Films serve as an effective and compelling medium to reflect the underlying contemporary societal issues and ghost-themed movies are no exception to this. In light of the introduction of neoliberal urbanism happening in Japan and South Korea, traditional communities are dissolving and fading. The portrayal of ghosts in movies in such cities are used to depict the ongoing migration from rural to urban areas which also evokes the theme of loneliness and social isolation. The deteriorated high-rise apartments shown in ghost-themed movies serve to isolate the socially marginalised inhabitants and the non-living from the outside world as if nothing exists beyond those ruined concrete walls. Moreover, the ghosts are victims to Hong Kong’s ruthless capitalist system failing to compete for scarce land. In traditional Chinese beliefs, spirits roam the Earth unless they have a proper burial, nevertheless, grave ownership is only available to the affluent considering the scarcity of land in Hong Kong. With urbanisation accelerating and cities redeveloped with the intent of maximising financial capital rather than catering the needs of their people, the poor have been reduced to ‘living ghosts’ by urban segregation and isolation. Apartments now become an asset with the sole purpose to gain profit instead of a home, a place to live in. It is inevitable that we feel disconnected and isolated from the rest of the world.
Full Name: Cheng Sze Yuet UID: 3036109175
Your response demonstrated thorough understanding of the texts and the context of property ownership in Hong Kong, how it is representative of capital rather than homes for people. You described the ghostliness and sense of isolation of housing estates in Hong Kong well.