Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In was unleashed last week at the Cannes Film Festival to an incredible reception. It's an absolute treat for martial arts movie buffs and those who hold a deep affection for classic Hong Kong action cinema. Not since Benny Chan’s Raging Fire have we experienced anything remotely in this arena, and like the aforementioned, it certainly harkens back to the glory days of Hong Kong action filmmaking which is dearly missed by many.

Adapted from the cult Manga series City of Darkness by Andy Seto and based on the novel by Yuyi, the film is set in British colonial Hong Kong in the 1980’s, following a troubled young man as he flees gangsters and accidentally enters the infamous Kowloon Walled City, a dangerous Chinese enclave ripe with gang crime and corruption. He soon discovers order amidst the chaos, and gains life lessons from the inhabitants as they resist a villainous invasion from criminal forces.

With a production budget of $40 million USD, it has become recognised as one of the most expensive Hong Kong films ever made. The top tier ensemble cast brings together rising stars Raymond Lam (Detective vs Sleuths), Terrance Lau (Anita), Tony Wu (The Lyricist Wannabe) and German Cheung (Raging Fire), with screen veterans Louis Koo (Paradox), Philip Ng (Birth of the Dragon), Aaron Kwok (Port of Call) and Sammo Hung (Ip Man 2), and action design by stunt coordinator Kenji Tanigaki (Raging Fire, Sakra). The music score is created by legendary soundtrack composer Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Ip Man franchise).

Following Cannes, it has arrived hot-on-the-heels of its Best Director win for Soi Cheang and Lifetime Achievement Award for Sammo Hung at the 2024 Hong Kong Film Awards, a reminder of the immense talent within its roster. Cheang has crafted a stunning crime epic with meticulous visuals and production design. The traditional Triad story is blended with phenomenal action design and stunts, and an ensemble cast who are a joy to watch; legends paired with clear-cut future stars who are given the full spotlight to shine. We haven't had a Hong Kong film like this in a long time.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is out now in cinemas

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In reignites HK action cinema