How a Hong Kong university campus reveals a darker past of war and imprisonment

Travelling along Victoria Road by Mount Davis in Sai Wan is a treat for the eyes. The road’s proximity to the sea and a rare absence of high-rises by the coast offer a view of Victoria Harbour that feels boundless. The University of Chicago’s Hong Kong campus, which opened in 2018, is a perfect spot … Read more

Lost for decades, groundbreaking theme park resurfaces in California

A painted carousel by Keith Haring at “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.” Julie Tremaine It sounds like a fairy tale. Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Hamburg, a group of contemporary artists came together to build an artistic wonderland, an amusement park to entertain families and change perceptions about fine art. It was a … Read more

‘Wonka’ has no reason to exist

Timothée Chalamet in “Wonka.” Jaap Buittendijk You know that “Wonka” has no right to exist. You saw the trailer and openly groaned. You said to the person next to you, “Seriously? ‘Wonka’?” You didn’t ask for this movie. No one asked for it. But here “Wonka” is now, and we all must reckon with it. … Read more

Unpacking the California and Texas alliance in A24’s ‘Civil War’ movie trailer

A still from the new A24 Films movie “Civil War.” SFGATE politics reporter Alec Regimbal unpacks the film’s fictional military alliance between California and Texas.  Courtesy of A24 Films Seemingly, the only thing California and Texas have in common these days is their disdain for one another. Forget our similar origins, rooted in an unflagging pioneer spirit … Read more