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Ghost Busting

Name: Ghost Busting
Director: Sze Yu Lau
Released: 1989
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

1989

Director

Sze Yu Lau

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ghost Busting is a genre-driven comedy that relies heavily on established supernatural clichés. While it introduces non-traditional gender expressions and female leadership, these elements serve the comedic plot rather than social commentary. The film's cultural identity is rooted in localized Hong Kong folklore and Taoist practices, though the cast remains ethnically homogeneous. Ultimately, it functions as a commercial piece of late-80s cinema without the depth needed to challenge broader social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ghost Busting have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film includes a 'sissy ghost' who uses non-traditional gender expression primarily to drive the horror-comedy plot rather than explore identity.

How does Ghost Busting portray gender?

Fair

A female character holds a managerial position within a corporate setting, but her authority comes from family ties rather than challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ghost Busting?

Fair

The cast and setting are ethnically uniform, reflecting the Hong Kong film industry of the time. The story focuses on local folklore without diverse ethnic representation.

How does Ghost Busting represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot revolves around a non-Western spiritual framework involving Taoist masters and exorcisms, using traditional imagery to advance the supernatural storyline.

Does Ghost Busting include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of physical or neurodivergent disability representation within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Includes a female character in a corporate managerial position.
Focuses the narrative on a localized, non-Western spiritual framework.
Uses supernatural characters to provide visibility for non-traditional gender expressions.

Limited or Absent

Non-conformity to traditional gender roles is used mainly for comedic effect.
Female authority is tied to family hierarchy rather than independent empowerment.
The cast lacks ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous local setting.

Official Synopsis

Salesmen Bangladesh and Robert once worked in countryside and came across a female ghost and a sissy ghost, but their driver was killed by the ghosts unfortunately. Bangladesh and Robert were rescued by a Taoist Master, Cheung. They were so scared that they had to find a new job. The boss of the new company, Mr. Kan, authorized his daughter to be the manageress. His son, Tin Wai, was jealous and requested various ghosts to make a mess of the company in order to usurp power. So, the staff receive special training on exorcising ghosts.

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