A new action-packed film scheduled to be released during the May Day holiday will shine a light on Chinese police officers participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions for the first time. 

Cast and crew pose for a group photo at the premiere of "Formed Police Unit" in Beijing, April 29, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse Entertainment]

"Formed Police Unit" is directed by renowned Hong Kong director and choreographer Lee Tat-Chiu, known for "The Matrix" and many more blockbusters. The film is produced by "Infernal Affairs" director Andrew Lau and features a star-studded cast including Huang Jingyu, Wang Yibo and actress Zhong Chuxi. 

Director Lee, at the film's premiere on Monday, revealed that he originally got the idea for the film after hearing news about eight Chinese peacekeeping police officers who died in Haiti during a strong earthquake while on a mission 14 years ago, he was deeply moved.

In order to preserve authenticity, the film's production team spent more than half a year meticulously building sets to recreate the actual locations where Chinese peacekeeping police are stationed and conduct missions. The props and costumes, ranging from helmets to bulletproof vests and firearms, were all carefully tailored. 

When it came to casting, executive producer Lau explained that they had many factors to consider when choosing actors for each role, such as strong physique, action skills, language ability, and most importantly, vitality.

The film centers on a group of Chinese peacekeeping police sent overseas to a conflict-torn African country. There, they undertake peacekeeping missions and face various lethal threats, including terrorist attacks, rampant gangs and premeditated murders.

"I didn't know much about China's peacekeeping police until I participated in this movie," said actor Wang Yibo. "They are on the edge of grave danger, closest to war and death, and they are usually out of the country for years, unable to be with their families as they carry out missions overseas. So, I really hope through this film, people will learn more about this great police group."

"After making this movie, I feel we should cherish life more. The peacekeeping police are individuals who use their flesh and blood to build defensive lines for us," actress Zhong Chuxi said. At the film's premiere, Zhong also shared a quote from He Zhihong, a peacekeeping officer who died in the line of duty: "In this vast world, I may be just like a small feather. But even so, I want this feather to carry the wish for peace." She added that these words touched her deeply.

Another highlight at the premiere was the appearance of Alazi Soumaila Rawdoth, a model and actress from the Republic of Benin in Africa whose Chinese name is Mulan. As a foreign student who has studied in China for years, Rawdoth shared her experience in China and in making this film, where she plays an important role.

Rawdoth noted that the film authentically depicts the war-torn, harsh realities in peacekeeping regions and felt it was her mission to represent Africans in this film. She mentioned that China is a great country that gives her a deep sense of security. During the premiere, she thanked China on behalf of her fellow Africans for sending peacekeeping troops to their countries. Additionally, she expressed a desire to learn more about Chinese culture and spirit in the hopes of bringing these insights back to Africa.

An IMAX poster for "Formed Police Unit." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

"Formed Police Unit" will hit Chinese theaters nationwide on May 1.

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