In a world of mayhem-fixated blockbusters, it is deeply inspiring that Hong Kong’s runaway box-office hit of 2015 is the true story of one woman and five little girls. Miriam Yeung (Love in a Puff) plays a principal who takes a $580-per-month job running a failing rural kindergarten. With only five children enrolled, it’s slated for shutdown if one of them drops out, and because the kids have poor parents and tough lives, she figures her job will be to ease their transition. But after meeting the kids she vows to keep the doors open by any means necessary. As ever, Hong Kong is split into the haves and have-nots, and you’re born into your class. This is the real-life story of one woman who rose up and refused to accept that.

Presented with the support of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York. Photos © Universe Film Distribution.