Call of Heroes

Call of Heroes is a 2016 Hong Kong-Chinese action film directed by Benny Chan and produced by the acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Arthur Wong. The ensemble cast features well-known actors from Hong Kong and Mainland China including Ching Wan Lau, Eddie Peng, and Louis Koo.

Set amidst the politically turbulent period of the early 20th century China, the gritty storyline follows the inhabitants of a remote Chinese village named Pucheng that falls into dangerous circumstances. The village leader is Master Yang (acted by Ching Wan Lau), a righteous and valiant man. Being the last line of defense for Pucheng, Yang and his fellow villagers are tasked with maintaining peace and order even when the village is slowly being submerged in the undercurrents of violent turbulence.

They confront a formidable challenge when the sadistic warlord's son, Shaolin (acted by Louis Koo), arrives and causes havoc, putting the entirety of Pucheng in peril. To assure justice, Master Yang decides to apprehend him. The arrest of the warlord's son leads to a tense predicament, as the villagers have to decide between executing Shaolin and potentially instigating the wrath of his father's vicious army or liberating him and hoping he doesn't resort to malevolence.

Meanwhile Ma Feng (acted by Eddie Peng), a drifter with remarkable fighting skills arrives in Pucheng. He possesses an intriguing past shared with Master Yang, which unfolds as the story progresses. Ma Feng is originally indifferent to Pucheng’s chaotic situation, prioritizing his safety over the village. However, the evolving circumstances beg the question of his involvement. Would he choose to walk away from the imbroglio or step into the battlefield, stand by Master Yang’s side, and fight for justice?

This full-fledged action-drama boasts superb performances from the stellar cast. Ching Wan Lau, a highly respected actor in Hong Kong cinema, shows off his intense acting chops in his portrayal of Master Yang. Louis Koo's chilling performance as Shaolin, the capricious antagonist, is exquisitely crafted in this film. Eddie Peng’s portrayal of Ma Feng aptly offers an endearing combination of charm and wit, rendered with a hint of underlying complexity.

Director Benny Chan guides the controversial concepts and high-stakes tension masterfully. The film is well-paced, winding through contemplative periods of character development and dramatic scenes, punctuated by intense bouts of action. The narrative creatively weaves together an extended reflection on morality and courage amidst chaos while maintaining an air of audience engagement and suspense.

One of the core highlights of Call of Heroes is the impeccably choreographed action sequences. The film is a tremendous spectacle of martial arts, displaying high-octane combat, all captured splendidly by the dynamic cinematography. Complementing these action sequences are the well-detailed period setting and costumes that add authenticity to the film.

Also contributing to the film’s grit is its remarkable sound design, effectively encompassing both quiet sequences of dialogue and the loud, explosive action scenes. The atmospheric score and soundtrack further enhance the movie's mood, escalating tension and relieving it with calculated precision.

Despite being an action-packed film, Call of Heroes doesn't neglect the emotional spectrum of its characters. From Liu's stoic resilience to Peng's charm-filled determination and Koo's chilling malice, the film provides an emotional depth to its characters, making them three-dimensional and relatable.

In conclusion, Call of Heroes is an enthralling mix of heavy martial arts action, heartfelt drama, and contemplative political intrigue. Throughout the film, the audience is invited to reflect on morality, justice, and the impact of individual choices. With its high-intensity action, expertly crafted plot, and emotional depth, the film successfully delivers a cinematic experience that both entices the senses and provokes thought. It emerges as a compelling testament to the enduring appeal and malleable nature of the martial arts genre in the world of Asian cinema.