What You Can Learn From HK Romance | Video Essay

[@pooc7100]

Its actually crazy how they make romantic movies that are not cringy. That alone is enough for watching these movies.

[@sagewaterdragon]

There are plenty of great American, European, etc., romance movies as well. Open your mind a bit, there are so many wonderful films.

[@shaunnathedoRk]

yes, you just need to seek them out.. the mainstream movies tend to be the ones that are full of stereotypes & cliches

[@ttime441]

Ikr, many cheap Hollywood romance films are cringe to the bones

[@P51mus]

I never even thought of Forrest Gump as a romantic movie before. Maybe you just don't think of the ones you like as romantic movies?

[@matthewfernandez1101]

Maybe it's because of how we can relate to such movies... But all is very subjective, but ye, I agree with you

[@shahdkhan4593]

Comrades: almost a love story Turn left turn right love in a puff Just incase anyone was wondering what the names were since they forgot. Case in point me

[@observant6953]

Just using this comment to be seen by Accented Cinema: Please always put the names of the movies you talk about in the description. I remember wanting to watch a movie you spoke about but I couldn't figure out what it was called (name wasn't english). Thanks and great video as always!

[@shaunnathedoRk]

@@observant6953 i agree! went to check the title of the first film he talked about & was surprised/disappointed they weren't listed in the description

[@8lec_R]

What a legend! thx man

[@B.Archives]

The name of the movies were literally showed in the video. Example at time 1:24 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn67pauajapkfdE How do people even missed it while watching?

[@shaunnathedoRk]

@@B.Archives i'm terrible at remembering names & didn't want to scrub through the video searching for them.. obviously some people find it useful [hence the comment]

[@emanatingauras4017]

As a Hong Kong person, thank you for promoting our culture to a wider audience! It means a great deal to us. Edit: also had a good laugh about the swearing in Love in a Puff. Us Cantonese are notoriously foul-mouthed, and I love it.

[@chukybaby]

Chewing gum can also mean something else if you ask in Cantonese 🤣

[@lordalfa600]

Same with Hokkien. Very fouled mouth swearing.

[@yohannessulistyo4025]

10/10 the best way to say "just die" of all East Asian language - sei ah!

[@shadowedgames134]

@@yohannessulistyo4025 more like 死未!?

[@Trilliman707]

Yea fr other than ywll good crime drama and action martial arts movies its nice to know something other than those awesome Chinese movie genres

[@RealRanton]

your videos r consistently relaxing & insightful. I always appreciate your perspective. Even when I think from the title I dont care about the subject matter, you manage to draw me in. This has honestly been my favorite channel for a long time.

[@liondy6581]

i'd like to thank you for recommending that channel, danke brudi

[@rizkizulapriansyah9067]

Yo ranton, new video when?

[@irate_desperado8597]

Ironic how you’re channel is the chaotic opposite. If you’re having writers block why not try reviewing a game in this manner, one which you clearly love.

[@rro-n9h]

Drake.

[@jasonreviews]

it's ranton my other favorite chinese from another mother.

[@robinhahnsopran]

I was born and raised in Canada but lived in Berlin for two years. The way you discuss the feeling of isolation, the shame of speaking your native language and the profound pressure to act like you never had it, is so real to me. Thanks for articulating it so well.

[@TheStillWalkin]

Berlin is a big city, it is easy to get lonely there. I was just visiting friends there, but when i took a whole day just walking around the city i realised how cold Big B can be

[@Winddragoon]

It's something that every person feels when moving to a new location, but even moreso for Asians (and probably POCs, but I can't speak for everyone) due to the racism in white countries. In the reverse, I've seen many white expats strut around Asian countries, never learning the language or culture, and still succeeding because of white privilege.

[@awijaya2116]

@@Winddragoon It's not so much 'white privilege' as it is them being expatriate workers who don't expect to stay long-term, and thus don't expect to not be seen as the 'other' in those societies. A non-Caucasian example would be Japanese expats in China. On the other hand, 'white countries' as you've described them, tend to be developed countries - the Anglosphere and western europe. If you move there, odds are higher you expect to stay long-term, and so you feel the pressure to conform. Don't misunderstand. Some of what you've described is caused by privilege, but the 'race' bit isn't the whole story (or even most of that story).

