In the chapter titled “In Search of the Ghostly in Context,” Cheung offers an insightful analysis of space-time dislocation. He critiques governmental inaction in public housing conditions, addresses the struggles faced by the lower and middle working classes, and extends his discussion to the wider socio-political landscape in Hong Kong during its era of transition, through which he skillfully employed the symbolism of the ‘ghost’ and cinematic techniques.
Cheung conveys themes of marginalization, homelessness, and despair among Hong Kong’s working class in Chan’s films though employing subtle language and symbolism. Specifically, the depiction of houses as ‘prison houses’ and the emphasis on features like ‘barred windows’ create a vivid portrayal of harsh living conditions. Despite residents claiming these spaces as ‘home,’ Cheung ironically reveals their psychological disconnect by highlighting issues like hyper-density, bad sanitation, and poverty, exacerbated by the government’s inaction in aiming to maximise the utilisation of labour rather than prioritising social welfare.
The use of ghost symbolism parallels the spectral presence with marginalized residents, adding depth to discussions of historical memory and social inequality, which along with cinematic techniques, Cheung successfully amplifies emotional impact, inducing disorientation and unease in viewers. Particularly, the manipulation of light, darkness, and imagery to portray a haunting image of public housing estates highlights these places as sites of entrapment amidst the glamorized global cityscape. This could enhance the audiences’ understanding in Cheung’s point that global cities embody both celebratory features and social/economic inequality, which enabled me to develop a deeper sense of empathy towards the working class.
Overall, this chapter provides insightful analysis of the complex intersections of urban space, time, and evolving identity in Hong Kong. Through emotive language and cinematic exploration, it offers compelling insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by its people, reflecting on the negligence in human condition amidst social and time changes.
Szeying CHAN (Cindy)
UID: 3036187725