The best films in cinemas this May

Every month we round up the best films on general release in Shanghai's cinemas. For all you Marvel fans in China, we hope you've been staying spoiler-free for Avengers: Infinity War late release here on May 11. Some of us had to see an early preview. 

Also, celebrate May Day with The Young Karl Marx, where some Germans have seized the means of film production to bring you a biopic of Marx's early life. Dead Pool 2 is sadly not getting a China release any time soon. Read on for more films to see at the cinema this month.

The Young Karl Marx

In this day of superhero origin stories, here's one starring a different kind of superhero. Follow the 26-year-old Karl Marx as he meets his bro-letariat Friedrich Engels and they together form a new vision of the world and the labour movement for the modern era. Critics haven't been so fond of the film's dialogue and caricature of Marx, but they have praised the film's historical accuracy.

On general release Sat 5.

Rex

Rex tells the story of American marine Meagan Leavey and her bomb-sniffing dog Rex, from the time they served together in Afghanistan, to the time after when Leavey struggles to adopt Rex. While the not-so-subtle American politics and flag-waving might be a bother, the core of this story is about the bond between a woman and her faithful, furry companion. I mean, look at that dog!

On general release Fri 11.

Avengers: Infinity War

The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. Reviews so far are good, though critical of how the movie can't stand well on its own without audiences who have watched every single Marvel film thus far.

On general release Fri 11. Extract QR to book tickets.

Walking Past the Future

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Walking Past the Future follows a woman living in Shenzhen while trying to support her family in her hometown, a small village in Gansu province. Amidst all the pressures of modern life and traditional values, her only escape happens via virtual reality, and her only personal connections of consequence, via WeChat.

On general release Thu 17.

A Quiet Place

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A family lives monkishly in the woods as they seek to survive predators that hunt by sound. Already released globally, the film has won critical acclaim for its smart, innovative and above all entertaining take on horror. A sequel is already in development, so you better watch this first one before they get too far along into the Shh! cinematic universe.

On general release Fri 18.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Yes, another Star Wars film, but this time it's a Western-style sci-fi spinoff focusing on the origins of fan-favourite puckish rogue Han Solo as he meets hairy sidekick Chewbacca and smooth criminal Lando Calrissian on 'a heist that anyone else would be insane to try'. Rumours of a troubled production and milquetoast trailers could spell disappointment. But, hey, more Star Wars.

On general release Fri 25.

Perfect Strangers

A dinner party of friends decides to put all phones on the table, and whatever texts or calls arrive must be shared with the group. The scenario's comedy and drama that tackle questions about intimacy, privacy and friendship with a deft and delightful touch. There's always the simple entertainment of watching Italians converse with flailing gesticulations and acrobatic facial expressions too.

On general release Fri 25.

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