The film “Walled In: A Tale of Kowloon Walled City” is a high-budget martial arts extravaganza that effectively captures the notorious Kowloon Walled City while delivering intense and action-packed sequences. Directed by Soi Cheang Pou-soi, renowned for his diverse career and previous works such as “Dog Bite Dog” and “SPL 2: A Time of Consequences,” the film merges his expertise in action choreography with the resources of a well-funded Hong Kong-China co-production.
The plot traces the journey of Chan Lok-kwun, portrayed by Raymond Lam, as he enters Hong Kong as an undocumented immigrant in pursuit of a better life. After becoming entangled in an underground fight, he encounters the gang leader Mr. Big, played by Sammo Hung Kam-bo, leading to a thrilling escape scene on a double-decker bus in Kowloon. This sets the stage for Chan’s entrance into the Kowloon Walled City, where he confronts the challenges of survival while building alliances with characters portrayed by Terrance Lau Chun-him, Tony Wu Tsz-tung, and German Cheung Man-kit.
Visually, the film is a technical masterpiece, exhibiting exceptional art direction, action choreography, and visual effects that are poised to receive acclaim at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Nevertheless, despite its visual prowess, the narrative falls short. The conflicts and themes of brotherhood and loyalty come across as unconvincing, and the introduction of an invincible villain detracts from the overall storytelling.
“Walled In: A Tale of Kowloon Walled City” is an ambitious project with the potential to stand out in the Hong Kong film industry. However, its narrative shortcomings leave much to be desired. Despite its flaws, the film shows promise for aficionados of action and fans of the history of the Kowloon Walled City.
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