The highly anticipated movie "Twilight Warriors: The Final Battle at Kowloon Walled City" is set to take Hong Kong cinema by storm as it combines thrilling action with historical significance. Scheduled for release on January 17, 2024, the film revisits the notorious Kowloon Walled City, known for its dense population and distinct atmosphere before its demolition. This Cantonese-language film, marked as No.1 at the box office, has stirred social phenomena, showcasing its cultural and cinematic importance.
Directed by Soi Cheang and choreographed by renowned action director Kenji Tanigaki, the movie features cutting-edge action sequences. A recently released behind-the-scenes video highlights the intense atmosphere during filming, particularly showcasing the moment when actor Chan Lok-Wong is brutally tackled by Long Kwan-Fung—an iconic scene shot on the very first day of filming.
"I wanted to make something like Hong Kong comics, incorporating somewhat realistic action with many comic-like movements," said director Soi Cheang, emphasizing his creative intentions. Tanigaki added depth to his choreography to reflect both traditional and modern elements, illustrating the unique juxtaposition of styles from Hong Kong's vibrant film history.
At the heart of the story, the film seeks to portray humor and brotherly bonds instead of romantic interests. It paints Kowloon Walled City not merely as a setting but as a character itself, echoing the struggles of those who lived there. The budget for the set reached approximately 1 billion yen, highlighting the significance placed on authenticity and visual impact.
Actor Louis Koo remarked on the challenges faced by the cast. "Many of these actors were inexperienced with action; training was tough. We spent numerous nights shooting just one minute of action. But because of our efforts, it has become something great!" This reflects the commitment of everyone involved to deliver memorable performances.
The film is marked by full-contact action, with participants experiencing the physicality required to emulate reality. Raymond Lam, another lead actor, spoke about the high expectations set by Tanigaki: "The action was full contact. Kenji-san's standards are very high. I wanted experts to feel the movements were realistic," he reflected, underlining the demanding nature of the project.
With nods to the 1980s and 1990s Hong Kong cinema—the golden era of action films—this production aims to evoke nostalgia and admiration for the craft. The elaborate scene designs enable the storytelling to thrive, crafting the perfect backdrop for the intense narratives of loyalty and betrayal within the Walled City.
Tanigaki also described contributing to crafting those visually stunning sequences, underscoring how every actor's performance and commitment made the action scenes beautiful. He stated, "Louis Koo and Sammo Hung gave their all. The action relies on whether everyone puts their effort—it's the most beautiful thing." His pride is evident, showcasing the blend of passion and dedication invested throughout the filming process.
Soi Cheang captured the essence of Kowloon Walled City as not just the central setting, but also as part of the characters' journeys and developments. The timeless phrase uttered by one of the characters, "Even if this place is gone, some things will remain," resonates throughout the narrative, serving as both a tribute to the past and hope for the future.
The film's anticipation builds as it diverges from the conventional romantic tropes often present in cinema, instead opting to navigate themes of human connection among men. This approach not only respects the historical footprint of the Walled City but also touches on the universal human experience.
Overall, "Twilight Warriors: The Final Battle at Kowloon Walled City" is poised to be more than just another action film. It's set to revive memories of Hong Kong's cinematic glory, captivating audiences with its story, action, and heartfelt representation of enduring friendships against the backdrop of Hong Kong's rich history.