In the chapter “In Search of the Ghostly in Context”, Esther M. K. Cheung analyzes how Fruit Chan uses the medium of film to express the complex layers of Hong Kong’s urban identity. Through a combination of realism and surrealism, Fruit Chan creates a “ghost city” that vividly reflects the social and psychological turmoil of Hong Kong at a critical moment in its history.
It is worth noting that Fruit Chan uses the element of ghosts as a profound metaphor that transcends the traditional horror genre, reflecting the shadows of the city’s past and its citizens’ sense of disorientation. This approach challenges the conventions of Hong Kong’s traditional commercial cinema and constructs a historical narrative about the city. Cinema becomes a conduit for memory and mourning, which confronts the urge to forget, thus providing a multifaceted perspective on urban transformation and memory.
Cheung’s insight leads us to consider how Fruit Chan’s films, and indeed cinema itself, can serve as a powerful tool for cultural reflection and critique. the ghostly images in Fruit Chan’s films are not merely meant to instill fear, but also inspire deeper contemplation on the rupture between the city’s past and present realities, prompting us to reevaluate our understanding of history and memory in the midst of rapid urban change.
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