"My Prince Edward" (2020) - As Hongkongers, should we stay or leave?

My Prince Edward (2020)

Growing up in Hong Kong, we've witnessed this city's unique culture, celebrated its human rights, equality (except universal suffrage), and freedom. The identity of being a Hongkonger is deeply etched in our hearts. However, since the implementation of the National Security Law, the "Lennon Wall" has fallen silent, the colorful graffiti walls vandalized, leaving blank canvases. Last few years, Article 43 of the National Security Law came into effect, allowing warrantless searches, mandating the removal of online content, and enabling the confiscation of assets related to suspected national security offenses. With Hong Kong's future looking increasingly bleak, as Hongkongers, should we "stay" or "leave"?

This dilemma finds an intriguing parallel in the film "My Prince Edward." In the movie, there's a metaphorical comparison involving a pet turtle. These turtles, kept in cages their whole lives, are akin to the people of Hong Kong. Even if released, they merely move from one larger cage to another. This analogy reflects the current situation in Hong Kong - the relationship between "Hong Kong" and "Hongkongers" is essentially captor and captive. So, whether to "stay" or "leave" depends on how you define yourself: as a "Hongkonger" or a captive of Hong Kong.

The film reintroduces the notion of identity in the context of marriage. It questions the authenticity of a marriage, asking if it's "real" or "fake" if it's entered into without genuine emotional connection but for materialistic pleasures. In such cases, whether it's "real" or "fake" hardly matters. Marriage, in this sense, becomes a tool rather than a bond built on love and partnership. Similarly, your identity as a Hongkonger is defined by your struggle between "stay" and "leave." If you've wrestled with this decision, you're not merely a resident of Hong Kong; you're a true Hongkonger.

Since Taiwan, Australia, the UK, Japan, and other countries open their doors to Hongkongers fleeing the Chinese Communist Party's tightening grip, they provide sanctuary and contribute to local economies, striking back at China. Even though the geographical entity "Hong Kong" may be fading, we can establish our own land in foreign countries. The protagonist's marital conflict echoes the desire for freedom but also the reluctance to bear responsibility. For us, the answer to "stay" or "leave" lies in what we can do to become a true Hongkonger.

In these tumultuous times, the decision to "stay" or "leave" is deeply personal. It's about preserving our identity and values in a world that's rapidly changing. "My Prince Edward" reminds us that our choices define us, and as long as we hold on to our Hongkonger identity in our hearts, we remain part of a community that refuses to be silenced, no matter where we are.