37/49
It follows troubled young man Chan Lok-kwun, who accidentally enters a walled city, discovers order amidst its chaos, and learns important life lessons along the way. A life-size replica of the Kowloon Walled City, said to be nearly identical to the real thing, was built for the film. The set was demolished shortly after filming. It was followed by Jiu Lóng Chéng Zhài·Lóng Tóu. "Walled City" is adapted from a comic book and is sometimes shown with its larger-than-life characters, settings, and seemingly superhuman feats during fight scenes. The Kowloon Walled City was a real place that operated with little government interference, adding an aura of mystique and allowing for creative freedoms. The studios, stuck in development hell since 2000, saw huge potential in this film and took a chance on it. They assembled some of Hong Kong’s best crews and production teams, even building a replica of a walled city for filming. The action sequences are nice but not groundbreaking. There are too many quick cuts to show the hectic and intense nature of the fights, but that detracts from the clarity, unlike the more admirable choreography in “Ip Man.” Louis Koo and Raymond Lam, both veterans of the industry, successfully direct the film. Koo brings a mysterious and benevolent image, while Lam offers an effortless appeal to everyone. The supporting cast does its part well, with Philip Ng particularly praised for his rare villainous turn as the almost invincible big bad. The film seems to suffer from caring too much about too many characters and their varying motivations, leading to a predictable story. However, for kung fu fanatics like me who enjoy the action as much as the Hong Kong drama that comes with it, it’s a long overdue and much-welcomed dose of butt-kicking goodness. Let’s hope it sparks a new wave in the years to come.
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