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Raging Fire (film)

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Raging Fire
Official film poster
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese怒火
Simplified Chinese怒火
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinNù Huǒ
Yue: Cantonese
JyutpingNou6 Fo2
Directed byBenny Chan
Screenplay byBenny Chan
Ryan Ling
Tim Tong
Produced byBenny Chan
Donnie Yen
StarringDonnie Yen
Nicholas Tse
Qin Lan
Simon Yam
CinematographyEdmond Fung
Edited byCurran Pang
Music byNicolas Errèra
Production
companies
Distributed byEmperor Motion Pictures (Hong Kong, Worldwide)
Intercontinental Film Distribution (HK) (Hong Kong)
Release dates
  • 30 July 2021 (2021-07-30) (China)
  • 19 August 2021 (2021-08-19) (Hong Kong)
Running time
126 minutes
CountriesHong Kong
China
LanguagesCantonese
Mandarin
Box officeUS$225 million[a]

Raging Fire is a 2021 Hong Kong-Chinese action film directed by Benny Chan in his final directorial effort before his death. It stars Donnie Yen in the lead role[1] alongside co-stars Nicholas Tse, Qin Lan, and Simon Yam.

The film was released on 30 July 2021 in mainland China and in Hong Kong on 19 August 2021.[2]

A spiritual successor to the film, titled Raging Havoc, began production in Hong Kong under its former title The Unleashed Blaze in October 2023.[3]

Plot

[edit]

Sr. Inspector Cheung Sung-bong (Donnie Yen) sets out to track down former Sr. Inspector Yau Kong-ngo (Nicholas Tse) and his team, as they ambushed many officers during major drugs bust against a gangster named Wong Kwun. Yau and his team finishes Wong Kwun and steals the drugs. It is revealed that Yau and his team wants to exact revenge on Cheung and the police department for having them imprisoned on charges of beating a suspect named Coke to death during a case on the disappearance of a bank tycoon named Fok Siu-tong, who runs a bank named HK Fortune Banking.

Cheung and his team raids nightclubs in order to know about the drug dealer who sold Wong Kwun's drugs. They soon learn about the drug dealer named Gwai and tries to capture him, but Gwai dies as he tries to escape Cheung. During a date with his girlfriend Kwan Mei-you, Chu Yuk-ming strangles Mei-you to death after he finds that she is cheating on him. Wong Kwun's watch is found on Mei-you's body and Cheung realizes Chu had stolen the watch and deduces Yau's involvement in Wong Kwun's death. Cheung tracks down Chu and a chase ensues where one of Yau's teammate Law Kim-wah gets arrested by the police.

Yau kills Chu in order to cover his tracks, where he along with his other teammate Mok Yik-chuen soon arrives at the police station to file a complaint about his another teammate Chiu Chi-keung's disappearance. The police soon find Chiu's body and learns that Yau strapped Cheung's former superior Sze-to Kit (Ben Yuen) with a timed collar bomb to his neck, and sent him to hold Cheung's pregnant wife Anna Lam hostage. Cheung manages to rescue Anna but Kit dies in an explosion. Yau, Wah and Mok are released due to lack of evidence, where they form a plan to rob HK Fortune Banking.

Cheung soon learns about their plan where he along with his team head to HK Fortune Banking. Yau and his teammates rob the bank and shoots Fok due to his disappearance being the reason behind his imprisonment. Cheung locates Yau and his teammates and a chase ensues where Yau's team are all killed trying to flee. Yau is cornered by Cheung and they have an intense fight in a church. As police surround him, Yau kills himself by falling on an exposed rebar rather than going back to jail, while Cheung walks away.

