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Gina Marchetti, Aaron Magnan-Park, and Stacilee Ford

Hong Kong Cinema has a global reach. Let’s explore how it reached you… Perhaps you know the films of martial arts icons Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan or the heroic bloodshed films of John Woo.

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Hong Kong Cinema has a global reach. Let’s explore how it reached you… Perhaps you know the films of martial arts icons Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan or the heroic bloodshed films of John Woo.

Perhaps you are a fan of stars such as Maggie Cheung or Chow Yun Fat. Maybe you admire works by directors such as Wong Kar Wai.

Whatever you know and wherever you are we invite you to join us on a journey to consider how the local and the global intersect to make Hong Kong cinema an integral part of popular culture around the world as well as a leading force in the development of world cinematic art.

In this course you’ll learn how flows of capital, people, technologies, ideas and creativity circulate and shape the cultural industry of filmmaking, resulting in transnational co-productions and cross-cultural co-operations. You’ll see how these dynamic processes are inflected in characterization, plot development, and space-time configurations on Hong Kong screens.

Our location in the cultural crossroads of Hong Kong allows us to introduce you to film professionals such as director Mabel Cheung and Andrew Lau, producer John Sham, film festival director Roger Garcia, and other guests, talking candidly about the industry.

During your weeks with us you’ll see demonstrations of martial arts choreography, participate in close analysis of film techniques, investigate Hong Kong global stardom, uncover the reasons for the worldwide appeal of genres such as the kung fu film, and nurture a comparative and critical understanding of issues of gender, race, migration. Best of all you’ll partner with leading researchers in the field to appreciate Hong Kong’s contribution to world cinema.

Please watch these films so that you can get the most out of the course content. Please note that you will need to acquire and watch the films on your own. We advise you see the films before each week’s material.

Here is the list of films for each week.

Week 1 – any Jackie Chan film (optional)Week 2 – any Bruce Lee film (optional), but we suggest Fist of Fury / The Chinese Connection (dir. Lo Wei, 1972), or Enter the Dragon , (dir. Robert Clouse, 1973)Week 3 – An Autumn’s Tale (dir. Mabel Cheung, 1987)Week 4 – The Killer (dir. John Woo, 1989)Week 5 – Infernal Affairs (dir. Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, 2002)Week 6 – In the Mood for Love (dir. Wong Kar Wai, 2000)

香港電影享譽全球。您與它的初次接觸,是透過功夫巨星李小龍或成龍的作品,還是吳宇森式的英雄喋血電影?您最欣賞的香港電影人是張曼玉、周潤發等影星,還是王家衛等導演?無論您身在何處,對香港電影了解多少,我們都誠意邀請您加入這個探索之旅,思考港式生活和全球文化交織而成的香港電影如何成為國際流行文化和世界電影藝術發展的主導力量。在本課程中,我們將探討資本流動、人力、科技、 創意等元素如何在電影製作文化產業的形成過程中相得益彰,並促成跨國製作和跨文化營運。與此同時,我們亦會探索這些互動在香港電影中的人物塑造、情節發展和時空構造上所帶來的曲折變化。香港大學是香港的文化交滙點,我們邀請了電影界專業人士,如導演張婉婷和劉偉強、製片人岑建勳、電影節總監高思雅等專家,分享電影業的內幕故事。在數週的課程裡,您將會目睹功夫電影的動作編排, 電影技術的周密分析,研究香港演員晉身為國際巨星的過程,探索功夫電影令全球著迷的原因,及加深對性別、種族與移民等問題上比較性和批判性的思考方式。更重要的是,您將與各路專家一起認識香港對世界電影業所作出的貢獻。

每週的電影清單:第 1 周 – 成龍的任何電影(可選)第 2 周 – 李小龍的任何電影(可選)——建議影片 1.《精武門》(導演 羅維,1972年); 2.《猛龍過江》(導演 羅伯特* 克洛斯,1973 年)第 3 周 – 《秋天的童話》 (導演 張婉婷,1987年)第 4 周 – 《喋血雙雄》 (導演 吳宇森,1989年)第 5 周 – 《無間道》 (導演 麥兆輝與劉偉強,2002年)第 6 周 – 《花樣年華》 (導演 王家衛,2000年)

課程目標• 通過分析香港電影業的本地市場與國際舞臺之間的關係,培養您的批判和歷史思維能力;• 在香港電影中不同的場景中尋找熟識的細節,從而拓展您對身份問題的了解;• 通過分析香港電影業,讓您更了解全球化對社會的影響。

