Finding the last dance 2024 film showtimes isn't as straightforward as you’d think. Honestly, if you just type it into a search bar, you might end up looking at tickets for a 90s Michael Jordan documentary or a French drama about a widower joining a dance troupe.
But the movie everyone is actually talking about right now? It’s the Hong Kong powerhouse directed by Anselm Chan. It's called The Last Dance (or Po Dei Juk in Cantonese), and it has been absolutely crushing records.
Basically, it's a story about a wedding planner who goes broke during the pandemic and—out of total desperation—ends up in the funeral business. He has to team up with a cranky, traditional Taoist priest. It sounds like a comedy, right? It’s not. Well, it has its moments, but it’s mostly a deep, tear-jerker of a drama that explores life, death, and why we do the things we do for the people who are already gone.
Where to Actually Find The Last Dance 2024 Film Showtimes
If you're in a major city like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, you've got a decent shot. The film had its big US premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival and then started trickling into select theaters through distributors like Magnum Films.
Showtimes are currently popping up in specific pockets:
- AMC Theatres: They’ve been the most consistent. Look for locations in neighborhoods with high international film demand. Places like AMC Atlantic Times Square in Monterey Park or AMC Empire 25 in NYC often carry these limited releases.
- Independent Cinemas: Don't sleep on the "Arthouse" spots. In Vancouver or Toronto, you’ll see it at Cineplex locations with "International" branding.
- Fandango and Atom: These are your best friends here. Because showtimes for international films can change weekly—sometimes even daily based on demand—you have to check these apps every Tuesday or Wednesday when the new schedules for Friday are posted.
The movie is about 127 minutes long, but keep an eye out for the Director’s Cut. It runs nearly 140 minutes. If you find a theater showing that version, grab it. It adds a lot of texture to the relationship between the main characters, Dominic (played by Dayo Wong) and Master Man (played by Michael Hui).
Why the Buzz is So Huge
This isn't just another movie. In Hong Kong, it actually became the highest-grossing domestic film of all time. Think about that for a second. It beat out massive action movies and established franchises.
People are obsessed because it tackles things nobody wants to talk about. It looks at the "Breaking Hell's Gate" ritual—a Taoist ceremony where a priest literally breathes fire and smashes tiles to lead a soul out of the underworld. The film asks: is this for the dead person, or is it really for the people left behind who need to feel like they did one last thing right?
The chemistry between Dayo Wong and Michael Hui is legendary. They haven’t worked together since 1992. Seeing them on screen is like watching two Hall of Famers come out of retirement for one final, perfect season.
The Showtimes Struggle: Why They Disappear
International films like The Last Dance usually get what we call "limited engagement" windows. They might only be in a theater for two weeks. If the seats aren't filled in the first three days, the theater replaces it with the latest Marvel movie or whatever horror flick is trending.
If you see a 7:00 PM showing on a Tuesday, take it. Don't wait for the weekend.
Also, be careful with the titles. There is a 2023/2024 French film just called Last Dance about a 75-year-old man. It's a great movie, but if you’re looking for the fire-breathing Taoist rituals and the Hong Kong funeral industry, make sure the poster features Dayo Wong and Michael Hui.
Watching at Home?
Right now, the theatrical experience is the way to go because of the cinematography by Anthony Pun. The way he lights the funeral homes makes them look almost holy instead of creepy.
However, if you've missed the theatrical window, digital platforms like Apple TV and Google Play have started listing it for "Pre-order" or "Rent" in certain regions. It’s usually priced around $4.99 for a rental and $14.99 to buy, but check your local listings as licensing for international films is always a bit of a mess.
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Tips for Getting the Best Experience
- Check the Language: Most US and Canadian showtimes will be in Cantonese with English and Chinese subtitles. If you aren't a fan of subtitles, this might be a tough one, but honestly, the performances are so physical that you'll get the vibe even if you miss a word.
- Arrive Early: Since these are often in smaller "B-house" auditoriums, the best seats go fast.
- Bring Tissues: No, seriously. Even the "tough guys" in the theater were sniffing by the end of the second act. The subplot involving the daughter, Yuet (Michelle Wai), and her struggle with her father’s traditional views on women is gut-wrenching.
The film is currently a frontrunner for the 2026 Best International Feature Oscar for Hong Kong. It’s rare to see a movie about the business of death feel so full of life. It’s not a "downer" movie; it's more of a "hey, let's value the people we have while they're here" movie.
To lock in your tickets, your best bet is to go directly to the AMC or Regal websites and search "The Last Dance" specifically under their "International" or "Independent" filters. If it’s not playing this week, check back next Friday—distributors often expand to more screens if the initial box office numbers stay high.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Open Fandango or the AMC Theatres app right now.
- Search for "The Last Dance" (double-check it’s the 2024 Anselm Chan film).
- If no results appear, change your location to the nearest major metropolitan "hub" (like Los Angeles or NYC) to see if it’s playing within driving distance.
- Check the "Coming Soon" section if it hasn't hit your local theater yet; many venues are scheduling it as a "special event" screening for one or two nights only.