The last few days have seen Hong Kong reeling from the unspeakable tragedy of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has left at least 146 people dead and 79 injured, with 40 still unaccounted for.

Initial investigations suggest possible negligence on the part of those overseeing renovation work, leaving the community angry and desperate for justice. Meanwhile, the way in which the city’s population has rallied together to provide support for those affected has been truly humbling.

In times of collective mourning, we often turn to art not to escape our reality, but to find a safe space to process it. Cinema possesses a unique ability to offer catharsis – providing a vessel for our tears, a reflection of our resilience and a quiet companion in our grief.

While no film can undo the loss or fill the void left behind, the right story can validate our pain while gently pointing toward the possibility of healing. Below are 10 such stories, some real, some fictional, in which humanity has endured through the darkest of hours.

Read my full South China Morning Post feature here