This article provides insight into the image of women in Hong Kong movies and their roles in the urban space. Through the discussion of two movie genres, melodrama and noir thriller, the essay reveals the diversity and complexity of women in Hong Kong society. It also illustrates the process of transformation and modernisation of the Hong Kong city through architecture.
Intriguing in the article is the movie Black Rose (1965). The “black rose” is a symbolic image commonly used in movies and literature, which represents mystery, danger and attraction. The movie tells the story of the double life of two sisters of high social status, who take on the masked role of the Black Rose, who robs the rich and helps the poor. The Black Rose was a heroic figure of that era, highlighting the issue of class inequality in the society of that time compared to the other characters, as well as giving the audience a chance to think about the struggle and female power in society. The black rose movies that ensued in that era also confirmed this point.
Apart from this one, the text also mentions working-class women. The movie Elevator Girl (1965) of the same year depicts a love story between a working-class woman and a high-level manager, which triggers in-depth thoughts on gender, class and identity. The combination of these two films further suggests the social inequality and class division that Hong Kong faces in the process of modernisation.
Jiang Ziyan
3036264602
You identify the key themes, such as women’s diversity and complexity, class inequality in society, and the transformation process in the context of Hong Kong. In your last paragraph, you address the issue of “gender and identity,” referring to the movie Elevator Girl. Could you please elaborate further on your understanding of these two issues and how they are represented in the film narratives?