Introduction: Cultural, Social and Political Value: Cultural, Social and Political Value

In view of the common assessment claiming a chronic under- or mis-representation of ethnic minorities in mainstream media images in Hong Kong, this chapter investigates the extent to which non-Chinese ethnic figures did appear and acquire cultural significance in public media. It identifies four broad themes, each highlighting a unique narrative trajectory through which ethnic difference is employed as a cultural platform for various ideological and industry imperatives shaped by, and shaping, the Hong Kong film industry in the 40-year span. The themes are “inter-ethnic romance, " “the fabricated ethnicity in kung fu films, " “consumerism and comic relief, " and “identities on the edge.” A mapping of the existence of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong cinema through an investigation of their onscreen representations can certainly help to delineate a Hong Kong subjectivity with more clarity.