Limbo

Rookie police officer Will Yam, portrayed by Mason Lee, celebrates his graduation from the police academy. Eager to prove himself, he is filled with ambition and dreams of making a difference on the streets.

Will is paired with the seasoned officer Cham Lau, played by Gordon Lam, who has recently returned to work after a tumultuous period. This partnership presents Will with a unique opportunity to learn from a more experienced officer, but also comes with its own complications.

A wave of serial killings sweeps through the city, creating panic among the residents and a challenging case for the police. Will and Cham find themselves deeply involved in this investigation, determined to make a breakthrough.

Cham Lau crosses paths with Wong To, a drug-addicted street urchin with ties to his tragic past. This encounter forces Cham to confront long-buried emotions concerning a fatal incident that impacted his family.

As the investigation deepens, Cham's rage and internal conflict escalate, leading him to direct his frustration toward Wong. This troubling spiral reveals the toll the case is taking on the seasoned officer.

In a critical misstep, Will accidentally misplaces his firearm. This mistake allows the serial killer to obtain the weapon, dramatically increasing the stakes of their investigation and placing more lives in jeopardy.

With Will's firearm now in the killer's possession, the situation grows increasingly dire. The detectives must act quickly to regain control and prevent any further tragedies as the killer prowls the streets.

Filming for *Limbo* starts in September 2017 across various locations in Hong Kong, particularly in To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong. These areas are known for their historical architecture, providing a rich backdrop to the film.

A dramatic rooftop fight scene is choreographed between officers Cham Lau and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi. Both actors prepare intensively for this sequence, losing weight to portray their roles authentically and enhance the action.

One particularly memorable scene was filmed on the birthday of Gordon Lam, where he navigated a garbage chute in search of crucial evidence. This unique filming experience contributed to the film’s gritty atmosphere.

*Limbo* premiered at the prestigious 71st Berlin International Film Festival, held virtually in March 2021. The buzz from the festival helped build anticipation for its upcoming release.

The film received accolades at the 23rd Far East Film Festival, winning the esteemed Purple Mulberry Award. This recognition underscored the film's impact and artistry.

Upon its release in Hong Kong on November 18, 2021, *Limbo* grossed HK$740,238 within its first four days. The strong debut indicated the film's popularity and resonated with local audiences.

Critics praised *Limbo* for its compelling storytelling and stunning visuals. Lee Marshall from Screen Daily highlighted the director's dystopian vision, while Jessica Kiang noted the superb choreography in the action sequences.