[@Winddragoon]

​@@awijaya2116 I'll assume you're simply misguided instead of malicious in making your statement. Firstly, none of us are ignorant enough to assume that one aspect alone of your social stratification can conclusively determine your treatment in a foreign society. However, if you're assuming that white privilege isn't contributing a significant portion to that story, either you're currently enjoying it as a white person or someone who looks like one, or you're so far removed that you don't understand what is happening. Now to deal with your point, which only dealt with the first bit of "why" white people behave that way, but not the repercussions of it. This by the way, was not even the point I was making, which you conveniently ignored. One of the main reasons why you don't need to conform is because there are no negative repercussions when a white person does not conform to the social norms of the country, regardless of whether they come from the Anglosphere or EU. On the contrary, there is even privilege attached to them just by sheer value of being white in a primarily non-white society, which is seen not just socially but also professionally (I'd rather not dwell on colonialism and its impacts too much). This is regardless of whether the person wants to stay or not. To control for most factors besides race (e.g. societal attitudes and wealth), we can use your example of Japanese expats in China. You literally see the Chinese attaching more weight to what the white people say compared to the Japanese even when their experience levels are similar. Outside of work, you also see a disproportionate amount of white people in ads even in Asia, which reeks of that same privilege that translates into other societies being more accepting, even welcoming of white people. It's hard to condense centuries of white privilege across huge swathes of countries in one comment, but I hope this helps to expand your perspective. Cheers.

[@awijaya2116]

​@@Winddragoon I'm an Indonesian-Chinese, and I've lived in Jakarta and Singapore for most of my life - more so in Jakarta than Singapore. Both have a ton of expats - most of which will be white, from North America or Europe. The ones that are not will be Japanese or Korean. I'm from a family that's heavily involved in business, and while it's not primarily expats we deal with, it's not rare either. I also grew up going to school with some of the kids of these expats. On top of that, I'm currently in university in Canada, meaning I understand the flipside just as well. When AC mentions how he's wary of speaking Chinese in Canada, I _get_ that. If it wasn't for semi-regular video calls to friends and family I'm sure I'd have forgotten Indonesian by now. I'm _reasonably sure_ that I know better than you when I say 'white privilege' isn't the main reason they don't bother with self-enforced assimilation. Generally speaking, when white people move to less developed countries, it's for expatriate work. Expatriate work packages are basically the best deal in the business world. You get paid according to 1st world standards, while your expenses are in 3rd world standards. They usually come with perks too - a chauffeur, paid schooling for any kids, etc. Expatriate work also comes with contracts and visas, both time limited. Sum that up together, and you have a scenario where 1. You don't have to interact with the local populace all that much (expat bubbles), 2. You cannot stay longer than the work visa/contract lasts. This is why basically all expats don't assimilate. They don't _have to_ and if they did, they'd have to leave the society they adopted in a few years. Note that I didn't say 'white privilege doesn't exist'. I said it wasn't the primary reason for why white people don't adopt Indonesian or Cambodian or Thai norms in these countries. There _does_ exist 'white privilege' in terms of social interaction. In Indonesia, it may extend to Japanese and Korean expats too, if they're identifiably foreign (as opposed to semi-local Chinese and Indians). You basically get away with social faux pas more easily. You'll also be marked as someone wealthy, leading to better service on occasion (with the expectation of correspondingly higher tips, something I find hilarious when they try it on Japanese expats). Getting laid is easier on nights out, although you're just as likely to get dogpiled by prostitutes looking for an easy mark (I've seen both happen). Police and bureaucrats will treat you with some level of respect, although they'll also expect larger bribes (if it's in a country where bribes are commonplace). The reverse situation - POCs in 'white countries' as you've succinctly put it - is arguably different. First, odds are better than good that POCs in these countries are already, or plan to be, at least permanent residents, if not citizens. Outside of a tiny subset, POCs will not out-earn the national average several times over in these countries (to make it clear, this is me saying not every POC will be paid like Sundar Pichai or Satya Nadella, not 'POCs will not make more money than so-and-so ethnic group'). The one group of POC that will not try to assimilate into society in this case would be those that aren't planning on staying permanently. Like, for instance, international students who don't plan on immigrating. The stereotype of Chinese international students keeping to their own community while in the US holds true(ish) because simply put, they don't expect to stay longer than the 4-5 years it takes them to get their degree. Final tangent: The main reason East Asians connect light skin with beauty is because up until recently, tanned skin was something you got from working in the fields. Light skin meant you were indoors most of the time, and if you afford to do that it means you're wealthy. For a woman, that meant being married to someone wealthy, implying beauty (remember these norms stemmed from before 21st Century). _There is an element of racial prejudice_ too, but East Asia isn't where you can see it the most. I'd actually point out Southeast Asia, where colonial rule melded some of Europe's less-than-savory ideas about race into beauty standards. It's an open secret that _blasteran_ (half-white, half-Indo, usually with the father being white) take up an outsized proportion of Indonesian cinema (compared to the % of the populace, which is basically near zero). ----------- But no, really, I'm touched you're getting triggered on my behalf. The lecture was heartwarming too. The presumption, less so. Maybe tone down the self-righteousness on the interwebs, hey? You'd probably be more convincing that way.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I do agree that writing love stories are the most difficult genre to write. Even those who are experienced writers have difficulties creating a plot about it

