ART & CULTURE

In the summer of 2023, a sense of having lived through a whole century had settled in after the pandemic. Looking back to the days when social distance kept everyone indoors, some individuals diligently exercised to maintain their peak physical condition, while others found themselves gaining a few extra pounds due to their sedentary lifestyles. In this backdrop, there was a young woman sprawled on a couch, her gaze fixed on her reflection on the television screen. Yes, she had indeed put on a bit of weight. Meanwhile, scrolling through Instagram revealed a pervasive discourse about weight loss, exercise regimens, and dietary restrictions. The mounting pressure became palpable. In response, she decided to create an exaggerated version of a plump girl. As she gazed at this portrayal of a c...

As we grow up, we often see the world and ourselves through the lens of our beliefs. While we can listen to others' life stories and experiences, we often have our own set of ideas and emotions as third-party observers. We may unintentionally add too much of our own emotions and opinions. When we listen to our friends' stories, we often try to put ourselves in their shoes, but it's not the same as experiencing it firsthand. That's why I enjoy reading - I can read other people's life stories without bringing my personal emotions or being influenced by close relationships. It's easier to detach myself, immerse myself in the world of the book, and experience a different world view and life story. The annual book fair is a great opportunity to discover new books, and I've prepared some rec...

In Hong Kong, the perception of reading is a paradoxical tapestry. On one hand, it is widely believed that Hong Kongers are highly educated. On the other hand, reality paints a different picture – a significant portion of the population seems to have drifted away from the pages. These two statements may seem contradictory, but they unveil a complex reality. Diving into the data, the 2022 Hong Kong National Reading Survey sheds light on this enigma. It reveals that around 70% of Hong Kong residents claim to have engaged with books and publications in the past year. However, a closer look at the younger generation unveils a decline, with less than 60% maintaining a consistent reading habit. While the numbers may seem encouraging at first glance, the truth is that having occasional encoun...

There exists a captivating profession known as the Art Director in the film industry, who are responsible for crafting and designing the visual style, captivating settings, intricate sets, mesmerising costumes, and more. Their profound ability can be best described by a quote from William Cheung, “They enable the cinema audience to sense the very air of the film.” This perfectly encapsulates the extraordinary work carried out by Art Directors. Irving Cheung, a name renowned within the industry. Since the tender age of fourteen, she has been immersed in the world of filmmaking. With a remarkable five nominations for Best Art Direction at the Hong Kong Film Awards, her achievements are awe-inspiring. Yet, beneath the surface, there is another side to her story. She courageously battles a...

June, the Pride Month, resonates internationally as a symbol of love and freedom. Brands and every nook and cranny are adorned with rainbow flags, representing gender equality, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Yet, Hong Kong seems to fade into insignificance. LGBTQIAP+ The LGBTQ+ community, a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender individuals, and queers/questioning individuals, has been an ever-evolving force. As time dances forward, its composition expands gracefully to include intersex individuals, asexual souls, pansexual beings, and the resilient "+" symbol, eternally embracing all who seek belonging. The history and origins of Pride Month gleam like a treasure trove, effortlessly discovered within the digital labyrinth of knowledg...

When it comes to the most iconic local pig character, "McDull" is probably the name that comes to mind for both you and me—it's a nostalgic figure for an entire generation. Whenever we think of this naive and simple-minded little piggie, we also recall the voice of Sandra Ng and the character she voiced, "Mrs. Mak." Mrs. Mak, the slightly nagging and fierce  Hong Kong-style housewife, is a familiar character to all. However, what many may not realise is that her full name is "Tam Yuk-Lin". She is also known as Mak Tam Yuk-Lin She was once a "factory girl" in her younger days, who would entertain the crowd with her seductive leg dances at Dai Tat Dei. It was there that she unexpectedly crossed paths with a man named Mak Bing. With his scruffy beard and a perennially troub...

The much-awaited live-action film Barbie is poised to dazzle audiences this July. The recently unveiled trailer, "2023: A Barbie Odyssey," has sparked intense speculation about the plot, evoking a sense of playful curiosity and wonder.The film’s producers reveal that it promises a gripping story that revolves around Barbie's journey of self-discovery and personal growth as a modern woman. Facing myriad challenges and obstacles along the way, she emerges triumphant, empowered, and inspired to pursue her true dreams and aspirations. It's a narrative that exudes positivity and education, in stark contrast to the trailer's initial impression. As Barbie celebrates her 64th birthday this year, it's astounding to see how this iconic figure has transcended time and stayed relevant in a constan...

https://youtu.be/xIN4h6N-cS4 A Female Driver who is also a Good Driver Pearlmi Tam walked into the studio with a confident smile, dressed in an apricot jumpsuit dress, black leather shoes, and floral socks. Her wheat-colored shoulder-length hair framed her face perfectly, and she looked ready to take on the world. She is the screenwriter of the script 'Drive My Cube'. In the script of "Drive my Cube," the protagonist Ana refuses to sell her late father's Nissan Cube. To experience the same scenery her father saw from the driver's seat, she learns to drive. Whenever Ana faces a near-crash, she unexpectedly unlocks her own supernatural ability and sets out on various fantastical journeys. She is meeting the first female driver in history, rescuing a mysterious sheep...