The Expats, an Amazon Prime series starring Nicole Kidman, has sparked controversy as it is being aired worldwide except in Hong Kong itself. The show, set in 2014, revolves around the lives of three American women and features scenes from the Umbrella Movement, a protest calling for free elections in Hong Kong. The decision to not show the series in Hong Kong raises uncertainty about whether it comes from the Hong Kong authorities or Amazon Prime Video.
The absence of the show in Hong Kong reflects the current state of protests and the impact of Beijing’s crackdown using the controversial national security law. The protests, which erupted in 2019, became increasingly violent, leading to clashes between police and activists. After months of pro-democracy demonstrations, Beijing implemented the national security law, imposing severe penalties for offenses such as subversion and secession. This law has greatly limited the freedom of expression and political dissent in the city.
While the show has received positive reviews from critics, local social media users in Hong Kong express bemusement, highlighting the contrast between the treatment received by the show and the restrictions faced by locals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicole Kidman’s alleged special treatment, bypassing strict quarantine rules, created public anger among Hong Kong residents who had to undergo lengthy quarantine periods. These incidents have triggered sentiments of unfairness among the local population.
The controversy surrounding Expats also raises concerns regarding the depiction of political scenes and the need to navigate sensitive issues responsibly. Filmmaker Lulu Wang mentioned the challenges faced in shooting the political scenes and the importance of accuracy, working with legal teams to ensure responsible portrayals. The show’s inclusion of scenes from the Umbrella Movement aims to shed light on historical events in Hong Kong but requires careful handling to avoid further tensions.
Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997 marked a significant shift in governance, and the city’s autonomy has been gradually eroded over the years. The introduction of the national security law and film censorship laws further curtail freedom of expression and creative content in Hong Kong. These developments affect not only the film industry but also the overall social and political landscape in the city.
In conclusion, the absence of Nicole Kidman’s Expats show in Hong Kong highlights the impact of the national security law and the restrictions on freedom of expression. The controversy surrounding the show raises concerns about fairness and responsible depiction of political scenes. It also reflects the broader issues of eroding autonomy and limitations on creative content in Hong Kong. Such cases serve as reminders of the complexities and challenges faced by the entertainment industry in navigating political sensitivities while aiming to provide accurate portrayals of historical events.
