Realism and Lyricism: From Cantonese Cinema to the New Wave (1949-1979)

Hong Kong cinema has always been full of vitality. Not only does it incorporate foreign elements, but also integrates them into local folklore, forming a unique culture that stands out in the international movie scene. This book starts with 23 essays, focusing on Hong Kong cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s, examining its development from ethical romance to psychological explorations, from traditional realism to modern lyricism. By reviewing the literary works of many outstanding filmmakers such as Wu Hui, Cheng Gang, Li Tie, Li Chenfeng, Zuo Ji, Chu Yuan, Tang Shuxuan, and Chen Yunwen, it explores the artistic space and human landscape they created for Hong Kong cinema over the past 30 years. The author of this book does not want to idealize all things old with a nostalgic attitude, but hopes to clarify some misunderstandings that have accumulated over the past half century due to prejudice or lack of discourse under conventional constraints. He outlines the uniqueness of Hong Kong cinema. In this way, it highlights the efforts of several generations of filmmakers to establish local culture, and pays sincere tribute to their endless creativity over the years.