Summary of Key Points
This interview provides an in-depth analysis by director Andrew Lau of "Cold War 1994" and the "Cold War Universe": By producing a prequel set between 1994 and 1995, the film aims to complete the historical threads left unresolved in "Cold War" and "Cold War 2," thereby constructing a cohesive narrative spanning from 1994 to 2017. The story evolves from internal police conflicts to an intricate web of espionage, gang warfare, and business rivalries, incorporating real historical events in Hong Kong (such as the dissolution of the Political Department) and collective memories (like the wealthy businessman kidnapping case). The film innovates within the genre of police thrillers by blending fact with fiction. Lau also discusses issues related to casting, narrative techniques, and the current state of Hong Kong cinema, offering insights into the creative logic behind the "Cold War Universe" and his vision for the future of Hong Kong films.
1. Why produce a prequel set in 1994? How was the "Cold War Universe" conceived?
Many fans wonder why a prequel was made so long after "Cold War" and "Cold War 2," considering that both films mention events from 1995. It turns out that after completing "Madam White Snake," producer John Woo suggested the idea of "going back in time instead of moving forward." The dissolution of the Royal Hong Kong Police Political Department in 1995 was a real historical event, which, combined with the plot elements from "Cold War" where Lee Man-bin dismantles a criminal organization in 1995, provided the perfect timeline for the prequel.
The prequel is divided into two parts: "Cold War 1994" focuses on the wealthy businessman kidnapping case (laying out the story framework), while "Cold War 1995" explores the fates of the characters. The screenplay was refined over more than two years, evolving from a preliminary outline to the current version 6.7, with numerous revisions. This process is akin to writing an essay—first establishing the structure and then adding details gradually. Major changes result in a new version number (e.g., from version 3 to 4), while minor adjustments are denoted by a decimal increase (e.g., from 6.1 to 6.7).
The concept for the "Cold War Universe" was inspired by "Star Wars": first showing the audience the outcome (the mature Lee Man-bin in "Cold War") and then explaining how he became that way (in the prequel). This approach not only retains the interest of old fans but also attracts new viewers, as those who haven't seen the previous films can still understand the prequel, and watching all four parts reveals the hidden clues (such as subtle dialogues), making it an engaging experience like solving a puzzle.
2. What were the considerations for casting? Why were Liu Jun-kwan chosen for the young Lee Man-bin and Wang Dan-ni for the female gang leader?
- Liu Jun-kwan as the young Lee Man-bin: Andrew Lau found that Tony Leung's portrayal of Lee Man-bin was too iconic to replicate, so they needed a new actor. After much deliberation, they chose Liu Jun-kwan, considering him one of the best actors in Hong Kong today. Despite being 37 years old for the role of a younger Lee Man-bin, Lau believed his acting skills would be up to the task. He noted that the definition of youth has become more inclusive, and Liu Jun-kwan's talent made him a perfect fit.
- Wang Dan-ni as the female gang leader: Lau had wanted to work with her again since "Madam White Snake." The new gang in this story is a force of opposition to Lee Man-bin, and having a female leader adds a fresh perspective. Wang Dan-ni's tall stature and distinctive appearance suited the character. Her portrayal of Ms. Ruan, who worships Mazu (a pirate tradition), creates a compelling conflict with Lee Man-bin.
- Character inspiration: The cast was informed about real-life references. For example, the character Pan Chun-hing, played by谢君豪, is based on a real person; their dialogue style (speaking slowly and softly to convey authority) was designed to be intimidating. The styling of the O记 police officers (always with cigarettes and worshiping Guan Yu) reflects the corrupt nature of the police force in the 1990s, unlike today's more professional appearance.
3. What new narrative techniques were used? How were real events integrated into the story without breaking the illusion?
- Interwoven timelines: "Cold War 1994" uses two parallel timelines: one set in 2017 (following the Chief Executive election in "Cold War 2," with Eric Kwok's character Ye Shun-ting facing challenges while investigating Lee Man-bin's past) and another in 1994 (the main storyline). This connects the previous films and explains why the prequel is necessary.
- Blending fact with fiction:
- Real events were used as a foundation: For instance, the dissolution of the Political Department in 1995 was based on interviews with former officers who remained tight-lipped about the details; the 1990s businessman kidnapping case was covered by gossip magazines but not officially acknowledged by the police or the wealthy families, providing creative freedom.
- Timeline ambiguity: "Cold War" and "Cold War 2" deliberately avoid specifying exact years to prevent them from appearing outdated. However, "Cold War 1994" clearly sets the story in 2017 to fit with the plot of the previous films.
- Emphasizing fiction: Lau emphasized that this is not a historical document but a work of fiction, similar to "House of Cards," where the audience should enjoy the story without worrying about its authenticity.
4. How can Hong Kong police thrillers be innovated? What's the future direction?
- Genre evolution: The series has progressed from internal police conflicts in "Cold War" to include espionage (given Hong Kong's role as a British outpost in East Asia), the transformation of gangs into business families (a real phenomenon in the 1990s), and the involvement of foreign forces (such as the British police). For example, the new gang "Old Ball" draws inspiration from the pirates during Hong Kong's opening as a British colony and the Vietnamese阮 family's influence. The character who worships Mazu adds a unique element to the story.
- Facing challenges: Some argue that Hong Kong cinema is in decline, but Lau believes markets ebb and flow. With only about a dozen films released annually in Hong Kong (compared to over 100 in the past), and a shortage of talented actors, Lau focuses on making sincere films. He aims to do his best for the present and let time prove the success of his work.
- **Highlights of "Cold War 1995": The film will delve into the fates of the three main characters—Lee Man-bin, Pan Chi-ang, and Choi Yuen-chi—exploring their choices and sacrifices in the turbulent context of 1995, providing a deeper understanding of their growth and the impact of the times.
5. Being both screenwriter and director: What makes this approach unique?
Andrew Lau initially worked as a art director but had to write the scripts himself due to budget constraints. Even with a team, he finalizes the script personally to ensure the actors understand the story clearly. He finds writing more liberating, but directing requires facing the on-set challenges and managing the actors, which comes with greater responsibility. This dual role allows him to maintain consistency in the story's details and style, contributing to the cohesion of the "Cold War Universe."
This interview reveals that the "Cold War Universe" is not a casual undertaking but a result of careful planning and genuine dedication to Hong Kong's history and its audience. The series injects new vitality into Hong Kong police thrillers, and its exploration of genre and storytelling techniques holds great promise for the future of the genre.