Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
After eating dim sum with my friend, we had to part ways with a tinge of regret.
However, my friend introduced me to various places in Hong Kong, and we started exploring again.
1881 Heritage
Built in the Victorian style during the British colonial period, 1881 Heritage is a building that preserves 100 years of history.
Now used as a luxury boutique shopping mall, it was a surprising space during the day, quite different from the typical Hong Kong scenery.
Lion Dance near Star Ferry Pier
A lion dance performance was unfolding in front of the clock tower near the Star Ferry Pier.
The lion appeared to be flying in the sky, adorned in a costume.
Lion Dance
The lion dance I saw in movies was incredibly cool, but it was somewhat different from what I had expected.
Clock Tower and Palm Trees
In front of the clock tower at the Star Ferry Pier, palm trees were neatly lined up.
The spacious area, contrasting with the dense Hong Kong buildings, created a unique atmosphere.
Avenue of Stars
Walking along the beach promenade connected to the clock tower, the Avenue of Stars came into view.
It’s a place where can see handprints of famous Hong Kong celebrities.
While there may not be particularly exciting elements, those who have been captivated by Hong Kong movies may feel a sense of familiarity when stumbling upon the names they recognize.
Tso Tat Wah (曹達華, 1915 – 2007)
Upon looking up who he was, the name seemed familiar.
I remembered encountering him in Hong Kong movies from the 80s.
Bruce Lee (李小龍)
When I was young, I used to imitate Bruce Lee’s movements and martial arts sounds after watching his movies.
Meeting him in Hong Kong was a delightful experience.
Unfortunately, after his passing, the Avenue of Stars was established, but there was no handprint next to Bruce Lee’s name, which was disappointing.
Bruce Lee Statue
Instead, a sculpture of Bruce Lee was placed in a corner of the Avenue of Stars to commemorate him.
The sculpture perfectly captured his unique body muscles and the stance he often used in attacking opponents.
Jackie Chan (成龍)
The reason I wanted to visit the Avenue of Stars was to see Jackie Chan’s name in person.
Although his image in Hong Kong might not be perfect, I still occasionally watch Jackie Chan movies on TV during holidays.
I particularly enjoyed “Police Story 4” (1996).
Shaking Hands with Jackie Chan
I couldn’t just pass by without shaking hands with him, so I placed my hand on the ground and mimicked a handshake with Jackie Chan.
Film Director Tsui Hark (徐克)
Director Tsui Hark was originally born in Vietnam.
Even now, he occasionally releases movies.
I remember many of his films, such as “Once Upon a Time in China,” “Detective Dee,” “The East is Red,” “A Chinese Ghost Story,” and “Hero.” When people think of Hong Kong movies, many of Tsui Hark’s works come to mind.
Chow Yun Fat (周潤發)
Chow Yun Fat is often associated with a matchstick in his mouth.
When I was young, I imitated him a lot after watching “A Better Tomorrow.”
Chow Yun Fat is still alive, so why doesn’t he have a handprint?
Leslie Cheung (張國榮)
April 1, 2003, was April Fools’ Day.
On that day, even though I was stationed in the military and couldn’t watch TV freely, the senior soldiers seemed to let us watch it continuously.
It’s still a heart-wrenching memory.
Leslie Cheung’s handprint is also vacant.
I miss the dance he performed in ‘Days Of Being Wild’ (1990)
Jet Li (李连杰)
The fast and precise energy emanating from his small stature was quite different from Jackie Chan’s.
Jet Li had his own martial arts style, and he had undoubtedly made remarkable films.
While “Once Upon a Time in China” is excellent, “Hero” (2003) is a movie that occasionally comes to mind.
Maggie Cheung (張曼玉)
I encountered Maggie Cheung in many Jackie Chan movies, such as “Project A Part II” (1987), “Police Story” (1988), “Police Story 2” (1988), and “Police Story 3” (1992).
The eye contact and conversations she had with Leslie Cheung in “Days Of Being Wild” were memorable.
And who can forget the film “Comrades: Almost a Love Story” (1997) that everyone in Korea knows?
‘In the Moon for love(2000)’,
The ‘hero(2003)’ I saw right before enlisting in the military.
She appeared in so, so, so many movies.
It’s really disappointing that I can’t meet her lately because she hasn’t been filming movies.
Memories of the Stars
Although I couldn’t find them all, it was still enjoyable to share memories with many tourists.
Victoria Harbour
The Victoria Harbour, where I watched the Symphony of Lights last night, had a completely different atmosphere yesterday evening.
Clock Tower
When I returned to the clock tower, it was late afternoon. Leaving behind memories with Hong Kong stars, we decided to cross to Hong Kong Island and enjoy dinner in Lan Kwai Fong.
Aug. 22, 2012