The Hong Kong box office hit movie “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” passed the hundred million mark in revenue. The film premiered at the closing event of the New York Asian Film Festival on the evening of July 28 and won the runner-up Audience Award. The theater with 479 seats was packed, creating a lively atmosphere.
Producer John Chong and actor Philip Ng attended a post-screening talk, interacting with the audience, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the film’s planning and shooting, especially focusing on the spirit of mutual assistance portrayed in the bygone Hong Kong era.
“Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” is adapted from a novel and comic of the same name, set in the Kowloon Walled City, a “no man’s land” in 1980s Hong Kong. Since its release in Hong Kong on May 1, the film’s box office has been steadily rising, making it the highest-grossing Hong Kong film of all time. The movie is set to be screened in major theaters across North America on August 9, bringing back the essence of Hong Kong action films.
Producer John Chong has a strong connection to the Kowloon Walled City, saying, “I lived in Kowloon Walled City for almost four years during my childhood. Later on, when I joined the film industry, I had thoughts about shooting a movie set in Kowloon Walled City, and I knew it would be very exciting. I wrote the initial script, but due to various reasons, it was put on hold. Eight years ago, my friend Angus acquired the rights and asked me to be the producer. I felt that this was a second chance given by fate and accepted his invitation.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the redevelopment of Kowloon Walled City, once the most densely populated area in the world. Bringing its story dramatized on the big screen to showcase the nostalgic emotions and unique characteristics of Hong Kong living, Chong highly praises the collaborative team for perfectly recreating the Walled City’s setting.
When asked about incorporating personal experiences into the film, Chong replied that while there were no specific personal details added, some of his emotions were reflected. He said, “In many people’s eyes, Kowloon Walled City is a hotbed of vices like gambling and drugs, but there’s also a warm side to it. People cared for each other and helped one another. Even the gangsters didn’t disturb us; they knew us, and our interactions were peaceful.”
He hopes to share his feelings from living in the Walled City with the audience, emphasizing that behind the martial arts battles of the underworld, there exists loyalty, kindness, and care.
Actor Philip Ng, a Chinese-American artist born into a family with a martial arts background, plays the antagonist Wang Jiu in “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.” With many intense fight scenes, Ng mentioned that the most challenging fight sequence to shoot was the final showdown, lasting for 20 days.
“The idea for Wang Jiu swallowing swords took a lot of brainstorming, mainly to depict a formidable villain,” Ng shared. Participating in the filming of the movie and witnessing its success gave him great confidence. He said, “I believe Hong Kong is the birthplace of Asian action films. This movie takes us back to the flourishing era of Hong Kong cinema. I hope this film rekindles everyone’s passion and anticipates the birth of more excellent Hong Kong action films in the future.”
The film’s lineup is impressive, and the story revolves around the Kowloon Walled City in the 1980s, where a refugee, Chen Luo Jun (played by Raymond Lam), is deceived by the crime boss (played by Sammo Hung) and his henchman, Wang Jiu (played by Philip Ng). While fleeing, he accidentally enters the Walled City and is saved by Long Ju Feng (played by Louis Koo), finding brotherhood with Xin Yi (played by Liu Chun Kuen), Si Zai (played by Cheung Man Kit), and Twelve Shaos (played by Wu Chi Tong). Unexpectedly, it turns out that Chen Luo Jun’s biological father, Chen Zhan (played by Aaron Kwok), has a deep-seated grudge with both Long Ju Feng and the owner of the Walled City, Di Qiu (played by Richie Jen).
The film has been released in various countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, UK, Australia, US, and France, receiving positive responses and contributing to the revival of Hong Kong action films.