A still from “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, the hit film set in the now-demolished Kowloon Walled City. Just as directors meticulously frame shots, Hong Kong can curate its urban landscape to draw attention to the energy in its streets and the rhythm of its markets. Photo: Media Asia Distribution
Opinion
Franklin Koo
Franklin Koo
To tell a good story, Hong Kong films must first be authentic
Unlike last year’s generic ‘Warriors of Future’, ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’ hit the spot with its authenticity and homage to Hong Kong’s cinematic legacy
Its success proves that many people remain interested in Hong Kong’s heartbeat
One lawmaker recently suggested that Hong Kong films should tell “good stories” and be devoid of negativity if they are to be funded by the government. But such a position risks stifling creativity and innovation.
Hong Kong films resonate with audiences not because they paint a rosy and utopian picture, but because they hold up a mirror to Hongkongers’ daily struggles and challenges. In navigating the harsh realities through cinema, viewers will find stories of perseverance, resilience and determination – the very essence of the Lion Rock spirit.
This spirit is very much present in Hong Kong cinema, which is enjoying something of a renaissance.
It can tug at our heartstrings as in the sports drama Zero to Hero, stir our memories of Cantopop queen Anita Mui as in the biopic Anita, shed light on crime and our jury system as in The Sparring Partner, revisit an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as in The Goldfinger or lampoon the prohibitive cost of housing as in the dark comedy Over My Dead Body.
These are just a few of many recent “good stories” spanning a range of genres that are uniquely Hong Kong.
Conversely, Hong Kong’s appeal as a shopping destination has diminished due to the surge in digital commerce, and heightened consumer confidence in mainland goods. Amid concerns that Shenzhen might be luring diners and shoppers away, it’s a different story with film-goers.
Box office data on Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In reveals that interest in Hong Kong-specific films remains robust. On May 1, it recorded the second biggest opening day ever for a Hong Kong film, grossing HK$5.3 million (US$678,950).
Based on the comic City of Darkness, the film also proved popular on the mainland, where it grossed 10.09 million yuan (US$1.39 million) on its 13th day to top the daily box office chart. The international cinematic release may yet prove that Hong Kong films can hold their own, even against the major players of Hollywood.
But what makes Twilight of the Warriors special and not just this year’s Warriors of Future? Beyond the visual treat of martial arts sequences and action choreography, its charm lies in how it pays fond homage to Hong Kong’s urban environments and storied film industry.
The Kowloon Walled City, together with the close-knit community inside it, has been brought back to life on the big screen.
A bygone era has been revived in vivid detail: planes thunder overhead during their descent into Kai Tak airport, neon signs light up Nathan Road, scenes feature karaoke and mahjong, and Green Spot makes a cameo appearance, evoking nostalgia for those old enough to remember the once-popular orange-flavoured drink.
09:26
Was Hong Kong’s Kai Tak the world’s scariest airport?
Was Hong Kong’s Kai Tak the world’s scariest airport?
These elements not only represent Hong Kong’s heritage but also capture a certain authenticity for audiences who grew up in this cultural tapestry.
Furthermore, the film draws inspiration from Hong Kong’s cinematic legacy, such as with a double-decker bus fight scene reminiscent of the 1985 classic Police Story, starring Jackie Chan. Its themes of camaraderie and betrayal also hark back to the iconic 1986 film A Better Tomorrow, which starred Chow Yun-fat.
Even the inclusion of a humble bowl of char siu rice may have been a nod to Stephen Chow’s 1996 culinary comedy The God of Cookery. These references underscore the importance of cultural continuity and the enduring spirit of Hong Kong.
The success of Twilight of the Warriors is proof that many people remain interested in Hong Kong’s heartbeat. Moving forward, perhaps what Hong Kong needs is to leverage its legacy.
Just as directors meticulously frame shots, Hong Kong can curate its urban landscape – drawing attention to the energy pulsing through its streets, the lively rhythm of its markets and the resilience of its population.
02:07
Hong Kong chef recreates his famous ‘sorrowful rice’ dish for the masses
Hong Kong chef recreates his famous ‘sorrowful rice’ dish for the masses
Even though many Hongkongers remember and miss the vibrant street food scene and dai pai dong, or traditional outdoor food stalls, licensing restrictions due to noise and hygiene complaints have led to their removal from many streets.
The Walled City has long been demolished but these surviving symbols of Hong Kong should not be relegated to the silver screen. Rather, this heritage should be relished and embraced as part of Hong Kong’s fabric.
Creativity and innovation are essential to maintaining a delicate balance, ensuring not only the city’s survival but also enabling it to thrive again. Take inspiration from Fukuoka, Japan, where street food stalls known as yatai continue to buzz. Remarkably, the streets there remain very clean, and as these stalls evolve with the times, they even offer non-traditional fare such as French cuisine.
In Hong Kong, by collaborating with local communities and embracing our past, we can rekindle our spirit and weave “good stories” about our city.
Efforts to rejuvenate the street food scene with food trucks, a concept popularised in America, proved futile. The food trucks underperformed, unable to tap the historical and cultural roots that made traditional street food so integral to our city. The initiative was scrapped in 2022.
Likewise, monthly firework displays and glowing ovoids by the waterfront, while visually striking, lack cultural context, which was also missing from the 2022 film Warriors of Future. Instead, adapting to shifts in consumption and tourism, as well as emphasising quality experiences and cultural richness, will be key to ensuring that Hong Kong remains a compelling destination for locals and visitors alike.
Food for thought – if we can learn to leverage the reel and the real, we will set records beyond the box office.
Franklin Koo is an accredited mediator, lawyer and author of Power to the People: Extending the Jury to the Hong Kong District Court
