| Description |
1 videodisc (DVD) (47 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in |
| Summary |
"Griff visits Hong Kong. A complex city that is a mix of the ancient and modern, East and West, and where consumerism and spiritualism live side by side. Griff's curiosity leads him to an exotic fish shop that has opened in the middle of the night to cater for a wealthy businessman's obsession, to helping out at a bird market and discovering that Britain's influence continues in the shape of the Boy Scout Movement. The majority of tourists in Hong Kong are from mainland China and Griff joins a group on their tour bus. He explains that he cannot speak Mandarin Chinese except for a song he learnt in school. Much to their initial bemusement he starts singing; however they soon start to sing along heartily, to Griff's relief. He explains that the song is The East is Red, an old Maoist anthem from the days of China's Cultural Revolution, so bit of a risky choice. But he says: "In the end it was like singing some old Beatles song, just a memory from a different era." In Hong Kong, schoolchildren are under immense pressure to do well and Griff joins a class of children who are being taught a unique method of mental arithmetic. These children are having fun while learning and are amused by Griff's attempts to keep up with them. One young pupil tries to explain to Griff how he works out the sums. He tells him: "In your head you see your fingers and then you will have the answer in your heart." Griff reflects: "A bad bout of 'Madonna -itis' nearly took hold. I had to repress an urge to take him home - he'd fix my tax returns in a second." -- ABC website |
| Notes |
Off-air recording of ABC1 broadcast July 20, 2010. Copied under Part VA of the Copyright Act |
| Credits |
Written by Griff Rhys Jones ; Produced and Directed by Harry Hook |
| Performer |
Presenter: Griff Rhys Jones |
| Notes |
Rated: PG |
|
DVD. Region unspecified |
|
Available for Deakin University staff and students only |
| SUBJECT |
China -- Hong Kong -- Description and travel
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| Author |
Jones, Griff Rhys
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Hook, Harry
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ABC-TV (Australia)
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