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Golden Job
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| Golden Job | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Traditional Chinese | 黃金兄弟 |
| Simplified Chinese | 黄金兄弟 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Huáng Jīn Xiōng Dì |
| Jyutping | Wong4 Gam1 Hing1 Dai6 |
| Directed by | Chin Ka-lok |
| Screenplay by | Kim Dong-kyu Kwok Kin-lok Erica Li Heiward Mak |
| Produced by | Eric Tsang Herman Peng Sasaki Kyo |
| Starring | Ekin Cheng Jordan Chan Michael Tse Chin Ka-lok Jerry Lamb |
| Cinematography | Kenny Tse Edmond Fung |
| Edited by | Wenders Li Barfuss Hui |
| Music by | Chan Kwong-wing Kay Chan |
Production companies | Beijing Sparkle Roll Media Corporation The Entertainer Production Beijing Yao Yang Xin Ying Investment Kwan's International New Film Association The Artists Co. |
| Distributed by | Intercontinental Film Distributors (HK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Languages | Cantonese Japanese English Hungarian |
| Box office | US$47.3 million |
Golden Job is a 2018 Hong Kong action film directed by Chin Ka-lok, who also stars in the film alongside Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse and Jerry Lamb. The film was released in Hong Kong on 20 September 2018. Filming locations for Golden Job included Taiwan, Japan, Hungary, Montenegro, Beijing and Inner Mongolia.[1]
Plot
[edit]Lion, Crater, Bill, Calm, and Mouse are five orphans adopted and mentored by Cho Sir, whom they refer to as Papa. The five of them grew up as sworn brothers and become mercenaries belonging to The Agency. One time, they orchestra a mission to steal a truck load of medicine from a pharmaceutical company to help African children. However, the truck turns out to be full of gold belonging to The Agency, which was a scheme set up by Bill. As Bill turns against the group, this eventually leads Lion imprisoned in Hungary and Cho crippled. After his release, Lion joins his brothers to settle their score with Bill.
Cast
[edit]Golden Job reunited the cast from the Young and Dangerous film series, Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse and Jerry Lamb, together.[2]
- Ekin Cheng as Lion (獅王), the rational and calm leader of the group.
- Jordan Chan as Crater (火山), the short-tempered, but skilled marksman of the group.
- Michael Tse as Bill Leung, the traitor of the group, who is greedy, bitter, and refuses to acknowledge his mistakes. He schemes with Rice to steal gold.
- Chin Ka-lok as Calm (淡定), the group's ace driver.
- Jerry Lamb as Mouse (老鼠), the simple-minded tech expert of the group.
- Phil Chang as Joe, deputy commissioner of The Agency who assists the group in location Bill and the missing gold.
- Eric Tsang as Cho Sir (曹Sir), the adopted father and mentor of the five brothers, whom they refer to as Papa (阿爸).
- Zhang Yamei as Lulu (璐璐), Cho's daughter
- Yasuaki Kurata as Morimoto-San (森本), Cho's friend who resides in Fukuoka.
- Charmaine Sheh as Dr. Zoey Chow (周醫生), Lion's girlfriend who is a Médecins Sans Frontières doctor working in Africa.
- Sergej Onopko as Rick Rice, the group's former superior who schemes with Bill in stealing gold. He is later murdered by Bill after he insults him for betraying his brothers.
- Billy Chow as Rice's main henchman who later works for Bill after the former was killed by Bill.
- Alan Ng as Rice's Lead Henchman who constantly leads henchmen to eliminate the brothers.