[@jesusisapisces]

Subtlety is key, I think.

[@lemonstrangler]

@@jesusisapisces thats true

[@damedesuka77]

Oh gosh, 1990s and early 2000s HK movies and the unique vibes they have. There's nothing quite like it. Maybe it's just my childhood nostalgia speaking, but man they don't make movies like that anymore. EDIT: My favorite in this genre is a movie which has Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung in it. It's a romance but also a thriller I think, from the 2000s. Darn I can't remember the title.

[@chuseinakayama8483]

Chung King Express by Wong Kar Wai

[@damedesuka77]

@@chuseinakayama8483 Thanks but that's not it. I know both of them played together in many movies so the description I gave wasn't very helpful to narrow it down. I remember Tony Leung's character was shot dead at the end (which I guess isn't a helpful description either... )

[@pheezus]

@@damedesuka77 i think you might be thinking of Infernal Affairs 1, which doesnt have Takeshi in it but it has Andy Lau

[@diablorojo3887]

is the magic that HK have before the CCP invasion

[@damedesuka77]

@@pheezus Nope, not Infernal Affairs. I searched around and finally found it. It was Confession of Pain (2006). Now I need to find how to rewatch it 😊

[@Garbaz]

A rather small detail, but I would like express my appreciation for your subtitle placement. Putting them right besides the characters' faces, instead of at the bottom, makes it much easier to read them while also watching their facial expressions. Of course it is additional work, but I think it is a great touch. So thank you very much.

[@nbucwa6621]

I didn't even notice! But now that you mention it, you're right. I usually struggle to read and listen at once but I had no problem in this video

[@Nomadestra]

I watched Comrades: Almost A Love Story recently. I felt myself unable to stop smiling at the beginning. I really felt the main character's childish optimism and the acting was so genuine. Great film.

[@TheGetout04]

Hong Kong cinema on its golden age is unparalleled

[@aisheedyutiroy5454]

Hi Yang! I recently came across your channel when I discovered your analysis of Tony leung's acting and I instantly became your fan. Although I am from India, I have loved and loved and loved Hong kong films. In fact, it was the beauty of these HK romance films that made me go back to the romance genre. I'm so glad to see someone feature 'Comrades'. There was a person from HK who told me that Peter chan is more of a commercial director but Comrades is such a good looking film, it took my breath away for the first time. Fun fact: Leon Lai acted in both Fall Angels and Comrades in the same year but both the characters are starkly different from one another. Comrades, Moment of Romance, 2046, Chungking Express...I can revisit these films over and over again without getting bored. I feel Maggie Chueng and Takeshi Kaneshiro are the muses of HK romance films and its so nice to see you feature them. This video brought a huge smile to my face and I was filled with Nostalgia. You're doing God's work, Yang. Keep it up.

