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Too Cool to Kill
Too Cool to Kill
Too Cool to Kill
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Too Cool to Kill
Chinese theatrical release poster
Traditional Chinese這個殺手不太冷靜
Simplified Chinese这个杀手不太冷静
Literal meaningThis killer isn't too cool-headed
Hanyu PinyinZhè ge Shāshǒu Bú Tài Lěngjìng
Directed byXing Wenxiong
Written byXing Wenxiong
Based onThe Magic Hour
by Kōki Mitani
Produced byYan Fei
Peng Damo
StarringMa Li
Wei Xiang
Production
company
Distributed byMahua FunAge
Release date
  • 1 February 2022 (2022-02-01)
Running time
109 minutes
CountryChina
LanguageChinese
Box office$413 million[1]

Too Cool to Kill is a 2022 Chinese action comedy film, based on the 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour.[2] It stars Wei Xiang as an amateur actor who is invited to play a leading role in a film and ends up drawn into a dangerous situation.[3] It was released in China on 1 February 2022 (Chinese New Year) and in the United States and Canada on 18 February 2022.[4][5][6] It is Xing Wenxiong's feature film directorial debut.[3]

Plot

[edit]

Harvey is a gang leader who a hitman named Karl sought to assassinate, but both were injured in the demolition of a building; Karl was crippled in the explosion and Harvey was injured by his astray bullet. While seeing a supposed employee in the hospital (not knowing it's his attempted assassin), Harvey receives news that his injury may not have been caused by flying debris from the building but instead by gunshot; the evidence provided being in the form of a shell casing with "Karl" engraved on it. Enraged, he vowed to seek out the hitman Karl. Meanwhile, Mi Lan's brother directed a film that failed in the box office, which meant Harvey lost money on his investment, prompting him to threaten said director. Harvey then gets startled by the popping of a balloon, mistakenly assuming Karl was in the vicinity. Mi Lan then uses this to say she knows "Karl" and can bring him to Harvey.

This brings amateur actor Wei Chenggong into the picture, as Mi Lan sees him as a potential recruit to "play the role of a hitman", which draws him into an unknowingly risky environment that could possibly have the group killed by Harvey and his gang, the whole while Wei thinking it's a film set.

Cast

[edit]
  • Ma Li as Mi Lan
  • Wei Xiang as Wei Chenggong
  • Chen Minghao as Harvey
  • Zhou Dayong as Jimmy
  • Huang Cailun as Mi Le
  • Ai Lun [zh] as Karl[7]

Production

[edit]

Too Cool to Kill is an adaptation of Kōki Mitani's 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour.[8][9]

It was written and directed by Xing Wenxiong (邢文雄), one of the writers of My People, My Homeland.[7] It is Xing's feature film directorial debut.[3] It was produced by Yan Fei (闫非) and Peng Damo (彭大魔).[10] Filming began on 23 June 2021, and on the same day it was announced that the film would be released on Chinese New Year 2022.[11]

For one scene in the film, Wei Xiang had to speak Italian, a language which he had never studied and felt stressed about speaking, according to costar Zhou Dayong. Wei said in an interview that the crew gave him a translator, who spoke to him after shooting and helped him memorize the lines.[12]

Release

[edit]

The film was released in China on 1 February 2022 (Chinese New Year), and it was released in a limited number of cities in the United States and Canada on 18 February 2022 by distributor Well Go USA.[4][5][6] It was the only pure comedy scheduled for release on Chinese New Year 2022.[8]

Reception

[edit]

The film has been one of the most successful of the 2022 Chinese New Year releases.[13] The film grossed $217 million in its first six days, including $110.5 million in its opening weekend.[14] It received positive reviews from advance screening audiences,[8] and on the day of its release, it got an average rating of 9.2 on Maoyan.[4] On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a score of 78% from audiences.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Too Cool to Kill

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Too Cool to Kill (Chinese: Zhege Shashou Bu Tai Lengjing) is a Chinese film directed by Wenxiong. The film stars Wei Xiang as aspiring actor Wei Chenggong and Ma Li as the enigmatic actress Milan, who draws him into a dangerous underworld scheme. It serves as a of the 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour, adapting its premise of and comedic peril in the film industry. The plot follows Wei Chenggong, a struggling performer with dreams of stardom, who receives an offer from to star as a named "Killer Karl" in what he believes is a low-budget action movie. Unbeknownst to him, the production is a front for a real criminal operation involving gangsters seeking an assassin, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous misunderstandings as Chenggong navigates the high-stakes deception. Released during the on February 1, 2022, the film blends self-aware humor about acting tropes with action sequences, emphasizing themes of ambition and accidental heroism. It was a major commercial success in , grossing 2.63 billion RMB (US$400 million). Upon its release, Too Cool to Kill received positive reviews for its witty script and performances, particularly Wei Xiang's portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing protagonist. Critics praised its lighthearted tone and cultural adaptation of the source material, earning it a 78% approval rating on based on 4 reviews. The film also had a limited U.S. theatrical run on February 18, 2022, distributed by , and became available on streaming platforms including and Prime Video.

