Dead Clever Creativity: Kay Hsu
In the run up to this year's Immortal Awards, each of our inaugural jurors has taken the time to identify a form of creativity outside of the ad sphere that they deem 'dead clever'.
They've all selected a super smart creative idea that they believe will live forever and next up in the series is Kay Hsu, Global Director for Instagram Creative Shop, who selects a cinematic gem from Hong Kong.
As a daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong, I have always been very proud of the art and culture coming out of the ex-British colony. I have always been a fan of Wong Kar Wai, a Hong Kong Director, and every single boundary-pushing film he’s produced – from Chungking Express to Happy Together - has been deeply etched in my mind, quietly shaping my identity of myself as a storyteller and a creative.
In the Mood for Love had, and continues to, have a deep and profound influence on me as a storyteller. The film is about a devastating love affair between a journalist and a shipping company secretary in Hong Kong in the 1960s - a story with beauty lying in the stillness and restraint.
There is no doubt of the film’s nostalgia; every single detail was designed to capture the grime, beauty and mystery of Hong Kong in order to fully immerse the viewer within the tragic tale of unrequited love. The artistry in direction, craft in cinematography, and absolutely sublime design of the costume, stage design and language are every bit as much part of the story as the narrative itself.
There is no wonder why upon its debut in Cannes, it was nominated for a Palm D’Or, won for best actor (Tony Leung), and is widely acknowledged as a piece of art in film through the Criterion Collection.
Kay Hsu will be judging this year's The Immortal Awards. The September 3rd deadline is fast approaching so all Little Black Book members should head over to the submissions page to submit their best work. If you aren't a member of Little Black Book yet, then you can subscribe here.
