When people think of cyberpunk movies or anime, Tokyo often comes to mind. But in reality, it’s Hong Kong that has shaped the visual language of the genre. Its dense high-rises, gritty alleyways, and fusion of capitalism, technology, and tradition have served as a deeper source of inspiration for filmmakers and writers trying to portray complex modern societies.
It’s soul-crushing to hear how much Hong Kong has lost its essence after a decade of pressure and protests. And yet, it still managed to impress me in my 2024 trip. I can only imagine how magical it must have been in the 1990s, before the weight of politics hit it.
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