Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions

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"This book offers a history of Hong Kong cinema in the postwar period. It is an extraordinary history of survival and success against the odds, a history which is inseparably bound up with Hong Kong's economic miracle." Here is the first book to treat the Hong Kong film industry with real seriousness, demonstrating how it reflected the changes in the city's administration and growth. Author Stephen Teo convincingly debunks the commonplace notion that Hong Kong consistently produced movies of "dubious aesthetic quality"; he uncovers the remarkable range and versatility of the city's cinema. Teo focuses on international action stars such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and directors like John Woo, Ringo Lam, and Tsui Hark, while also covering the industry's forays into melodrama, horror, comedy, social realism, the crime film, and other genres. His descriptions of the industry's ethics are very powerful, even when he covers action movies: "More than any other cinema, the Hong Kong cinema takes to heart the adage that old warriors never die: they fade away and reappear, some taking the call to arms literally by using their fists as kung fu warriors. Others fence their way to a last moment of glory as expert swordsmen and women before the sword is sheathed and the scabbard hung up." --Raphael Shargel

Book Description
This is the first full-length, English-language study of one of the world's most exciting and innovative cinemas. Covering a period from 1909 to the "end of Hong Kong Cinema" in the present day, this unique book is packed with information about the films, the studios, the personalities, and the contexts that have shaped a cinema famous for its energy and style. Hong Kong Cinema enhances our understanding and enjoyment of the films of such legendary figures as King Hu, Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan, moving up to date with the work of John Woo and the directors of the various "New Waves."

About the Author
Stephen Teo is a filmmaker, critic, and film historian.


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This is the first full-length English-language study of one of the world's most exciting and innovative cinemas. Covering a period from 1909 to 'the end of Hong Kong cinema' in the present day, this book is packed with information about the films, the studios, the personalities and the contexts that have shaped a cinema famous for its energy and style. Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions enhances our understanding and enjoyment of the films of such legendary figures as King Hu, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, moving up to date with the work of John Woo and the directors of the various 'New Waves'. Stephen Teo explores Hong Kong cinema from both Western and Chinese perspectives, analysing all genres - from melodrama to martial arts, 'kung fu', fantasy, horror and the international art house successes. Also includes an extensive filmography detailing the careers of over sixty leading Hong Kong film-makers.


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