[@ariverbythesea]

Suggestion: Movies about WW2 Films / Historical events told through Chinese / Japanese / Korean movies

[@faithmo5347]

The Flowers of War directed by Zhang Yimou is a good one

[@cochan7347]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIO4q6evbMl8Y7M eng sub full movie.

[@Fauzanarief-n7i]

"Back in 1942" probably the best chinese anti war film ever made. It potrayed the mass migration of civillian people in hefei province that had to abadon their home because of war and huge famine, the condition is very desperate even they have sell their family to buy small amount of food Unfortunately the imdb and rotten tomatoes rsting in this film are very low

[@daruween1398]

Nanking

[@RhysJ54]

Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War (태극기 휘날리며) is, in my opinion, an outstanding film about the Korean War. I also think that Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓) is another outstanding war movie (even if you don't particularly like anime or Ghibli movies)

[@Kamera_Ninja]

That last film "Turn Left, Turn Right" sounds like the most stressful parts of "Your Name"

[@Dikahar]

I thought the same. Even the Yuanfen reminds me to red string of fate concept that is used in "Your Name". The scene where the main characters seeking each others is also similar to the ending part of "Your Name". Now I want to watch "Turn Left, Turn Right" too. And maybe another "Your Name" rewatch.

[@octopu5ie]

@@Dikahar Haha, that's because "red string of fate" is a symbol associated with Yuanfen! It is known as "hongxian" (紅線). Chinese people often say that two people who have Yuanfen with one another are connected by a "red thread", where each person is tied to the two ends of the thread. Nice catch!

[@dartagnan9094]

where do i watch it?

[@gursimarsingh7980]

@@dartagnan9094 you can watch turn left turn right on youtube

[@zeynaaidara8432]

@@gursimarsingh7980 thank you!

[@iei2781]

Thank you so much for this. I’ve been falling in love with so many East Asian (romance/drama) films of late, and I really appreciate these incredible insights into the movies. As a Malaysian born Chinese who doesn’t speak fluent mandarin (or Cantonese, my mother tongue) I’ve never really felt like I was able to connect to my own culture or community as a result of this language barrier. But I’ve found that I really do connect with and enjoy watching Chinese/Taiwanese/Hong Kong movies, and this has allowed me to learn so much more about the lifestyles and cultures of my own ethnicity. Thank you so much for the movie recommendations too!

[@edwin9395]

likewise.. lost touch with my roots but HK movies are amazing.. especially the gangster ones!

[@DABUNGINATOR]

Although not from Hong Kong, "The Night is Short, Walk on Girl" is probably my favorite romance movie. I've mentioned it many many times before, but I just love how fun it is. & when our male lead finally meets up with his crush after so many obstacles, you feel a sense of pride & accomplishment for him.

[@alejandrocorteslara6207]

It was on theaters for just a weekend here in Mexico, and it caught my attention...man that movie is a treasure

[@dj_koen1265]

Yes have been recommending it lately as well

[@akym82810]

Also I approve that Turn Left Turn Right is a classic because the cinema loving public should always be reminded that mid 90s to mid 00s Takeshi Kaneshiro is an absolute snacc.

[@npneilneil5]

Recently watched “Comrades: Almost a Love Story”. I’m pretty sure this will not be the last time Accented Cinema talks about it, because there’s A LOT going on in the film worth talking about. Also, that ending will make anybody’s heart flutter...

[@Sketchy-Looking_Duck]

Man, I've never been a fan of romantic films, mainly because a lot of the ones I've watched looked and felt fake/artifical. I've gained a new perspective on not just romance films, but the potential of foreign films too. I'm gonna give these a shot! Thanks!

