Dream, Journey, Identity (minimum 5 full pages)/Hong Kong cinema is more than martial arts and action. The second part of the course examines dramas of love, fantasy, journey, and self-discovery in Hong Kong cinema. Characters in these films seem to harbor a big dream: a “Hong Kong dream,” a “California dream,” or a “New York dream.” With the passage of time, they attempt to create new identities for themselves: be a different person, go to a new place, enter a relationship, or feel nostalgic for the past. Discuss the ways in which these characters change, pursue dreams, cherish old relationships, or search for new identities. Please feel free to consult relevant discussions in Planet Hong Kong by David Bordwell and A Companion to Hong Kong Cinema.In your analysis, you should refer to at least three films by different directors. Please also briefly comment on the stylistic features of each of the directors.

2. Looking back at the entire course, what films do you like better? What are the films that you don’t like as much? Explain why. (1-2 pages for this question)
The final paper assignment consists of two questions. Altogether the paper should be about 6-7 pages in length, double-spaced, and coherently written. The preferred font is Times New Roman 12. Please italicize all film titles, indicate page numbers, and proofread your paper.

Films screened or discussed in class since midterm
Rouge (Dir. Stanley Kwan, 1987)
Full Moon in New York (Dir. Stanley Kwan, 1989)
Her Fatal Ways (Dir. Alfred Cheung, 1990)
Farewell China (Dir. Clara Law, 1990)
Comrades, Almost a Lover Story (Dir. Peter Chan, 1997)
Any films of Wong Kar-wai, such as:
Chungking Express (Dir. Wong Kar Wai, 1994)
Happy Together (Dir. Wong Kar-wai, 1997)
In the Mood for Love (Dir. Wong Kar-wai, 2000)
Durian Durian (Dir. Fruit Chan, 2001)
Kungfu Hustle (Director and lead actor, Stephen Chow, 2004)
A Simple Love (Dir. Ann Hui, 2012)
Or films with the approval of the instructor

1. Dream, Journey, Identity (minimum 5 full pages)
Hong Kong cinema is more than martial arts and action. The second part of the course examines dramas of love, fantasy, journey, and self-discovery in Hong Kong cinema. Characters in these films seem to harbor a big dream: a “Hong Kong dream,” a “California dream,” or a “New York dream.” With the passage of time, they attempt to create new identities for themselves: be a different person, go to a new place, enter a relationship, or feel nostalgic for the past. Discuss the ways in which these characters change, pursue dreams, cherish old relationships, or search for new identities. Please feel free to consult relevant discussions in Planet Hong Kong by David Bordwell and A Companion to Hong Kong Cinema.

In your analysis, you should refer to at least three films by different directors. Please also briefly comment on the stylistic features of each of the directors.

2. Looking back at the entire course, what films do you like better? What are the films that you don’t like as much? Explain why. (1-2 pages for this question)

Once again, like the midterm, both what you write and how you write are important. Avoid simple generalization. You need to refer to specific elements in the films. Coherence, organization, and elegance are important criteria for good writing.