Cannes 2024 - Twilight of the Warriors: Walled in by Son Cheang

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is the kind of film that wears its heart on its sleeve, a hilariously sentimental crime epic that is all about friendship, loyalty, and the power of community. Directed by Soi Cheang, this Hong Kong action extravaganza is a riot of fabulous fight sequences, jaw-dropping stunt work, and an incredible set design that immerses you in its gritty, neon-soaked world. Yes, it’s cheesy, and yes, it leans heavily into melodrama, but it’s also undeniably great fun, a crowd-pleaser that delivers on both spectacle and heart. 

The film is set in the labyrinthine streets of Kowloon Walled City, a sprawling, lawless enclave that feels like a character in its own right. The production design is brilliant, recreating the chaotic, claustrophobic atmosphere of the infamous city-within-a-city with stunning detail. Every alleyway, every cramped apartment, and every flickering neon sign feels alive, creating a world that is both immersive and palpably tense. It is a setting that perfectly complements the film’s themes of survival and solidarity, as a ragtag group of misfits bands together to protect their home from external threats. 

At its core, Twilight of the Warriors is a story about friendship, specifically, the bonds forged in the face of adversity. The film’s central ensemble, led by a charismatic cast of Hong Kong action stalwarts, brings a great sense of camaraderie to their roles. Their chemistry is infectious, and their interactions are laced with a mix of humour and pathos that keeps the emotional stakes high, even as the plot veers into increasingly over-the-top territory, with some inexplicable supernatural skills that are never explained and only add to the sense of fun.  

As for its action sequences, which are nothing short of spectacular. The stunt work is insane, with fight choreography that blends traditional martial arts with brutal, street-level brawling. Each set piece is meticulously crafted, showcasing a level of physicality and precision that is increasingly rare in modern action cinema and reminds us how Asian cinema really does it best. 

Whether it’s a high-octane chase through the Walled City’s narrow alleys or a climactic showdown that pits the heroes against a small army of henchmen, the film delivers one thrilling sequence after another. That said, Twilight of the Warriors is not without its flaws. The sentimentality, while endearing, can feel heavy-handed at times, and the plot occasionally strains under the weight of its own melodrama but you cannot deny the sheer entertainment value of the whole package. 

What makes Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In so enjoyable is its unapologetic embrace of its own absurdity. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is: a big, loud, heartfelt action movie. 

Review by Laurent de Alberti

Star rating: ★★★☆

Official Selection, Midnight Screenings.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Directed by Soi Cheang. Starring Raymond Lam Fung, Sammo Hung Kam-bo...