SYNOPSIS
Nestled in the centre of HK, the neighbourhood of Hung Hom is a study in contradictions. As the dead are transported to funeral homes, the living crowd its bustling streets. The affluent live in luxury residences towering over dilapidated buildings marked for demolition, while the poor sift through construction waste for a meagre living wage. Capturing the ebb and flow of this urban district over a five-year period, this observational doc questions what is truly considered waste in this city.
REVIEW
Obedience opens with the dazzling spectacle of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, a mesmerizing panorama of illuminated skyscrapers and celebratory fireworks. Yet, as the camera descends into the heart of the city, we witness crowds seeking blessings for prosperity at Guan Yin Temple. Director Wong Siu-pong, a dedicated filmmaker based in Hong Kong, has spent years meticulously observing and documenting the intricate microcosms that exist beneath this grand facade. The film's focus shifts from the gleaming towers to the often-overlooked lives of those who sustain the city's relentless cycle of consumption and disposal. In the Hung Hom district, we encounter workers who collect and recycle the mountains of waste generated by this key hub of Asian capitalism. Even the debris from large-scale redevelopment projects finds its way into their hands. The film reveals the stark contrast between the wealth many aspire to and the fragile, often ailing laborers who bear the burden of maintaining this endless cycle. Through thoughtful observation, Obedience captures the contradictory relationships inherent to the modern metropolis of Hong Kong. Wide-angle shots expose rarely seen urban landscapes, while the layered soundscape of city noise, workers' voices, and seamlessly integrated music creates an immersive experience – akin to listening to the city's heartbeat.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
My journey began in 2017, nine years after the announcement of the new railway project, which later soared from HK$30B to 100B, leaving old buildings and many homes neglected. Amidst the backdrop of skyscrapers and the stream of visitors to the Kwun Yum Temple, I witnessed the harsh realities of the neighborhood. I became deeply intrigued by the intricate relationship between the residents and the process of discarding, offering a unique lens into the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of HK.