[@baclm555]

I am neither American or Chinese, I am French. My first experience with an asian romance movie was "in the mood for love" and he is still my favorite romance movie whatever is the origin. I follow your work since few mounths and I am very happy to the point of views and perspectives you offer me. I think the reason why romance is hard to watch and appreciate when you are a foreigner is because like comedy a lot of context (culture, history, social codes) is necessary to appreciate and feel touched by it.

[@GiantGeekGuy]

Early! And yes, there's nothing like a guy, like me, so hopeless in romance yet so interested in the genre of movies. Like filling a void with a cup of sand.

[@nobodycares6941]

I feel the same way man

[@keppikun]

I feel the same way too. Will I ever find my true love? I truly wonder.

[@monkeyming5545]

I love writing romance, it’s one of my favorites, but my friend made fun of me for liking. She said “You’re stories always have romance in it” like it was bad thing but honestly, it’s a genre you could use for so much and honestly do whatever you want with it

[@subzerohf]

Thank you for another great video essay. I’m a little surprised you didn’t mention In the Mood of Love in the video. But then again, it is probably so popular that there is no need to include it here.

[@paperheartzz]

I love how this was timed for Valentines day. I usually avoid leaving the house, but don't replace the time with anything... this list is such a happy accident! Finally, a reason to stay inside!

[@Bloodnin15]

I love exploring film outside of the US, it helps me understand the people of the world better. Thank you for suggesting three more to add to my list. Great videos my friend, keep on doing ya thing✊🏿

[@justinw5476]

The last movie reminds me a bit of the Greek myth of calypso. She has her own island that cannot be found by anyone until the gods decide to send a hero to her island. However, the gods are cruel and only send heros that must leave. Once someone leaves the island, they will never find it ever again.

[@NCHProductions]

sorry if its off topic from your video's topic, but with the recent passing of Ng Man Tat, the actor who always acted with stephen chow in his movies, you gonna do some history/tribute video to him? just to show his legacy he has in HK movies. not sure if anyone else has asked this too so apology if its a common question.

[@badtiming2208]

Always a cool surprise to see 1 content creator that you follow comment on a video of another content creator you follow.

[@yanh3702]

向左走向右走 is such a good film; the book it's based off is really beautiful too! Jimmy Liao's illustrations are so endearing, I remember reading it a lot when young

[@JoyceHau]

Hong Kong is such a romantic city. Thank you for shining a light on my hometown. Cinema is one of its most treasured heritages and 甜蜜蜜 captures such a poignant moment in HK’s recent history. How I long to go back there.

[@sengchhunhour6556]

Huge fan of your channel if possible I highly recommend 5 Thai romance films that I find very fascinating : One Day, Bangkok Traffic(Love) story, Teacher’s Diary, Heart Attack and Hello Stranger.I hope there a video about it thank.

[@layla-8369]

Just watching this video had me feeling all the feels (I literally shed a tear or two when you talked about losing people and desperately trying to reconnect) will definitely check out all three movies!

[@azmilreza]

Turn Left, Turn Right is one of those movies that will stay in your mind for a long time. I've watched so many movies since it first came out, but I can still vividly moments from the film. Great movie.

[@raviamodernepic]

Feels like romance is harder in a globalized world where everyone is constantly in transit and "drifting." Hong Kong has been on the forefront of that trend globally, so it is interesting to see that reflected in the cinema. Awesome essay :)

[@临高]

The translation at 7:23 is awesome, a perfect translation that delivers both the pun joke and the actually meaning(most of it), I can't think of a better one, 10/10

[@manasik6108]

I normally don't watch love stories but Just watched almost a love story. It was beautiful. Thank you for this video. I keep introduced to such masterpieces

[@Torgrim11]

I loved Ingmar Bergman movies my whole life and was missing this type of movie. But this is looking like something I've was looking for. You are a great ambassador for Asian culture

[@baronyip3130]

Why is Shaolin Soccer not in the list

[@AccentedCinema]

You know what? I didn't realized that but you are right, it is a rom-com!

