Flashback: Hong Kong 1941 (1984) – Chow Yun-fat shows early glimpse of his star persona in Japanese occupation drama
Set during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the film shows no battles or military activity. Instead it focuses on three friends and the way the war changes them
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong government to commemorate the “War of Resistance Against Japan”, Hong Kong 1941 (1984) features a young Chow Yun-fat in a drama set during the Japanese occupation.
It is not a strictly a war film, in the sense that there are no depictions of military engagements or battles. And although the movie is based on the relationship of a trio of friends, and explores how they are variously affected by the invasion, director Leong Po-chih locates the characters in the wider sweep of historical events.
The result is a gripping, often touching film that treats Hong Kong’s wartime history with respect.
One of the interesting aspects of Hong Kong 1941 is that although the Japanese invaders are shown beheading British soldiers and harassing Hongkongers, most of the villains are Chinese collaborators.
The story begins just before the invasion when Fai (Chow) befriends rebellious Keung (Alex Man Chi-leung) and his childhood friend Nam (Cecilia Yip Tung) during a rice shortage. Although the trio plan to leave Hong Kong before the invasion, they end up staying.