The History of Hong Kong IV：Light and Shadow in the Post-war Years

Film production is an integrated art form that brings out messages through visual and aural elements. Films create a virtual world with light and sound, providing entertainment as well as a reflection of the reality that viewers can relate to. They do exert some extent of influence on the community.

Dating back to a long time ago, Hong Kong’s film industry has flourished over time. Despite being a small place, Hong Kong is the birthplace of numerous films of various genres. Hong Kong films even started to gain international recognition in the 1980’s.

This episode will start with the period after the Second World War, and look at history through films during the Cold War. We will explore the characteristics of Hong Kong films in the 1950’s and 1960’s, as well as how they illustrate the everyday life and mindset of people, the circumstances and atmosphere of society of the time. We will also attempt to find out how Hong Kong films have grown to be so unique with the city’s unparalleled social system, geographical location, East-meets-West background, and the dual pressure originating from the market and political environment.