What is the “true reflection” of the city? Western films never seem to depict Hong Kong in the right way, on one end of the spectrum it is perceived as a hyper-futuristic metropolis and on the other, a traditional city where Chinese influences are prominent and fetishised. Yet, Hong Kong is actually neither of the above but rather a hybrid of sorts, it stands alone as a new genre, a new genre of cinema and even of cities. The author, Leung Ping Kwan points this out beautifully with his dissection of the film title “Chungking Express”, “The title of the film is already a paradox: Chungking express is a postmodern pastiche of Chungking Mansion in Tsimshatsui and a fast-food place called Midnight Express in Lan Kwai Fong area in central.” This blend of urban spaces in Hong Kong blurs the boundaries between the different groups of people, cultures, and traditions until our city becomes a pool of specified yet interchangeable beings. Hong Kong cinema doesn’t let audiences down in its representation of its home. Indeed the spaces are allegorical and simulated but they provide insights and reminiscences of reality which is a true beauty of Hong Kong cinema.
Yanisha Chung 3035977733