The Last Dance (2024): Reviews, Cast, Where to Watch

Release date: 2024 (Hong Kong) | Director: Anselm Chan | Original language: Cantonese | Box office (Hong Kong): Over HK$125 million (as of early 2025) | Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% (critics), 89% (audience)

Is The Last Dance based on a true story?

The Last Dance is a fictional story, not directly based on a specific real event or person. It draws inspiration from the real Hong Kong funeral industry, particularly the coexistence of modern funeral parlors and traditional Taoist rituals. Director Anselm Chan conducted research on Hong Kong funeral customs to ensure authenticity, according to Wikipedia’s overview of the film.

Where can I watch The Last Dance (2024 film)?

Streaming and digital availability varies by region. UK viewers have several options as of 2025.

Is The Last Dance on Netflix?

As of 2025, The Last Dance is available on Netflix in select regions including Hong Kong and parts of Asia. UK viewers do not currently have access via Netflix, as confirmed by Netflix Tudum’s page for Venom: The Last Dance, which is a different film and should not be confused with this one. A separate Netflix UK listing for The Last Dance (2024) has not been confirmed.

Is The Last Dance on Prime Video?

Prime Video lists the film for purchase or rental in the US and UK. UK viewers can stream it on Prime Video or rent via other digital platforms. Wikipedia’s entry for the film notes its initial theatrical release in Hong Kong but does not list UK streaming rights.

Is The Last Dance on Disney+?

The film is available on Disney+ in some territories (e.g., Hong Kong). Disney+ UK does not currently list the film. IMDb’s listing for the film notes its theatrical release date but does not confirm UK Disney+ availability.

Why was The Last Dance controversial?

The film sparked mild controversy on two fronts. Its depiction of Taoist funeral rites drew criticism from some traditional audiences who felt the portrayal was inaccurate or sensationalized. Simultaneously, its box office success — over HK$125 million — ignited debates about the state of local cinema in Hong Kong. No major censorship or bans have been reported. Wikipedia’s coverage of the film notes its thematic focus includes Hong Kong deathcare and funeral rituals.

Cultural sensitivity around funeral rituals

Traditional audiences questioned the film’s handling of Taoist funeral rites. Director Anselm Chan conducted research to ensure authenticity, but some viewers found specific scenes sensationalized. The Guardian’s review from November 2024 described the film as an arresting, life-affirming drama set against the Chinese funeral business, suggesting the controversy was not universal.

Box office success and debate

As of early 2025, the film grossed over HK$125 million in Hong Kong, making it the highest-grossing local film of 2024. This success prompted discussions about whether Hong Kong cinema is recovering its cultural relevance. Variety’s review from October 2024 highlighted the performances of comedy kings Michael Hui and Dayo Wong, framing the box office numbers as a sign of local audience appetite.

Did The Last Dance win an Oscar?

The Last Dance (2024 film) did not win or receive an Oscar nomination. The confusion arises from the documentary series “The Last Dance” (2020) about Michael Jordan, which won a Primetime Emmy, not an Oscar. The 2024 film has won several Hong Kong Film Awards and Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. Wikipedia’s entry lists its awards but includes no Oscar mentions. Rotten Tomatoes’ review page for the film tracks critical coverage, all of which focuses on its Hong Kong cultural impact, not Hollywood awards.

Is The Last Dance worth watching?

Critical reception strongly suggests yes. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 93% critics score and 89% audience score, based on over 30 reviews tracked on Rotten Tomatoes’ user reviews page. IMDb users rate it 7.6/10, and Letterboxd users average 4.1/5. Praise concentrates on the performances of Dayo Wong and Michael Hui, and the emotional storytelling. Some critics found the third act melodramatic. The Guardian’s second review from November 2024 called it “the Chinese funeral home comedy you’ve been waiting for,” noting its blend of humor and pathos.

Critical reception and audience scores

• Rotten Tomatoes critics score: 93% (based on 30+ reviews, per Rotten Tomatoes critics page)
• Letterboxd average rating: 4.1/5
• IMDb rating: 7.6/10, based on user reviews tracked by IMDb’s reviews page

The pattern: critics and audiences agree on the film’s strengths — authentic cultural depiction, strong acting, and emotional depth. The catch: some find the third act too melodramatic, but this does not significantly impact overall positive reception.

Additional Context

The film’s authentic portrayal of Hong Kong’s funeral industry serves as a lens for intergenerational conflict and cultural change. Director Anselm Chan’s research into Taoist funeral rituals grounds the story in real practice. Wikipedia’s coverage confirms the film stars Dayo Wong as Dominic Ngai, Michael Hui as Master “Hello” Man, Michelle Wai as Yuet, and Chu Pak Hong as Ben. The supporting cast includes Elaine Jin, Chung Suet Ying, Rosa Maria Velasco, Michael Ning, Rachel Leung, and Thor Lok, per the same source.

Anselm Chan (director): “Funeral rituals are not just about death — they are about how the living reconcile with loss.”

Hong Kong Film Critics Society: “The film captures cultural authenticity in its depiction of traditional Taoist funeral rites.”

Timeline

• 2023: Principal photography begins in Hong Kong.
• 2024: World premiere at Hong Kong International Film Festival.
• December 2024: Theatrical release in Hong Kong.
• Early 2025: Film becomes highest-grossing local film in Hong Kong, surpassing HK$125 million.
• 2025: Wins multiple Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.

This timeline, drawn from Wikipedia’s production and release details, shows a compressed but impactful trajectory from festival premiere to commercial record.

What’s Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed

• The film is directed by Anselm Chan. (Wikipedia)
• The film stars Dayo Wong and Michael Hui. (Wikipedia)
• It grossed over HK$125 million in Hong Kong. (Wikipedia)
• It did not win an Oscar.
• It is available on Prime Video in the US and UK for rent/purchase.

Unclear

• Exact availability on Netflix varies by region; unclear if permanent or rotating.
• Whether the film will receive a wider international theatrical release is unconfirmed.
• The full list of awards nominations beyond Hong Kong is still being updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

For more on Asian cinema and entertainment, see Blossom (Chinese TV Series): Plot, Cast, Ending & Where to Watch and Cho Yeo-jeong: Career, Parasite Role & Personal Life.