It is fair to say that Hong Kong cinema has been in a slump for a number of years now. Even with an uptick in the quality of productions recently, genuinely good output has been few and far between and, with the sanctions and regulations being put in place by the Mainland, its future seems worrisome now more than ever. “Legendary in Action!” from first timers Li Ho and actor-turned-director Justin Cheung thus comes as a timely, introspective feature about the Hong Kong film industry.
Legendary in Action is screening on New York Asian Film Festival
Bill “Tiger” Cheung was once a promising aspect, winning the Best Director award at the Bucheon Film Festival with his first work, but an early-career flop relegated him to directing low-budget titillating shorts to make ends meet. When an offer from a dodgy investor comes to make a wuxia feature, Tiger takes it as an opportunity to reboot the Seven Star Sword, one of Tiger's favourite series as a kid that never got the ending it deserved after the abrupt firing of its lead star Dragon Tin. Through a twist of fate, Tiger happens to run into the ageing and ailing Dragon, who is more than up for a comeback and the production kicks into gear, but the old star's ways and demands prove more than a challenge for the director and his crew.
Li Ho and Justin Cheung take Gary Chan's script to direct a self-aware meta feature that is first and foremost about the love for Hong Kong cinema and filmmaking. It is essentially a love letter to Hong Kong cinema and wuxia, one of the oldest and most popular genres of the region. In a post-pandemic world, where filmmakers are facing more issues than usual, “Legendary in Action!” also tackles the usual trials and tribulations faced by those with an idea and the will to create, with a double-dealing producer, low budgetary issues, diva stars and a ragtag crew all accounted for. Both Tiger and Dragon's characters are also interesting in their juxtapositions. Where Tiger has not let his past success after his eventual downfall and adapted to his new form of filmmaking, Dragon on the other hand, even years after making his last on-screen appearance, still believes in the old ways and wants to work according to them. This results in some on-screen comedy, which might not be this feature's strong suit.
Once the narrative establishes just how difficult it is to shoot the film they want to, it finds a reflective heart for itself that ends up being an interesting element. A story arc for Dragon is introduced and while it would have helped the overall story if it had been put in place earlier, it manages to bring a new dimension and sympathy for the character. Tiger's domestic situation too becomes a driving force, even if for a short while. Both these plot points, however, are only briefly glanced over and the narrative could have benefitted from spending more time on these.
Swiftly after, the feature takes another turn to return to the form of film, this time focusing on the undying spirit of filmmaking. This is where the script is at its strongest, with a wonderful climactic speech from Tiger remaining as a highlight. The feature essentially wants to be a call-to-arms to modern, both established and upcoming, directors to not give up on Hong Kong cinema or on their dreams and stories and soldier on, even if for the sake of the industry and its rich heritage. While it could have probably been more potent on this regard had it spend more time on it, there is no denying that the production's intentions are noble and any negative criticism towards it seems a bit unfair, in the grand scheme of things.
In another meta move, Justin Cheung himself plays Tiger Cheung and makes the most of it. A role that clearly meant a lot to him and one he put 50 pounds on for, his efforts here are applaudable. Just as Tiger has the legendary Dragon, Justin too has a veteran ace up his sleeve, with none other than The Boxer from Shantung himself, the great Chen Kuan-tai, playing Dragon Tin, who is fantastic to watch once again doing what audiences loved seeing him in for decades. While he may not have as much action left in his weary bones, his acting spirit nonetheless shines through. The supporting cast is equally good, with Harriet Yeung's heavily pregnant Mrs Cheung and Wiyona Yeung's waitress-turned-actress Greta both impressing.
The feature looks pretty good, making use of sets typically seen in yesteryear productions and giving the image a modern sheen. This is achieved by shooting at the rundown Clear Water Bay Film Studio, a legendary Hong Kong production venue, adding an extra layer of nostalgia. The retro tv footage is realised well and gels with the overall look seamlessly. The music however does very little to stand out, resulting in a slightly disappointing aural experience.
Ultimately, “Legendary in Action!” may not be the most accomplished of features, with its revealing of all its cards coming too late to be used effectively and adequately, but it carries a charm and earnestness that negates a number of its shortcomings, making it an inspirational and heartfelt effort. At one point in the feature, Tiger Cheung quips, “At some point, we lost faith in Hong Kong cinema.” Li Ho and Justin Cheung have put forth a committed effort to try and revive that faith. How well it works, only time will tell.
