Film criticism:
Not just another form of entertainment


By Sophia Yip

The film criticism industry in Hong Kong flourished in two periods: from 1994 to 1995 and from 1998 to 1999. However, since 1997, the number of film critics has been declining.

This is due to a shrinking industry.

Lam Kee To, a former film critic, said, “In these recent years, some film critiques have transformed into the form of handy entertainment guidelines.”

He explained that this is a cause-and-effect situation.

“As Hong Kong people now prefer sensational materials, newspaper editors choose to abandon the traditional and professional ones.

“Film critiques with weird ideas are now more perferred so as to attract readers and thus increase sales,” he said.

Another film critic, Yip Lin Sum, agreed.

“Nowadays, readers do not like lengthy critiques.

Mr. Lin Sum: Readers lack patience to understand complex criticism.

“They want everything fast and instant. They don’t like reading something that requires them to digest, such as traditional film critiques.” Mr. Yip sent his first work to Youth Weekly. His criticism was soon recognized. Later he was asked to write a film critique for every issue. Mr. Yip said, “At that time, we had many magazines like this. The editors always encouraged us to write more.

“Unfortunately, most of them have stopped running due to the lack of capital.”

Since places to publish their work are limited and inadequate, some critics have started posting their works on the Internet.

Mr. Lam said, “The Internet opens an alternative for expression. Its easy accessibility encourages more production.”

However, he added that there is no guarantee of the quality, since the writers need not be responsible for their works on the Internet.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yip has a different stance.

“The Internet just serves as a discussion forum. Those critiques published on the Internet can only be regarded as comments from the audience, but not film critiques.

“Therefore, no comparisons can be made with the professional ones,” he said.

According to Dr. Ng Ho, associate professor in the Department of Cinema and Television at Hong Kong Baptist University, the generally low level of film viewing of local audiences also poses a threat to film critics.

“Some film critics found their efforts have not contributed much to the film industry.

“They then shifted to other kinds of jobs such as script writing or working in museums,” Dr. Ng said.

Though there are no standard requirements for local film critics, both Mr. Lam and Mr. Yip said that a good film critic must meet basic requirements.

Mr. Lam said, “Film critics must be analytical. Their work should be able to promote film culture to the public.

“Film is not only an entertainment, but also a culture.”

Mr. Yip said that having a good command of languages is crucial.

“Some youths have great enthusiasm in this field, but they can’t express themselves clearly. This is a hindrance for writing a good film critique.”

In addition, he said that it is important to watch a variety of films. This enables people to grasp more comprehensive knowledge to comment on.

Dr. Ho emphasized that film critics are indispensable from film production.

He described film as a dream of film producers. It reflects the thoughts and hopes of all.

To the filmmakers, they are creating their dreams. To the film critics, they are watching their dreams.

Mr. Yip added, “The beginners can, in fact, send their works to Taiwan or Mainland China. There are still chances.

“Remember, the key to success is willingness to try.”