‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’ movie review | Soi Cheang’s action-packed spectacle speaks louder than words

A tale of survival and self-discovery

At the heart of the story is Chan Lok-kwan (Raymond Lam Fung), or simply Lok, a desperate man from mainland China who finds himself thrust into the treacherous underbelly of the Walled City. His arrival is not by choice but by necessity. Initially an outsider, Lok soon becomes deeply entwined in the city’s brutal ecosystem. The Walled City itself mirrors his internal prison—chaotic, unyielding, and devoid of redemption. His journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about survival.

Lok’s betrayal at the hands of Mr Big, a cunning and ruthless crime lord played by the legendary Sammo Hung, sets him on a collision course with Cyclone (Louis Koo), the city’s de facto protector. Cyclone is more myth than man, a force who maintains a fragile balance in this chaotic world. Louis Koo plays him with understated charisma, making Cyclone a rare figure of stability amid the anarchy.

While the film is rich in action, at its core, it is about human connections forged under extreme conditions. Lok finds solace among a ragtag group of individuals—Shin (Terrance Lau Chun-Him), Cyclone’s most trusted man; AV (German Cheung Man-Kit), the group’s medic, whose role, though unassuming, proves vital; and Twelfth Master (Tony Wu), each bringing a unique dynamic to the story. Their camaraderie provides moments of warmth and levity, contrasting the unrelenting grit of their environment.

A still from movie ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’

A villain to remember

The standout among the cast, however, is Philip Ng Wan-Lung’s portrayal of King, the right-hand man of Mr Big. King is the kind of antagonist audiences love to hate—sadistic, unapologetically cruel, and driven by the sheer thrill of domination. He revels in the misfortunes of others, mocking every challenge thrown his way. His menace reaches new heights when it is revealed that he possesses supernatural abilities, rendering him nearly unstoppable. In one jaw-dropping scene, a character brings a hammer down on his head with full force—only for the hammer to shatter into dust while King remains unfazed. The film never fully explains how he acquired these powers or why he alone possesses them, leaving an air of mystery that only Cheang can answer.

Brutal, balletic action

Where Twilight of the Warriors truly excels is in its action sequences. Cheang, paired with fight choreographer Kenji Tanigaki, delivers visceral, stunning set pieces. The combat is brutal yet balletic, with every punch, kick, and impact carrying weight and purpose. The film masterfully uses the Walled City’s claustrophobic architecture to heighten the action, turning every corner and corridor into a potential battlefield.

A still from movie ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’

One particularly gripping sequence unfolds on precarious rooftops, with combatants teetering on the edge of life and death. Another takes place in a cramped alleyway, where the camera captures every bead of sweat, every laboured breath, and every crushing blow.

Deeper questions

Yet, the film is not merely an adrenaline rush. Cheang uses action to further the story and deepen character arcs. Every fight is a reflection of the characters’ internal struggles, their desperation, and their will to survive. This marriage of narrative and spectacle elevates the movie above the standard action fare.

And beyond the relentless action, Twilight of the Warriors poses thought-provoking questions about morality. In a world where the line between right and wrong has blurred beyond recognition, what does it mean to be a good person? The film challenges conventional ideas of justice and redemption, forcing the audience to reconsider their own moral compass.

While the performances are generally solid, Philip Ng Wan-Lung is the standout, delivering a chilling portrayal of a villain who commands every scene he’s in. The film’s ambition and execution outweigh its minor shortcomings, and while not every character gets the depth they deserve, the sheer spectacle keeps you invested.

Whether you come for the high-octane fights, the gritty atmosphere, or the layered storytelling, one thing is certain: you’ll leave with a piece of the Walled City etched in your memory.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Director – Soi Cheang
Movie Cast – Louis Koo, Sammo Hung, Terrance Lau, Philip Ng, Raymond Lam, Aaron Kwok, Richie Jen, Tony Wu, Man Kit Cheung
Rating – 3.5/5