"Rob N Roll," the latest heist film to emerge from Hong Kong, is a tall tale imbued with dark humor. But this isn't just a story about a heist. The film delves into the lives of ordinary people, struggling during difficult times, and how their desperation might lead them to commit an ill-fated robbery.

The cast and crew pose with the audience at the premiere of "Rob N Roll," held in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Today Pictures]

Albert Mak, the director and one of the scriptwriters, told China.org.cn that he wrote the story intermittently over the years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been developing the movie's complex storyline and even conducted research, which included field trips to banks. Later, veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Derek Yee joined the project as an executive producer, helping Mak expand and polish the story.

Yee noted that he was uncertain whether cinemagoers would accept the film's style, which is reminiscent of early Hong Kong cinema. "The landscape, tastes, and passions of the audience are constantly changing, and we cannot fully grasp what they will like. In the internet era, we must avoid having a fixed mindset. However, during the dubbing work in Beijing, some young people expressed their appreciation for the film, while others born in the 1980s felt nostalgic. We have been attentive to audience feedback after advanced screenings, and now I am confident that the audience will accept this style."

In the film, Hong Kong pop star Aaron Kwok stars as a professional wrestler and meticulous robber planning a major heist. However, events take an unexpected turn when his plans are interrupted by two disillusioned middle-aged men, played by Gordon Lam and Richie Jen. The trio soon finds themselves on the run from both the police and other criminals. The film's cast also includes Maggie Cheung, Nancy Wu, and Lam Suet.

Kwok's hilarious bucktoothed appearance, which he designed himself, was a highlight at the premiere on Jan. 14 in Beijing. "I found the script refreshing, and as an actor, I'm always looking for a breakthrough. I hadn't starred in a dark comedy before, so this time, I wanted to portray a different kind of robber. The idea for the bucktoothed look just popped into my mind, so I asked to try it," Kwok said.

Initially, Mak had reservations about Kwok's makeup, which transformed the handsome superstar into a clown-like figure. But his doubts were dispelled in the editing room, where he saw how effectively the scenes came together. It worked.

Jen, who is also a popular singer and actor known for his roles as a policeman and villain in many of Johnnie To's crime epics, showcases his versatility in the film by playing a desperate social worker. He dedicated himself to studying the struggles of ordinary people, drawing on his own experiences during the pandemic when many of his businesses faced disruptions. Jen also noted that the trio in the film fully immersed themselves in their roles, often improvising during scenes to truly reflect the issues faced by middle-aged men.

A poster for "Rob N Roll." [Image courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]

Jen and Lam, who were involved in the film project from its early stages, portray two long-time friends who are both pitiable yet relatable. Lam's character is caught up in daily trivialities, familial squabbles, and pressures, a portrayal Lam believes will resonate with many family men.

"Gordon Lam and I portray ordinary men in this film. It's absurd, yet it remains grounded in reality," Jen explained. "It's a symphony of wild imagination for the average nobody. Together, in the movie, we face the hardships of life, being forced to commit a robbery. In the end, good people struggle with doing bad things, and bad people struggle with doing good things. However, we eventually develop a mutual understanding and respect for each other."

The director explained that his aim was to highlight the experiences of ordinary people from various walks of life who are navigating challenges in their personal lives, families, and careers. "When you watch crime films where the police are hunting down criminals, you usually see characters who you may not encounter in your own life. But in my film, it's all about ordinary people. There will always be someone like them in your life."

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