Theme song
[edit]- Song: Bro (一起衝一起闖)
- Composer: Chan Kwong-wing
- Lyricist: Chan Kwong-wing, Fiona Fung, Jeffrey Chu
- Singer: Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, Chin Ka-lok, Jerry Lamb
Reception
[edit]Critical reception
[edit]Elizabeth Kerr of The Hollywood Reporter and notes the film's nostalgic and entertaining value and praises the film's tech and action choreography.[3] Edmund Lee of the South China Morning Post gave the film a score of 3/5 and calls it "a most contrived story that nevertheless entertains."[4] Carey Darling of the Houston Chronicle gave the film a score of 2 stars out of 5 and criticizes its predictability and lack of substance.[1] Andrew Saroch of Far East Films praises the film's set pieces and the casts' performances.[5]
Box office
[edit]Golden Job grossed a total of US$47,279,677 worldwide, combining its box office gross from Hong Kong, China, United States and Australia.[6]
In Hong Kong, the film grossed s total of HK$10,888,179 during its theatrical run from 20 September to 29 October 2018.[7]
In China, the film grossed a total of ¥317,488,000.[8]
Accolades
[edit]| Ceremony | Category | Recipient | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38th Hong Kong Film Awards[9] | Best Action Choreography | Chin Ka-lok | Nominated |
| Best Original Film Score | Chan Kwong-wing | Nominated | |
| Best Original Film Song | Song: Bro (一起衝一起闖)
Composer: Chan Kwong-wing
|
Nominated | |
| 2nd Kongest Film Awards | My Favorite Hong Kong Film | Golden Job | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Review: 'Golden Job' a tarnished Chinese action film". 27 September 2018.
- ^ "The Cast of 'Young & Dangerous' Reunite For Heist Thriller 'Golden Job'". TODAY. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "'Golden Job': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. 19 September 2018.
- ^ "Golden Job film review: Young and Dangerous reunion a globe-trotting action thriller". 20 September 2018.
- ^ Saroch, Andrew. "Golden Job (2018) - Review".
- ^ "Golden Job". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "2018年香港電影最高票房頭十位 無人想到竟有子華神份?!". 2 January 2019.
- ^ "艺恩-数据智能服务商_首页". www.endata.com.cn.
- ^ "香港電影金像獎". 香港電影金像獎.
External links
[edit]Golden Job
View on GrokipediaPlot
Lion, Crater, Bill, Calm, and Mouse are five orphans who were adopted and mentored by Cho, whom they call Papa, and grew up as sworn brothers working as mercenaries for an agency. During a mission, they steal a truck they believe contains medicine for sick children in an African refugee camp, but discover it is loaded with gold bars belonging to a foreign intelligence agency. Bill's betrayal causes the group to disband, leading to Lion's imprisonment in Hungary and Cho becoming crippled. After his release, Lion reunites with his surviving brothers to take revenge on Bill.[1][2]Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Chin Ka-lok | Calm |
| Ekin Cheng | Lion |
| Jordan Chan | Crater |
| Michael Tse | Bill |
| Jerry Lamb | Mouse |
| Eric Tsang | Satan |
Production
Development
Golden Job originated as a project spearheaded by Chin Ka-lok, who served as both director and co-writer, with production handled by Beijing New Film Association and The Entertainer Production Company. The film was formally announced at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, positioning it as an action comedy centered on a heist plot involving five soon-to-retire con artists who execute a high-stakes robbery during what begins as an innocent bachelor party.[6] The concept drew inspiration from the 1990s Hong Kong triad film series Young and Dangerous, aiming to reunite key cast members including Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, and Jerry Lamb to evoke nostalgia while exploring themes of brotherhood in a contemporary global action framework. Co-written by Chin alongside Cheung Chi-yin, Dong-kyu Kim, Erica Li, and Kwok Kin-lok, the script emphasized international heist dynamics, blending elements of camaraderie and betrayal among the protagonists raised in an orphanage and later trained as mercenaries.[7][8][5] Key creative decisions during development focused on adapting the nostalgic triad undertones of Young and Dangerous into a modern heist narrative, prioritizing the ensemble's chemistry to underscore loyalty and redemption amid perilous international intrigue. The writing process incorporated influences from global action tropes, tailoring them to highlight the group's unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardships.[6][9]Filming
