106-014 Hong Kong Cinema

Usually fifty points of first-year arts including at least 25 points from a specified list of cultural studies approved subject areas.

This subject examines contemporary Hong Kong cinema as a seminal cultural formation constituted in local, regional and global flows. Particular to this is the screening of an alternative Asian modernity expressed through post-colonial-postmodernity, dis-appearance and the preposterous. Students will understand these articulations by exploring cinematic practices such as Hong Kong noir, action, horror and martial arts cultures, Canto-pop and the Hollywood remake. Films discussed in detail include award-winning popular films by Jackie Chan, John Woo, Johnny To, Wong Kar-wai, Stanley Kwan, Clara Law and Ann Hui. Students completing this subject should have a strong critical and historical knowledge of Hong Kong modernity, Hong Kong cinema and its politics of transition, and their relation to global media and contemporary culture.

• possess advanced research and analytic skills;

• show critical and ethical self-awareness;

• have the ability to develop and communicate effective arguments in both oral and written form;

• have advanced skills in media and information literacy and management.

One essay of 1500 words 40% due mid-semester, and one essay of 2500 words 60 % due at the end of the semester.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• Film:, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Ang Lee, 2000.
• Film:, Happy Together. Wong Kar-wai, 1997.
• Film:, Autumn Moon. Clara Law, 1992.
• Film:, Infernal Affairs. Wai Keung Lau, 2002.
• Film:, Once Upon a Time in China. Tsui Hark, 1991.
• Film:, Song of the Exile. Ann Hui, 1990.
• Film:, Kill Bill. Quentin Tarantino, 2003-4.
• Film:, A Chinese Ghost Story. Ching Siu-tung, 1987.
• Film:, Center Stage. Stanley Kwan, 1992.
• Film:, Rouge. Stanley Kwan, 1987.
• Film:, Rush Hour. Brett Ratner, 1998.
• Film:, In the Mood for Love. Wong Kar-wai, 2000.