香港电影享誉全球。您与它的初次接触,是透过功夫巨星李小龙或成龙的作品,还是吴宇森式的英雄喋血电影?您最欣赏的香港电影人是张曼玉、周润发等影星,还是王家卫等导演?无论您身在何处,对香港电影了解多少,我们都诚意邀请您加入这个探索之旅,思考港式生活和全球文化交织而成的香港电影如何成为国际流行文化和世界电影艺术发展的主导力量。在本课程中,我们将探讨资本流动、人力、科技、 创意等元素如何在电影制作文化产业的形成过程中相得益彰,并促成跨国制作和跨文化营运。与此同时,我们亦会探索这些互动在香港电影中的人物塑造、情节发展和时空构造上所带来的曲折变化。香港大学是香港的文化交滙点,我们邀请了电影界专业人士,如导演张婉婷和刘伟强、制片人岑建勋、电影节总监高思雅等专家,分享电影业的内幕故事。在数周的课程里,您将会目睹功夫电影的动作编排, 电影技术的周密分析,研究香港演员晋身为国际巨星的过程,探索功夫电影令全球着迷的原因,及加深对性别、种族与移民等问题上比较性和批判性的思考方式。更重要的是,您将与各路专家一起认识香港对世界电影业所作出的贡献。

每周的电影清单:第 1 周 – 成龙的任何电影(可选)第 2 周 – 李小龙的任何电影(可选)——建议影片 1.《精武门》(导演 罗维,1972年); 2.《猛龙过江》(导演 罗伯特• 克洛斯,1973 年)第 3 周 – 《秋天的童话》 (导演 张婉婷,1987年)第 4 周 – 《喋血双雄》 (导演 吴宇森,1989年)第 5 周 – 《无间道》 (导演 麦兆辉与刘伟强,2002年)第 6 周 – 《花样年华》 (导演 王家卫,2000年)

课程目标

通过分析香港电影业的本地市场与国际舞台之间的关系,培养您的批判和历史思维能力;• 在香港电影中不同的场景中寻找熟识的细节,从而拓展您对身份问题的了解;• 通过分析香港电影业,让您更了解全球化对社会的影响。

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Develop your critical and historical thinking skills through analyzing the interconnected relationship between the global scene and local lives in hk films;
  • Broaden your perspectives on identity issues through finding the familiar in the foreign in hong kong cinema;
  • Deepen your perspective on the impact of globalization on your own society through analyzing hong kong cinema.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction / Jackie ChanIn this unit, we look at Hong Kong as portrayed by Hollywood, and how Jackie Chan defines his own global image.
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Week 2: Bruce Lee and the Global Kung Fu CrazeBruce Lee is a global icon who represents the worldwide fascination with kung fu. We look at his life, works, and lasting impact in cinema and popular culture.
Week 3: Melodramas of Migration: Mabel Cheung Yuen-Ting’s An Autumn’s TaleThemes of identity, race, gender, and culture in migration intersect to create stories with historical significance. We examine the role of migration melodramas in documenting the diasporic experience.
Week 4: John Woo’s Heroic Bloodshed Films: Hong Kong vs. HollywoodWe discuss the evolution of masculinity and selfhood from early Hong Kong Shaw Brothers films to The Killer , and how Confucianism offers an alternative understanding of relationships and hierarchy.
Week 5: Hong Kong on Postmodern Screens: Infernal AffairsWe examine postmodernism in Infernal Affairs as reflected through themes of capitalism, crisis cinema, and political allegory.
Week 6: Hong Kong Cinema as World Cinema / In the Mood for LoveWong Kar Wai is an example of an auteur filmmaker. We trace how his works influence Hollywood, and specifically discuss festival films and In the Mood for Love.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explored themes of identity and globalization
Taught critical thinking and historical analysis
Examined HK cinema's impact on global culture
Required prior knowledge of HK cinema
Involves watching and analyzing specific HK films

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Reviews summary

Hong kong cinema with global perspective

Students highly praise this course, especially for its global perspective of Hong Kong cinema

