Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024)

 

Source: Well Go USA

Over the years, it’s become quite rare to see outrageousness in action films. Nowadays, most feel like they’re either made for profit or to boost a studio’s output, resulting in only a handful of fulfilling works being presented to audiences. An extreme throwback to 80’s Asian action films, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In swerves itself toward epic virtue with tensionful combat that never seems to take a breather.

Taking place in 80’s Hong Kong, the film almost immediately starts presenting rocky curveballs and tension that only reignites itself after each confrontation. Through tight and sensible framing, the restricted depth of the Kowloon Walled City is fully realized in a frenetic fashion. Even if it can get brutally chaotic to keep track of who’s who during certain battles, the “no risk, no reward” nature of the filmmaking it uses ensures notoriety. 

In what’s probably the biggest example of proper blockbuster action this year, the practicality and hand-to-hand nature of its “beat-em-up” style makes it unique from usual action fare. It doesn't shy away from showing back-breaking moves and every punch known to mankind, and the best part is, it all feels warranted and righteous. Since it’s a tale of inter-gang warfare in 80’s Hong Kong, the film tells us very quickly who and what specifically it's fighting for (in this case, the community and lifeblood of the Walled City). Even when the plotting becomes mythological, the communal spark driving these characters is still palpable. 

Surprisingly, community flows in this film’s blood.  Despite the seemingly harsh nature of the walled city at first, we quickly find out that it is filled with rough, but genuine people who are willing to work together for the benefit of each other. Since the main character is foreign to the Walled City, this especially rings true with him and gives a fresh newcomer perspective that exemplifies these qualities. 

However, that doesn’t mean it suffers from some of the usual flaws that come with blockbuster cinema. It can feel choppy at times, and there’s a good 20-25 minutes before the climax that doesn’t feel necessary to the plotting and messages of the film. 

Overall, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’s genuineness, traditional combat, and rootable characters make for a uniquely broad piece of Asian action.

My Rating: 8.5/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

Where To Watch: VoD platforms (Prime Video, iTunes, Fandango at Home)

A WELL GO USA RELEASE