The culture and traditions of Hong Kong and many other Asian nations provide significance to nebulous images which are manifestations or apparitions to people. In many Asian cultures, ghosts are considered to be people who come from the afterlife to settle as a presence among us at all times. From a cinematic point of view, these ghosts are often portrayed as the usual human being living their own life and yet their secret remains only to themselves. The unawareness of humans gives these so-called ‘ghosts’ their significance as it seems like such a bizarre thought to be able to communicate with someone who has passed on to the afterlife. Chinese culture’s pragmatic ideologies about life and the afterlife created a very vivid visualization of what ghosts could be like, and the film industry harnessed this opportunity of displaying a significant part of the culture. Although the film industry is fairly modern compared to the ancient historic beliefs, perhaps it was trying to display the more societal and political side of Hong Kong’s modern history, by which I am referring to colonization. The idea of the dead living amongst us to take revenge from their lifetime seems somewhat plausible.
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You have illustrated how the film industry has taken on the theme of ghosts and their interaction with humans. To further develop, you can think of whether the existence of ghost is the main focal point or is it a vehicle/device to communicate more thematic and metaphorical urban issues? You have brought up the idea of colonialization which is interesting but requires more analysis to clarify your reading.