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The Locksmith

The Locksmith (2023)

Nov 16, 2023 1h 36m Action Thriller

A peculiar disappearance case leaves Master Shan mourning the loss of his beloved wife. It also results in Zhang Yi Jing growing up without a mother's love. Master Shan was a locksmith, running a shop called 'Cheng Xin'. However, due to an unexpected incident, he developed dementia. He later takes on a devoted apprentice, Cheng Hao Ren. Hao Ren inherits Master Shan's exceptional locksmithing skills, becoming a master at opening locks, even surpassing his mentor. Because of his remarkable abilities, he's frequently called upon by the police, and this leads to a friendship with Officer Liu Ye Chen. To this day, there hasn't been a lock that Hao Ren couldn't open.However, during one locksmithing job, he reunites with an old friend, Lee Quan Kai, whom he hasn't seen in years. From that moment onwards, a series of strange events unfolds.

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Directed by Peiji Wu

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Crew

Director
  • Peiji Wu

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Locksmith distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Peiji Wu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Locksmith took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: November 16, 2023
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

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