Last Exit to Kai Tak
In today's world, Last Exit to Kai Tak has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide audience. Since its emergence, Last Exit to Kai Tak has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating passionate debates and conflicting opinions. Its impact has extended to various areas, from politics and society to popular culture and entertainment. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Last Exit to Kai Tak, analyzing its evolution over time, its implications in the current world and future prospects. Last Exit to Kai Tak continues to be a topic in constant evolution, and its influence never ceases to surprise those who delve into its complexity.
| Last Exit to Kai Tak | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chinese | 分域大道 |
| Directed by | Matthew Torne |
| Distributed by | Ying e Chi |
Release date |
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| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
Last Exit to Kai Tak (Chinese: 分域大道) is a 2018 Hong Kong documentary exploring the different choices and fates of Hongkongers in the aftermath of the 2014 Umbrella Revolution.[1] Directed by British filmmaker Matthew Torne, the film follows the stories of five protagonists, portraying their struggles between leaving and staying, as well as the personal decisions they make in the face of changing times.
Unlike traditional protest documentaries, Last Exit to Kai Tak does not recount history through news-style reporting or focus on the intense clashes at protest sites. Instead, it pieces together a portrait of post-Umbrella Movement Hong Kong through the personal experiences of its participants. The film premiered on September 26, 2018, marking the fourth anniversary of the movement.[2]
Matthew Torne has also directed another film Lessons in Dissent (2014) on the same topic of 2014 Umbrella Revolution.
Plot
The five protagonists come from different points on the political spectrum, representing both moderate and radical views, as well as localist and pro-democracy stances. They include Joshua Wong, secretary-general of Demosistō; singer and activist Denise Ho; Wong Yeung-tat, leader of Civic Passion; and district council candidates Ed Lau Wai-tak and Derek Lam Shun-hin.[3] Director Matthew Torne deliberately chose a diverse range of voices to reflect the complexity and diversity of Hong Kong society.
Some of them choose to emigrate, leaving behind the familiar Hong Kong in search of a new life, while others decide to stay, continuing their struggle and holding onto their beliefs.[4] Their choices are not just personal decisions but also mirror the broader responses of Hong Kong society in times of turmoil.[5]
Through a delicate narrative and authentic interviews, the film captures the critical choices Hongkongers face at a pivotal moment in history. Visually, the documentary makes extensive use of urban landscapes and everyday scenes from the protagonists’ lives, symbolizing the deep connection between individuals and the city's fate. Rather than imposing a singular viewpoint, the documentary allows the audience to reflect on the consequences of different choices through the stories of its subjects.
Production
Director Matthew Torne began filming this post-Umbrella Revolution documentary in 2015, a process that took three years. During filming, he frequently passed through Prince Edward Road East to Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong for location shoots, leading him to initially name the film Lion Rock, which was changed to Last Exit to Kai Tak later.[2] The name was inspired by Last Exit to Brooklyn, a novel by Hubert Selby Jr.[5]
Torne explained that he used the now-defunct Kai Tak Airport as a symbol of the dilemma Hongkongers have faced for generations — whether to stay or leave. In the past, many Hongkongers fled through this airport, while some later returned. Now, a new generation faces the same choice. With the airport no longer in operation, it also serves as a metaphor for having "no way out."[6]
References
- ^ "致港人 － 英導演記錄傘後各行各走的《分域大道》". 明周文化 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ a b "《分域大道》導演Matthew Torne：公民意識活躍新一代？我怕這來得太遲 | 端傳媒 Initium Media". theinitium.com (in Traditional Chinese). 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "Event: 'Last Exit to Kai Tak' - screening of new post-Occupy HK documentary, with Joshua Wong Q&A [SOLD OUT]". Hong Kong Free Press. 2018-10-12. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ Fowler, Evan (2018-10-20). "Matthew Torne's 'Last Exit to Kai Tak' captures the underlying betrayal of Hong Kong by its political system". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ a b 何明修 (2019-01-09). "沒有離開的香港人：《分域大道》與雨傘運動後的香港 – 思想坦克｜Voicettank" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ 鄭秋玲 (2018-09-27). "英國導演拍港紀錄片《分域大道》 雨傘運動後四年糾結︰去或留？". 香港01 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Retrieved 2025-03-24.