1/ The Mission (1999)

One of the main reasons this film has deservedly won so much praise is the style and skill used to tell what is such a simple story. This tale of crooks features excellent production values, brilliant direction and a dream-cast of Hong Kong 's finest. The Mission is a great demonstration of the creativity of Hong Kong filmmakers.

2/ Infernal Affairs II (2003)

There is no need to discuss how important this trilogy of films has been, not just in breaking HK Box Office records, but also in its influential reception here in the West. However, I specifically chose Part II because of the direction the story takes in leading up to the 1997 handover. Here we see the historic fact acting as a backdrop for the dramatically rich fiction and the affect of the handover on both the police, and the Triads.

3/ Beast Cops (1998)

This film is, for me, one of the most overlooked and important “cop” films of late 1990s HK cinema. It shows the gritty, neon, criminal-run underworld of Hong Kong and the relationship between cops and triads. It also depicts the starkly contrasted relationship between two officers, one who has been giving the gangs room to maneuver for years, and another, no-nonsense cop who has just returned from the West. It represents a change in tone from the more formulaic HK gangster genre of previously years.

4/ A True Mob Story (1998)

This is an important film as it not only a great crime thriller, but it also gave master of entertainment, Wong Jing, the opportunity to work on something heavier that would demonstrate his ability as one of the great directors of serious cinema. This was another title that arguably shifted the tide in the style of crime and gangster films in Hong Kong .

5/ In The Mood For Love (2000)

This is perhaps Wong Kar Wai's best known work, that reflected so elegantly the stylistic perfection of the director. The rich visual narrative also gave foreign audiences a particularly stunning insight into the “flavour” of Hong Kong romanticism. It demonstrated a artistic blend of style, and substance that can be found in the director's work.

6/ Wo Hu (2006)

Only in Hong Kong could you get this, On The Edge and Johnnie To's Éxiled released in the same year. Three incredible films that cement the fact that the west is not producing the best films. Wo Hu is a moving and emotionally draining story that combines themes of love, friendship, loyalty and the horrors of day-to-day street violence. An exceptional film that must be seen by all fans of Hong Kong cinema.

7/ Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Although it may seem an obvious choice, this unlikely hit did in fact show the rest of the world the magic of Asian cinema and arguably opened doors for future Hong Kong releases around the world. Being the first “foreign” film to win 10 Oscar nominations, and the highest grossing foreign language film in the US , it undoubtedly gave new audiences an insight into both Chinese cinema, and the traditional swordplay genre.

8/ On The Edge (2006)

This is yet another in an impressive flurry of dark, atmospheric Triad dramas. Once again marking a significant shift in tone from HK triad stories even a few short years previously, director Herman Yau assembled an incredible ensemble cast including Francis Ng, Anthony Wong and Nick Cheung. One of the best Hong Kong films of recent years.

9/ Election: Volume 1 (2005)

Johnnie To went where no director has ventured before by giving audiences an unflinching, raw and intense insight into Triad life and traditional, with all the themes of a great gangster story. The controversial first part of this story makes for unsettling, albeit undeniably brilliant viewing.

10/ Exiled (2006)

I apologies for the biased number of Johnnie To films in this list but he didn't become one of the most respected directors in Hong Kong for nothing! He has been creating hit after hit for years, and unlike the majority of “hits” here in the West, a Hong Kong hit is usually a great film! His filmography of simply the last 10 years could produce a “how to” guide for Hollywood , explaining how to make films as good as those in Hong Kong . I hope they're taking notes.