Interview “Hong Kong Classics Reimagined”: a tribute to Hongkong film culture

When you think of Hong Kong, what comes to mind first? Is it the neon lights in Wong Kar-wai’s "As Tears Go By," the incredible stunts in Jackie Chan’s action films, or the intricate cat-and-mouse game in "Infernal Affairs"? It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that a significant part of Hong Kong’s identity is shaped by its cinema. This vibrant, dynamic, and diverse film culture, nurtured by a small island, has not only influenced the entire Chinese-speaking world but has also captivated audiences globally.

A group of filmmakers/producers has brought with them to this year’s Cannes film festival, “Hong Kong Classics Reimagined”, a documentary that pays tribute to the vibrant film culture of Hong Kong. It takes a captivating dive into six beloved genres of Hong Kong Cinema: Action, Comedy, Detective, Kung Fu, Romance, and Art. This compelling documentary features in-depth interviews with six highly regarded Hong Kong filmmakers who share their profound love for each genre and discuss its enduring influence. Among the filmmakers being interviewed are Wing Shya, Man Lim Chung, K.K. Wong, Lemon Liu, Kenji Tanigaki, and Lawrence Kan.

Additionally, the documentary showcases exclusive interviews with acclaimed Hong Kong actors who reflect on their personal journeys within the realm of cinema and the industry's impact on their lives.

Imbued with a mix of nostalgia and pride, it aims to redefine and present these genres with fresh styles and narrative approaches. In a hotel overlooking the breathtaking Côte d'Azur, Peliplat sat with three professionals behind this project. They delved into the motivations driving the endeavor and, more poignantly, reflected on the present state of Hong Kong cinema.

They are:

Producer- Silence Leung

Producer- Chan Sinn Gi

Director- Wing Shya, Man Lim Chung, Lawrence Kan Kwan Chun

Q: Hong Kong cinema has been a cultural symbol and source of inspiration for many people growing up since the 80s. Now, over 30 years later, discussions about Hong Kong films often carry a sense of nostalgia mixed with regret for their faded glory. Does the motivation behind making this documentary also stem from a desire to boost morale and address a sense of crisis?

A：We didn't overthink it. We just wanted to pay tribute to the films and directors we love.

After the SARS outbreak, it felt like everyone needed a boost. As movie fans, we wanted to show how amazing Hong Kong cinema is, and how special Hong Kong itself is. So, we decided to create something that celebrates both the city and its films.

Hongkongers are quite straightforward; we've always loved movies. Hong Kong is small and doesn't have as much funding, while other places have grown quickly with bigger budgets and larger productions. But we've always made films in our own way. We wanted to talk about the stories behind the films, both on and off the screen. As movie fans, we were a bit greedy and wanted to gather experts from different fields to share the behind-the-scenes details that audiences usually don't get to see.

Q: What exactly do you want to show us with your mini-film for this documentary?

A：Romance- Hong Kong is a fast-paced place, and in this story, we wanted to explore how to convey deep longing for someone in such a short time.

Crime- Crime films aren't just about shootouts; they're filled with emotion—human connections and brotherhood, that’s what we wanted to talk about.

Art Film: Cinema is the magic of time. Whatever scene we shoot, it feels like I'm exploring this magic, exploring different styles. We pay tribute to Wang Kay-wai without imitating, what we did here is complete different.

Q:What makes you believe Hong Kong cinema has a bright future beyond its past glory?

A: Despite years of hiatus due to the pandemic, I'm thrilled to see many new directors and films emerging, like "Hand Rolled Cigarette" and "May You Stay Forever Young." These young talents, in their thirties, already grasp the essence of storytelling much earlier than I did. It's the power of cinema. Growing up watching films has inspired their understanding of human emotions, society, and self-awareness.

Q: What defines the essence of Hong Kong cinema spirit?

A：Many new directors today face budget constraints. They rely on imaginative storytelling within limited resources to bring captivating narratives to life. This adaptability is our forte.

Take action films, for instance. While modern Hong Kong action movies incorporate advanced special effects, they still retain the core spirit of camaraderie and mutual assistance, reflecting a distinctively Hong Kong flavor.

（ Special thanks to Ms. LIU Min for the interview.）