Now, the gritty new Hong Kong thriller “The Goldfinger” showcases how, in the pursuit of power and success, some people will do anything – even kill.
Directed by Felix Chong, this financial crime feature boasts an all-star cast including Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Andy Lau, Charlene Choi, Simon Yam, Alex Fong and Philip Keung.
Leung, director-writer Chong, and producer Ronald Wong were recently in Kuala Lumpur to promote the film. The trio, who had come over from Singapore, were in good spirits as they spoke about their experiences creating the movie.
“I used to travel to Malaysia a lot in the 1980s, so coming here this time is like returning to a familiar place and meeting old friends,” Leung told the media in Cantonese.
According to Chong, while most of the movie’s plot is fictional, he was inspired by the ’80s collapse of the Carrian Group, considered the biggest bankruptcy case in Hong Kong’s history.
The 55-year-old said he remembered experiencing economic crises when he was younger but hadn’t truly understood what was going on. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, those experiences have helped him shape “The Goldfinger”.
“The most challenging part about filming this movie was that the story spans across a long period, so we had to be very careful with maintaining consistency,” Chong added.
“The Goldfinger” opens at the end of the ’70s with foreign-born businessman Ching Yat Yin (Leung) arriving in Hong Kong to build a fortune. Ching is a charismatic character with the gift of the gab, as shown when he helps real-estate developer KK Tsang (Simon Yam) close a deal through unconventional means.
Ching soon creates a business conglomerate, the Carmen Group, and rises in power rapidly. But to ensure his group’s continued success, the aspiring tycoon resorts to devious and illegal schemes.
The authorities soon catch wind of Ching’s activities and Lau Kai Yuen (Andy Lau), from the Independent Commission Against Corruption, is tasked with bringing him down. A long period of investigation and chase occurs – but will Ching prove too resourceful and wily to be brought to justice?
Much of the film’s appeal lies in the cat-and-mouse game between Leung’s and Lau’s characters. Film buffs may be reminded of the 2002 blockbuster “Infernal Affairs”, where the two superstars played similar roles – only in that movie, Leung played a law enforcement officer, while Lau was the criminal!
Speaking with the media, Leung said he has been offered very few antagonistic characters throughout his career, so he saw this as a good opportunity to flex his villainous muscle.
The youthful 61-year-old, known for films such as “Chungking Express”, “In the Mood for Love”, “Lust, Caution” and “Red Cliff”, described Ching as “arrogant” and shared that he’d relied on news information and other real-life sources to shape his character.
And here’s a fun fact: upon reading the script, Leung’s first thought had been that the actor to play his opponent should be Lau! Indeed, “The Goldfinger” marks the first time Lau and Leung have appeared on screen together since the aforementioned “Infernal Affairs” 21 years ago.
“The Goldfinger” also attracted headlines in Hong Kong recently for its HKD$350 million (RM207 million) budget, making it one of the most expensive films to be made in the region.
According to producer Wong, this figure came from acquiring Leung, Lau and the rest of the star-studded cast, as well as from creating the elaborate set pieces for the film, which takes place over many locations.
So, will “The Goldfinger” have the Midas touch needed for box-office success? A solid and established cast, intriguing story, and strong production values certainly seem to be in its favour.
At the very least, watching veteran actors Leung and Lau lock horns again should be worth the price of admission!
‘The Goldfinger’ starts screening in cinemas nationwide today.