It is interesting how The Elevator Girl resulted in the spread of composite buildings. Coming from a Canadian background, buildings with multiple functions are definitely not widespread there like it is here. The film’s direct influence on Hong Kong architecture is fascinating to see.
The use of female vigilantes in Black Rose embodies the dual worlds present in the city. The movie addresses the increasing social inequality between the rich and poor in modernizing Hong Kong and the camera shows a privileged viewpoint by going between these contrasting worlds. The female vigilantes also present a duality because of how the patriarchal society sexualizes and objectifies the female body while dismissing their person. There is then the outer perspective and the inner world, much like the glamorous modern buildings against the dark alleyways and how urban interior spaces are discussed as female images. 1950s Hong Kong also marks the start of feminism and the break from traditional Chinese beliefs as women entered the workforce at factories, therefore gaining some financial freedom and an independent social status. The female protagonists in Black Rose highlight this aspect as well.
Miriam Xia, 3036110916
When you started with a comment on ‘Elevator Girl’ and the way it introduces the composite building, I would expect more highlights on that. For example, how / why the movie would choose female characters to lead the storytelling? Any social implications? That is worth further thought. Structure your content better and organize relevant points of view would facilitate your expression.