Cast
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Jacky Cheung
as Professor C.Y. Siu / Helios
Nick Cheung Ka-Fai
as Lee Yan Ming, Eric
Shawn Yue Man-Lok
as Fan Ka Ming
Chang Chen
as Gam Dao Nin / Messenger of Helios
Wang Xueqi
as Song An
Ji Jin-hee
as Choi Min Ho
Choi Si-won
as Park Woo Cheol
Janice Man
as Zhang Yijun / Messenger of Helios
Yoon Jin-yi
as Sin Mi Kyung
Joyce Feng
as Yuan Xiaowen (Chief Secretary of Mr. Song)
Philippe Joly
as Younger Mr. BIG's Thug
Kim Hye-yoon
as Park Woo Cheol's Sister
Kim Hae-sook
as Park Young Sook (Director of NIS)
Lee Tae-ran
as Yoon Hee Seon (Choi Min Ho's Wife)
Philip Keung Ho-Man
as Wong Kin Chung
Crew
Director
- Sunny Luk Kim-Ching
- Leung Lok-Man
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Mystery/Adventure/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Helios distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Sunny Luk Kim-Ching 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 2015, 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 Helios took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1764 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Helios shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Baader Meinhof Complex, which focuses more on action than character development, Helios offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The True American and Die Bombe explore similar territory, Helios stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 30, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $25,784,494
