In 2001, a little show called A Step into the Past aired in Hong Kong. While it may not be widely known in the UK, it has become extremely popular across Asia and has a highly influential presence. The story of Hong Siu-lung travelling back to the Qin dynasty to take a photo with a digital camera, only to be sent far too far into the past, sets the stage for a wonderfully entertaining series. Blending the fear of drastically altering history with a classic fish-out-of-water narrative, the show has earned enduring affection, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a final adaptation ever since its conclusion.

Over 25 years later, Back to the Past, the highly anticipated film continuation, is finally making its way to the big screen. Many of the original cast members have returned, bringing real star power in front of the camera. Behind the camera, directors Yuen Fai Ng and Jack Lai have limited experience in the director’s chair, with only a few features under their belts, but Hong Kong action legend Sammo Hung (credited as Sammo Hung Kam-bo) serves as the film’s action director. Having never heard of or seen the original show, the involvement of Louis Koo and Sammo Hung was enough to pique my interest, and by the time the credits rolled, I was pleasantly surprised.

Taking place 20 years after the end of the show, Hong Siu-lung is living in the countryside with his two wives and son, Bowie (an unusual setup, to say the least). Ying Ching is on his quest to unify China so he can be the sole ruler. After resolving a conflict, Ying Ching is attacked by Ken and his group of mercenaries. Ken was recently released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He decides to go back in time to the Qin to take up the throne and become emperor to make up for his lost years.

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In what could be viewed as a backhanded complaint, though it’s meant in all seriousness, Back to the Past closest equivalent of Sex and the City: The Movie, when it comes to TV to film adaptations. First and foremost, Back to the Past is made for fans, with newcomers barely considered. The quick recap at the start offers just enough for returning viewers to refresh their memories, but it’s hardly sufficient for anyone unfamiliar with the show. Newcomers will likely be left perplexed by what’s unfolding. Even discovering that Hong Siu-lung now has two wives struck me as somewhat comical, despite the film treating it with complete seriousness.

However, there is enough going on that its 107-minute runtime flew by, and after a while, even this novice slowly began to understand the character dynamics and overarching narrative. By the time the credits rolled, I still wasn’t as emotionally moved as the film intended, but the momentum never dragged. Even though it stumbled emotionally for a non-fan like me, the film excelled in terms of performances. Louis Koo is a phenomenal actor and is excellent here as Hong Siu-lung, while Raymond Lam is equally strong as Ying Ching. Thanks to their performances, the final scene is genuinely gripping.

Action-wise, it’s inconsistent. I’m unsure whether Sammo Hung is struggling to adapt to modern technology or whether his work simply wasn’t refined properly in post. Some of the action is over-edited and relies heavily on CGI, yet it can still be entertaining and a reminder of why Sammo Hung remains a legendary figure in Hong Kong action. Other moments, however, are genuinely rough, particularly a cave fight that is so bizarrely staged and cut that it becomes nearly unwatchable. Aside from that one misfire, the rest of the action scenes are enjoyable, and a cage fight sequence stands out as genuinely strong, using quick cuts and tight close-ups to create a genuinely thrilling sequence.

Even though the CGI can look shoddy in places, the actual set and costume design is stunning and genuinely transports you to the past. While drastically different in style, films like Hero, which also takes place during the Qin dynasty and features Ying Ching, demonstrate why this period in Chinese history is so ripe for exploration. Back to the Past continues that tradition and may even inspire newcomers to dig deeper into why the original show became such a hit.

Back to the Past was a fun film for a novice like me, but I imagine it will be even more rewarding for longtime fans. Every aspect of the film feels like a love letter to the series and its loyal fanbase. Much like Sex and the City: The Movie, it’s made for them and no one else. I just hope the wait was worth it for those fans and that they get the film they’ve always wanted. Flaws aside, I couldn’t help but feel that its 107-minute runtime flew by faster than most films I’ve seen recently.

★★★

In UK Cinemas Now / Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, Joyce Tang / Dir: Yuen Fai Ng and Jack Lai / Trinity CineAsia / 15

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