Boat People
投奔怒海
Hong Kong • 1982
Director
#1113Criterion Collection →Synopsis
One of the major films of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui’s BOAT PEOPLE is a work of indelible humanity and searing political resonance. Invited to document the progress of postwar Vietnamese society, a Japanese photojournalist (George Lam) initially finds a picture-perfect image of communist contentment. But when he begins looking beneath the idealized surface the government wants him to see, he discovers a world of poverty and brutality that shocks him into helping a desperate family escape. Winner of five Hong Kong Film Awards—including best picture and director—Hui’s masterpiece gives harrowing expression to the experiences of those living under authoritarian oppression.
Synopsis
One of the major films of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui’s BOAT PEOPLE is a work of indelible humanity and searing political resonance. Invited to document the progress of postwar Vietnamese society, a Japanese photojournalist (George Lam) initially finds a picture-perfect image of communist contentment. But when he begins looking beneath the idealized surface the government wants him to see, he discovers a world of poverty and brutality that shocks him into helping a desperate family escape. Winner of five Hong Kong Film Awards—including best picture and director—Hui’s masterpiece gives harrowing expression to the experiences of those living under authoritarian oppression.
Criterion Closet Pick
(1)
Credits
Crew
DirectorAnn Hui
WriterChiu Kang-Chien
CinematographerWong Chung-Gei
ComposerLaw Wing-Fai, Hako Yamasaki
EditorKin Kin
ProducerHsia Meng