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My Cousin, the Ghost

Name: My Cousin, the Ghost
Director: Wu Ma
Released: 1987
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

1987

Director

Wu Ma

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Wu Ma’s film blends comedy and horror genres using supernatural elements to explore social tensions. While the main plot revolves around traditional milestones like marriage, the inclusion of ghosts and immigrants introduces themes of the outsider. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of migration, diaspora, and the tension between Western and local identities. It moves beyond simple domestic clichés by focusing on supernatural romantic connections. However, the work remains largely rooted in the conservative social structures of 1980s Hong Kong. It lacks explicit progressive identity markers or representation of diverse physical and sexual identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does My Cousin, the Ghost have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on heterosexual marriage goals and does not include any non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does My Cousin, the Ghost portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist seeking a wife, reflecting traditional gender roles. Female ghosts play key roles as romantic interests, adding a supernatural element to the romance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Cousin, the Ghost?

Fair

The film examines themes of migration and cultural displacement through a character returning from the UK. It highlights the tension between Western influences and local Hong Kong identity.

How does My Cousin, the Ghost represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie incorporates traditional spiritual beliefs and folklore to create a non-secular perspective. It explores social hierarchies and legal statuses through its immigrant characters.

Does My Cousin, the Ghost include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters in the film who navigate physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Explores nuanced themes of migration, diaspora, and the tension between Western and local identities.
Uses supernatural elements to challenge traditional social goals and romantic clichés.
Engages with local folklore and spiritualism to challenge purely secular perspectives.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary romantic frameworks.
Relies on traditional, male-centered gender roles focused on the protagonist's marriage search.
Provides no representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Cousin Big returns home from the UK in order to find a wife and settle down. He has previously driven out his illegal immigrant friend Ma from the UK and the scores aren't settled. That is all cast aside when not only one, not two but three ghosts are to be dealt with and one is Cousin Big who has fallen in love with one of the ghosts.

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