The speaker discusses their early life in Hong Kong after moving there at age five with their mother. They recall that neither they nor their mother had any family ties within the city, yet their daily routine was centered around cinema visits. This habit of frequent movie-watching stemmed from their mother’s deep passion for films.
This quote reveals a unique bond between a mother and her child formed through shared experiences in an unfamiliar environment. By immersing themselves in the local culture through movies, they not only created a sense of belonging but also developed a strong emotional connection based on mutual interests and support. The frequent cinema trips serve as more than just entertainment; they symbolize a coping mechanism for adapting to new surroundings and building a home away from home. This practice allowed them to explore different narratives and cultures presented in films, fostering a rich understanding and appreciation of Hong Kong’s cinematic landscape.
Wong Kar-wai is a renowned Hong Kong filmmaker celebrated for his poetic style and exploration of themes such as nostalgia, the passage of time, and urban alienation. His work often reflects personal experiences and emotional depth, mirroring the intimate connection between him and his mother through their shared love for movies, as hinted at in this quote.
