Tony Rayns

Writing

Tony Rayns

Born September 20, 1948 · Oxford, England, UK

Died July 7, 2026 · aged 77

Antony Keith Graham Rayns (20 September 1948 – 7 July 2026) was a British writer, commentator, film festival programmer and screenwriter. He wrote for the underground publication Cinema Rising before contributing to the Monthly Film Bulletin from the December 1970. He contributed writings to Sight & Sound from the 1970s, and also contributed to Time Out, Melody Maker, and Film Comment.

Known For

Yang ± Yin: Gender in Chinese CinemaYang ± Yin: Gender in Chinese Cinema · 1998
Yang ± Yin: Gender in Chinese Cinema
★ 5.51998
MovieDocumentary
An exploration of Chinese cinema and its relationships with gender and sexuality, which the film argues has been more frankly and provocatively explored than in any other national cinema. Utilizing both film excerpts and interviews with many leading directors and academics, the film examines topics such as male bonding in kung fu movies, depictions of same-sex bonding and physical intimacy, the emphasis on women's grievances in melodramas, and the career of Yam Kim-Fai, a Hong Kong actress who spent her life portraying men on and off the screen.
Black Coal, Thin IceBlack Coal, Thin Ice · 2014
Black Coal, Thin Ice
★ 6.52014
MovieDramaCrime
Two former cops start investigating the series of murders that tanked their careers when the killings begin again.
Home Movies 1971-81Home Movies 1971-81 · 1985
Home Movies 1971-81
1985
MovieDocumentary
Home movies shot on Super 8mm by W+B Hein over 10 years.
Hold You TightHold You Tight · 1998
Hold You Tight
★ 5.31998
MovieDrama
Two women are bound for the same plane, one of whom makes the flight while the other does not. In a cruel twist of fate, the plane crashes, killing everyone on board, and leaving the friends and family of the two women to talk about what was and what could have been.
Visions Cinema: Film as a Way of Life: Hong Kong Cinema - A Report by Tony RaynsVisions Cinema: Film as a Way of Life: Hong Kong Cinema - A Report by Tony Rayns · 1983
Visions Cinema: Film as a Way of Life: Hong Kong Cinema - A Report by Tony Rayns
1983
MovieDocumentary
Examines the early 1980s Hong Kong filmmaking community. Tony Rayns interviews some of the new generation of filmmakers and figures from the wider film culture.
JuryJury · 2013
Jury
★ 6.32013
MovieComedy
After the film screening, five people hold a meeting. Director Jeong asserts that a film should move the heart. Actress Soo-yeon emphasizes on the message of the film, Film critic Tony just discusses about the current trend of Korean cinema. Tomiyama cannot fully express her thoughts because of the language barrier. And, the head of jury, Sung-ki can’t control the situation. Will this jury reach an agreement against all odds? A satire for those who make, watch, and criticize films is about to begin.
Away with WordsAway with Words · 1999
Away with Words
★ 6.41999
MovieComedyDrama
A Japanese man and a gay bar-owner in Hong Kong drink beer as they talk about their childhood and experiences.
Love Will Tear Us ApartLove Will Tear Us Apart · 1999
Love Will Tear Us Apart
★ 6.51999
MovieDramaRomance
The film gets under the skin of a very marginalized group: recent immigrants to Hong Kong from Mainland China. Belying the expectation that they will belong in a territory now returned to China's sovereignty, they find themselves lonely, frustrated, poor, and employable only in the most menial jobs, from elevator service staff to prostitution.

Filmography

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