HK crime thriller 'Cold War 1994' set for release on May 1

Crime film Cold War 1994 will hit cinemas in China on May 1, featuring a star-studded cast including Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, and Tony Leung Ka-fai. Directed by Longman Leung Lok-man, the movie will also host special screenings in several major cities across the country from May 1 to 3, where the cast is expected to make surprise appearances, delighting fans of the Cold War series.

Set in Hong Kong in the years leading up to the 1997 handover to China, the latest installment explores a tense power vacuum marked by police factionalism and gang rivalries. Early audiences in Shenzhen and Hong Kong have praised the film for its authentic depiction of the era and its striking parallels to real-life figures.

The original Cold War (2012), which starred Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung, grossed ¥253 million ($37 million) at China's box office and won Best Film at the 32nd Hong Kong Film Awards.

Ahead of its release, Cold War 1994 has already generated significant excitement.  

On film data platform Maoyan, over 81,000 users have expressed interest in the film, signaling strong anticipation for the Labor Day holiday period – traditionally a competitive box office window with numerous high-profile releases. Industry analysts predict that the movie could dominate its opening-day ticket sales.