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 and proofread your paper.
Films screened in entirety since midterm
Rouge (Dir. Stanley Kwan, 1987)
Her Fatal Ways (Dir. Alfred Cheung, 1990)
Comrades, Almost a Lover Story (Dir. Peter Chan, 1997)
In the Mood for Love (Dir. Wong Kar-wai, 2000)
Kung Fu Hustle (Dir. Stephen Chow 2004)
Portions of films shown in class
Full Moon in New York (Dir. Stanley Kwan, 1990)
Farewell China (Dir. Clara Law, 1990)
Chungking Express (Dir. Wong Kar Wai, 1994)
Happy Together (Dir. Wong Kar-wai, 1997)
Durian Durian (Dir. Fruit Chan, 2001)
DVDs of most these films have been put on reserve in the Shields Library.
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, and journey in contemporary Hong Kong. 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.
In your analysis, you should refer to at least three films by different directors. Please also briefly comment on the stylistic idiosyncrasies 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. The paper is due Monday, December 10, 3:00 pm. No late paper will be accepted without a legitimate excuse. Please submit a hardcopy of your paper. Put your paper in my mailbox (Sheldon Lu, Comparative Literature) in the mailroom at 222 Sproul Hall (2th floor). Your final course grade consists of class attendance, short reports, midterm paper, and final paper.
