Stephen Teo je uznávaným bádateľom v oblasti ázijskej kinematografie, so zvláštním zameraním na film Hongkongu. Jeho práca sa ponára do teórie žánrov, filmovej histórie a autorských štúdií v rámci kultúrnych štúdií. Skúma tiež národné kinematografie a literárne a vizuálne aspekty filmovej teórie, čím ponúka hlboký vhľad do dynamiky filmovej tvorby v Ázii. Jeho analýzy sú kľúčové pre pochopenie rozmanitosti a zložitosti filmového rozprávania v regióne.
This is the fully-researched account of the historical and contemporary development of the traditional martial arts genre in the Chinese cinema known as wuxia. The book unveils rich layers of the wuxia tradition as it developed in early Shanghai cinema in the late 1920s, and from the 1950s onwards, in the Hong Kong and Taiwan film industries.
Exploring the intersection of philosophy and cinema, this work delves into the unique philosophical underpinnings of Chinese martial arts films. It posits that understanding these films requires a philosophical lens, revealing how themes of morality, identity, and conflict shape the genre. By analyzing various films, the book highlights the deeper meanings and cultural significance embedded in the action and choreography, offering readers insights into both the artistry and the philosophical questions that arise within these narratives.
The book explores the resurgence of the western genre in Asia, contrasting its decline in America. It challenges the notion of the western as solely an American cultural product by examining Asian adaptations and their unique aesthetics, styles, and political themes. Through analysis of various Asian westerns and those produced in Australia, Europe, and Hollywood, it highlights the incorporation of Asian philosophical and mythical concepts, showcasing the genre's evolution and global significance.