Cast

[edit]
  • Donnie Yen as Cheung Sung-bong (張崇邦), senior inspector of the Regional Crime Unit
  • Nicholas Tse as Yau Kong-ngo (邱剛敖), Cheung's former protege and former senior inspector
  • Qin Lan as Anna Lam (藍可盈), Cheung's pregnant wife.
  • Simon Yam as Lok Chi-fai (駱智輝), Deputy Commissioner of Police
  • Ray Lui as Yiu Yeuk-sing (姚若成), Superintendent of the Regional Crime Unit and Cheung's superior officer and mentor.
  • Ben Yuen as Sze-to Kit (司徒傑), former Commissioner of Police and Cheung's and Yau's former superior
  • Ben Lam as Au Man-kwai (區萬貴), a drug dealer
  • Ken Lo as Ma Kau-wing (馬交榮)
  • Carlos Chan as Ha Chi-ming (夏智明), a higher-up police officer who looks down on Cheung and his squad.
  • Patrick Tam as Beau Yuen (袁家寶), Chief Inspector of Regional Crime Unit, Cheung's superior officer and best friend.
  • Kenny Wong as Tai Cheuk-yin (戴卓賢), Sergeant of the Regional Crime Unit and Cheung's most trusted subordinate.
  • Deep Ng as Chow Chi-chun (周子俊), a Regional Crime Unit Probation Inspector and Cheung's subordinate
  • Jeana Ho as Turbo Lui (呂慧思), a Regional Crime Unit officer and Cheung's subordinate.
  • Angus Yeung as Cho Ning (曹寧), a Regional Crime Unit officer and Cheung's subordinate.
  • Bruce Tong as Kwan Chung-him (關頌謙), a Regional Crime Unit officer and Cheung's subordinate.
  • Henry Mak as Chiu Chi-keung (招志強), Yau's underling and former police officer.
  • Yu Kang as Mok Yik-chuen (莫亦荃), Yau's underling and former police officer.
  • German Cheung as Chu Yuk-ming (朱旭明), Yau's underling and former police officer.
  • Tony Wu as Law Kim-wah (羅劍華), Yau's underling and a former police officer
  • Derek Kok as Bill Cheung (張德標), an officer in Yau's squad
  • Matt Chow as Officer Chow (周Sir)
  • Fire Lee as Officer Tai (戴Sir)
  • Mak Cheung-ching as Lam Ngai-sing (林毅星), a police superintendent
  • Cheung Kwok-keung as Officer Lau (劉Sir), the Chief of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau.
  • Kwok Fung as Fok Siu-tong (霍兆堂), a bank tycoon
  • Julius Brian Siswojo as Wong Kwan (王焜), a drug dealer

Music

[edit]

The score is composed by Nicolas Errèra.
The film's theme song, titled Dead Lock (對峙), is composed and performed by Nicholas Tse, with lyrics written by Kenny So.[4] A promotional song for the film was also released as a tribute to director Benny Chan, which is a cover of the song A Real Man (真的漢子), which was originally composed and performed by George Lam, with lyrics written by Cheng Kwok-kong. The new version is performed by Andy Lau, Donnie Yen, Wu Jing, Nick Cheung and Jordan Chan, with slightly altered lyrics written by Keith Chan.[5]

Production

[edit]

The film was first announced at the 2019 Hong Kong Film & TV Market (FILMART).[6] Producer and star Donnie Yen revealed that the film had originally been planned to be filmed in a foreign country, but he persuaded co-producer and director Benny Chan to stay in Hong Kong for filming.[7] Production began in April of the same year.[8] On 6 May 2019, a scene was filmed involving Yen jumping from a balcony for which he was suspended on wires for two hours.[9] The film held its blessing ceremony on 23 July 2019 at a constructed set on Peking Road in Quarry Bay Film Studio that was attended by Emperor Group head Albert Yeung, Chan, Yen and the rest of the cast and crew.[10][11] Production for the film wrapped up in September 2019.[12]

On 23 August 2020, director Chan died from nasopharyngeal cancer. It was reported that he had fallen ill during the film's production and had later been diagnosed with the illness. Chan completed his directing duties for the film but was unable to take part in post-production due to his illness.[13]

Release

[edit]

Raging Fire was theatrically released in China on 30 July 2021, followed by a limited release in the United States on 13 August 2021, and in Hong Kong on 19 August 2021.[2]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

As of 10 October 2021, Raging Fire has grossed US$225 million worldwide, combining its gross from Hong Kong (US$3.3 million),[14] China (US$221.2 million),[15] North America (US$368,301), Australia (US$54,211), New Zealand (US$2,417)[14] and Taiwan (US$172,558).[16]

