Analysis of Hong Kong Cinema
Format and Requirement
Minimum length: six full pages, double-spaced, and coherently written. Font size 12.
Please italicize all film titles, book titles, and journal titles; indicate page numbers; maintain proper space and margins (one inch on all four sides); indent the first sentence of a new paragraph; proofread the paper. Do not leave large space between two paragraphs to make the paper look longer. The paper should have a title. Failure to adhere to proper format may result in losing points. For citation, either the MLA Style or the Chicago Manual of Style is fine.
Films and film clips screened or discussed in class since midterm exam.
Rouge 胭脂扣 (Dir. Stanley Kwan, starring Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung,1987)
A Chinese Ghost Story 倩女幽魂 (Dir. Ching Siu-tung, starring Joey Wong 王祖贤, 1987)
Farewell China 爱在别乡的季节(Dir. Clara Law, starring Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka-fai, 1990)
Her Fatal Ways (Dir. Alfred Cheung, starring Carol Cheng, Tony Leung Ka-fai, 1990)
Comrades Almost a Lover Story (Dir. Peter Chan, starring Maggie Cheung and Leon Lai,1997)
Durian Durian (Dir. Fruit Chan, starring Qin Hailu, 2001)
A Simple Life (Dir. Ann Hui, starring Deanie Ip and Andy Lau, 2012)
Films of Wong Kar-wai
Days of Being Wild (1990)
Chungking Express (1994)
Happy Together (1997)
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Films of Stephen Chow
Flirting Scholar (1993)
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Kungfu Hustle (2005)
The Mermaid (2016)
Please only use and choose from these above films as examples unless other relevant films have been approved by the instructor.
Dream, Journey, Identity Hong Kong cinema is more than martial arts and action. The second part of the course examines dramas of love, fantasy, journey, search, and self-discovery in Hong Kong cinema. Characters in these films seem to harbor a big dream: a “Hong Kong dream,” a “California dream,” or a “New York dream.” With the passage of time, they attempt to create new identities for themselves: be a different person, go to a new place, enter a relationship, or feel nostalgia for the past. Discuss the ways in which these characters change, pursue dreams, cherish old relationships, or search for new identities. Please feel free to consult relevant discussions in Planet Hong Kong by Professor David Bordwell, the anthology A Companion to Hong Kong Cinema, and the special section “China and China Diaspora Film” in the online journal Jump Cut. (See the syllabus for details.) In your analysis, you should discuss at least three films by three different directors. Please also briefly comment on the stylistic characteristics of each of the directors and films. Once again, like the midterm, both what you write and how you write are important. Avoid simple generalization. You need to refer to specific elements in the films. Coherence, organization, and elegance are important criteria for good writing.
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Analysis of Hong Kong Cinema
Movie 1: “Durian Durian” (Dir. Fruit Chan, starring Qin Hailu, 2001)
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1: Prominent Features of Durian Durian Movie
As shown in the chart above, Fruit Chan’s “Durian Durian” is a touching play that examines issues of yearning, identity, and self-discovery within the framework of Hong Kong society. The movie’s protagonist is a young Chinese woman from the mainland named Yan (played by Qin Hailu), who leaves for Hong Kong hoping to find more lucrative employment prospects (Lu and Mi, 182). The film digs into the challenges and aspirations of individuals attempting to develop new identities for themselves and achieve their goals through Yan’s trip.
Yan’s pursuit of what is commonly known as the “Hong Kong dream” is one of the most important aspects of the story “Durian Durian.” She dreamed of becoming successful and financially establishing herself in the metropolis, frequently depicted as a symbol of opportunity and prosperity in popular culture. Nevertheless, as Yan navigates the hurdles of her new environment, she runs into roadblocks and problems that put her will to the test. Through her interactions with the various characters in the film, Yan undergoes a metamorphosis and develops an ever-changing identity (Lu, 11). She creates a complicated relationship with Fan, a middle-aged lady who works as a prostitute and is portrayed by Mak Wai-fan in the film. The film examines companionship, trust, and the need for human connection within their relationships within a fast-paced and frequently isolating urban setting. The things that Yan goes through with Fan cause her to rethink her wants and reasons for doing things, which finally causes her to reevaluate her pursuit of the “Hong Kong dream.”
Main Theme
One of the central themes of “Durian Durian” is the feeling of estrangement and isolation that individuals can experience when separated from their families and native country. Fan’s journey to Hong Kong symbolizes the desire of many expatriates to find a better life and more lucrative employment opportunities. This is a prevalent factor influencing migration. The Fan becomes increasingly estranged from her family as she becomes more embroiled in prostitution and searches for a place where she can feel like she belongs. This theme emphasizes the sensation of isolation and the emotional toll it takes on those who find themselves in such situations (Contemporary Chinese Cinema, 2). Another important part is looking at the different characters’ power relationships. Fan’s dealings with her boss, her coworkers in the sex industry, and her customers show how power imbalances are common in these kinds of relationships.
Film Analysis
The movie is a scathing review of how women in the prostitution business are used and seen as sexual objects. The fan is shown to be dealing with complicated situations, sometimes acting out of panic and sometimes trying to get a sense of control, which makes us wonder about her free will. Life on the edges of society is shown in the movie “Durian Durian” brutally and realistically. It looks at the shadier parts of cities and people’s problems outside the organization. By offering the people and how they engage nuancedly, the movie lets people understand the issues faced by people on the edges of society.
Lessons from “Durian Durian” are complicated and can be seen differently. One possible conclusion is that connecting with people and maintaining good relationships is important for overcoming hard times. Fan’s desire to get back together with her family on the Chinese mainland shows how the story is focused on family ties and human connections. Also, it shows that kindness and understanding are possible even in strange relationships (Chinese Modernity, 82). Also, “Durian Durian” is a social reflection on how hard life is for people outside society. It shows how some businesses are exploitative and how hard life is for migrants. The movie pushes people to question social norms and power structures and to see the complexity and humanity in people who are in tough situations.
Fruit Chan’s direction of “Durian Durian” can be described as naturalistic and personal, which are important artistic qualities. Using handheld camerawork and a style that looks like a documentary, the film gives the idea of being real and happening right now. This method lets the viewer feel the characters’ emotions and problems on a more personal level, which makes the story seem more real.
Movie Two: “A Simple Life,” directed by Ann Hui in 2012
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2: Prominent Features of A Simple Life Film
The touching friendship between a young guy named Roger (played by Andy Lau) and his family’s old maid, Ah Tao (played by Deanie Ip), is the focus of the drama “A Simple Life,” which was directed by Ann Hui. “A Simple Life” is a film that will touch your heart. A profound examination of love, family, and the passage of time, this movie is also an insightful look at the shifting social dynamics of Hong Kong. “A Simple Life” ...