The Menu (2016) (Blu-ray) (Hong Kong Version) Blu-ray Region A

We learn immediately that Smart Post's original photographer and chief editor are no longer with the team through flashbacks to the TV series, and that editor Fong Ying (Catherine Chau) is now the interim chief and writer Mallory (Kate Yeung) has switched to the photo journalist position. On Mallory's first day as photographer, two big stories come in quick succession: a serious mini-bus accident and a hostage situation at a TV station. The two incidents turn out to be related as the bus driver is the wife of aggrieved lighting technician Tam (Ng Man Tat) who is holding his co-workers and a TV show guest hostage with explosives. His demand: a meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Executive. Fai (Gregory Wong), Smart Post's rule-flouting veteran reporter, remembers Tam to be the father of a murder-rape victim for whom justice was never served, partly because the double jeopardy clause prevented the culprit from being prosecuted again even after new evidence was uncovered. While racing to investigate and report on the developing story, Fai, Mallory and Fong Ying must also make important journalistic decisions in the face of competing media organizations that resort to underhanded tactics.

The Menu engages discussion about the current mediascape and state of journalism as the rules of the field get constantly rewritten by social media, online click rates and collapsing standards. While the conflicts and themes may be presented in fairly obvious manner, the topic is nonetheless worthwhile and compelling, especially in the oft-sensationalistic context of Hong Kong journalism. The film also points fingers at the judicial system, public apathy and legislative inefficacy as complicit players in the tragic, infuriating developments that drove Tam to desperate measures. The Menu eventually wraps things up neatly for narrative convenience, but not before it has challenged the media, the public and every branch of government.

Unlike TVB's silver-screen spinoffs which tend to go in a different direction with bigger stars, The Menu stays with its core cast, characters and premise under the lead of director Ben Fong and screenwriter Connie Pun. Fans of the TV drama should be pleased with this extension, and those who watch the movie first may be tempted to look up the drama afterwards. Considering its humble budget and scope, The Menu exceeds expectations with its solid pacing and script, and stands as a great example of a locally minded Hong Kong film.