In Hong Kong, the film debuted at No. 2 during its opening weekend, grossing HK$7,592,576 (US$974,544) during its first four days of release.[17] On its second weekend, the film grossed HK$8,775,780, coming in at No. 1, and have grossed a total of HK$16,368,356 (US$2,101,717) by then.[18] During its third week, the film grossed HK$5,271,353, coming in at No. 2, and have grossed a total of HK$21,636,628 (US$2,783,956) by then.[19] On its fourth weekend, the film remained at No. 2 where it grossed HK$2,749,226 and have grossed a total of HK24,385,854 (US$3,135,396) so by then.[20] During its fifth weekend, the film grossed HK$1,049,458, coming in No. 5, and have accumulated a total gross of HK$25,435,312 (US$3,268,144) so far.[21][22]

In China, the film debuted at No. 1 during its opening weekend, grossing US$40.5 million during its first three days of release.[23] On its second weekend, the film grossed US$49.2 million, remaining at No. 1, and have grossed a total of US$89.7 million by then.[24] The film remained at first place during its third weekend, grossing US$42.5 million, and have accumulated a total gross of US$132.3 million so far.[25] The film stayed at No. 1 again for four consecutive weeks, grossing US$25.1 million during its fourth weekend and have grossed a total of US$157.9 million by then.[26] During its fifth weekend, the film grossed US$19.2, coming in at No. 2 behind new release Free Guy, and have grossed a total of US$177.1 million by then.[27] On its sixth week, the film grossed US$13.1 million, remaining at No. 2, and have grossed a total of US$190.2 million by then.[28] During its seventh week, the film grossed US$10.7 million, coming in at No. 3, and have accumulated a total gross of US$200.9 million by then.[29] On its eighth week, the film grossed US$8.8 million, remaining at No. 3, and have grossed a total of US$209.7 million so far.[15]

Critical reception

[edit]

Matthew Monagle of the Austin Chronicle gave the film 4/5 stars and praises the characterizations and action set pieces [30] Lim Lian-yu of Yahoo! Singapore gave the film a score of 3.5/5 stars, describing the film as "126 minutes worth of explosive action that is bound to entertain and keep your eyes busy."[31] Edmund Lee of the South China Morning Post gave the film a score of 3/5 stars, praising it as "the best that Hong Kong action-film making has to offer", but criticizing its illogical story and crude script.[32]

G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle praises the film's action scenes but criticizes the exposition scenes which drags the film.[33] Cary Darling of the Houston Chronicle praises director Chan's execution of a basic premise and the action choreography as "breathlessly exhilarating."[34] Anna Smith of Deadline Hollywood describes the film as "an accomplished visual feat with detailed fight choreography and strong physical performances", while also noting its underdeveloped characterizations and overuse of flashbacks.[35]

Marc Zirogiannis of Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine wrote, "In Raging Fire, Benny Chan's final directorial work, Yen combines the elements of his persona as an action star and dramatic actor for a successful result. His dramatic engagement equals his action prowess, and these elements combine to make this film superior."[36]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Ceremony Category Recipient Results Ref(s)
2022 40th Hong Kong Film Awards Best Film Raging Fire Won [37]
Best Director Benny Chan Won
Best Cinematography Fung Yuen Man Nominated
Best Action Choreography Donnie Yen, Ku Huen Chiu, Kenji Tanigaki, Li Chung Chi Won
Best Film Editing Curran Pang Won
Best Sound Design Lee Yiu Keung George, Yiu Chun Hin, Kaikangwol Rungsakorn, Stan Yau Nominated
Best Visual Effects Raymond Leung Wai Man, Lim Hung Fung Alex, Diu King Wai, Hung Man Shi Candy Nominated
Best Original Film Song "Dead Lock", composer: Nicholas Tse Nominated

Spiritual successor

[edit]
Main article: The Unleashed Blaze

A spiritual successor to the film was first announced on 14 March 2023 at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) to be directed by Derek Kwok, with Andy Lau production and starring alongside retiring cast member Nicholas Tse. The film began production in October 2023, with its English title announced as The Unleased Blaze.[38][3]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ See Box office

