The 1990s marked a golden era for Hong Kong cinema, showcasing a remarkable evolution in filmmaking. On one hand, starting from 1993, Hollywood films began to dominate, signaling the decline of local film industries. On the other hand, this period also witnessed the flourishing of Hong Kong films, which blended artistic quality with high production values, offering a diverse array of genres.
Indeed, the 1990s are regarded as the final golden age of Hong Kong cinema. This decade also saw a decline in the prominence of many local stars when Ngô Vũ Sâm transitioned to Hollywood after “Hard Boiled” in 1992, and Châu Nhuận Phát lost his influence in the industry a few years later.
However, martial arts films by director Hồng Kim Bảo began to fade in comparison to the spectacular action scenes and technical marvels brought forth by directors like Trình Tiểu Đông and Viên Hòa Bình; even the works of superstar Lưu Đức Hoa experienced a noticeable decline in quality by the end of this decade.
Looking back at the influential works and filmmakers of the 1990s Hong Kong cinema, it’s clear that Từ Khắc was a leading figure of this decade. The 90s were undoubtedly a significant period for Hong Kong cinema, especially with Từ Khắc’s contributions. He was instrumental in developing the local film industry through classic films like “Once Upon a Time in China” and “The Blade”.
Director Từ helped Lý Liên Kiệt become a superstar in the martial arts genre, transforming him into a cultural icon. Từ Khắc exhibited a strong inclination for creative adaptation and showcased his directorial talent. He remade “The Legend of the Drunken Master,” with Lâm Thanh Hà shaping the image of a heroic male character, portraying Đổng Phương Bất Bại deeply in the story.
Despite the decline in film quality towards the end of the 90s, Từ Khắc’s dedication and willingness to experiment ensured that he remained a prominent name in the industry throughout the decade.
“Cageman,” a satirical comedy by director Trương Chi Lương, became a hot topic in the 1990s and won the Best Picture award at the 12th Hong Kong Film Awards in 1993. Many filmmakers began incorporating social issues into their films during the 1980s; however, the rise of commercial works during the 1990s led to a unique blend of genres. “Cageman,” for instance, told the story of 105 people being forced to leave their homes, showcasing the emotional toll of urban development throughout the decade.
While martial arts films were dominating the box office, director Trần Khải Ca introduced a new idea: why not make films that portray the contemporary lives of Hong Kong residents? Director Trần began gaining recognition after the film “Kim Chi Ngọc Diệp,” released in 1994, a romantic comedy featuring stars like Trương Quốc Vinh and Viên Vịnh Nghi. This film brought Trần Khải Ca to prominence, earning him the Best Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Despite being viewed as a commercial piece, Trần’s works often embodied the essence of Hong Kong, allowing audiences to see reflections of themselves on the big screen.
The 1990s were not only the golden decade for filmmaking but also saw the rise of many actors who became household names, some of whom continue to be celebrated today. While the name Trương Mạn Ngọc often comes to mind when discussing Hong Kong cinema, other notable names like Viên Vịnh Nghi and Mạc Văn Úy also gained significant popularity.
Notably, Viên Vịnh Nghi often stood out for her tomboyish roles, which resonated with many directors like Trần Khải Ca. Mạc Văn Úy, on the other hand, embraced a more elegant style, and her friendly personality helped her win the audience’s hearts. She played memorable roles in “Đồ Lạc Thiên Sứ” by Vương Gia Vệ and “Sắc Tình Nam Nữ” by Nhĩ Đông Thăng.
In the early 1990s, Vương Gia Vệ consistently expressed his desire to create commercial films, yet he also acknowledged his talent for becoming a cultural icon through works like “A Phi Chính Truyện” and “Trùng Khánh Sâm Lâm.” His unique directing style earned him significant acclaim, and he quickly became a celebrated figure in film festivals. Despite achieving numerous successes, the audience often felt that Vương Gia Vệ’s films were overly artistic and abstract.
Despite frequent controversies, the unique blend of genres, vivid colors, and violence in the films of the 1990s created a distinct style. The bold imagery showcased in these films marked a significant evolution compared to earlier Hong Kong films, providing a liberating feeling amidst the constraints of the cinematic landscape.
