Hong Kong Cinema

What is the course about?

This film studies course explores some of the major films and trends over six decades of Hong Kong cinema. By the early 1990s, Hong Kong’s film industry was the third most productive in the world, only behind the USA and India. For a small territory of just 7 million people, this was a remarkable feat. What then can Hong Kong’s cinema teach us about this unique cultural melting pot and geopolitical entity? Hong Kong as a colonial and postcolonial city over the years has been shaped a hybridity which has been reflected in its films. We will consider many historical moments, like the colonial history of Hong Kong, the 1967 riots, the 1984 Joint Declaration to return Hong Kong to Mainland China, the 1997 handover, and the 21st century protests. In a place that is constantly in flux, whose identity and history have been and continue to be contested, what can cinema teach us? The course will seek to equip students with the necessary socio-historical context, theoretical frameworks, and analytical tools for exploring the fascinating cinematic terrain of Hong Kong.

What will we cover?

• The socio-historical and cultural context of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong film industry, and how to theorise Hong Kong cinema, particularly in relation to the label of ‘Chinese cinema’
• The martial arts and wuxia genres and their prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, including the rise of global stars like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan
• The rise of a so-called ‘Hong Kong new wave’ in the late 1970s and 1980s, including the rise of directors like Ann Hui, Tsui Hark, and Wong Kar-wai.
• The Hong Kong gangster genre, particularly exemplified by directors John Woo and Johnnie To, the stylistic and the cultural significance of this genre
• Diasporic Hong Kong cinema, telling stories of departures and returns to and from Hong Kong, highlighting the complex identities and trajectories epitomised by Hong Kong’s postcolonial status
• 21st century Hong Kong documentary cinema, in particular how film has been used as a tool for chronicling the pro-democracy movement with urgency and immediacy.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Assess a range of key Hong Kong films and filmmakers
• Identify the recurring themes and stylistic traits of a range of Hong Kong filmmakers and movements
• Situate a range of Hong Kong cinema within their historical, social and industrial contexts
• Evaluate Hong Kong cinema from various critical frameworks and perspectives.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in Hong Kong cinema, history and culture.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Short clips from the films will be provided, as well as reading materials. The class will be structured around a combination of PowerPoint presentations, film clips and class discussions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.