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lim Ruey Yan (24 August 2020). "New Police Story director Benny Chan dies at 58". The Straits Times. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b Bona, JJ (15 November 2021). "Don't miss the New action-packed Trailer for Benny Chan's 'Raging Fire' starring Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse". Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b "怒火漫延｜劉德華謝霆鋒相隔12年再合作 新戲延續陳木勝精神". 明報. 17 October 2023. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  4. ^ "《怒火》謝霆鋒甄子丹拍主題曲MV 結他鋼琴對壘鬥Chok" (in Chinese). 29 July 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  5. ^ "向陳木勝致敬 劉德華甄子丹吳京張家輝陳小春合唱《真的漢子》 (21:21)" (in Chinese). 3 August 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  6. ^ Chu, Karen (19 March 2019). "Filmart: Donnie Yen Joins Benny Chan's Cop Thriller 'Raging Fire'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  7. ^ "新片《怒火》將留港取景拍攝 甄子丹：可以成日返屋企" (in Chinese). Yahoo! News. 19 March 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  8. ^ "Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse to Film "Raging Fire"".
  9. ^ "Donnie Yen Films for New Thriller, "Raging Fire"". 20 March 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  10. ^ "【怒火】甄子丹謝霆鋒槍戰日燒幾十萬 搭4萬呎北京道街景好認真". HK01 (in Chinese). 24 July 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  11. ^ kiki (24 July 2019). "Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse at "Raging Fire" Blessing Ceremony". JayneStars. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  12. ^ "甄子丹和谢霆锋合作新片已杀青，何佩瑜晒庆功照，和秦岚同框" (in Chinese). 25 September 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  13. ^ Cheang, Michael (24 August 2020). "HK director Benny Chan dead at 58, best known for Jackie Chan's 'New Police Story'". The Star. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Raging Fire". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  15. ^ a b "China Weekly Box Office (10/04 - 10/10/2021)". Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  16. ^ "全國電影票房2021年11/15-11/21統計資訊". www.tfai.org.tw. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  17. ^ "Hong Kong 2021 Weekend 33". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  18. ^ "Hong Kong 2021 Weekend 34". Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  19. ^ "Hong Kong 2021 Weekend 35". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  20. ^ "Hong Kong 2021 Weekend 36". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Hong Kong 2021 Weekend 37". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  22. ^ "Weekly Box Office - Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) 2021". Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  23. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (07/26 - 8 January 2021)". Archived from the original on 29 December 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  24. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (08/02 - 8 August 2021)". Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  25. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (08/09 - 08/15/2021)". Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  26. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (08/16 - 08/22/2021)". Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  27. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (08/23 - 08/29/2021)". Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  28. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (08/30 - 09/05/2021)". Archived from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  29. ^ "China Weekly Box Office (09/06 - 09/12/2021)". Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  30. ^ Monagle, Matthew (13 August 2021). "Raging Fire - Movie Review". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  31. ^ Lim Yian Lu (11 August 2021). "Raging Fire review: Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse face off as cop and criminal". Yahoo! News (in Chinese). Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  32. ^ Lee, Edmund (16 August 2021). "Raging Fire movie review: Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse fight to the death in Benny Chan's action-packed final film". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  33. ^ Johnson, G. Allen (11 August 2021). "Review: Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse battle in 'Raging Fire,' a throwback to classic Hong Kong action cinema". Datebook. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  34. ^ Darling, Cary (10 August 2021). "Review: 'Raging Fire' brings back old-school Hong Kong film action". Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  35. ^ Smith, Anna (21 August 2021). "Int'l Critics Line: Anna Smith On Donnie Yen Actioner 'Raging Fire'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  36. ^ Zirogiannis, Marc (10 August 2021). "Yen Smolders in 'Raging Fire". Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine. KYPAUSA.
  37. ^ "Nomination List of The 40th Hong Kong Film Awards". Hong Kong Film Awards. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  38. ^ "Andy Lau produces and stars in new movie, "The Unleashed Blaze"". 19 October 2023.
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