Stuntman (2024 film)
| Stuntman | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Traditional Chinese | 武替道 |
| Directed by |
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| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by | Angus Chan |
| Starring | |
Production company | Stuntman Film Production |
| Distributed by | Edko Films |
Release date |
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| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
Stuntman (Chinese: 武替道) is a 2024 Hong Kong action film directed by Albert and Herbert Leung, and stars Terrance Lau, Stephen Tung, Cecilia Choi, and Philip Ng. The film is themed around the stunt industry within Hong Kong action cinema, following a washed-up stunt director (Tung) who attempts a comeback, but his passion for films has harmed his relationship with his daughter (Choi).
The film was released theatrically on 26 September 2024 in Hong Kong.
Premise
[edit]Set in the 1980s, a once-famous stunt director tries to pursue a comeback, but was interrupted by the detrimental relationship with his daughter.[1][2]
Cast
[edit]- Stephen Tung as Lee Sam, a washed-up action director seeking a comeback after leaving the industry due to a serious injury he caused to a stuntman in his crew[3]
- Lam Yiu Sing as young Lee Sam[3]
- Terrance Lau as Lee "Long" Sai-long, an aspiring stuntman who becomes Lee's stunt coordinator[3]
- Philip Ng as Wai, an international action star who began his career in Lee's stunt team[3]
- Cecilia Choi as Cherry, Lee's estranged daughter[3]
Also appearing in the film are Rachel Leung as Lee's deceased wife;[4] Yen To as Cho, a veteran film director and acquaintance of Lee;[5] Max Cheung as Kit, Long's older brother;[6] Terry Zou and Keith Ng as the younger and older versions of Kam, a stuntman in Lee's crew who was paralyzed during a shoot;[7][5] and Stephanie Che as Kuen, Kam's wife.[5]
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]Albert and Herbert Leung, who are brothers and action actors, were inspired by their own experiences in the stunt industry and wanted to produce a film that captures the rise and decline of Hong Kong action cinema.[8] In November 2022, their screenplay draft of Stuntman won the First Feature Film Initiative, leading to the film being greenlit, with Angus Chan announced as the producer and Anatasia Tsang and Yip Wai-ping attached as writers.[9] Terrance Lau, Stephen Tung, Cecilia Choi, Philip Ng, Lam Yiu Sing, and Rachel Leung were announced as the main cast in March 2023.[10] An official trailer was released in August 2024.[11] Distribution rights for the United Kingdom and Ireland were acquired by Trinity CineAsia in September.[12]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography began on 4 March 2023 in Kwun Tong.[13] Filming spanned 19 days, with location shooting taking place at the business district and promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui, before wrapping on 29 March.[8][14]
Release
[edit]Stuntman was released theatrically on 26 September 2024 in Hong Kong.[15] The film is set to be screened at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival, marking its international premiere.[16]
Reception
[edit]Edmund Lee of South China Morning Post gave Stuntman 3.5/5 stars, describing it as a "passionate homage" to Hong Kong's golden age of action filmmaking in the 1980s and 90s, while highlighting Stephen Tung's compelling performance and acknowledging the film's critique of the unsafe practices of old-school filmmaking, as well as its exploration of sentimental themes such as passion, redemption, and familial reconnection.[3] Amy Mullins of China Daily viewed the film as effectively blending nostalgia for classic Hong Kong action cinema with a modern perspective, showcasing the evolving dynamics between old and new approaches to filmmaking through the strong performances of Stephen Tung and Philip Ng, though it could benefit from deeper character development.[17] Thomas Kong of Esquire also emphasized the performances of veteran actor Stephen Tung and younger leads Terrance Lau and Philip Ng, praising their work as a heartfelt tribute to the struggles of Hong Kong action actors that showcases their passion and dedication while effectively highlighting the contrasting experiences of the characters.[18]
Chow Kit of am730 compared Stuntman to the Hollywood film The Fall Guy (2024), noting that while both share a similar theme, The Fall Guy takes a more commercial approach, whereas this film offers a thoughtful homage to the struggles and realities of the Hong Kong action film industry, reflecting a deeper commentary on the current state of cinema in Hong Kong.[19] Alex Chung, writing for HK01, called the film a powerful tribute to the dedication of action actors in Hong Kong cinema, featuring impressive action scenes and a heartfelt exploration of familial relationships, while effectively capturing the spirit of collaboration within the filmmaking community.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ Wong, Silvia (14 March 2023). ""A ripple will become a force": Hong Kong's fresh wave of rising filmmakers". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ "《武替道》重現香港動作片黃金時代梁導演雙子星攜手打造新經典". New Monday (in Chinese). 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Lee, Edmund (25 September 2024). "Stuntman movie review: Tung Wai leads passionate homage to Hong Kong action filmmaking". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ 許育民 (21 September 2024). "武替道｜與董瑋父女情觸動觀眾 蔡思韵︰希望下次可以同佢對打". HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ a b c 許育民 (26 September 2024). "武替道｜劉俊謙生日特典場反應熱烈 「劉太」撲飛力撐先贏口碑". HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "武替道丨張達倫破格演繹市井角色獲好評 孖劉俊謙演兄弟有默契引共鳴". Sing Tao Daily (in Chinese). 25 September 2024. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "「武替道」正式對媒體開鏡". Va Kio Daily (in Chinese). 7 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ a b "劉俊謙伍允龍《九龍城寨》後再續片緣 董瑋出山演《武替道》向香港武師致敬". am730 (in Chinese). 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 13 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ Wong, Silvia (4 November 2022). "Hong Kong launches Asian and streaming production support funds, reveals First Feature winners". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ 莫匡堯 (4 March 2024). "武替道︱劉俊謙蔡思韵合體演武打無感情線 默契表示︰我哋唔識㗎". HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ "《九龍城寨》劉俊謙伍允龍蔡思韵再續片緣 藉新作《武替道》向香港武師致敬". Bastille Post (in Chinese). 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ Merican, Sara (20 September 2024). "Trinity CineAsia Acquires Hong Kong Action Film 'Stuntman' For UK and Ireland". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "【武替道】劉俊謙接受武師訓練 蔡思韵「扮唔識」阿謙：感覺好特別". TOPick (in Chinese). 4 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ Leung, Albert [@albert_action] (29 March 2023). "#武替道 煞科喇！19日嘅拍攝咁快就無驚無險咁完成，真係靠曬每一位工作人員。🙇🏻♂️ 多謝你哋" (in Chinese). Retrieved 11 August 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ "劉俊謙《武替道》傳承香港動作片 董瑋出山演出：團火唔可以熄". Ming Pao (in Chinese). 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (6 September 2024). "Hawai'i Film Festival Raises the Bar With Record Number of Premieres, Premium TV Section Launch (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 7 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Mullins, Amy (27 September 2024). "Return of the prodigal stuntman". China Daily. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Kong, Thomas (14 September 2024). "武替道｜劉俊謙、伍允龍再度攜手合作 延續香港動作電影熱血精神". Esquire (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 22 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Chow, Kit (27 September 2024). "香港先有真特技狂人". am730 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Chung, Alex (26 September 2024). "武替道影評｜伍允龍證實港產片打不死「一團火」焫㷫香港電影精神". HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.