Once Upon a Time in HKDSE: A Wistful Exploration of Hong Kong’s Public Exam Stress
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) is a dreaded milestone in the lives of many Hong Kong students. The pressure to perform well can be overwhelming, and the consequences of failure can be devastating. In the documentary film Once Upon a Time in HKDSE, director Leung Yik-ho offers a poignant and empathetic look at the experience of taking the HKDSE, and the impact it has on students’ lives.
Students preparing for the HKDSE exam
The film follows two storylines: one featuring Tang Ngai-hong, a candidate for the HKDSE in 2023, and the other featuring Hui Yin, a former candidate who has struggled to come to terms with his exam-related regrets. Tang’s story is a tense and relatable portrayal of the stress and anxiety that comes with preparing for the exam. With the help of private tutors, including the star tutor Jayden Lam Yat-yan, Tang must make up for lost time and try to secure a place at university.
Tang Ngai-hong studying for the HKDSE exam
Meanwhile, Hui’s story is a more introspective and humorous look at the exam experience. As he retakes two subjects in the 2023 HKDSE, Hui reflects on his past academic struggles and the regrets that have haunted him for years. His conversations with his mother are some of the film’s most touching moments, offering a glimpse into the complex emotions that surround the exam.
Hui Yin with his mother, discussing his exam regrets
Once Upon a Time in HKDSE is not just a film about the HKDSE; it’s a thoughtful exploration of the pressures and expectations that come with growing up in Hong Kong. The film asks important questions about the value of the exam, and the impact it has on students’ mental health. How can students push themselves to their limits without sacrificing their well-being? And what’s the big deal about failing the exam, anyway?
Students receiving their HKDSE exam results
In the end, Once Upon a Time in HKDSE is a powerful and moving portrayal of the HKDSE experience. It’s a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever sat for a high-stakes exam, and a timely reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our education system.
If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
