The main subject of this article revolves around the exploration of two film genres, melodrama and noir thriller, within the societal context of Hong Kong’s working and upper classes. Among the various films discussed, Black Rose and Elevator Girl, both released in 1965.
There are quite a number of differences we can see in both the films. Starting with the characters. The Chan girl from BLack Rose, themselves came from the upper class while Nam from Elevator Girl is from the working class. Both these movies showcase the different parties in Hong Kong. Black Rose has a mysterious feeling to it with the theme containing dark movements and fearless girls. The architectural theme is very cataclysmic. This movie lets people indulge in it and see the various aspects of life. Elevator girl is more of a relatable movie to the working class. It is situated around the working people. This helps the working class to feel more related to the movie and have a close feeling. The space along the movie is more crowded and showcases the hustle and bustle of the working class of Hong Kong.
These films are female-dominated, showing that there are no misogyny feelings to it. This promotes young females to join the workforce. I think it is very courageous and prominent that there is a break to the societal discrimination.
Fathima Ifaza
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Seng, E. (2020). Noirs: The City, the Woman and Other Spaces. In Resistant City: Histories, Maps and the Architecture of Development (pp. 60-77). World Scientific Press.
Your observation on the role of different character archetypes and how they relate to audiences is very good. How do you feel about the portrayal of women in these films? Do you feel that it is authentic, and does it need to be?