Cast
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Andy Lau
as Cheung J.S.
Jiang Wu
as Peng Hong / Blast
Philip Keung
as Kong Y.W.
Ron Ng Cheuk-Hai
as Ben
BabyJohn Choi Hon-Yik
as Wong Tin Lok
Song Jia
as Carmen Li
Wang Ziyi
as Biao Hong
Felix Wong Yat-Wah
as Officer Chow
Shek Sau
as Wan H.F.
Liu Kai-Chi
as Yim Kwok Wing
Chun Kit Chang
as Stephen
Louis Cheung
as Lam Chun
Joseph Lee Kwok-Lun
as CHT Chief Engineer Tunnel
Felix Lok Ying-Kwan
as Berry (Lok's Father)
Vincent Wan Yeung-Ming
as Chiu
Crew
Director
- Herman Yau
Writer
- Erica Li
- Herman Yau
Producer
- Andy Lau
- Herman Yau
- Alvin Lam
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Adventure/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Shock Wave distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Herman Yau 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 2017, 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 Shock Wave took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $23.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1076 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shock Wave shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike WarGames: The Dead Code, which focuses more on action than character development, Shock Wave subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Angamaly Diaries and Executive Protection explore similar territory, Shock Wave 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 20, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Budget: $23,000,000
Where to Watch
