This
paper is designed to welcome artistic, creative, and critical thinking. It
celebrates a semi-open format and offers students liberty to choose and write
about what seems the most intellectually intriguing and relatable.
With
this kind of philosophy in mind, please write a 4-page (double-spaced) response
paper and focus on 2 themes presented in 2 films.
The 2 chosen films: (please watch)
1. Time
to Live, Time to Die, a 1985 Taiwanese film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien
2. Chunking
Express, a 1994 Hong Kong arthouse romantic comedy-drama film written and
directed by Wong Kar-wai
You
are expected to the 2 sets of themes for your critical analysis of the films:
1.
Sociopolitical
and spatial displacement, loss of home, personal growth (Taiwan/Hong Kong)
2.
Passage
of time, urban interactions, and sense of loneliness
You
are also permitted to add additional themes according to your preference. In
the meantime, please analyze and contextualize the cinematography,
representation, and styles of each production mentioned in your paper.
Important
guidelines:
– Please
do not answer each question separately, rather, you are expected to present
your thoughts, perspectives, arguments by integrating your answers and
organizing them into a coherent paper.
– The
response paper is expected to be 4 pages, double-spaced that excludes
references and cited works. Please use Times New Roman font 12. You are
required to analyze and critique the course reading properly and include
authors, titles of the reading and page numbers in the reference or cited works
section. Citation styles may vary and please feel free to follow MLA or Chicago
styles.
– This
is an extended reflection paper, in other words, NOT a research paper. You are
expected to discuss films and readings that are assigned in class. External
sources are NOT required.
Essay
Outline: Critical Analysis of “Time to Live, Time to Die” and
“Chungking Express”:
I.
Introduction
A.
Brief overview of the two films
B.
Thesis statement: These films delve into multifaceted themes of sociopolitical
and spatial displacement, loss of home, personal growth, passage of time, urban
interactions, and sense of loneliness in the contexts of Taiwan and Hong Kong,
offering insights into the human condition.
II.
Sociopolitical and Spatial Displacement, Loss of Home, Personal Growth
A.
Sociopolitical backdrop of Taiwan in “Time to Live, Time to Die”
1.
Historical context: Taiwanese society under martial law
2.
Impact on characters: Family displacement, loss of cultural roots
B.
Spatial displacement and longing for home in “Chungking Express”
1.
Urban setting as a metaphor for displacement
2.
Characters’ search for belonging and homecoming
C.
Personal growth amidst displacement
1.
Characters’ journeys towards self-discovery and identity formation
2.
Resilience in the face of adversity
III.
Passage of Time, Urban Interactions, and Sense of Loneliness
A.
Time as a central motif in “Time to Live, Time to Die”
1.
Cyclical nature of time: Birth, death, and rebirth
2.
Impact of time on relationships and memories
B.
Urban interactions in the fast-paced world of “Chungking Express”
1.
Fragmented narratives and chance encounters
2.
Themes of love, longing, and missed connections
C.
Sense of loneliness amidst bustling city life
1.
Isolation and alienation in urban landscapes
2.
Characters’ internal struggles and yearning for connection
IV.
Comparative Analysis and Reflection
A.
Contrasting approaches to similar themes in Taiwanese and Hong Kong cinema
B.
Cultural and historical influences on storytelling and visual aesthetics
C.
Significance of these films in exploring universal human experiences
D.
Reflections on the impact of sociopolitical contexts on individual lives and
interpersonal relationships
V.
Conclusion
A.
Recap of main points: Sociopolitical displacement, passage of time, urban
interactions, and loneliness
B.
Final thoughts on the significance of “Time to Live, Time to Die” and
“Chungking Express” in cinema
C.
Call for further exploration of these themes in the context of Asian cinema and
beyond.
