It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World (1987) – Hong Kong and Immigration

 

It's a Mad Mad Mad World (1987)

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World" was a 1987 Hong Kong New Year film starring Bill Tung and Lydia Sum. It raked in a staggering HKD $27 million at the box office during the thriving days of Hong Kong cinema in the late '80s. The story was simple but profound, reflecting the prevalent attitude of Hongkongers at the time, who treated money as fleeting as clouds but as vital as life itself.

When you watch a movie, you can often glimpse the director's mindset. Despite the 10 years distance between the film's release in '87 and Hong Kong's handover in '97, you could already discern a hint of apprehension in Hong Kong's populace, driven by a staunch pro-establishment stance. Directed by Clifton Ko, who had earned the nickname "Stupid Sum," the film subtly hinted at the Hong Kong people's unease about reuniting with the motherland.

When the protagonist, Uncle Bill, was asked if he would immigrate in '97, he initially professed patriotism, claiming that as someone with Chinese blood, he should contribute to the motherland's development. However, deep down, his reluctance stemmed from his financial constraints. As the story unfolded and he stumbled upon a sudden windfall, he swiftly decided to invest in immigration. It was indeed a case of "saying one thing but thinking another." In reality, Clifton Ko had immigrated to Hawaii with his ex-wife and two daughters in 1995. Their separation led to divorce in 1998, making him a classic example of a man who "prospers, gets rich, and ditches his wife." (升官發財死老婆)

To be honest, the protagonist's character isn't far removed from the mindset of some individuals today, particularly the "Blue Ribbons" in Hong Kong. When they're financially strained, they advocate for communism, but when they amass wealth, they consider immigration. Deep down, their motivations remain unchanged. "Patriotism is a job, going to the US is a way of life." Whether it's 1997 or today, regardless of political affiliations, the culture of immigration in Hong Kong hasn't changed; it's just that the "Blue Ribbons" are often more hypocritical than most.

From the influx of Mainland Chinese immigrants who clandestinely arrived in Hong Kong during the '60s and '70s to the mass exodus before the '97 Handover and the recent immigration wave due to the National Security Law, it's time for the "Blue Ribbons" to be honest with themselves.

So, Blue Ribbons, can they confront their true selves? This is a question.

(Note: "Blue Ribbons" is a term used to describe pro-establishment or pro-Beijing individuals in Hong Kong.)