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens | 全球化下的香港电影 with these activities:
Volunteer at a Local Film Festival
Gain hands-on experience in the film industry and connect with fellow enthusiasts by volunteering your time at a local film festival dedicated to showcasing Hong Kong cinema.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Identify local film festivals that focus on Hong Kong cinema.
  • Contact the organizers and express your interest in volunteering.
  • Attend training sessions to learn about your responsibilities.
  • Fulfill your assigned duties during the film festival.
  • Engage with festival attendees and share your knowledge of Hong Kong cinema.
Review Basic Film Techniques
Sharpen your understanding of basic film techniques, such as camera angles, lighting, and editing, to enhance your appreciation and analysis of Hong Kong cinema throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Watch a short film and identify different camera angles used.
  • Practice adjusting lighting to create different moods and atmospheres.
  • Experiment with simple editing techniques using video editing software.
  • Analyze a scene from a Hong Kong film, paying attention to the techniques used.
  • Attend a workshop or online tutorial on film techniques.
Review Hong Kong Film History
Solidify your prior knowledge in Hong Kong film history which will serve as a base for the course materials.
Show steps
  • Read a book on the history of Hong Kong Cinema
  • Watch a documentary on the development of Hong Kong Cinema
  • Go through online resources that summarize the historical milestones in HK film history
Seven other activities
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Show all ten activities
Martial Arts Choreography Drills
Enhance your understanding of martial arts sequences by practicing fundamental movements and combinations to improve your coordination and timing.
Browse courses on Martial Arts
Show steps
  • Warm up with basic punches and kicks.
  • Practice choreographed sequences from Hong Kong films.
  • Create your own martial arts sequence.
  • Record yourself performing the sequence.
  • Share your sequence with a classmate for feedback.
Read City on Fire (Hong Kong Film Archive)
Provides detailed history and analysis of the Golden Age of HK cinema. It will help you grasp the influence of Hong Kong films locally and internationally.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter. (1 hour)
  • Read and summarize Chapter 2-4. (2 hours)
  • Read a scholarly article on Heroic Bloodshed Films (1 hour)
  • Go through online reviews of HK film critics (1 hour)
The Tao of Pooh
Explore the principles of Taoism through the playful lens of Winnie the Pooh to gain a fresh perspective on life's challenges.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Reflect on the Taoist principles presented in each chapter.
  • Identify ways to apply Taoist teachings to your daily life.
  • Share your insights with a friend or family member.
  • Write a haiku inspired by the book.
Contribute to OpenSubtitles
Engage in the global open source community by contributing subtitles for Hong Kong films to improve accessibility and understanding for international audiences.
Show steps
  • Create an account on OpenSubtitles.
  • Select a Hong Kong film and language to contribute to.
  • Translate the film's dialogue or add subtitles.
  • Proofread and check for errors.
  • Submit your contribution for approval.
HK Cinema Analysis Essay
Express your understanding and insights into Hong Kong cinema by writing an in-depth essay that explores themes, cultural influences, and the impact of specific films.
Browse courses on Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a specific film or theme to focus on.
  • Research the film's background, production, and reception.
  • Write a thesis statement that presents your main argument.
  • Develop body paragraphs that support your thesis.
  • Proofread and edit your essay.
Create a Hong Kong Cinema Zine
Showcase your passion for Hong Kong cinema by creating a zine that explores its history, culture, and impact, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.
Browse courses on Publishing
Show steps
  • Develop a concept and design for your zine.
  • Write articles, conduct interviews, and gather visual content.
  • Layout and design the zine using design software.
  • Print and distribute your zine.
  • Promote your zine through social media and other channels.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Discover the common structure of stories, myths, and legends throughout human history to deepen your understanding of how stories shape our worldview.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes while reading.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
  • Identify the hero's journey in a story you enjoy.
  • Write a short essay on how the hero's journey can be applied to your own life.

