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.

[@danc.3768]

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

[@artistandcamera3245]

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

[@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.

[@eddykra]

OMG This deserves more Views !

[@Miklosselva]

Totally agree!

[@theopunkguy]

i agree with you too

[@Biswajit_Baruah]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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 .

[@deerclaudia]

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

[@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

[@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

[@oliviag7964]

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

[@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.

[@fpvwithpatrick]

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

[@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.

[@MsSamsondidi]

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

[@ahemoo]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kcsreenath]

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

[@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....

[@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. 🙌🏼🙏🏼

[@huuytaan]

let's strong HongKong, rightnow!

[@SebastianSavoy]

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

[@kevlar_87]

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

[@dennisswiss7522]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@HelgeAlbjerk]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@perpetualmoto]

Now I see why it took you so long to edit...You must have navigated hundreds of hours of footage to make this possible!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

1.4TB of footage, probably about 30 hours.

[@perpetualmoto]

...and beyond the visuals there is sooo much going on! All the awards are well deserved!

[@MajorAddiction]

it was worth@@BrandonLiUnscripted

[@PauloNeto64]

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

[@Japanblakk]

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

[@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.👏🙌🙏

[@viajandodiabeticamente8814]

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

[@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.

[@AveMcree]

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

[@swapandey1]

Great work. Your creation always inspiring! Have a good time always Li!

[@rifke]

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

[@JohnKaiYang]

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

[@Alba_103Side]

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.

[@nimbuskhannk627]

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

[@Frostzk]

I'm glad I've found this!

[@NotanStorm]

Amazing! Music is so great. Transitions are awesome.

[@micsasy]

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

[@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.

[@Curry.N]

i had a goosebump from watching this.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@bestvacations4044]

SOOOOO OBSESSED WITH THIS VIDEO!!!! have watched it 523492872 times lol

[@johnconnor8612]

lol

[@michaelhawkins1173]

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

[@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.

[@julietasilva5135]

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

[@gregorysgarrison]

This should have waaay more views. Share it people.

[@TomasGolej]

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

[@NickGranville]

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

[@RosarioUnoPH]

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

[@adihegde23]

This is a piece of art , superb work Brandon

[@RobShelley84]

This has some fantastic photography and editing and tells a great series of stories... but I didn't learn anything about Chinese New Year in HK. Haha. That's why I clicked here!

[@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!!!!

[@melaie6723]

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

[@amalbarathi4070]

You are the king of transitions in KZbin.

[@Masterwuxi]

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

[@12frogman24]

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

[@boemo66]

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

[@notsure7224]

Wooow! High quality all around. Great job!

[@emmanuelcaballes7409]

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

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

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

[@chansterray]

Watching this again amazing work. This needs more views in 2018!

[@alexkross6476]

It's criminal to see a video like this only have 57k views on youtube. You my friend are talented, I wish you all the best in the future. For someone like me who wants to get into vlog/documentary film making on youtube, what would be the best camera and lens combo. PS i'm pretty set on the a6500 just not too sure about the right lens for me.

[@CianHamilton]

I've seen this 100 times but I think one more time will is ok. Just so great.

[@peterpanda7506]

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

[@AshrafEzzat]

Brilliant editing, audio effects and storytelling. A work of cinematic art that should have been screened in a film festival first. Big shout from a fan in EGYPT.

[@chrisningthoujam6192]

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

[@aaraniyan]

Very inspirational and motivating. Thank you for this.

[@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.

[@t-jkojo4623]

Plenty of nice and creative cuts! I like :)

[@2griffo]

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

[@joshuatisonyai8833]

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

[@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.

[@jackzdroneandphotos8398]

im speechless,,, ur filmmaking is so incredible!

[@JBziik]

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

[@Daria-kw8le]

What an amazing video! Seriously great job.

[@Bodenseebirmas]

Wooow! What a High quality Video, amazing work

[@juneoh1772]

The BEST Cinematic short film I've ever seen.

[@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!

[@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.

[@SATYAJITGHOSH90]

Watched this in a Cathay Pacific flight. Mind=Blown

[@PhanKimThanh]

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

[@tripitwild4853]

This is one of the best videos I ever seen !!! It's one of the only few videos I watched from the start to the end and I keep watching it again and again. I am a photographer but you definitely inspired me to learn more about videography. I am going for a trip around the world soon and I will try to make some interesting videos, even if they will be a long way off from yours :))) good luck with your future projects !!!

[@lilylam7628]

I would say the video can really show outsiders how HK was like! It was touching!

[@orosand]

This video is deserves 100 times more views

[@AllenRReid]

Masterpiece. Never gets old watching this one.

[@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!

[@siddeshphopale7885]

awesome each and every shot connected and cool editing