Magic, medicine, cannibalism : the China demon in Hong Kong horror
Document Type
Book chapter
Source Publication
Horror to the extreme : changing boundaries in Asian cinema
Publication Date
1-1-2009
First Page
145
Last Page
159
Publisher
Hong Kong University Press
Keywords
Applause Pictures, Three: Going Home, Three Extremes: Dumplings, Ghosts, Ghostly Bodies, Aging, Illness, Immortality, Medical Practices
Abstract
This chapter focuses on two signature horror films from Applause Pictures, Three: Going Home (Peter Chan Ho-sun, 2002) and Three Extremes: Dumplings (Fruit Chan, 2004), and analyzes their new treatments of the transgressive ghosts and ghostly bodies. The mythical and ghostly presence of Chinese migrants is central to the narrative of the two horror films, and yet China is not a wholly negative presence when it comes to problems of survival, competition, and ambition. Here China resurfaces as a desirable alternative to overcome aging, illness, and mortality. However, the Chinese cultural legacy, such as with traditional medical practices, is quickly dissolved and transformed into a monstrous invasion and occupation. Horror, in this regard, displaces the backlash against the market economy's preoccupation with youth, beauty, and fitness.
DOI
10.5790/hongkong/9789622099722.003.0008
Publisher Statement
Copyright © Hong Kong University Press 2009
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Additional Information
ISBN of the source publication: 9789622099722
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Yeh, E. Y.-y., & Ng, N. H.-t. (2009). Magic, medicine, cannibalism: The China demon in Hong Kong horror. In J. Choi, M. Wada-Marciano (Eds.), Horror to the extreme: Changing boundaries in Asian cinema (pp. 145-159). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.