Undoubtedly one of the top action films of 2024, Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In tells a sprawling multigenerational, ensemble tale of warring clans set in 1980s era Hong Kong. This allows it to both push the envelope of what modern action cinema is capable of, and pay homage to what was likely the peak of the Hong Kong film industry: the 1980s. Specifically set in Kowloon Walled City, a place that existed in reality and which the film claims was torn down in the early 1990s after the events of this film, Walled In is one of those stories in which the setting is of paramount importance to every aspect of the production, from its design, to its action choreography, to its character arcs and story beats. And it’s wildly successful as a result, standing out from the crowded Chinese action genre with a singular and excellently executed period setting that fascinates viewers early and often.
As often happens in warring gang tales, a fragile peace among a few triad clans is ripped apart when the arrival of an immigrant in Hong Kong, Lok (Raymond Lam, The Sorcerer And The White Snake, Tai Chi), a starving survivor desperate for an ID card to make a fresh start in Hong Kong. In rapid succession, Lok ends up indebted and on the run from Mr. Big (the legendary Sammo Hung) and his triad crew, then also at the mercy of Cyclone (Louis Koo, Killzone 2, Drug War), within the mysterious Kowloon borders. Lok soon makes his home within the walls of Kowloon and becomes the audience avatar as we are introduced to colorful characters and the unique community that makes up the walled city. It’s a place of poverty and urban sprawl with narrow alleyways and patchwork electrical grids, but also a tight community that handles their struggles in a unique way, with Cyclone as somewhat of a benevolent Triad mayor. Lok forms a brotherhood with some of Cyclone’s younger proteges as we also learn of the legendary Triad battles that got us to the detente currently in the midst of being broken up between Cyclone, Mr. Big, and third triad boss Dik Chau (Ritchie Jen). Lok’s identity, unbeknownst to even himself, will shatter what peace was left and lead to an all out war.
Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In works so effectively for a fan of action cinema and output from Hong Kong because it’s a love letter to both modern and classic Hong Kong cinema. You’ve got a sprawling cast filled with both “old guard” stars like Hung and Koo, as well as younger heir apparents. You’ve got shades of John Woo’s themes of heroic bloodshed and tragic brotherhood. You’ve got matchless stunt coordination and action design from the legendary Kenji Tanigaki (Rurouni Kenshin franchise, Raging Fire). And Director Soi Cheang (Killzone 2, Limbo) steering this entire epic, unwieldy ship full of massive talent and scale, and landing at a sturdy two hour runtime that never overindulges and never stops moving.
Sure, with the amount of characters, and the ambitious recreation of a fascinating slum-with-a-heart-of-gold, and multiple timelines, Walled In could possibly have benefitted from a longer runtime to let its characters breathe a little. But in our post-peak-tv era where series orders are often bloating stories and dragging them out, I appreciated the speed and efficiency with which Walled In got us in and got us back out again. I was never bored and never lost in the lore. Ultimately I outright loved this film as it straddled so many elements so well. The rip roaring Kenji Tanigaki action set pieces were likely my overall highlight here, but honestly the production design and execution of the Walled City itself really is charming and distinctive and will help me to remember this film long after I’ve forgotten dozens of other slick Chinese action productions that simply don’t stand out the way this one does.
Anyone who’s even remotely interested in an epic Hong Kong period action story (with just a hint of mysticism thrown in) is probably going to find what they came for in some aspect of Walled In. If you love world building and production design, it’ll deliver you gorgeous practical sets and sweeping GCI scale. If you’re a huge fan of beautiful people and star power, you’ll get young and old, looking hot and bringing their A games. If drama is what you’re here for, Walled In will deliver tragedy and triumph, betrayal and redemption, nostalgia and wistfulness. If top tier action is what you seek, look no further than the battle scarred walls of Kowloon Walled City.
And I’m Out.
Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In hits US theaters August 9th from Well Go USA Entertainment
