Limbo 2021

Drama

Box Office

$922K

Runtime

104 min

Language

English

Directed by

Ben Sharrock

Made by

Focus Features

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Limbo (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

Rookie police officer Will Yam, portrayed by Mason Lee, has just graduated from the police academy and is eager to prove himself on the streets. However, his initial assignment quickly turns complicated when he is teamed up with the seasoned officer Cham Lau, played by Gordon Lam, who has recently been reinstated after facing controversy. The duo finds themselves entangled in a string of serial killings that are terrorizing the city, but rather than making progress, their efforts inadvertently lead to a cascade of unfortunate events.

As the plot unravels, Cham faces his own demons when he unexpectedly crosses paths with Wong To, a drug-addicted street urchin portrayed by Cya Liu, who is hauntingly linked to his tragic past where she was involved in a fatal incident affecting Cham’s family. Cham’s growing rage leads to a troubling spiral of violence and abuse directed at Wong, showcasing his internal turmoil.

Adding to the drama, Will’s clumsy mistake of misplacing his firearm results in it falling into the hands of the very serial killer they are trying to apprehend, escalating the tension and urgency in their investigation. With the killer now able to move freely in the shadows, a chilling crisis looms ever closer.

Filming for Limbo commenced in September 2017 across various locations in Hong Kong, particularly in To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong, known for their rich historical architecture. Significant scenes, including a dramatic rooftop fight between officers Cham Lau and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, were uniquely choreographed, with both actors losing substantial weight to authentically portray their roles. Notably, a memorable scene was filmed on Gordon Lam’s birthday as he navigated a garbage chute in search of crucial evidence.

Limbo made its world premiere at the prestigious 71st Berlin International Film Festival, held virtually in March 2021, and was later recognized at the 23rd Far East Film Festival where it won the esteemed Purple Mulberry Award. Upon its release in Hong Kong on November 18, 2021, the film achieved a noteworthy gross of HK$740,238 within its first four days, marking a strong debut.

Critics have lauded the film, with Lee Marshall from Screen Daily highlighting director Cheang Pou-soi’s profound “dystopian vision of an Asian metropolis grappling with a political and social identity crisis,” while Jessica Kiang from Variety praised the film’s masterfully choreographed action sequences complemented by the spectacular cinematography of Cheng Siu-Keung.

Timeline

Track the key events of Limbo (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Will Yam Graduates from the Police Academy

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 Assigned to Partner with Cham Lau

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.

Serial Killings Begin to Terrorize the City

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 Encounters Wong To

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.

Cham's Internal Struggles Unfold

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.

Will Misplaces His Firearm

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.

The Killer Gains the Upper Hand

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 Begins in Hong Kong

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.

September 2017 Hong Kong

Rooftop Fight Scene Filmed

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.

Major Scene Filmed on Gordon Lam's Birthday

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.

World Premiere at Berlin International Film Festival

*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.

March 2021 Berlin

Recognition at the Far East Film Festival

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.

Release in Hong Kong

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.

November 18, 2021 Hong Kong

Critical Acclaim for the Film

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.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Limbo (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Will Yam

Will Yam is a rookie police officer striving to prove himself. Eager yet inexperienced, his clumsiness leads to significant setbacks during investigations. Will embodies the pressure faced by new officers to succeed, illustrating the learning curve of navigating law enforcement.

👮 Rookie 🤔 Inexperienced

Cham Lau

Cham Lau is a seasoned officer grappling with his dark past and recent controversies. His character is marked by internal conflict, as he confronts his demons while managing the crime wave in the city. His violent outbursts and connection to Wong To reveal his struggle between duty and personal pain.

👮‍♂️ Veteran 😔 Tormented

Wong To

Wong To is a drug-addicted street urchin linked to Cham's tragic history. Her presence in the film highlights the impacts of addiction and societal failure on vulnerable individuals. Through her character's hardships, the film explores themes of victimization and redemption.

🚨 Victim 💔 Vulnerable

Setting

Uncover the settings of Limbo (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular time period, instead reflecting contemporary society with its references to modern policing and urban challenges. It addresses current issues of crime, addiction, and societal pressures, making it relevant to today's audiences.

Location

Hong Kong, To Kwa Wan, Kwun Tong

Hong Kong is a vibrant city known for its stunning skyline and rich cultural heritage. To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong are districts within the city, renowned for their historical architecture and bustling urban life. These locales provide a backdrop to the intense narrative of *Limbo*, adding depth to its exploration of social issues.

🏙️ City 🏛️ Historical

Themes

Explore the core themes of Limbo (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

🌀

Despair

The theme of despair is central to *Limbo*, as characters navigate personal and societal crises. Cham Lau's internal struggles with his past and Will Yam's rookie mistakes highlight the emotional weight of their responsibilities. The film portrays a grim reality where the characters are often overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control.

⚔️

Violence

Violence is prevalent throughout the film, depicted through both the physical confrontations and the psychological turmoil faced by the characters. Cham Lau's abusive tendencies toward Wong To illustrate how personal demons can manifest into harmful behaviors. It raises questions about the impact of trauma and the cycle of violence.

🏴‍☠️

Addiction

Addiction serves as a critical theme represented by Wong To's struggles with drugs. This theme underscores the devastating effects addiction has not only on individuals but also on those connected to them. The film examines societal responses to addiction, presenting it as a poignant issue intertwined with crime and personal loss.