Denise Ho - Becoming the Song

Denise Ho - Becoming the Song is a riveting 2020 documentary that catalogues the musical journey and personal activism of the famous Hong Kong celebrity Denise Ho. More than a mere biography, the film is an intimate journey that casts light on her courageous fight for freedom, democracy, and equality amidst the socio-political upheaval in Hong Kong. This feature-length documentary is directed and produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Sue Williams, who previously gained prominence for her thoughtful documentaries on China.

The film unfolds in a beautifully paced and intentional manner, allowing viewers to experience the full breadth of Denise Ho's multifaceted life - from humble beginnings to stardom, from an entertainer to an activist. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Denise Ho found herself studying in Montreal, only to be captivated by the pull of her homeland. She returned to Hong Kong to participate in a singing competition that launched her career. In the Chinese music world dominated by cookie-cutter pop stars and controlled by powerful music labels, her uniqueness, talent laced with authenticity and the audaciousness to break free from conformities set her apart.

Denise Ho - Becoming the Song doesn't just focus on her music career but gives equal weightage to Denise Ho's identity as an activist, a role she assumed during the 2014 Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. Transitioning poetically between her concerts and the protest streets of Hong Kong, the documentary chronicles the repercussions she faced as she raised questions about human rights, freedom of speech and democracy in a system navigating under the influence of the Chinese government. Her outspokenness wasn't free of consequences. Yet, faced with bans and hardships, Denise stood resolute to her beliefs, becoming an important figure in the Hong Kong democracy movement.

The film showcases Denise Ho as a pioneer on multiple fronts. She made headlines and inspired many when she publicly came out as gay, making her the first mainstream female singer in Hong Kong to do so. Scenes of her gay pride concert, where she proudly expressed her sexuality, offer a captivating testament to her courage. Denise Ho - Becoming the Song chronicles this pivotal moment and its impact elegantly, and it underscores how Denise used her spotlight to challenge the stigma and fight for LGBTQ rights in Hong Kong, furthering the progressivism of her city.

In terms of aesthetics, the documentary is laced with director Sue Williams' discerning eye for detail. It is beautifully shot, with the chaos and vibrancy of Hong Kong's city life and the scenes from Denise's colorful concerts providing a vivid backdrop. Candid interviews and footages of everyday life in Hong Kong supplement the narrative in a natural and accessible format. The conversations with Denise, as well as with important figures in her life — family, friends, fans, critics — add a more personal touch to the narrative, enhancing the audiences' connection with Denise's story.

The documentary successfully manages to encapsulate an engaging blend of captivative concert footage, thought-provoking political scenes, and intimate interviews, all inevitably linked by Denise's music. The fusion of specific political incidents with music chronicles not only her artistic biography but also offers a glimpse into the evolving sociopolitical atmosphere of Hong Kong.

The soundtrack, comprising Denise's music, shifts from vibrant and energetic pop to more powerful and thought-inspiring anthems as it mirrors her evolution as an artist and person. This seamless integration of music plays an important role in guiding the audience through her transformational journey.

Denise Ho - Becoming the Song is more than a tale of one person. It illuminates the struggle of Hong Kong from the perspective of an artist, making it an unparalleled piece. It does not shy away from asking tough questions about freedom, fairness, and human rights, making it a significant entry in activism cinema. This documentary stands tall as a proud depiction of what it means to stand up for your rights in the face of adversity. It's an inspirational and motivating portrait of the power of voice and music and how they serve as mighty tools in the fight for democracy and personal liberty.