Principal photography for Golden Job took place in 2018 across multiple international locations to capture the film's expansive heist storyline. Shooting occurred in Taiwan for urban scenes, Japan—including sites in Kumamoto Prefecture such as Hozantei, Mangan-ji, and Minami-Oguni—for training sequences, Hungary, specifically Budapest, for interior heist routes, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro for the island fortress finale, and Beijing along with the deserts of Inner Mongolia for chase scenes.[10][11] The action sequences were choreographed by director Chin Ka-lok, a veteran stunt performer who coordinated the practical effects used in gunplay and stunts to emphasize realism and kinetic energy.[5][12] Additional stunt direction for car action was handled by Chin Ka-lok's team, including Thomson Ng Hoi-tong.[12] Production faced logistical challenges due to the international scope, requiring coordination across borders, while remote shoots in areas like Montenegro's coastal fortress and Inner Mongolia's deserts were impacted by variable weather conditions. On-site action rigging and coordination were managed by Kwan's International Co., Ltd., one of the key production entities involved alongside Beijing Sparkle Roll Media Corporation and The Entertainer Production Co., Ltd.[12]Music
The original score for Golden Job was composed by Chan Kwong-wing, a veteran Hong Kong film composer known for his work on action-oriented projects.[13][14] The film's official theme song, titled "Bromance" (also known as "Bro" or "一起來一起走"), was performed by the main cast members Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, Chin Ka-lok, and Jerry Lamb.[15][16] Composed by Chan Kwong-wing with lyrics by Chan Kwong-wing, Fiona Fung, and Jeffrey Chu, the track was released on August 20, 2018, ahead of the film's premiere.[17][18] The full soundtrack album, Golden Job (Original Soundtrack), was released by Media Asia Music on October 19, 2018, featuring 18 tracks including the theme song in both Cantonese and Mandarin versions, a 2018 rendition of the classic "Years of Friendship," and various instrumental cues such as "First Mission."[13][19] The vocals for the theme song were recorded following principal photography and incorporated into the film's post-production audio mix.[20]Release
Marketing and promotion
The marketing campaign for Golden Job emphasized the film's high-octane action and the nostalgic reunion of the core cast from the Young and Dangerous series, positioning it as a brotherhood heist thriller. The initial promotional trailer was released in late August 2018, showcasing intense gunfights, explosions, and the ensemble's camaraderie, with the cast performing the theme song "Bro" to evoke emotional ties.[21] A subsequent full trailer followed in early September 2018, further highlighting the plot's mercenary heist and betrayals, distributed across social media platforms and YouTube to build early buzz. Posters and digital ads reinforced the "brotherhood" motif, featuring the five leads in tactical gear amid global locations like Montenegro and Japan. Promotional events centered on cast appearances to capitalize on their star power and fan loyalty. Press conferences were held in Beijing on September 17, 2018, where actors Jordan Chan, Chin Ka-lok, and others interacted with media, sharing anecdotes from production.[22] Tie-in merchandise included official soundtracks featuring the cast's theme song and collectible posters depicting the "golden brothers" in heroic poses, sold through theater chains and online retailers to extend the film's emotional appeal. Regional strategies tailored promotion to key markets. In mainland China, Weibo campaigns included giveaways for premiere tickets and behind-the-scenes content, to amplify reach among nostalgic audiences. Hong Kong efforts focused on Young and Dangerous references, with trailers and ads invoking the 1990s triad nostalgia to target local fans. Internationally, events extended to Malaysia and Taiwan screenings tied into broader Asian distribution. The theme song was prominently used in trailers for emotional hooks, underscoring the unbreakable bonds among the characters.Distribution
