In the 20th century, immigrants flocked to Hong Kong. The city became overrun by crime including drugs, prostitution, and gambling. Gangs controlled much of the illegal activity and constantly fought one another. It is one of these fierce turf wars between rival gangs that sets the stage for Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. The war and this era of fighting came to an end when Cyclone (Louis Koo) defeated Jim (Aaron Kwok).
Fast forward to the 1980s and there is still relative peace in Hong Kong. Sure, there are still Triads behind several illegal operations, but everyone seems to know their place. Which means it’s only a matter of time before something, or someone, upsets the apple cart. Chan Lok-kwun (Raymond Lam), an illegal immigrant who just arrived in Hong Kong, is trying to put down some roots. Desperate for an ID, he participates in underground fights to raise money.
Things seem to be going to plan until Mr. Big (Sammo Hung), the Triad boss behind the operation, takes offense at Lok refusing to join the Triads. Mr. Big backstabs Lok which sets forth a series of events no one could have predicted. Lok takes refuge in Kowloon Walled City while Mr. Big waits for his perfect opportunity to strike. Mr. Big not only wants revenge on Lok, but he has his eyes set on ruling Kowloon Walled City. With his fiercest fighter King (Phillip Ng) ready and waiting, it will only be a matter of time.
Soi Cheang directs Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Cheang brings decades of experience with several martial arts films under his belt to the film. Walled In was written by a team of writers including Kin-Yee Au, Tai-Lee Chan, Li Jun, and Kwan-Sin Shum. The team has various experience ranging from Walled In being their debut with Jun to seasoned vets in Au and Chan. The film is based on the manga City of Darkness by Yu-Yi.
An element that brings an extra layer to Walled In, separating it from other similar films, is the setting. Kowloon Walled City having been a real place is almost mind boggling. Watching the legend of it come to life in the film only adds to the experience. Yu-Yi grew up near Kowloon Walled City and was always fascinated with it. City of Darkness, and subsequently Walled In, were the perfect outlets to combine that fascination of the City itself and the Triads that ran it.
Cheang takes the passion of the writer and transforms it seemlessly on to the screen. Typical of martial arts films, the fight sequences are a sight to behold. Cheang gives us combat that is over-the-top, yet perfect for the atmosphere created in the film. The action is stylish and fast paced mixing in slow motion and various camera angles, including some great overhead shots. There are times where it almost resembles a video game. The script is solid and manages to mix in some humorous dialogue, however it clearly takes a back seat. The action and cinematography are the stars of the show. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is an enjoyable martial arts flick without a dull moment. The film is certainly worth a watch, especially for fans of the genre.
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is open in theaters now.
