V: Zhu Yilong Leads Star-Studded Cast in Crime Epic Based on Notorious Criminal Zhang Ziqiang
[ENTERTAINMENT] The crime action film The Empty Gun also known as “V” has officially announced its release date: August 19 nationwide in China. Directed by Han Yan, the film stars Zhu Yilong in the lead role, with Tan Jianci in a special appearance, Tony Leung Ka-fai in a featured role, and Kara Wai in a family appearance. Therefore, this Guangdong-Hong Kong co-production brings together the most golden cast in Chinese cinema.
Furthermore, the film is adapted from the true criminal events of notorious “King of Thieves” Zhang Ziqiang. Set in the early 1990s in a city “filled with gold,” the story follows worker Wan Ziqiang (Zhu Yilong), who desperately wants to change his fate. He teams up with flight attendant Luo Jiayuan (Wei Shiya) to commit crimes and rob huge sums of money.
Star-Studded Cast: Zhu Yilong Joins Forces with Tony Leung and Kara Wai
The cast of Empty Gun is nothing short of luxurious. Beyond the three male leads—Zhu Yilong, Tan Jianci, and Tony Leung Ka-fai—the film features powerhouse actors including Kara Wai, Selena Li, Yuen Foo-wah, Ni Dahong, Cecilia Yip, Huang Jue, and Yu Haoming. Additionally, Hong Kong golden supporting actors like Richard Lee, Lee Sau-yin, Cheung Siu-fai, Lam Suet, and others also participate.
Notably, this marks the second collaboration between director Han Yan and Zhu Yilong following The Funeral. Therefore, their strong chemistry promises to deliver a fresh cinematic experience for audiences.
Plot Revealed: An Empty Gun Exchanges for One Billion in Cash
The film tells the story of a city filled with gold on the eve of major changes at the turn of the century. Here, some people not only want to win everything but also want to rewrite the rules.
Worker Wan Ziqiang (Zhu Yilong) desperately wants to change his fate. After meeting flight attendant Luo Jiayuan (Wei Shiya), the two team up to commit crimes and rob huge sums of money. This success makes Wan Ziqiang even more reckless, pushing him into opposition with wealthy businessman Chen Huiyan (Tony Leung). When the gunshots ring out, can he become the master of his own fate?
Pearl River Film Studio: The Ambition of Guangdong Action Films
Empty Gun is primarily produced and controlled by Pearl River Film Studio, making it a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao co-production. Pearl River Film Studio’s decision to prominently feature this work at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market has profound strategic considerations.
Hong Kong excels in action, police, and crime genres, while Guangdong has solid production capabilities and local resources. Empty Gun, as an action film, is naturally the most suitable breakthrough for the “new Hong Kong cinema.”
Gunfights, car chases, fight scenes, pacing, and spectacle… if any single element fails, the entire film collapses. Pearl River Film Studio’s bold investment shows they are ready to upgrade from an old studio to a modern film industry brand.
Filling a Gap: Both Authentic and Fresh Chinese Action Cinema
The current market desperately lacks a Chinese action film that is both authentic and fresh. The flavor of old Hong Kong cinema is fading, while mainland action films tend to be too serious. Empty Gun sits perfectly in between: it has a Guangdong-Hong Kong vibe, modern pacing, thrilling entertainment, and its own unique expression.
Hong Kong police films once dominated alone, and mainland crime films have gained momentum in recent years. However, when it comes to “Guangdong-produced commercial blockbusters,” this position has always been empty. The emergence of Empty Gun means Guangdong cinema no longer wants to rely solely on artistic films to shine—it also wants to deliver real substance in action films, the hard currency of cinema.
Last-Minute Release: Announced Aug 14, Released Aug 19
The film adopts a last-minute release strategy: announced on August 14, released on August 19, with pre-sales opening simultaneously. The runtime is 160 minutes, with distribution covering both Mandarin and Cantonese versions.
On its release day, the film held a premiere screening and meet-and-greet at Pearl River Film Studio’s Feiyang Cinema in Guangzhou. Director Han Yan brought Zhu Yilong, Tan Jianci, and other main cast members to interact with audiences.
Polarized Reception: Tony Leung Solid as a Rock, Kara Wai’s Killer Gaze
After its release, the film’s reception has been polarized. Tony Leung’s portrayal of the double-faced wealthy businessman Chen Huiyan has been praised as “solid as a rock,” perfectly embodying calculation and cunning.
Furthermore, Kara Wai’s performance has received high praise. Despite having only a few scenes, she uses only her gaze, body language, and a few lines of dialogue to clearly convey the character’s underworld status and style of operation. She is considered one of the best performances in the film.
However, some reviews point out that Tan Jianci’s performance appears slightly “floating,” somewhat disconnected from the overall realistic style.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Are you excited for this Guangdong-Hong Kong co-production crime action epic? Can Zhu Yilong break through and portray the “King of Thieves'” madness and ambition? Drop your expectations and predictions in the comments below!
※ This article compiles reports from Beijing News, Yangcheng Evening News, 21st Century Business Herald, and Douban Movies. Release information is subject to the studio’s final official announcement.
