Cast
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Zhang Hanyu
as Gao Gang
Eddie Peng Yu-Yan
as Fang Xinwu
Joyce Feng
as Guo Bing
Wu Xudong
as Qin Kaiming
Zhan Liguo
as Fu Baowei
Liu Xianda
as Xie Wenfeng
Sun Chun
as Yu Ping
Zhao Jian
as Guo Xu
Shi Zhanjie
as Mu Xing
Jonathan Wu
as Gu Weicheng
Chen Baoguo
as Jiang Haifeng
Vithaya Pansringarm
as P'Som
Ken Lo
as Xing Deng
Mandy Wei
as Fang Xinwu's Girlfriend
Li Jiaxuan
as Assistant to the Minister
Crew
Director
- Dante Lam Chiu-Yin
Producer
- Candy Leung Fung-Ying
- Huang Jianxin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Crime/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Operation Mekong distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Dante Lam Chiu-Yin 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 2016, 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 Operation Mekong took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 452 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Operation Mekong shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Young Adam, which focuses more on action than character development, Operation Mekong subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Live and Let Die and Hector and the Search for Happiness explore similar territory, Operation Mekong stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 30, 2016
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Budget: $30,200,000
- Revenue: $173,000,000
Where to Watch
