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E-mail China.org.cn, June 15, 2024
A new Chinese crime film, "Walk the Line," released during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, takes audiences on a thrilling ride with two police officers as they investigate and fight against gangs and corruption.
Cast and crew pose for a group photo at the premiere of "Walk the Line" in Beijing, June 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Enlight Media]
Directed by Wu Bai, the visionary behind the 2021 TV series "Crime Crackdown," "Walk the Line" marks Wu's return to the crime genre. With a plot that revolves around a timid veteran police officer and his apprentice, this feature film tells a story of their fight against a city's dark underbelly and a web of collusion among corrupt businessmen and officials. The film stars notable actors Xiao Yang, Yu Ailei and Fan Chengcheng.
Blending comedic flair and a compelling, bold anti-corruption narrative, "Walk the Line" breathes fresh air into the genre. The director explained at the premiere held in Beijing on June 6, "this time, by exploring the story from the perspectives of both police and ordinary citizens, we bring a relatable and vibrant touch. The characters are imbued with the essence of everyday life and family, as real life is filled with humor and wit."
Veteran actor Xiao Yang, who portrays a seemingly timid and laid-back veteran police officer, explained that his character is actually navigating a midlife crisis. "The film explores how this character makes choices regarding family, career, temptation and faith amidst his crisis. It integrates familial relationships into the anti-gang narrative, blending in broader societal issues and realities. This approach is a fresh take within the anti-gang film genre," said Xiao. In the film, Xiao's role eventually becomes emboldened, going outside of his comfort zone and cracking down on the crime syndicate that he finds himself thrown into. Xiao dedicated this film to his father, who is a policeman in real life.
Fan Chengcheng, the young actor who portrays the apprentice, noted that his character's sense of justice essentially represents the initial aspiration and intention of all young police officers when they first start their careers, which is "to protect everyone around them."
"Walk the Line" has grossed more than 107 million yuan at the box office in China since June 8, coinciding with the start of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, and has become the top-grossing film during this three-day holiday period.
