Hong Kong Babylon: An Insider's Guide to the Hollywood of the East

by Fredric Dannen, Barry Long

Replete with facts, anecdotes, interviews, film synopses, reviews, and photographs, a guide to Hong Kong's burgeoning cinema features a look at the legacy of Bruce Lee and at the influence of Hong Kong's directors on America. Reprint. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, Reference

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 1997

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustive, although dated look into Hong Kong Cinema. Definitely a great read for any fan of cinema.

[Jeffrey Powanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter, which originally appeared in condensed form in The New Yorker, is fantastic, particularly in its exploration of the Hong Kong triads' influence on the movie industry. The rest of the book, which is mildly interesting, consists of short interviews, plot summaries, and lists of recommended Hong Kong movies. Sparsely illustrated with a few black and white photos.

The book was published in 1997, the year Hong Kong was transferred back to China after 156 years of British rule. A couple decades have passed. While the book is still an interesting look at Hong Kong cinema in the 90s, it could use an update.

For my reviews of other Hong Kong cinema books and documentaries, see my blog:
https://coollimabean.wordpress.com/20...

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paired with the more fun "Sex, Zen and a Bullet in the Head," you pretty much have all you need to know about the golden age of Hong Kong commercial cinema from the 70s through the 90s. This one has a good filmography in the back.

[Dave H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hasn't let me down.

[Reese Thompson]

awesome!

[Sophie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting read, and a helpful insight into East Asia's best cinematic productions!