ACES GO PLACES, DIR. ERIC TSANG (1982)
Ocean Centre, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong
Aces Go Places was the first film in its series. The comedy and action film accomplished remarkable achievements and gained wide popularity in Hong Kong. The plot of the movie was about King Kong (the thief), Albert Au (detector) and Nancy Ho (Policewoman) cooperated to find missed diamonds. In the process, they faced obstacles from local gangsters and foreign mafia (white gloves). The humorous elements of the movie was mainly brought by non-sense/ mo lei tau dialogues between Kong and Au. This constantly reaches audiences and entertain them. The site, Ocean Centre (also called as Ocean Square) and its surroundings was important as the starting point of the story. Ocean Centre was in Tsim Sha Tsui, the most prosperous and high-end region at that time.
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The Ocean Centre and the surroundings are captured with realistic lighting and no montages are used. The space is well-lighted and structured similarly as normal commercial centre. Regarding mise un scene, the film is not taken using one take. Rather, there are several camera angles provided as time goes by. This provides different views and feelings to audiences. For example, in still 2, the camera angle is in the back wheel of the motorbike, which gives a feeling of fast and nervous chasing.
Still 1: Kong (on motorbike) was surrounded by enemies. Scene from Aces Go Places 1982, directed by Eric Tsang.
Still 2: Kong chased by enemies. Scene from Aces Go Places 1982, directed by Eric Tsang.
Still 3: People escaped from the chase. Scene from Aces Go Places 1982, directed by Eric Tsang.
From the above 3 stills, the layout and spatial arrangements of shops and the mall actually look realistic. For example, the mall is full of people and shops. When there is a dangerous chase, the scene become chaotic and people escape everywhere. The similarity of actual scene and film set is actually proven in the credit list as the film was filmed live in Ocean Centre. So, the film set and the actual setting are mostly identical which means the set shown was similarly real experienced in that venue.
This way of presentation can increase the connections of audiences and the film. Connections of audiences through scene are mostly done by familiarity. When the scene looks like real life object, the familiarity would increase. When watching the film, audiences can easily recognize the scene and resonate with the plot. Because the place is where they been to, and they are more inclined to engage in the story. For example, they will feel nervous of Kong being captured in this chase scene.
Still 4: Kong jumped down of the building. Scene from Aces Go Places 1982, directed by Eric Tsang.
The color tone of the scene is quite bright and warm. It gives an energetic and fast-moving impression to the scene. The slightly yellowish tone looks a bit vintage now as the color of slightly faded photographs. Also, during the chase, the background music which is in major key and light articulation, provides relaxing feelings to the scene which continue through the whole film. Another thing worth-mentioning is in still 4, the motorbike drop from the building and sustained at least 3 seconds until dropping on the floor. This is a technically difficult and risky task to do by stuntman. It results in beautiful dropping and strengthens Kong’s skillful and charm image.
Still 5: Kong dropped on the floor also showing Ocean Centre behind. Scene from Aces Go Places 1982, directed by Eric Tsang.
— Siew Ming Ho Iwan, 3035933244
You made some comparisons made between the actual space and its portrayal in the film and they could be greatly enhanced with the support of virtual fieldwork materials such as photographs. Could you also elaborate on what is unique about Ocean Centre compared to other shopping malls in Hong Kong? You made several thoughtful points, such as how the viewer may be situated in the familiarity of the setting. Perhaps the familiarity of the setting is also what makes the event in the movie even more spectacular, given that a motorcycle is usually not seen in a shopping mall. Lastly, you are also reminded to cite any references used.