Career center

Learners who complete Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens | 全球化下的香港电影 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Film Critic
Film Critics analyze and review films, giving audiences insight into a film's themes, characters, and techniques. This course can help build a foundation for thinking critically about films and the role they play in our lives.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write the scripts for films, television shows, and other media. This course can help build a foundation for storytelling, character development, and dialogue writing.
Film Director
Film Directors provide creative direction for a film's production, including working with actors, crew, and other creatives. This course may help with understanding different filmmaking techniques by analyzing famous films.
Film Producer
Film Producers oversee the production of a film, including managing finances, hiring crew, and ensuring the film is completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful in understanding the film production process and the challenges involved.
Film Editor
Film Editors assemble the footage shot for a film or television show into a coherent and visually appealing story. This course may be useful for understanding the editing process and the role it plays in shaping a film's narrative.
Film Distributor
Film Distributors handle the distribution of films to theaters and other venues. This course may be useful for understanding the film distribution process and the challenges involved in getting a film seen by audiences.
Cinematographer
Cinematographers are responsible for the visual look of a film or television show, including lighting, camera work, and composition. This course may help you develop an eye for composition and an understanding of how to use lighting to create atmosphere and mood.
Film Marketing Manager
Film Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for films. This course may be useful for understanding the film marketing process and the challenges involved in promoting a film to audiences.
Film Festival Programmer
Film Festival Programmers select the films that are shown at film festivals. This course may be useful for understanding the film festival programming process and the challenges involved in putting together a successful festival.
Film Archivist
Film Archivists preserve and restore films and other audiovisual materials. This course may be useful for understanding the film archiving process and the challenges involved in preserving our film heritage.
Actor
Actors bring characters to life in films, television shows, and other media. This course can help you understand the craft of acting and how to develop your skills as a performer.
Film Historian
Film Historians study the history of film and filmmaking. This course can help build a foundation for understanding the history of film and the role it has played in society.
Film Professor
Film Professors teach film studies at colleges and universities. This course can help build a foundation for understanding film theory and criticism and the role of film in education.
Film Journalist
Film Journalists write about films for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. This course can help build a foundation for writing about film and the role of film in society.
Film Curator
Film Curators organize and present film screenings at museums, archives, and other venues. This course may be useful for understanding the film curation process and the challenges involved in putting together a successful film series.

Reading list

We've selected 29 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens | 全球化下的香港电影.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Hong Kong cinema, from its beginnings to the present day. Essential background reading.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Hong Kong cinema, from its early days to the present. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the development of Hong Kong cinema.
Provides a detailed analysis of the work of one of Hong Kong's most influential directors. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Tsui Hark's unique style and approach to filmmaking.
This autobiography of Jackie Chan provides insights into the life and career of one of the most iconic figures in martial arts and cinema. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Jackie Chan and his impact on Hong Kong cinema.
Provides a close examination of Wong Kar Wai's critically acclaimed film 'In the Mood for Love', renowned for its exploration of love, loss, and longing. It is an essential read for understanding the significance of Hong Kong cinema in the realm of art-house cinema.
Provides a critical analysis of the Hong Kong New Wave cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and development of Hong Kong cinema.
Provides an in-depth analysis of Wong Kar Wai's classic film, In the Mood for Love. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the film's themes, style, and impact.
Examines the transnational connections and influences in early Asian cinema, including Hong Kong. Provides a broader historical context.
Serves as a comprehensive reference guide to nearly 1,100 films produced by Cathay and Shaw Brothers Studios during the period of 1977 to 1997. It valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in Hong Kong cinema during this era.
Examines the ways in which Hong Kong cinema reflects and responds to the unique postcolonial identity and cultural landscape of Hong Kong.
Explores the concept of the 'global auteur' and examines how filmmakers from around the world are increasingly influenced by global trends and audiences, while retaining their unique perspectives.
Provides an overview of the Hong Kong New Wave cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important period in Hong Kong cinema history.
Provides a critical introduction to Chinese film, including Hong Kong cinema. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and criticism of Chinese cinema.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Chinese cinema, including Hong Kong cinema. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of Chinese cinema.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese cinemas, including Hong Kong cinema. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and criticism of Chinese cinema.
Provides a comprehensive history of Chinese film, including Hong Kong cinema. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of Chinese cinema.
Provides a broad overview of the history of cinema in Asia, including the development of film industries in Hong Kong and other countries.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of Chinese-language cinema, including discussions on Hong Kong cinema.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of film studies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and criticism of film and television.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of film studies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and criticism of film and television.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of screen studies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and criticism of film and television.
Analyzes the representation of Asian Americans in American cinema and media, with potential insights into the experiences of Hong Kong immigrants and their portrayal in film.
Explores transnational Chinese cinemas and how they navigate issues of identity, nationhood, and gender, providing a broader context for understanding Hong Kong cinema's engagement with these themes.
This encyclopedia includes articles on Hong Kong cinema and specific Hong Kong films, providing a comprehensive reference resource with a global perspective.
Examines the global impact and reception of Chinese cinema, including Hong Kong cinema. Provides a broader perspective on the course's theme.
Provides a historical overview of Chinese film including the development of Hong Kong cinema
A comprehensive reference work on Chinese cinema, including Hong Kong. Valuable as a resource for additional information.

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