The course serves as an introduction to the various aspects of Hong Kong cinema, one of the largest and most dynamic film industries in the world. We study the history and development of Hong Kong cinema, its stylistic features, diverse genres (martial arts, action, comedy, ghost story, historical epic, and melodrama), major themes, and the emergence and characteristics of the New Wave.

We pay attention to internationally acclaimed directors (John Woo, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui, Stanley Kwan, Wong Kar-wai, Peter Chan, etc.) and stars (Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and many others). The course also explores dimensions of Hong Kong’s film industry, its local, regional and international markets and audiences, patterns of transnational collaborations, and the global influence of Hong cinema.

The class is conducted in English, and all the films are subtitled in English.