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Kenji Tanigakis The Furious Sets New Standards for Hong Kong Action Cinema
Kenji Tanigaki’s 2025 action thriller The Furious has struck a chord with critics, who describe it as one of the year’s—and in some circles, the decade’s—most compelling action films. The movie debuted at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2025 before opening in Hong Kong theatres on 12 June 2026, with an international version that has already reached audiences in India.
The narrative centers on Wang Wei, a mute Chinese immigrant and widowed handyman played by Xie Miao. When Wang’s daughter, Rainy (Yang Enyou), is snatched by a child‑trafficking ring, he allies with journalist Navin (Joe Taslim) to pursue the perpetrators. While the plot follows a familiar Taken-style structure, the film’s real draw lies in its kinetic action sequences.
Tanigaki, a Japanese action choreographer with credits on Hong Kong blockbusters such as Raging Fire and the The Raid sequels, directs the film and supervises the stunts. The choreography has been praised as raw, vicious, and exquisitely executed. Meteor Cheung’s camera work captures the fights fluidly within tight spaces, and editor Chris Tonick maintains a brisk pace that preserves the impact of each punch and kick.
The film’s apex is a brutal three‑way brawl inside a police station. Wang, Navin, and the antagonist’s henchmen clash in close quarters, with the camera and editing working in concert to heighten the intensity.
Production notes reveal that The Furious was a joint effort by Edko Films, XYZ Films, Zhejiang Hengdian Film Production, and Lionsgate. The international cut, currently available in India, differs slightly from the Chinese version: the latter gives Wang a larger narrative focus and includes a teaser for a potential sequel, a segment omitted from the international release.
The supporting cast adds martial‑arts credibility. Brian Le appears as a hulking henchman, Joey Iwanaga portrays the ring’s ringleader Paklung, Yayan Ruhian delivers a role reminiscent of his The Raid work, and Jeeja Yanin makes a brief but memorable cameo.
Critics have lauded the film’s choreography, camerawork, and editing, noting that the sequences rank among the most visceral seen in recent Hong Kong cinema. Some reviewers have called The Furious the best action film of the year, and in certain circles, of the decade.
The release strategy reflects a growing trend of dual‑cut releases in the Asian market. The international version, tailored for non‑Chinese audiences, preserves the core action while adjusting narrative elements for broader appeal. The Chinese cut expands on Wang’s backstory and hints at future installments.
Tanigaki’s reputation as a seasoned action director underpins the film’s practical effects and fight design. His background as a stunt performer and choreographer in Japan and Hong Kong informs a product that feels grounded in traditional Hong Kong action aesthetics while offering a fresh execution.
At present, the film has not yet been released on any streaming platform, and its Hong Kong theatrical run is expected to continue through the summer of 2026. The international cut’s release in India marks the first time the film will be available outside of Hong Kong and China.
In sum, The Furious stands out for its high‑quality action choreography, tight editing, and strong performances by a seasoned cast. The dual‑cut release strategy and positive critical reception position it as a significant entry in contemporary Hong Kong action cinema.
The narrative centers on Wang Wei, a mute Chinese immigrant and widowed handyman played by Xie Miao. When Wang’s daughter, Rainy (Yang Enyou), is snatched by a child‑trafficking ring, he allies with journalist Navin (Joe Taslim) to pursue the perpetrators. While the plot follows a familiar Taken-style structure, the film’s real draw lies in its kinetic action sequences.
Tanigaki, a Japanese action choreographer with credits on Hong Kong blockbusters such as Raging Fire and the The Raid sequels, directs the film and supervises the stunts. The choreography has been praised as raw, vicious, and exquisitely executed. Meteor Cheung’s camera work captures the fights fluidly within tight spaces, and editor Chris Tonick maintains a brisk pace that preserves the impact of each punch and kick.
The film’s apex is a brutal three‑way brawl inside a police station. Wang, Navin, and the antagonist’s henchmen clash in close quarters, with the camera and editing working in concert to heighten the intensity.
Production notes reveal that The Furious was a joint effort by Edko Films, XYZ Films, Zhejiang Hengdian Film Production, and Lionsgate. The international cut, currently available in India, differs slightly from the Chinese version: the latter gives Wang a larger narrative focus and includes a teaser for a potential sequel, a segment omitted from the international release.
The supporting cast adds martial‑arts credibility. Brian Le appears as a hulking henchman, Joey Iwanaga portrays the ring’s ringleader Paklung, Yayan Ruhian delivers a role reminiscent of his The Raid work, and Jeeja Yanin makes a brief but memorable cameo.
Critics have lauded the film’s choreography, camerawork, and editing, noting that the sequences rank among the most visceral seen in recent Hong Kong cinema. Some reviewers have called The Furious the best action film of the year, and in certain circles, of the decade.
The release strategy reflects a growing trend of dual‑cut releases in the Asian market. The international version, tailored for non‑Chinese audiences, preserves the core action while adjusting narrative elements for broader appeal. The Chinese cut expands on Wang’s backstory and hints at future installments.
Tanigaki’s reputation as a seasoned action director underpins the film’s practical effects and fight design. His background as a stunt performer and choreographer in Japan and Hong Kong informs a product that feels grounded in traditional Hong Kong action aesthetics while offering a fresh execution.
At present, the film has not yet been released on any streaming platform, and its Hong Kong theatrical run is expected to continue through the summer of 2026. The international cut’s release in India marks the first time the film will be available outside of Hong Kong and China.
In sum, The Furious stands out for its high‑quality action choreography, tight editing, and strong performances by a seasoned cast. The dual‑cut release strategy and positive critical reception position it as a significant entry in contemporary Hong Kong action cinema.