[@matthewfernandez1101]

@@AccentedCinema wait it was???? 😂😂🤣

[@Seele2015au]

@@AccentedCinema It would be a slippery slope as any HK production with a hint of romance would qualify.

[@xalener]

@@Seele2015au Idk, the romance is the whole ass backbone of that story. It's not even about the soccer or the climb to fame in the end.

[@octopu5ie]

Phenomenal film! :)

[@mosesracal6758]

Man, Im already crying just by the summary. This is literally the best of the best.

[@khanhnam4288]

Thank you for recommending these movies. When you talked about Comrades movie, it immediately peaked my interest and I have to say, I was not disappointed. Again, thank you for mentioning this movie and looking forward to your next episode ^^

[@IntuitiveDesigns]

forever grateful that this channel exists

[@jinngeechia9715]

Hong Kong movies are indeed creative when it comes to romance. Even horror can be used as a plot for romance. 2017's Vampire Cleanup Department (VCD) is a fine example of this.

[@GuzmaiBorjes]

COMRADES ALMOST A LOVE STORY is one of my absolute favorites ever. Its capacity for empathy and the emotional depth of relationship between the main characters against a historical background of social upheaval is second only to late Ozu films. There is however, a very similar film, also staring Maggie Chaung, that is almost the very same story, only made as a wild HK 90's comedy: A FISHY STORY. Thank you for your great reviews.

[@GuyAtTheSix]

Comrade almost a love story is my all time number one HK movie. I watched it so manty times and never get tired. Maggie Cheung's performance deserved an Oscar.

[@suparna-shukla7447]

This is one of my favourite channels on KZbin. I'm so glad I found this beautiful channel :')

[@namanhboi]

i get such a homely feeling watching this vid. Great job!!

[@oscarparis5511]

I comment on every video, but they are always so good. Great work!

[@kenming96]

Thank you for introducing Comrades: Almost A Love Story to me, its one of my top romance film surpassing Us and Them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it was beautiful.

[@brendachan2370]

thank you. all 3 films you have talked about here have shown the word how much we all need a little hope and love. especially during this pandemic. thank you once again

[@yelena86]

Omg seeing one of the Four Kings of Pop from the 90s in this video brings me so much joy and nolsatagia. I was a refugee from Vietnam living in a camp in Hong Kong in early 90s. I remember seeing those 4 guys performing, they were huge, so popular with the women and young girls. I’m glad they moved on to acting and remained pretty successful. Thanks for making this video! So so happy✌️👍🙏❤️

[@FaithfulHorrorhound]

I know the feeling of being different. All my life. Always learning to adapt.

[@ckae2846]

Hey man, shoutout from Singapore! I really like your videos as I grew up watching quite a fair bit of old Hong Kong movies, I really enjoy the deep analysis that you put into them!

[@Pablowanjedi]

I enjoy the tone and sensibility in your comment. This is a fantastic channel and you're very insightful. I've been following for a while and you still manage to surprise.

[@flyingzone356]

Accented Cinema - EVERY of your video is of the highest quality and the richest and most informative content.

[@jannaaay]

all 3 are part of my childhood. thanks for a walk through memory lane. ❤️

[@fanartyr5151]

Really appreciate your videos, they make me think and observe more while watching movies and it's so great to hear from someone who loves movies as much as me, but knows way more! Thank you

[@TSChee-tn5qc]

Masterfully narrated , leading your audience of not only understanding the love genre movies , but also , in the midst of watching your clip, they have unwittingly related themselves to your narration. Superb production and beautifully written, I really enjoy this clip. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@pdzombie1906]

"Turn left, Turn right" reminds me of the argentinian film "Medianeras", although the characters don't meet until the end as to address both connection and isolation in big cities (There's also a bit os "Serendipity" in there). Great recommendations, I'll be sure to check them out. Thanx!!!

[@jumboshrimpsauce]

your videos just don't miss. thank you so much for the amazing insights and commentary. you're one of the best video essayists on youtube, no question.