Development

Original Inspiration

The Magic Hour is a 2008 Japanese comedy film written and directed by Kōki Mitani, starring Kôichi Satô as the struggling actor Taiki Murata and as the small-time hustler Noboru "Bingo" Saki. The story centers on Bingo, who faces dire consequences after stealing the girlfriend of a powerful gang boss; to appease him, Bingo claims access to a legendary hitman named Della Togashi and recruits the down-on-his-luck actor Murata to impersonate the assassin in a desperate scam. This setup spirals into a cascade of mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings, as various characters—from underlings to unsuspecting civilians—interpret Murata's theatrical performance as genuine lethality, heightening the while poking fun at the blurred lines between and reality. These core elements of impersonation and escalating confusion directly parallel the premise of Too Cool to Kill, where an amateur actor is drawn into a similar high-stakes ruse involving a fake hitman. The Magic Hour achieved significant commercial success in , grossing approximately 3.92 billion yen (about $35.7 million) and drawing over 2.8 million viewers, establishing it as one of the year's top domestic films. Its enduring popularity stemmed from the clever fusion of gangster action tropes, humor, and meta-commentary on , elements that resonated broadly and positioned it as prime material for international remakes. The adaptation into Too Cool to Kill was motivated by The Magic Hour's proven appeal in blending high-energy action with lighthearted and self-aware nods to the industry, genres that align well with Chinese audience preferences for entertaining, star-driven fare. Mitani's signature style—characterized by rapid-fire dialogue, ensemble-driven ensemble antics inspired by Hollywood screwball comedies of and , and affectionate of —shaped the remake's whimsical tone and emphasis on performative absurdity. This directorial approach, honed through Mitani's string of box-office hits, provided a blueprint for translating the original's charm to a new cultural context.

Adaptation Process

The adaptation of the 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour into Too Cool to Kill retained the core mistaken-identity plot, where an aspiring performer is unwittingly drawn into a criminal scheme by being mistaken for a professional hitman, while and director Xing Wenxiong infused the narrative with Chinese-specific humor through exaggerated, improvisational acting sequences and heightened action-comedy elements to appeal to domestic audiences. Specific changes included localizing settings to contemporary Chinese urban environments, such as bustling cityscapes that reflect everyday life in , and emphasizing the protagonist's characterization as an inept, passionate amateur actor named Wei Chenggong, whose over-the-top performances convince gangsters of his false identity as the hitman "Killer Karl." Additionally, cultural references were incorporated, such as the protagonist's quirky dedication to self-taught skills like practice over a decade, symbolizing themes of perseverance central to Chinese traditions. Producers Yan Fei and Peng Damo, known for their work with the comedy troupe Mahua FunAge, played key roles in securing the remake rights from the original Japanese production and allocating a budget tailored for a high-profile Chinese New Year release, ensuring the film aligned with festive viewing expectations while emphasizing relatable humor about artistic struggles. The development timeline began with pre-production planning in 2020, amid growing interest in adapting international comedies for the post-pandemic market, leading to principal photography starting on June 23, 2021, and an official project announcement on the same day confirming its slot for the 2022 Lunar New Year. This accelerated schedule allowed for a swift transformation of the script to incorporate Mahua FunAge's signature slapstick style, culminating in the film's release on February 1, 2022.

Production

Casting

The lead role of Wei Chenggong, an aspiring amateur actor, was given to Wei Xiang, who brought his established comedic timing from over two decades of supporting roles in films such as (2019) and (2018), where his memorable delivery of humorous lines helped elevate ensemble scenes. This marked Xiang's first starring role, selected for his ability to portray a bumbling yet earnest fitting the film's comedic tone. Ma Li was cast as Mi Lan, the scheming actress, drawing on her extensive background in Happy Twist comedies including (2015), (2017), and (2019), where she excelled in roles blending wit and physical humor. Her experience made her a natural choice to anchor the film's central dynamic of deception and absurdity. In supporting roles, Chen Minghao portrayed Harvey, the gang leader, leveraging his dramatic presence from prior works like Be Somebody (2021) to add menace to the comedy. Zhou Dayong played Jimmy, the boss's deputy, contributing his character actor versatility seen in various ensemble films. Huang Cailun took on Mi Le, Mi Lan's assistant, bringing subtle comedic support from his background in lighthearted Chinese cinema. Ai Lun (Allen) was selected as Karl, the real hitman, capitalizing on his comedic pedigree from films like (2019) and The Captain (2019), which highlighted his skill in exaggerated, timing-driven performances. The casting process emphasized actors with strong improvisation skills to handle the film's blend of scripted dialogue and spontaneous comedic scenarios, aligning with the adaptation's roots in Koki Mitani's The Magic Hour (2008).

