Cast
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Donnie Yen
as Crippled Ho
Andy Lau Tak-Wah
as Lee Rock
Kent Cheng Jak-Si
as Piggy
Wilfred Lau Ho-Lung
as Wayne
Felix Wong Yat-Wah
as Jan
Philip Keung Ho-Man
as Wil
Michelle Hu
as Jane
Xu Dongdong
as Rose
Philip Ng Wan-Lung
as Wai Man
Kent Tong Chun-Yip
as Tong
Niki Chow Lai-Kei
as Ho's ex-wife - May
Bryan Larkin
as Hunter
Julian Gaertner
as Translator
Philippe Joly
as Chief Commissioner of Police
Kenneth Tsang
as Sir Chow
Crew
Director
- Wong Jing
- Jason Kwan
Writer
- Wong Jing
- Jason Kwan
Producer
- Liu Wenpu
- Andy Lau Tak-Wah
- Donnie Yen
- Connie Wong Nga-Lam
- Wong Jing
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Chasing the Dragon distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Wong Jing 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 Chasing the Dragon took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $200.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 184 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Chasing the Dragon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dial M for Murder, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Chasing the Dragon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In the Blood and New Trial explore similar territory, Chasing the Dragon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 28, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Budget: $200,000,000
- Revenue: $87,965,942
Where to Watch