[@theferociousblue3945]

Thank you so much for all the effort you put into these essays. Happy Together is one of my favourite movies of all time, and got me interested in Chinese and other East-Asian cinema. Of course there are other sources to learn about the topic, but the way you present any essay always emphasises the soul and humanity of pieces of art. It's truly beautiful and does a good job drawing people in.

[@AgeOfNerros]

Once again after each one of your videos I feel more humane. I feel like the world is more humane also.

[@lorrainelau4523]

I hadn't been in Hong Kong for years and I deeply appreciate the work you do.

[@lampenfieber]

I have to thank you for this Channel and all of Your Videos! You teached me so much about MOVIES and introduce me to so much new stuff!

[@tabristony4578]

我记得《向左走向右走》这部电影上映的时候几米的漫画好流行 书店里最显眼的地方总是有它的位置

[@PlatycodonPlatypus]

還有電影的同名插曲電台會常常播......

[@conniekwong13]

I just watched Comrades: almost a love story. Loved it, thank you for the recommendation.

[@chazjohannsen]

Turn Left Turn Right sounds a lot like Your Name. My heart is full.

[@StephenYuan]

6:19. Very cool recommendation. I have not seen this but I want to. Makes me nostalgic for when I use to smoke. I realize now that my friendship with my best friend at the time started going downhill when I quit. (It ended for many reasons, of course. These things are complicated but quiting definitely contributed.). We were the only ones in our circle who smoked and there was this complicity between us. Everyone would be hanging out and then we would step out into the garage and smoke. And that was the time when we would talk out of earshot of the others.

[@ryangao4803]

Hello, I had a horrible day today and when I saw that you posted the video, my day got so much better. I just want to thank you for posting these amazing videos and I hope you have a great Lunar New on Thursday.

[@Kiyoone]

As a immigrant myself, this essay really hits me. I can understand what are you saying when we are in public. Its like that we have to master two types of very different life and never mix one with another.

[@sentient.dumpling]

I grew up watching HK TV! really looking forward to this!

[@thomaschung8557]

But thanks so much for this. So happy people talk more than just the WKW and Jackie Chan movies!

[@kamearisyndrome]

I watched Comrade years before. What surprise me the most is when Eric Tsang's character ask Maggie to leave him on the ship. It's so profound, selfless moment that I keep repeating it.

[@markfrost4064]

Love this channel so much man, really nice to kick my shoes off and relax to after work. Another great video.

[@julescosby2000]

That's deep, man. Thanks for always making great content, and I hope you find what you're looking for. 祝你好运！

[@AndowBoy]

Hey bro thanks for the Chinese sub all the time, it's really helpful to share this channel with my friends.

[@Lagiraffafelice]

So heartwarming and insightful! Thank you for this video.

[@skimpae1653]

I'm happy that you being a chinese making video essays about chinese films while talking about chinese culture feels good to be chinese

[@yarahelal9412]

i love this and how unapologetic you are about loving romance. it's ultimately my favorite genre. it's very true that our oldest and most enduring stories are love stories. i can't wait to watch all 3 of these! Turn Left Turn Right in particular sounds like my exact type of movie. thank you!

[@namkedi]

Yooo respect for this guy He captions all the damn vids!!, I know not all people care about that, but I do because I can't watch anything without it

[@alvinmercado6305]

This channel is a goldmine

[@Rugerfred]

"Turn Left, Turn Right" seems amazing! You managed to make my eyes teary just by describing it! Thank you a lot, for your amazing passion for this channel and for the amount of intredible movies you talk about!

[@Rugerfred]

Also: does anybody knows where can I found this movie with english subtitles? :(

[@Rugerfred]

@Morphing Jar I don't usually look youtube for movies, I admit. Thanks for the link. No need for a passive-aggressive reply, though.

[@nasiayamsususoya]

i enjoy the way you explained the movies, makes me see them from deeper perspective

[@user-yn2bj7nz2n]

HK romance movies are something else. Say, through their movies, they also introduce us toward their socio-cultures of the time. Example: Comrades: Almost a Love Story, Love in A Puff, Chungking Express, etc. I found them interesting.

