Review: Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

By: Agnes Kwenia

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is one of the most impressive action films I have ever watched. Its excellence lies not only in its intense and realistic fight sequences but also in the way it presents profound human elements. The story takes place in Kowloon Walled City during the 1980s, a dense and oppressive concrete place, with electric cables hanging from many corners, narrow alleys, and a palpable atmosphere of chaos. Yet, even in the middle of all this chaos, the film shows warmth and a sense of community, making viewers feel that behind the violence and struggles, real connections and solidarity still exist.

From: IMDb

The main character, Chan Lok-kwun, is what makes the film feel different from typical action movies. Chan is neither a hero, nor a gangster, nor a strong man, he is simply a young man without identity, without a clear family, and without a future. He does not know who his parents are, where he comes from, or even who he truly is. His desire is simple and deeply human, he wants to discover his origins and secure an official identity that would give him a sense of belonging and stability in life.

However, this desire makes Chan vulnerable. Early in the film, he meets people who claim they can help provide him with identification and information about his family, but all of it is manipulation. Chan is asked to perform dangerous tasks, carrying and stealing forbidden items with the promise that he will receive official documents afterward. Instead of answers, Chan is trapped and ultimately becomes a fugitive pursued by Hong Kong’s criminal syndicates.

With nowhere else to turn, Chan finally takes refuge in Kowloon Walled City, a place that the outside world considers dangerous and lawless, yet it becomes the only space offering him a chance to survive.

Inside this walled city, the film truly comes alive. Chan meets Cyclone, a strict leader with a strong sense of responsibility toward his community. He also meets Shin, Twelfth Master, and AV, members of Cyclone’s group who initially might seem rough around the edges, but gradually become a surrogate family that accepts Chan as he is. Their relationships are far from perfect, full of scolding, arguments, and playful jokes. Despite everything, they look out for one another, which becomes the film’s greatest emotional appeal.

The action sequences are thrilling and tense, yet they still feel raw and realistic, resembling real-life fights that are chaotic and high risk. At the same time, the film includes humorous moments that allow viewers to smile, as if momentarily forgetting the violence on screen.

However, the tone can shift suddenly into deep emotional intensity. One of the most heartbreaking scenes involves a husband and wife who are addicted to drugs. Their desperate lives end in tragedy when, during a chaotic struggle over narcotics, one kills the other.

The emotional weight intensifies when their child discovers the mother’s body and runs to Chan and his friends for help. The atmosphere turns silent; Chan is shocked, but he is not alone. Shin, AV, and Twelfth Master immediately step in, and together they pursue the father.

Although the film does not explain all the details of the addicted family, I, as a viewer, felt that Chan’s motivation for revenge stems from his compassion for the helpless child. Chan fights not only for himself, but also for his friends, driven by their solidarity and by the anger provoked by the father’s actions against his family.

What makes “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” truly special is how it balances action with deeper themes such as identity, friendship, and betrayal. Chan, who initially only wants to discover who he is, ends up finding a new family in a place he never imagined. Even in the middle of the city’s chaos, he discovers structure, values, and affection he had never experienced elsewhere. As expected, the outside world does not just stand by. The conflict between Cyclone and Mr. Big escalates into a major confrontation, forcing Chan to make critical choices about whom he will protect and the kind of life he wants to pursue.

The ending leaves a lasting impression that a person’s identity is determined not only by origins or official documents, but by the choices one makes, the actions one takes, and the people one considers family. This is why “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” feels more than just an action film, it is a story about discovering oneself even in the darkest places.

Overall, the film masterfully combines breathtaking action, refreshing humor, and heartfelt drama. It makes viewers tense, laugh, and even nearly cry, turning the viewing experience into something that is not merely entertainment, but truly memorable.