Handover of 1997

Definition

The handover of 1997 refers to the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China on July 1, 1997. This historic event marked the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of a new era under Chinese governance, leading to significant changes in Hong Kong's political and cultural landscape, which are often reflected in its film industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The handover of 1997 was part of an agreement known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which outlined the terms for the transition from British rule to Chinese sovereignty.
2. After the handover, Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.
3. The film industry in Hong Kong has seen a shift in themes post-handover, often reflecting societal anxieties and changes resulting from the new political environment.
4. Cultural identity in Hong Kong films often explores the tension between local traditions and the influence of mainland China following the handover.
5. The 1997 handover not only affected politics but also significantly influenced cultural expressions, leading filmmakers to explore narratives surrounding identity, belonging, and resistance.

Review Questions

• How did the handover of 1997 affect the thematic content of Hong Kong films?
  • The handover of 1997 significantly influenced the thematic content of Hong Kong films by introducing new societal anxieties stemming from changes in governance. Filmmakers began to explore issues like identity, cultural conflict, and resistance against perceived encroachments from mainland China. This shift often reflected a longing for traditional values while grappling with a rapidly evolving political landscape.
• Discuss how the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' has shaped the portrayal of Hong Kong's unique identity in film since the handover.
  • 'One Country, Two Systems' has played a critical role in shaping how Hong Kong's unique identity is portrayed in film. This concept allows filmmakers to express both their local cultural heritage and their relationship with mainland China. Films have become platforms for discussing this duality, often highlighting the tension between maintaining local customs and adapting to changes introduced by Chinese sovereignty.
• Evaluate the impact of the handover of 1997 on the evolution of Cantonese cinema and its representation of cultural identity.
  • The handover of 1997 has profoundly impacted Cantonese cinema by prompting filmmakers to reevaluate cultural identity amid shifting political realities. As filmmakers responded to the new context, they produced works that reflect both nostalgia for pre-handover times and apprehensions about future cultural erosion. This evolution can be seen in narrative styles, character developments, and thematic focus, ultimately leading to a more complex representation of what it means to be Hong Kong Chinese in an increasingly integrated China.

Related terms

One Country, Two Systems: A constitutional principle that allows Hong Kong to maintain its own legal and economic systems while being a part of China, established during the handover agreement.

Postcolonialism: An academic field that examines the effects and legacy of colonialism, particularly how cultures and societies evolve after colonial rule, relevant to understanding Hong Kong's film narrative post-handover.

Cantonese Cinema: A film industry rooted in Hong Kong culture and language, which has seen shifts in themes and narratives following the handover as filmmakers respond to the changing political climate.