Victoria Harbour
In Darrell William Davis’s reading, Technology and (Chinese) Ethnicity, it reflects on the contemporary relation of Chinatown, technological advancement and identity through Oshii Mamoru’s two films Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Innocence (2004). The two films were created in two largely different eras based on Hong Kong’s landscape. One is where Hong Kong is still under the colonial control of England and one is modernized Hong Kong which is near to our current living situation. However, both clearly visualize the structure of Hong Kong and attempts to draw people’s attention to the combination of science fiction and Asia’s urban culture. The contrast of traditional Chinatown and the advance technological world in the two films examine Chinese ethnicity and the relationship with technology.
The techniques used in the films conveys the linkage between urban landscape and technology. Through animation, Oshii Mamoru transform Chinatown into a familiar but extraordinary scene in the films. Future technology in the movie overwhelms us, yet the personified environment reminds us that it is still the Hong Kong we recognize. “Hong Kong animates an advanced technological future, a regionally condensed infoscape, urban hyperag glomeration, and a mystical throwback.” (Davis, Technology and (Chinese) Ethnicity, p. 141.) This is where Davis pinpoints on the gap between the real Hong Kong and the almost lifelike Hong Kong in the animations.
On the other hand, the international city, Hong Kong evokes the sense of identity just like the films. As Hong Kong has a diverse background, it echoes with the theme of the two films. The movies signify that “ghosts are beings who have lost their host” (Davis, Technology and (Chinese) Ethnicity, p. 139.), it resembles how Hong Kong lacks identity as well. Hong Kong is home to multi-ethnicity people. The improvement in technology makes Hong Kong less and less in originality while trying to chase the top standards of the world. What is left in people is the collective memories that build their identity.
Hong Kong is home to people all around the world. It has both the traditional Chinatown image and also a cosmopolitan city. People share various identities and this shows the uniqueness of Hong Kong.
Kwong Nim Tung 3035607924