The film premiered in Hong Kong on September 19, 2018, at a local theater, followed by a red carpet event attended by the principal cast including Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, and Michael Tse.[7] Golden Job received its wide theatrical release in Hong Kong on September 20, 2018, and in mainland China the next day on September 21, 2018.[23][24] The rollout extended to limited international markets, including Southeast Asian territories such as Singapore and New Zealand on September 20, 2018, and Taiwan on September 21, 2018; it reached North America with a limited U.S. release on September 28, 2018.[23][2] In Asian markets, distribution was managed by Golden Dragon Pictures Limited, while Well Go USA handled North American theatrical rights.[25][7] Subtitled versions in English and other languages supported global accessibility in select territories.[23] Home video distribution followed in early 2019, with Blu-ray and DVD editions released in the United States on April 9, 2019, by Well Go USA.[26] As of 2025, the film is available on streaming platforms such as Prime Video.[4]Reception
Critical reception
Golden Job received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences and nostalgic appeal while criticizing its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. On IMDb, the film holds an average rating of 5.6 out of 10 based on over 1,500 user votes.[1] Similarly, it scores 5.0 out of 10 on Douban from approximately 50,000 ratings.[27] Aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports a 31% approval rating from six critics.[2] Critics highlighted the film's energetic action choreography as a standout feature, with Elizabeth Kerr of The Hollywood Reporter noting that "the action sequences are the film’s strongest asset, delivering high-octane thrills."[7] The stunts and gunplay were particularly commended for evoking the high-energy style of classic Hong Kong cinema, contributing to moments of genuine excitement despite the overall formulaic structure. However, the storytelling drew frequent complaints for lacking originality, as Cary Darling of the Houston Chronicle described it as "just a generic heist movie... the sum ends up being decidedly far less than its already predictable parts," tarnished by clichés borrowed from better films.[28] The nostalgic reunion of the Young and Dangerous cast was a double-edged sword, appealing strongly to Hong Kong audiences familiar with the 1990s franchise but failing to innovate beyond homage. Edmund Lee of the South China Morning Post observed that "fans of 1990s triad film series Young and Dangerous will feel a massive surge of nostalgia during Golden Job," which entertains through its contrived brotherhood theme, though it remains a disguised tribute laden with formulaic tropes.[8] Character development was another weak point, with Kerr pointing out that the protagonists are "thinly sketched, lacking depth or development," prioritizing spectacle over emotional substance.[7] Audience reception showed a divide from critics, with higher appreciation among fans driven by the Young and Dangerous fandom and nostalgia, leading to more favorable scores on platforms like Douban despite the middling critical consensus.[27] This word-of-mouth enthusiasm underscored the film's success in tapping into cultural sentiment, even as reviewers noted its convoluted plot undermined broader appeal.[7]Box office
Golden Job grossed $47.3 million worldwide upon its release.[24] The majority of earnings came from China, where the film accumulated $45.8 million, equivalent to approximately ¥315 million.[24][29] Released on September 21, 2018, it debuted strongly with $22.9 million over the opening weekend, capturing the top position at the Chinese box office due to the enduring popularity of its cast from the 1990s Young and Dangerous franchise.[30] The film's theatrical run in China lasted five weeks, contributing significantly to its overall financial success.[31] In Hong Kong, the September 20, 2018, release generated $1.12 million over its run, reflecting a more modest performance amid competition from other local productions.[24] International markets beyond China and Hong Kong added roughly $0.1 million, underscoring the film's limited appeal outside East Asia.[24] Overall, the mainland Chinese market proved pivotal in driving the film's financial success, with positive critical notes on its action sequences aiding attendance.[30]Accolades
| Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38th Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Action Choreography | Chin Ka-lok, Ng Wing-lun | Nominated | [32] |
| 38th Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Score | Chan Kwong-wing | Nominated | [33] |
| 38th Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | "Bro (一起衝一起闖)" by Chan Kwong-wing (composer), Fiona Fung, Jeffrey Chu (lyricists), performed by Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, Chin Ka-lok, Jerry Lamb | Nominated | [34] |
