Providing analysis of the history and future prospects of Hong Kong, the volume begins with a review of the age-old predominance of authoritarianism over humanitarianism in the history and institutions of China and Hong Kong. Subsequent chapters address Hong Kong's military history; British rule from 1840 to the Sino-British Declaration of 1984; health and medical services; the media and communications; the universities; recent economic developments; and change since 1984. Contributors include Hong Kong-based journalists, government officials, and academics. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This is the first full-length English-language study of one of the world's most exciting and innovative cinemas. Covering a period from 1909 to 'the end of Hong Kong cinema' in the present day, this book features information about the films, the studios, the personalities and the contexts that have shaped a cinema famous for its energy and style. It includes studies of the films of King Hu, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, as well as those of John Woo and the directors of the various 'New Waves'. Stephen Teo explores this cinema from both Western and Chinese perspectives and encompasses genres ranging from melodrama to martial arts, 'kung fu', fantasy and horror movies, as well as the international art-house successes.