Pop Cultures of East Asia

Hong Kong and Popular Culture

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After studying the various pop cultures around East Asia, the one geographical region that I felt had a unique dynamic that I learned most about was Hong Kong. Because of its history as a British Colony transitioning into an entity of China, the people had developed their own culture that is unlike any other Asian country. They people identify themselves differently from the People’s Republic of China, with their own style, cultures, and media from the mixing of cultures that accumulated over time. Through this identity the people of Hong Kong have created, the country is able to engage with popular culture because of their connection to the rest of the world and influencers who created breakthrough ideas and media. 

Out of the products that products Hong Kong produces, their cinema has created a legacy as being a trailblazer for international films. Some of the most stand out films, such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Infernal Affairs, Kung Fu Hustle and A Better Tomorrow, are all ones we covered during class. All of these films, along with other popular films were able to help shape the style and genre of Hong Kong cinema into a one of a kind style. In other words, Hong Kong movie makers paved a path for international movie makers by integrating dynamic characters and camera techniques in order to create a movie experience that directly reflects the culture of Hong Kong. Because of the media, it was easy for them to export the movies especially since Hong Kong is a large hot spot for trade and culture.

 

The reason why Hong Kong chose to export films into the international markets was because of the freedom it allowed them to create. Because of the mixing of cultures Hong Kong developed throughout the years, directors were able to create movies that had the ability to reach global audiences. All of the films mentioned above are all very different from one another, both in content and style. Although both movies fall under the Martial Arts category, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle had completely different styles. Though they are sometimes critiqued as inauthentic representations of China’s culture, they are true to the Hong Kong film genre. Similarly, Infernal Affairs and A Better Tomorrow were both set in the modern, underground world of Asia, but two completely different plots all together. These influenced other countries to remake these classic films because of the compelling stories they tell. Overall, it is evident that Hong Kong Cinema has been able to create an iconic style of cinema that is both free forming, but still true to Hong Kong culture. The style has been able to be exported throughout the world, and is evident in today’s cinema that tries to mimic Hong Kong films. 

 

In terms of the legacy that Hong Kong cinema has left on pop culture, it has been a direct reflection of the identity the people of the country have developed over the course of its history. In other words, the films and other exports created are just as stand out and go against the wave of typical Chinese culture, just as the people of Hong Kong stand out from the rest of the world. When we study the transitional period from Hong Kong leaving British Occupation into a part of the People’s Republic of China, there was no smooth transition. The People’s Republic of China wanted Hong Kong to conform to the established rules and practices that had been set up for years, but the Hong Kong culture had strayed too far away. As we saw in the Netflix Documentary, Joshua vs. Super Power, the political tensions in modern day Hong Kong were running high due to disagreements in legislation. Even the young students felt compelled to stand up for their way of life, risking their futures and health. Riots and political movements were started to protect the culture of Hong Kong from mainland China’s influence. The dynamic cultural identity was so important to the people of Hong Kong that they felt the need to fight to protect it from others determining how they live, and to me that is one of the greatest aspects about Hong Kong history. Their greatest products and influences on pop culture never would have been achieved if it were not for the history and way of life they operate under, and their fight to protect it sent a message to the rest of the world that Hong Kong is one of a kind and they want to keep it that way.

 

In the near future, I really hope to experience Hong Kong in person. I had very little knowledge about the country before this class, but it has opened my eyes to the exciting culture they have created and influenced throughout the world. Through their struggles as a country, they have been able to develop their culture upon these challenges. Understanding the history and talking about it in class is one thing, but being able to go and see it first hand is another. It has sparked my feeling of exploration, and I will make my best efforts to experience Hong Kong’s culture.