These documentaries about Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis on the southern coast of China, show a vibrant city with its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, rich history, and dynamic urban landscape, offering a wealth of compelling stories and themes to explore.
From its colonial past and the handover to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 to its ongoing struggles for political autonomy and its role as a global financial hub, the multifaceted identity of the city has been the focus of numerous documentaries.
Documentaries About Hong Kong
These are some of the best documentaries about Hong Kong that shed light on the diverse and complex aspects of Hong Kong’s history, society, and contemporary challenges.
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Revolution of Our Times (2021)
Directed by Kiwi Chow, this documentary chronicles the 2019 Hong Kong protests and the broader pro-democracy movement, providing an intimate look at the activists involved.
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Hong Kong Trilogy: Preschooled, Preoccupied, Preposterous (2015)
Filmmaker Christopher Doyle presents three short films that capture the daily life and struggles of Hong Kong’s residents amidst political and social changes.
The film is divided into three parts, each with its own theme:
Preschooled: This segment focuses on the lives of young children and their families in Hong Kong, particularly the experiences of preschool-aged children. It delves into the educational system, family dynamics, and the pressure that young children face in a highly competitive and fast-paced society.
Preoccupied: This part of the trilogy explores the lives of adolescents and teenagers in Hong Kong. It looks at the challenges they encounter, including academic pressure, social expectations, and their search for identity in a city that is constantly changing.
Preposterous: The final segment of the documentary examines the lives of the elderly in Hong Kong. It delves into the experiences of senior citizens, their perspectives on the rapidly evolving city, and their reflections on the passage of time.
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Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017)
This documentary follows the inspiring story of Joshua Wong, a young activist from Hong Kong, and his role in the pro-democracy movement in the city.
The documentary focuses on Joshua Wong’s journey as a teenager who became a prominent figure in the Umbrella Movement, a series of protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2014. These protests were largely led by young people and aimed at advocating for greater democracy and autonomy for Hong Kong.
Joshua Wong’s activism began when he was just a high school student, and he quickly gained attention for his passionate and unwavering commitment to the cause.
The documentary captures his efforts to mobilize fellow young activists and his fearless confrontations with the Hong Kong government and pro-Beijing forces.
Hong Kong: City on Fire (2022)
This documentary about Hong Kong beds in with Hong Kong’s pro-democracy demonstrations, offering a front line portrait of four young protesters through a year of struggle. We see their hopes for a freer life and feel their fears as the authorities crack down.
Pulse-racing scenes bring the viewer to street level, where peaceful protest is met with fury and tear gas. Clear-eyed about the complications and contradictions that come with a movement that changed Hong Kong forever, it is a brave document of troubled times.
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Hong Kong: Star of China (2019)
Laser beams shoot skywards, accentuating the angles of skyscrapers set in neon, while over the bay, the heavy sails of a junk-boat reflect flashes of color in the water. Hong Kong- a city whose ambition is to serve as a benchmark for Asia.
Watch Hong Kong: Star of China for free on YouTube.
The 852 Spirit (2020)
A short documentary by National Geographic, this film explores Hong Kong’s unique blend of urban living and nature, showcasing how people find solace in the city’s green spaces.
Hong Kong, Lost and Found (2021)
This documentary series by The New York Times explores the city’s transformation over the years, focusing on themes such as migration, identity, and resilience.
The Hong Konger
When Hong Kong’s basic freedoms come under attack, newspaper publisher and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai finds himself in the crosshairs of the state and must choose between defending Hong Kong’s long-standing liberties, or his own freedom.
Watch the Hong Konger for free on their official website.
Hong Kong, China (2003)
Directed by Amir Mann, this documentary explores the unique history, culture, and political status of Hong Kong as it transitions from British rule to Chinese sovereignty.
Hong Kong’s Organized Crime Societies
Hong Kong, like all major cities in the world, has its darker side, and this is one of the shorter, but good, documentaries about Hong Kong exploring organized crime in the city.
Watch for free on YouTube.
Bonus: The World of Suzie Wong (1960)
This isn’t one of the documentaries about Hong Kong but one of the best movies set in the city.
Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s bustling streets and nightlife, the movie explores themes of love, cultural differences, and societal expectations. It provides a glimpse into the complexities of relationships that transcend cultural boundaries and social norms.
The World of Suzie Wong remains a notable movie in the context of Hong Kong cinema, offering a snapshot of the city’s atmosphere and cultural dynamics during the 1960s.
Hong Kong Life
Hong Kong’s rich history, vibrant culture, and complex socio-political landscape have inspired numerous documentaries about Hong Kong that delve into its past, present, and uncertain future.
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Whether exploring its colonial legacy, the fight for democracy, or the unique fusion of East and West, these documentaries offer a window into the heart and soul of this dynamic city.
As the city continues to evolve, these documentaries about Hong Kong serve as important records of its journey, shedding light on the challenges it faces and the resilience of its people.
They remind us that while Hong Kong may be a small geographic entity, its impact on the world stage is immense, and its story is one that continues to unfold.
For more on the area take a look at how to spend 3 days in Hong Kong.
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