Wong Kar-Wai's Ashes in Time (The New Hong Kong Cinema Series) [Paperback]

Wimal Dissanayake (Author)

Book Description

Series: The New Hong Kong Cinema Series | Publication Date: February 2003

Ashes of Time, by the internationally acclaimed director Wong Kar-wai, has been considered to be one of the most complex and self-reflexive of Hong Kong films. Loosely based on the stories by renowned martial arts novelist Jin Yong, Wong Kar-wai has created a very different kind of martial arts film, which invites close and sustained study. This book presents the nature and significance of Ashes of Time, and the reasons for its being regarded as a landmark in Hong Kong cinema. Placing the film in historical and cultural context, Dissanayake discusses its vision, imagery, visual style, and narrative structure. In particular, he focuses on the themes of mourning, confession, fantasy, and kung fu movies, which enable the reader to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the film.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wimal Dissanayake is Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Hong Kong and also teaches at the University of Hawaii. A leading scholar of Asian cinema, his most recent work is New Cinese Cinema (with Kwok-kan Tam, Oxford University Press, 1998). He is also the founding editor of East-West Film Journal. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; First Edition edition (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9622095852
• ISBN-13: 978-9622095854
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > History > Asia > Hong Kong

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes an interesting read, September 15, 2003

By 

R Giggs - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wong Kar-Wai's Ashes in Time (The New Hong Kong Cinema Series) (Paperback)

"The Ashes of Time" has evolved into a kind of cult movie in Hong Kong. While being adapted from an exisitng (and much filmed) story, the end product has the unique directorial mark of Wong Kar Wai stamped all over it.

This interesting and exceptionally well-written books examines the many fascinating aspects of the film, and should to of much value to lovers of movies.

I will give it 5 stars.