Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Qund4NEcmBQ
Transcript:
The shop here in temple street is used as part of the set in the movie. As seen in the movie, other than providing food and drinks the shop also acted as a hub where people would gather around and chill out, similar to how bars not only provide alcohol but also a place where people could chat and relax after work.
As the government and people nowadays focused more on hygiene, people gravitated towards the shops that have a tidier setup and in general a more hygienic environment. It is foreseeable that even though this shop may not be closed down, the interior will change in the future and it will not be the same as it is now. It’s important to understand that other than the restaurant, the interior is also part of the 茶餐廳 culture, where the customer will not get the same vibe and atmosphere eating at a conventional chain breakfast store as they will get eating in a more “run down” restaurant.
Since we have mentioned the culture, I feel that we should also put our focus on how temple street used to be, back then it was a street filled with stalls and hawkers that provided not only food but also different kinds of services like telling fortunes and gambling. Again, as Hong Kong became more lawful and hygienic these stalls became cracked down and are not seen again. In my opinion these stalls are part of the culture that I would relate with Hong Kong’s history and what makes Hong Kong Hong Kong. Even with measures that the government put in to revert temple street back to its loud and lively vibe, I am sceptical as to whether it is successful as what built temple street as it was back then was driven by the needs of the society and the desires or the driving forces of the society was not as it was back then and people now required different things compared to the past. An example is that I think most people would gravitate towards a restaurant with a clean and new interior than to go to a run down place to have lunch.
Personally, it is quite a pity how cultures are lost with architecture. As someone who takes photos as a side hobby, I quite like the vibe you get with a place that is not as pristine as some of the new shops right now. Of course, some new shops can have a very cool design but you never get the same feel you get from a place with history. Having more hygienic conditions may improve the overall wellbeing of the society but at the same time we are losing a part of history, like back then there were a bunch of neon signs hanging off the walls of buildings and now you don’t really see them anymore even in Mong Kok. To the society I think it is good that we are moving towards higher living standards but at the same time it also adds difficulty for people to learn or experience how Hong Kong was back in the days.
Stills:
Work Distribution:
Wilson Ho 3036266650 & Ray Yeung Lok Wa Jr. 3036266624
Site Review: Wilson Ho & Ray Yeung
Transcript & Stills : Wilson Ho
Videos & Editing: Ray Yeung