“Elegies”: Ann Hui’s Poignant Documentary on Hong Kong’s Poetry Scene

In the realm of Hong Kong’s cinematic landscape, Ann Hui On-wah’s “Elegies” emerges as a captivating documentary that delves deep into the city’s contemporary poetry scene. This feature-length film skillfully intertwines the art of writing with the socio-economic pressures faced by poets in a rapidly evolving Hong Kong. Hui’s expertise in filmmaking transforms interviews with renowned poets into a cultural phenomenon, attracting sold-out festival screenings and a significant commercial cinema release.

“Elegies” begins with a prologue featuring interviews with some of Hong Kong’s most esteemed poets, setting a reflective tone for the film. The segment featuring the late poet Xi Xi is particularly moving, with her recitation of a poem about the former Kai Tak Airport hinting at the film’s underlying melancholic theme.

The documentary spotlights two contrasting poets: Huang Canran and Liu Waitong. Canran, a self-described “economic exile” in Shenzhen, epitomizes the starving artist archetype, balancing his passion for poetry with financial survival. Liu, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed “anarchist” juggling multiple side jobs along with his university teaching in Taiwan. His reflections on his photojournalism career and involvement in activism during the Queen’s Pier protests add layers to his persona beyond poetry.

While “Elegies” may initially seem esoteric to those unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s literary scene, Hui’s film gradually unfolds to reveal a rich, intimate exploration of the city’s poetic landscape. The documentary offers insights into the personal and technical aspects of poetry, yet Hui’s narrative is unmistakably anchored in her deep concern for Hong Kong. Through poignant visual montages and selected poems, the film paints a nostalgic and intricate portrait of the city.

A striking aspect of “Elegies” is its focus on poets who have left Hong Kong in the past decade, reflecting the city’s drastic changes. The documentary resonates with an elegiac tone, not only for the poets’ personal histories but also for a city that has transformed profoundly. A notable quote from young poet Huang Runyu towards the end of the film poignantly encapsulates the current socio-political atmosphere in Hong Kong.

In essence, Ann Hui’s “Elegies” is not just a documentary about poetry; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the city of Hong Kong and its literary soul, showcasing how poetry can mirror the tumultuous journey of a city and its people.

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