HIGHLY-anticipated Hong Kong martial arts action film, 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In', hits cinemas on May 17.
It's based on the novel by Yu Yi and manga by Andy Seto, and stars Sammo Hung, Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Philip Ng, Terrance Lau, Tony Wu, Richie Jen, German Cheung and Kenny Wong.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
In a recent interview, director Soi Cheang said: "With meticulous attention to detail and a captivating storyline, it transports audiences to old Hong Kong, ensuring an unforgettable cinematic experience for Malaysian audiences."
He's confident that Malaysians would flock to see the movie especially with raving audience reviews and tremendous box office sales in Hong Kong which surpassed HK$5,000,000 on the first day of release and box office sales in China which surpassed RMB200,000,000 (as of May 3).
CITY OF SIN
"Set against the backdrop of 1980s Kowloon Walled City, the film immerses audiences in mysterious atmosphere of the City of Sin, while delivering exhilarating action sequences and gripping narratives," said Soi.
The film received recognition at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards with two accolades.
Veteran actor Sammo Hung, who portrays the "baddie" Mr Big recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards.
"His multifaceted role as producer, director, action choreographer, and actor underscores his commitment to the Hong Kong film."
HONG KONG ESSENCE
Soi also received the Best Director award at the same ceremony, and emphasised the film's unique Hong Kong essence and the rare opportunity to showcase it at Cannes.
"While the Walled City may be gone, our team aims to preserve its legacy through film."
ORDER AND CHAOS
Brought by Lotus Five Star Sdn Bhd, 'Twilight of the Warriors' follows Chan Luk-Kwun (Raymond) as he accidentally enters the Walled City, discovers the order amid its chaos, and learns important life lessons.
"In the Walled City, he becomes close friends with Shin (Terrance), Twelfth Master (Tony) and AV (German).
"Under the leadership of Cyclone (Louis), they resist a ruthless crime lord Mr Big (Sammo) in a series of fierce battles and vow to protect the place."
TORN DOWN
Soi said that the movie's real "star" was the historical Kowloon Walled City which was torn down by the then British colonial government in Hong Kong in the 1990s.
This virtually independent city could hardly be controlled by the British authorities throughout Hong Kong's days as a British colony because it was "impenetrable" thanks to the abundance of self-made "law enforcers" who also doubled as crime lords.
SPLENDID JOB
To create the Kowloon Walled City, Soi and his team did extensive research to make it look as real as possible.
"While we could not replicate the city 100 per cent, we sought help from a brilliant production designer Mak Kwok Keung to make it real and believable, and he did a splendid job."
ACTION DESIGNER
As for the action scenes, Soi and his team roped in action designer Tanigaki Kenji, who is Japanese but has worked in Hong Kong for decades and is an expert in the territory's modern history.
"He is a big fan of Hong Kong martial arts heroes, speaks flawless Cantonese and creatively combined traditional action techniques with modern fight elements."
ALL OUT
Soi said that the novel which inspired his film was released in 2008, and after reading it voraciously for a few years, he started to adapt and develop it for the big screen in 2020.
"Two actors truly stand out here, namely Philip and Raymond. It is wonderful to see Philip going all out to defeat his enemies, as he always does, but this time as a menacing antagonist.
"As for Raymond, he has truly broken out of his comfort zone of playing good looking and charismatic heroes. Here, he is a dirt poor illegal immigrant from China to Hong Kong and he does great in perhaps his grittiest role to date."
