Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a 2024 neo-noir martial arts crime action film helmed by Soi Cheang. Released on May 1, 2024, the movie soon attracted praise from critics and became a big box office hit in Hong Kong.
Set in the 1980s, it deftly examines the complexity of survival in the esteemed Kowloon Walled City via a compelling narrative. Emphasizing its global appeal, the movie also made the official selection (midnight screening) for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In features an ensemble cast that brings the gritty, action-packed story to life. Leading the charge are Louis Koo, Sammo Hung, and Richie Jen, highlighting some of the finest talent in Hong Kong films. The actors in the cast went through intensive training to perfect the fight scenes of the film.
The plot of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In revolves around Chan Lok-kwun, a troubled youth who finds himself entangled in the underworld of the Kowloon Walled City. Lok-kwun teams with Cyclone, the local crime lord, and his gang as he battles to survive.
But when Mr. Big, a formidable crime lord, tries to seize authority over the Walled City, his life spirals dangerously. In a world where peril is always around, the movie looks at themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.
Main cast of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
1) Louis Koo as Cyclone
Louis Koo stars as Cyclone, the martial arts master who strives to maintain peace and stability within the Walled City. Cyclone is a character who exudes both strength and wisdom, making him a central figure in the story's unfolding drama.
2) Sammo Hung as Mr. Big
Sammo Hung plays the role of Mr. Big. He is a cruel crime boss whose only goal is to gain more money and power. Hung's portrayal of Mr. Big gives the character a menacing air, making him a formidable villain.
3) Richie Jen as Dik Chau
Richie Jen takes on the role of Dik Chau, a high-ranking member of the triad within the Walled City. His character's loyalty to Cyclone adds depth to the story's exploration of loyalty and betrayal.
4) Raymond Lam Chan Lok-kwun
Raymond Lam portrays Chan Lok-kwun, the protagonist whose journey of survival drives the narrative forward. Lam's portrayal of Lok-kwun captures the desperation and determination of a young man caught in a world of violence and crime.
Supporting cast and their roles
- Terrance Lau plays Shin, the loyal second-in-command of Cyclone's gang, who later becomes a close companion to Chan Lok-kwun.
- Philip Ng portrays King, Mr. Big's right-hand man, whose loyalty to his boss is unwavering.
- Tony Wu takes on the role of Twelfth Master, a katana-wielding member of Cyclone's gang, who also forms a bond with Lok-kwun.
- German Cheung plays AV, a kickboxer in Cyclone's gang, who becomes another ally to Lok-kwun.
- Kenny Wong portrays Uncle Tiger, a character who adds another layer to the intricate relationships within the Walled City.
The film also features Chu Pak Hong, Chung Suet Ying, Fish Liew, and Cecilia Choi in undisclosed roles, contributing to the film's rich tapestry of characters.
Plot overview
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is set in the chaotic environment of the Kowloon Walled City during the 1980s. The story follows Chan Lok-kwun, a young refugee from the mainland, who accidentally finds himself in the notorious Walled City. Seeking to improve his life, Lok-kwun gets involved in underground fighting rings but soon finds himself at odds with Mr. Big, a local crime boss.
Betrayed and desperate, Lok-kwun steals drugs from Mr. Big and takes refuge in the Walled City, where he encounters Cyclone, the local crime lord. Cyclone, played by Louis Koo, rules the area with a mix of authority and compassion. The film explores the complex dynamics within the Walled City, as Lok-kwun learns about the fragile balance of order and chaos that defines the community.
The official synopsis of the film states:
“Many years after the bloody turf war that ushered in an uneasy era of peace in Hong Kong’s underworld, the notorious Kowloon Walled City serves as a fortified, lawless safe haven for gangs and refugees alike."
It further states:
"But when a skilled underground fighter runs afoul of the most feared Triad boss in Hong Kong, a bounty is placed on his head despite his connections to the leader of the infamous enclave. As his pursuers violate the tenuous territorial truce to exact their vengeance, the fallout reignites old grudges, bringing decades of building tension to a brutal, bloody boiling point.”
The episodic structure of the movie depends on the development of the characters and the investigation of their relationships.
Production team
With the direction from Soi Cheang, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a film with action-packed stories.
John Chong and Wilson Yip, the producers of the film, were instrumental in realizing this much-awaited project. Two replica sets of the Kowloon Walled City in the production design helped to authenticate the film's environment and carry viewers back to the grimy world of 1980s Hong Kong.
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In stands out as a remarkable achievement in Hong Kong cinema, thanks to its cast, plot, and production. Apart from honoring the rich legacy of the Kowloon Walled City, the movie vividly depicts a world in which daily struggle is a survival issue.
Louis Koo, Sammo Hung, and the rest of the cast deliver outstanding performances, helping establish the movie as a modern classic. For fans of neo-noir martial arts movies, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a must-watch for its action-packed scenes and rich examination of human relationships.