[@ifann88]

I am so glad I found your work. Your essays give me hightened spirits and curiosity for stories that are out there, especially in this genre. I’ve been looking for romantic movies in a similar flavor as “Before Sunrise.” I think you have me homework. Thank youuuuuuu.

[@superfriendlyalpaca]

I love the careful analysis videos but it's also nice to watch these types of vids that spotlight E Asian films!!

[@Billzor991]

I watched Almost a Love Story because of this video and I don't think I've ever been hit as hard by a romantic film before this one. Really just a deeply touching movie over all with a really good ending.

[@digivice553]

Would you do a video on the fall of hk Cinema? I feel like the quality of hk movies were so high right until the 2010s. Ps I love all your videos. Being an american born chinese I used religiously watch hong kong tv and movies as a mean to connect with my cantonese culture.

[@icecreammanz8o]

Many times I click on these videos and wonder why my eye balls start to sweat by the end. Another brilliant video. I will be watching these movies on the 14th!

[@direklester926]

Your video is informative, entertaining and inspiring for film makers

[@isaakring2573]

Usually the best romantic moments happen in non romantic movies...

[@liberpolo5540]

WORDS of wisdom!

[@automatic5]

no

[@amitsingh-yk3ps]

damn, impressive

[@El_Rebelde_]

Jesus christ dude your videos are simply fantastic!!! I cannot get enough.

[@duongbinh211]

Ahhhh... That Yuenfan part hits me hard. Thanks for the video, I'll definitely check these films out.

[@libertines24]

ohhhhh hell ya i was hoping you would talk about johnnie to. One of my favorite directors around. Love his stuff

[@TheTinyOrc]

I just watched Comrade Almost a Love Story for the first time because of this you. basically I'm back to comment. That movie is a roller coaster. I didn't expect this on a chinese movie. Then again I have been watching all of Wong Kar Wai's movies. I can feel the tension.

[@EpicMRPancake]

'To Live' is a great film about love and family in mainland China during the Cultural Revolution. You can watch it on KZbin too.

[@maggiechan33]

Comrades is 1 of my favorite movies + I consider it to be a magnus opus. Maggie Cheung was exquisite in it, even though her character wasn't the nicest; her Best Actress award was well deserved. Even though Leon Lai is not considered as 1 of HK's best actors, Leon was very effective in this flick, growing from a rural bumpkin to a man in agony over his love for Maggie + his loyalty to his fiancee/wife. Leon was able to excel here because of the magnificent guidance of Peter Chan, whom I consider to be 1 of HK's best director. (Leon won a Best Actor in another film, directed by Chan) I also have to give credit to the poignant, intelligent, + often witty, screenplay by Ivy Ho. Also, this was Chan's homage to Teresa Teng, whose songs are played throughout the flick. It is a masterwork that many immigrants, not just the Chinese ones, + everyone, can resonate with; striving for a better life thru hard work. The last scene is cinematic magic at it's best !

[@refresh_tv6825]

Almost Comrades and Love in a Puff on are my watchlist already. Will add Turn Left Turn Right. Thanks for highlighting these.

[@GabrielThum]

Anyone knows if there's a significance to the building at 4:41? It appears multiple times in Comrades: Almost a Love Story. I couldn't find any information online other than it was located at Minden Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui.

[@ErisaDesu]

I am so happy to found this. Love Puff, for me was eye opening, Hong Kong had an entity of its own in that movie. Watching I felt part of the group of people. I look forward for more content. Greetings from Greece :)

[@runwiththeqase]

Turn Left Turn Right.... Awesome movie. I fell in love with the movie and the OST is so good!

[@adrieltoh8185]

Will love it if you can do a video essay on HK's crime/triad films!

[@andrewpragasam]

Three great picks! I think Mabel Cheung's An Autumn's Tale might be the greatest Hong Kong romantic movie even though it takes place in New York. Derek Yee's C'est la vie, Mon Cherie is also terrific.