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Hong Kong Cinema: Coloniser, Motherland, and Self

Louis Hayes

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Hong Kong cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of the 20th century. During this time, Hong Kong was a British colony, and the influence of British culture can be seen in many of the early Hong Kong films. However, as Hong Kong began to develop its own unique identity, so too did its cinema.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Hong Kong cinema entered a golden age, with the production of a number of classic films. These films often explored themes of identity, nationalism, and the relationship between Hong Kong and China.

After the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, Hong Kong cinema continued to evolve, with the production of a number of new and innovative films. These films often reflect the changing political and social landscape of Hong Kong, and they continue to explore themes of identity and belonging.

Hong Kong Cinema: Coloniser, Motherland and Self

by Yingchi Chu

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Language	:	English
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The influence of British culture on Hong Kong cinema is evident in a number of early films. For example, the 1928 film "A Chinese Girl's Romance" features a Chinese woman who falls in love with a British man. The film was a huge success in Hong Kong, and it helped to establish the popularity of British films in the colony.

Other early Hong Kong films that reflect the influence of British culture include "The Storm Cloud" (1934),"The Moonlight Sonata" (1937),and "Spring River Flows East" (1947). These films often depicted the British as benevolent rulers who were helping to modernise China.

As Hong Kong began to develop its own unique identity, so too did its cinema. In the 1960s and 1970s, a number of films were produced that explored themes of nationalism and the relationship between Hong Kong and China. These films often depicted the Chinese people as being oppressed by the British, and they called for the liberation of Hong Kong.

Some of the most famous films of this period include "The House of 72 Tenants" (1973),"The Long Goodbye" (1974),and "The Kid" (1979). These films were hugely popular in Hong Kong, and they helped to raise awareness of the issue of Chinese nationalism.

Some of the most famous films of this period include "Infernal Affairs" (2002),"Election" (2005),and "Mad Detective" (2007). These films have been praised for their realism and their exploration of complex social issues.

Hong Kong cinema has a long and rich history, and it has played an important role in the development of Hong Kong's unique identity. The films of Hong Kong have explored a wide range of themes, from the influence of British culture to the relationship between Hong Kong and China. As Hong Kong continues to evolve, so too will its cinema.