A HK$8M Confession: Stuntman Honors Hong Kong’s Action Cinema and Addresses Men’s Mental Health
#Stuntman #武替道
Stuntman in cinemas worldwide on 11 October
Stuntman in HK cinemas on 26 September
Hong Kong, 24 October 2024 -The Hong Kong action film Stuntman has recently gained significant attention, not only for its exhilarating action sequences but also for its nuanced exploration of men’s emotional well-being. With a production budget of HK$8 million sponsored by the HK First Feature Film Initiative, Stuntman is now screening in multiple regions, including Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, and North America. While the film primarily sparks conversations about the safety of stunt performers, its focus on men’s mental health is particularly timely as Movember approaches.
Movember: Expressing Vulnerability Doesn’t Make Men Weak
Movember aims to raise awareness of men’s mental health, challenging the traditional notion that “real men don’t cry.” Society, especially in Chinese culture, often imposes rigid expectations on men, discouraging them from expressing vulnerability. Many men find it difficult to openly share their emotions, viewing emotional expression as a sign of weakness. This leads to emotional suppression, where men bear their struggles alone or mask their feelings with anger. Such emotional repression has long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and society.
In Stuntman, the character Sam embodies the challenges of emotional suppression. His relentless work ethic alienates him from his colleagues, and the internal and external pressures eventually drive him into isolation. His journey mirrors the psychological struggles many men face in silence.
Research shows that men often express emotions indirectly, sometimes through physical symptoms. In one scene of Stuntman, Wai uses his leg injury as a way-out to show disagreement with Sam and avoid further confrontation with him, reflecting his avoidant coping mechanism.
Tough But Tender: Men Can Be Sentimental
The film’s four main male characters— Sam (Tung Wai), Wai (Philip Ng), Lung (Terrance Lau), and Kit (Max Cheung)—each confront their own emotional struggles. Through the metaphor of “love letters,” they express their inner conflicts and love languages:
- Sam: His love letter is one of loyalty and perseverance, showcasing his “give it all” dedication to Hong Kong action cinema. Despite opposition, he remains steadfast in his principles, always giving his all. In his interactions with his estranged daughter, Cherry, although Sam reveals a softer side, his traits of “give it all” is also seen when seeking her forgiveness for his past neglect.
- Wai: As a leader in the industry, Wai’s love letter is filled with guilt and care. After witnessing a colleague’s injury, he feels responsible and strives to guide the stunt industry in a safer direction, hoping to make amends for his internal regrets.
- Lung: A newcomer, Lung’s love letter expresses admiration for the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema and his desire to be a stuntman. However, the realities of the industry leave him feeling lost, reflecting the struggles of today’s youth, who are full of dreams but lack guidance. Unlike Sam and Wai, Lung’s heartfelt “letter” to his mentors shows his honesty and vulnerability, moving both the characters and the audience.
- Kit: Kit’s love letter is one of unconditional support for his brother, Lung. Although Kit gave up his dreams to shoulder family responsibilities, his admiration and encouragement for Lung illustrate the deep bond between siblings.
More than a Tribute to Hong Kong Cinema
The film’s directors, Albert and Herbert Leung, also craft a love letter to Hong Kong’s stunt performers through their storytelling. They pay tribute to the legacy of Hong Kong action cinema and express gratitude to the stuntmen who brought it to life. For the directors, who waited 17 years to bring Stuntman to the big screen, the film is not only a celebration of their debut as director, how far they have come is also a snapshot of the societal expectations and the pressures men commonly face.
Stuntman: Reflecting on Men’s Mental Health
Beyond its action-packed exterior, Stuntman addresses important social issues, particularly men’s mental health. Through witnessing the interactions between characters, the film subtly encourages viewers to reflect on how men handle stress and express their emotions. As Movember approaches, let’s create an environment where men feel safe to express their feelings, reducing the buildup of emotional stress and promoting long-term mental health. By offering this support, we can help men find the strength to face and overcome their struggles.
Stuntman Trailor：
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh4M1ZgDFo8
HK and overseas showtime and more behind-the-scene[ photos:
https://www.albertkleung.com/stuntman
Stuntman – scene photo
Synopsis – About Stuntman
LEE Sam (TUNG Wai) was the undisputed king of stunt choreography during the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema in the 80s. After a devastating stunt accident, Sam steps away from the industry for 30 years. However, his old friend, a veteran director, has now persuaded Sam to work as the stunt choreographer on what will be the director’s last film.
The only catch is that his film stars Wai (Philip NG) – Sam’s former stunt crew member who has since become a famous action star in his own right. Sam and Wai have a contentious history, with Sam’s infamously overbearing and demanding personality clashing with Wai’s own ego and ambition. By chance, Sam crosses paths with a young, ambitious stuntman named LEE Sai Long (Terrance LAU), who sees this as an opportunity to advance his career. Long is caught between Sam and his former protégé turned rival. At the same time, Long helps Sam to reconcile with his estranged daughter, Cherry (Cecilia CHOI).
As Sam returns to the world he once dominated, he must confront his past, mend fences with Wai, and overcome their personal conflicts in order to deliver an epic final action spectacle for the director’s swan song. However, in the midst of shooting a robbery heist, Sam’s shortsightedness endangers the public, and members of his crew are arrested, causing him to be fired.
As the pressure mounts and the stakes rise, Sam must decide what he’s truly fighting for—reclaiming his former glory or reconnecting with the daughter he’s taken for granted.
