Review by Jon Donnis
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a wildly entertaining ride, filled with all the classic hallmarks of a Hong Kong martial arts epic, but with a modern flair. Directed by Soi Cheang and based on the City of Darkness novel and Chinese-language comics, it's got everything fans of the genre could want: fierce action, gritty atmosphere, and a narrative that really takes you into the heart of 1980s Hong Kong. The backdrop of the Kowloon Walled City is just perfect, it's like stepping into a lost era, with its claustrophobic alleyways and crime-ridden underworld, brought to life in all its chaotic glory.
"Following troubled youth Chan Lok-kwun as he accidentally enters the Walled City, discovers the order amidst its chaos, and learns important life lessons along the way."
Louis Koo steals the show as Cyclone, a crime lord with a heart of gold (well, at least some gold). His presence is magnetic, and the way he navigates both the moral greys of his position and the sheer madness around him is something special. The rest of the cast holds their own, too. Sammo Hung as Mr. Big is a chilling antagonist, though I couldn't help but miss some of the humour he brought to his roles back in the '80s. Richie Jen and Raymond Lam do a solid job, especially with the latter's portrayal of Chan Lok-kwun, a young man caught in a web of violence, revenge, and survival. The supporting characters, like Shin and Twelfth Master, add depth to the story, making sure it doesn't solely hinge on the main players.
The fight scenes, though, wow. Cheang has really outdone himself here. They're exhilarating, beautifully choreographed, and just brutal enough to keep you at the edge of your seat without veering into over-the-top gore. Sure, there are safety wires and some CGI enhancement, but the sheer artistry of the action more than makes up for it. It's not quite the raw, bone-breaking stunt work of classic Jackie Chan films, but in a way, it feels like a natural evolution. The fights are still spectacular, just in a different way. The film blends the old-school, hands-on, Hong Kong style with modern technical wizardry to create something that feels fresh yet familiar.
One thing that didn't quite hit the mark for me was the pacing. The plot, while engaging, tends to stretch itself thin, and at times, I found it a bit convoluted. There's a lot going on, and while it mostly holds together, it does teeter on the edge of being a bit much. That said, the narrative's heart, the conflict between loyalty, survival, and morality in a lawless city, remains compelling throughout. And the fact that the film manages to weave in moments of genuine humanity amidst all the chaos is a real feat.
The biggest surprise is how nostalgic it feels. Twilight of the Warriors is a love letter to 1980s Hong Kong cinema, both in its setting and its cinematic style. From the neon-lit streets to the grungy interiors of the Walled City, it captures the vibe of an era that's long gone but not forgotten. For someone who grew up watching those old martial arts flicks, it's a bittersweet experience. I found myself longing for the reckless stunts and raw energy of the past, but at the same time, I couldn't help but admire the technical polish and slick production values of this new generation.
In the end, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a visually stunning, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride with enough heart to keep it from being just another action movie. It's got its flaws, sure, but if you're a fan of Hong Kong cinema, you'll appreciate the homage it pays to the classics while carving out its own space in the modern action scene. I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10.
Out Now on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4cTcUrV
