Pat Benatar once declared in teenage angst, despite being 30 at the time, that “Love is a battlefield”. However, if she had waited 12 months before releasing that hit single, she would have been able to see the film, Hong Kong 1941, which would have no doubt provided some perspective. Available now on Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment, this tender drama of adversity follows a young woman, Nam (Cecilia Yip), the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who, along with her childhood friend Coolie (Alex Man), and a resourceful actor, Yip (Chow Yun-fat), intend to start a new life in the U.S.A. However, the trio’s plans end abruptly when the Japanese invade Hong Kong.
While not nearly as wacky as Steven Spielberg’s 1941, the film’s first half is rather playful as our main characters feel each other out, get into various hijinks, and bond over their various eccentricities. Despite their differing backgrounds, ranging from privileged to impoverished, they’re able to look past their social class. Nam is impulsive and is eager to get moving, which likely stems from a health issue, whereas Coolie is torn between his deep love for Nam and his attachment to street life, making him more cautious. Yip, however, is a dreamer and lives in a constant fantasy of travel and adventure, who also has an eye for Nam, but it’s the combined friendship of all three that makes the film so endearing.
After the Japanese took over the province, the malice and cruelty that followed had a varied effect on the local population. Most live under fear and oppression, while some of those in positions of authority are quick to succumb to Japan’s doctrine and use their new power to pillage the homes of the more affluent. One of the most disturbing examples is a police officer who singles out Nam’s father.
Hong Kong 1941 is a harrowing piece, but it’s not a waking nightmare like the Soviet epic “Come and See.” Instead, the film remains a hopeful journey thanks to our three heroes and the emotional performances of their respective actors. The wartime picture is further elevated by a triumphant soundtrack that echoes of 80s synth and beautiful cinematography.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Original Cantonese mono audio track
- Optional English dub
- Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
- New audio commentary by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
- New appreciation of Hong Kong 1941 by film writer, programmer and East Asian film expert Tony Rayns
- Crossing Cultures – an interview with Po-Chih Leong by Frédéric Ambroisine
- Po-Chih Leong on Hong Kong 1941 and Cultural Identity (Masterclass at Udine FEFF 2023)
- Two archival interviews with Chow Yun-fat
- Three archival interviews with Cecilia Yip
- Archival interview with Paul Chun
- Theatrical trailer
Eureka give Hong Kong 1941 the full treatment, special features-wise, as viewers are given a slew of new and archival content to enjoy after they’ve checked out the feature presentation. As usual, Asia-cinema expert Frank Djeng’s commentary provides easy, conversational listening and heaps of context regarding Hong Kong 1941’s narrative and significance as a cinematic work. For those who don’t want to revisit the entire movie just yet, Tony Rayns’ 30-minute featurette interview delivers a suitable, abridged deep dive into the making of. While not exclusive to this release, the two supplements showcasing director Po-Chih Leong are both worth a watch due to his warm personality and the overview of his other works. – by Hannah Lynch
VIDEO AND AUDIO
Presented in 1080p from a brand new 4K restoration, Hong Kong 1941 definitely does not fall short of Eureka’s high standard, that’s been enjoyed with a lot of their Asian catalogue. In an odd way, the image is gentle with a lot of detail and often warm colours, which continues even when the story is at its most cruel. Cantonese and English LPCM Mono isn’t the richest in quality, but while the dialogue is a little flat, the 80s synth in the film scoring manages to power through.
Hong Kong 1941 is among Eureka Entertainment’s prestigious Masters of Cinema series, complete with a limited-edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Time Tomorrow and a limited-edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film and Po-Chih Leong by Gary Bettinson, editor of Asian Cinema Journal.
HONG KONG 1941
(1984, director:)
★★★★
direct blu-ray screen captures
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