Director Derek Kok Defends Support for Stephen Chow's Film, Clarifies Comments on Netizen Backlash
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong director Derek Kok has publicly responded to criticism over his support for Stephen Chow's controversial upcoming film "Kung Fu Hustle 2" ("功夫女足"), clarifying that he never intended to compare the movie with other films or suggest viewers were wrong to voice concerns. During an appearance on Commercial Radio's program "On a Bright Day" ("在晴朗的一天出發"), Kok had previously commented that netizens calling for a boycott due to the film lacking Cantonese dubbing were "narrowing their own horizons," sparking intense online debate .
Key Points
- Kok appeared on Commercial Radio's "On a Bright Day" program and publicly supported Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle 2," sparking controversy among netizens
- Critics raised concerns that the film lacks Cantonese dubbing and has abandoned the Hong Kong flavor that made Stephen Chow popular, arguing this undermines the core appeal of his movies
- In a social media response, Kok clarified: "I never said who was right or wrong. I said to open your heart to the world. If you refuse something for a specific reason, I 'worry' you're the one missing out"
- Kok listed mainland Chinese films as examples of quality viewing including "The Litchi of Chang'an" ("長安的荔枝"), "Full River Red" ("滿江紅"), and "Good Things" ("好東西")
- Some netizens countered by citing John Woo's "Mission: Impossible 2," which was filmed entirely in English, as an example supporting Kok's view that language should not limit appreciation of quality films
Why It Matters
The controversy reflects broader tensions between Hong Kong audiences and the growing integration of the local film industry with mainland China. The debate over whether films should offer Cantonese options touches on cultural identity concerns that resonate beyond this single production, potentially influencing how Hong Kong filmmakers balance artistic choices with audience expectations in the future .
The controversy reflects broader tensions between Hong Kong audiences and the growing integration of the local film industry with mainland China. The debate over whether films should offer Cantonese options touches on cultural identity concerns that resonate beyond this single production, potentially influencing how Hong Kong filmmakers balance artistic choices with audience expectations in the future .