Media Asia Films, Entertaining Power, One Cool Film Production Ltd., Sil-Metropole Organisation, Lian Ray Pictures and HG Entertainment’s Hong Kong Warriors (dubbed from the Japanese film Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In; A) is an action drama. The film is set in 1980s’ Hong Kong and it follows the story of Chan Lok-kwan, a troubled youth, who accidentally enters the notorious Kowloon Walled City. A refugee from the mainland, he tries to survive by participating in underground fighting rings. He steals drugs from a local crime syndicate boss, Mr. Big, and flees to the Walled City where he joins forces with Cyclone, the local crime lord there. While Lok-kwan and Cyclone strengthen their bond, Mr. Big and his gang are trying to take over the Walled City. Intense battles follow. There’s also the track of Lok-kwan’s father, Jim, who had murdered the family of a triad leader, Dik Chau. Lok-kwan is called upon to pay for that crime.
Based on Yuyi’s book, City Of Darkness, the film has a routine story. The screenplay, written by Au Kin-yee, Shum Kwan-sin, Chan Taili and Lai Chun, is fast-paced and abounds in action, but its doesn’t offer much novelty. The mainstay of the drama are the stunts and action. Dialogues are passable.
Raymond Lam is good as Chan Lok-kwan. Sammo Hung does well as Mr. Big. Louis Koo makes his mark as Cyclone. Richie Jen is adequate as Dik Chau. Terrance Lau is natural as Shin, the second-in-command of Cyclone’s gang. Kenny Wong (as Tiger), Philip Ng (as King), Tony Wu (as Twelfth Master), German Cheung (as AV), Chu Pak Hong (as Woman Beater), Fish Liew (as Fanny), Cecilia Choi (as Lok-kwan’s mother), Jozev Kiu (as Double Blade) and Aaron Kwok (as Lok-kwan’s father, Jim) lend decent support.
Soi Cheang’s direction is quite nice. Kenji Kawai’s background music is impactful. Cinematography (by Cheung Siu-keung) is of a fine standard. Cheung Ka-fai’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, Hong Kong Warriors has thrilling action as it biggest plus point, but lack of promotion will come in the way of realisation of its box-office potential. Flop.
Released on 24-1-’25 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Filmastra Studios. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was below the mark everywhere.