Located on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Golden Harvest Grand Ocean Cinema concluded its final day of operation yesterday (June 1), officially closing its doors today after 56 illustrious years.
As a landmark cinema in the district, it has accompanied generations of moviegoers, bearing witness to the evolving eras of Hong Kong cinema. Throughout yesterday, the theater was packed with fans who came to commemorate its legacy and catch one last film.
On May 21, Golden Harvest announced via social media that due to the expiration of its lease, its Tsim Sha Tsui branch would conclude its half-century-long journey, ceasing operations from June 2. The beloved cinema, cherished by countless film enthusiasts, has now drawn its final curtain.
Three Sold-Out "Mystery Screenings"
Yesterday, the theater hosted six screenings, with the last three—dubbed "classic film mystery screenings"—serving as its final farewell. Priced at HK$56, each attendee received a commemorative Grand Ocean Cinema card after the show, marking one last shared moment with the cinema and its patrons.
The initial 9:40 PM screening sold out within an hour after tickets went on sale on May 24, prompting Golden Harvest to add two more showtimes at 5:30 PM and 7:40 PM.
The first mystery film unveiled was the 1976 Golden Harvest classic "The Private Eyes". As audiences exited, they were handed a movie poster and the commemorative card, with many queuing to take photos under the theater's iconic marquee. The subsequent screenings featured two legendary Bruce Lee films: "The Way of the Dragon" (1972) and "The Big Boss" (1971).
Generations of Memories
Some viewers shared that revisiting these classics rekindled their youth, having grown up with the Grand Ocean Cinema, they now faced its closure in their later years, leaving them deeply sentimental. Others admitted they hadn't visited in over a decade but made a point to return with their families for this historic farewell.
Since its 1969 opening, the Grand Ocean Cinema has hosted numerous film premieres, standing as a vital witness to Hong Kong's cinematic history. It was also renowned for screening foreign blockbusters, like "Pretty Woman" and "Ghost" (both 1990), which drew crowds stretching down Canton Road.
Technological Pioneer
As Golden Harvest's flagship venue, the theater underwent two major renovations, reducing its seating from 1,772 to 460—yet it remained the district's largest single-screen auditorium, equipped with 4K projection and Dolby Atmos sound.
Ms. Wong, a younger attendee, noted it was her first visit. She praised the theater's comfortable seating and immersive screen, lamenting its closure.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao; Journalist: Sylvie Xu; English Editor: Darius)
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