later. Thank you Brandon!

[@gabrieltye]

Man, I come back to your videos at least once a year to be inspired. I learned a lot with you. Thanks and congrats for the amazing work

[@shutterchemistry8247]

This is the best short film I have seen in a long time. I admire what you do Brandon. Well deserved features. Congratulations!!!! The music, fast cut edit and camera movements just spot on. Made my day. Thanks!!!!

[@deerclaudia]

This video should be on Hong Kong Tourism Board LOL!!!

[@melaie6723]

I love your videos. Especially with the music it gives you a unique and real impression of how people live. That‘s art.

[@linalbert]

Oh what a piece of art!!!! You captured the essence of what HK is about! So beautiful to watch, and the story leading up to the end, an emotional crescendo.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thank you! Put a lot of work into this one.

[@JohnKaiYang]

Happy Chinese New Year Brandon! Love the transitions and effects you used in this film. Thanks for sharing it with us on KZbin.

[@ThePassionHiFi]

really impressive work man!

[@kevlar_87]

I could watch this over and over, and I will!

[@Sealianet1019]

I saw so many B-rolls, vidclips and short films all over KZbin, but this one is the Craziest Sick of them all. I love the timing, transitions, music and sound effects. Congratulations Bran. Bravo, just bravo...! I salute, all hands up and feet. Love all your work.👏🙌🙏

[@peterpanda7506]

little to no dialogue, yet captured my attention for the entire video. Your style is so different yet so awesome and refreshing.

[@0917hubing]

好正点，新年快乐！

[@anthonyjosephcortez]

This film is an art piece! I love how you set the tone in the first act and how it changes throughout the film. I loved how you were able to evoke so much emotion in your film. I felt like I was in a rollercoaster and got my adrenaline pumping especially with the chaotic scenes on the boat and temple and then you slowed it down in the end where you showed a heartwarming scene of family! 😭 You really had me throughout the entire film. This is seriously one the best works I've seen. It's simply beautiful. You're an amazing film maker!!! I can't wait to see more films from you. 🙌🏼🙏🏼

[@RosarioUnoPH]

absolutely mind blowing! the transitions were perfectly mixed with the sound.

[@rdyjshd]

Wow, I love the use of vertigo effect and the phasing. The effects were not too overused and transitions are on point where it flows through the beat.

[@2griffo]

Amazingly well put together. Really captures the spirit of Hong Kong in a short story.

[@huuytaan]

let's strong HongKong, rightnow!

[@joshuatisonyai8833]

dude, your transitions are sooooo well done. All of it was great. Well done, sir.

[@Japanblakk]

I am honored to know one man can pull this off. its amazing

[@Frostzk]

I'm glad I've found this!

[@juneoh1772]

The BEST Cinematic short film I've ever seen.

[@VinnieCamilleriMusic]

Mind blowing and inspirational!

[@kidchris]

Thankful for this huge inspiration

[@PauloNeto64]

Amazing, stunning, awesome and so one. No words are enough to describe this work. Very good.

[@allinthemind2006]

cried at the end. Great job!

[@AveMcree]

I was afraid to watch this video because I knew it would be 💯🔥

[@Masterwuxi]

THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!! AS A CHINESE ,I WISH I CAN SEE MORE FILMS ABOUT CHINA AND CHINESE FROM YOUR WORKS!

[@LisandroPositivo]

Told you that I love you? Love your videos. Love your way to see and feel. You make me travel and think about humanity with your videos. Love you.

[@boemo66]

Wow!! Amazing shootings with a cool professional editing. Bravo Brandon, very good job

[@NickGranville]

Fantastic video Brandon. You've summed up what HK truely feels like in a beautiful way. Thanks

[@EugeneBelsky]

That is really amazing!!! Awesome job !!!

[@DrAdnan]

Everything you make is a masterpiece

[@MarblePerception]

Adnan A I swear I’ve seen you in a few comment sections lol

[@viajandodiabeticamente8814]

Wow!! More than EPIC! Wonderful video, awesomely post produced. It's just wow!

[@JBziik]

One of the most amazing video I've ever seen on KZbin ! Thanks for sharing !

[@TonySU]

Miss my home country but I am so happy to see thid video it makes me feel i am there ,thank you +brandon li for this i wish this video hit millions of views.

[@adihegde23]

This is a piece of art , superb work Brandon

[@senseofthechaos]

WHAAAAT! This is epic !!! hands down best film/short film ive ever seen... im honestly in awe, this is some craaazy good stuff, congratulations on the awards.. totally deserved it !! :O :D

[@tytanaka7983]

Super dope! Love the multiple stories interweaving and going on at the same time.

[@Curry.N]

i had a goosebump from watching this.

[@DigitalSamTV]

holy shit dude you absolutely 100% nailed this! every single tiny little piece is complete perfection. it is so good i almost cried at the end (i am seriously hungover but still... ) incredible work. i totally understand the massive amount of workload (shooting and editing) this would have been with such snappy stuff and dynamic variation of content. very well done mate!

[@cambylim]

I’ve watched this so many times and still I am amazed. Trying to pick up as much as I can from your videos Brandon you inspire me so much!

[@michaelhawkins1173]

Your work is wonderful. Your vision to see beauty in everthing that moves and tell it others Absolutely terrific.

[@TomasGolej]

What the hell are you man? This is trully masterpiece, so emotional. You are my new KZbin nr.1

[@splintercell275]

This is one of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen.

[@gaurav.anirbandutta]

This just blew my mind. Breathtakingly beautiful!

[@kirkandscotty]

this is beautifully shot and put together. captures so many emotions and cultural aspects

[@sharktooth5]

I grey up in HK as a child and I must say you've captured it's beauty so well it got me emotional. Makes me want to go back there ASAP XD

[@emtouree9404]

This is incredible. Love it how you capture the emotions and all of that. Truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing

[@AllenRReid]

Masterpiece. Never gets old watching this one.

[@pamelaharper547]

Every emotion possible! A delight to watch! Brandon your music continously spot on! Thank you!

[@gregorysgarrison]

This should have waaay more views. Share it people.

[@12frogman24]

Wow! I live in hk for more than 20 years and had never seen or been to some of these places. So awesome

[@notsure7224]

Wooow! High quality all around. Great job!

[@brianwu6435]

This went way beyond my expectations. Fantastic effort

[@PhanKimThanh]

TVB has almost portrayed Hong Kong portraits to Vietnamese people, so watching these videos I feel like my childhood memory have risen.

[@jackzdroneandphotos8398]

im speechless,,, ur filmmaking is so incredible!

[@micsasy]

6.21 the sailing part , the effort of man and the force of nature

[@EncoreAlex]

The dislikes are made by people who are obviously much better and skilled than Brandon Li... in their heads. Breathtaking video, thanks for sharing it.

[@sportyjen62]

This was incredible, opened my eyes to the creative possibilities in film making

[@SebastianSavoy]

Holy cow! What did I just watch 😱😱😱 Your skills are far beyond as what I've already seen. YOU FREAKING ROCK!!!

[@chrisningthoujam6192]

the most epic video ever!!!!!!!!!!!!! each and every scene has its own meaning. This is my 34th time watching this video