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Highway Man

Highway Man (1995)

Jul 01, 1995 1h 32m Drama

Easygoing Cheung (Julian Cheung) is a car magazine writer by day, and street racer by night. Uptight Lion King (Michael Lam), who enjoys scalding hot baths to build up his pain threshold, is his sworn rival. Lo Yi is the cop assigned to stop them from terrorizing the streets. With the help of veteran racer 'Doctor', can Cheung put Lion King permanently in second? And will he ever treat his girlfriend better?

Directed by Benny Lau Shui-Hung

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Benny Lau Shui-Hung
Writer
  • Benny Lau Shui-Hung
Producer
  • Benny Chan Chi-Shun
  • Alan Wong Shu-Hung

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Highway Man examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Benny Lau Shui-Hung 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Highway Man took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The costume department created over 340 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1995, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Highway Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Initial D, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Highway Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Last Ride and Maximum Velocity (V-Max) explore similar territory, Highway Man stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: July 1, 1995
  • Runtime: 1h 32m