Filming

Principal photography for Too Cool to Kill began in mid-2021 in various locations across , primarily urban settings to mimic the scam environments central to the story. The production team constructed and utilized studio sets, such as the Rhine Town set, to create a stylized European-inspired town that facilitated the film's meta-narrative and comedic staging. Director Xing Wenxiong employed handheld cameras to capture the chaotic energy of the action-comedy sequences, including chases and fights, while incorporating meta-film shots that playfully referenced the movie-making process itself. These techniques contributed to the film's and dynamic pacing. The production emphasized practical effects over CGI to maintain comedic realism in the stunt work, with budget allocations focused on executing the physical demands of the action elements. Produced by New Lily Media and Xi Hong Shi Entertainment, among others. The shoot faced significant challenges from protocols enforced in during 2021, requiring rigorous health screenings, on set, and adjusted schedules to comply with restrictions. The cast prepared intensively for their roles. wrapped by late 2021, allowing time for ahead of the film's February 2022 release.

Narrative and Characters

Plot Summary

Too Cool to Kill follows Wei Chenggong, a struggling aspiring to become a , who is unexpectedly recruited by established actress Mi Lan to portray the enigmatic Karl in what he assumes is an improvisational film project. Unbeknownst to him, Mi Lan and her brother, a director, are orchestrating a genuine to extract from the ruthless Harvey by leveraging the legendary of the real Karl, who recently failed an assassination attempt on Harvey and ended up hospitalized. As Wei delves deeper into the role, impersonating Karl during high-stakes encounters with Harvey and his syndicate, the narrative unfolds through a series of comedic chases, bungled negotiations, and escalating misunderstandings, where Wei's earnest but inept performance blurs the lines between scripted acting and perilous reality. Revelations about the authentic Karl's identity heighten the tension, forcing Wei into precarious alliances and betrayals amid the gang's suspicions. The film's 109-minute runtime is structured in three acts: an initial setup establishing the impersonation and scam's inception, a middle confrontation phase filled with gang interactions and chaotic pursuits, and a climactic identity crisis that amplifies the meta twists on performance versus authenticity. This Chinese comedy is a remake of the 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour, adapting its core premise of mistaken identity in the underworld.

Cast and Roles

The principal cast of Too Cool to Kill features Wei Xiang in the lead role of Wei Chenggong, a naive and ambitious amateur actor who embodies the archetype of the , providing through his earnest but bungled attempts at and performance. Ma Li portrays Mi Lan, the scheming and charismatic leading actress who manipulates events with a blend of charm and calculated deceit, serving as the central orchestrator of the film's central ruse. Chen Minghao plays Harvey (Ha Wei), the menacing and vengeful gang boss who functions as the primary antagonist, injecting tension through his suspicious and authoritative demeanor. In supporting roles, Zhou Dayong appears as Jimmy (Ji Mi), Mi Lan's loyal and imposing accomplice who aids in the chaotic schemes, while Huang Cailun plays Mi Le, Mi Lan's manic and creative brother who contributes to the deceptive efforts as a familial ally. Ai Lun portrays Karl, the legendary and elusive whose reputation and absence propel the narrative's high-stakes , representing an off-screen of the untouchable professional killer. The characters' dynamics emphasize comedic contrasts, particularly between Wei Chenggong's wide-eyed innocence and Harvey's ruthless menace, which heighten the 's tension through foils that underscore themes of pretense and peril.

Release

Theatrical Distribution

The premiered in on February 1, 2022, during the holiday period, with distribution handled by Maoyan Entertainment to leverage the peak attendance from festive crowds. Internationally, Too Cool to Kill received a limited theatrical release in the United States and on February 18, 2022, distributed by . The film later became available on streaming platforms, including starting November 1, 2023. In other markets, the movie received theatrical and digital releases across and from 2022 to 2023, such as the theatrical release in on February 24, 2022, and in on April 30, 2022, but saw no wide theatrical rollout in Western regions beyond . Regarding certifications, it earned a 13+ rating equivalent to PG-13 in select markets for content involving violence and language.

Marketing and Promotion

The marketing campaign for Too Cool to Kill (original Chinese title: Zhe Ge Sha Shou Bu Tai Leng Jing) emphasized the film's blend of action-comedy elements and its status as a remake of the 2008 Japanese film The Magic Hour, targeting family audiences during the 2022 holiday season. Promoters highlighted the star power of leads Ma Li and Wei Xiang, positioning the movie as a lighthearted, relatable story of an aspiring actor thrust into real danger while impersonating a hitman. The campaign utilized short-form video platforms like Douyin for teasers featuring comedic chases and mistaken identities, alongside celebrity endorsements from Happy Twist alumni such as , who attended advance screenings to build buzz among comedy fans. Official trailers played a key role in the promotion, with the first Chinese short teaser ("Aow" version) released on December 29, 2021, showcasing Wei Xiang's bumbling attempts at a tough-guy amid chaotic action sequences. A full "Acting Really Well" preview followed on January 5, 2022, further amplifying the humor through clips of impersonations and high-stakes misunderstandings, generating early online engagement on platforms like where fans discussed the remake's fresh take on the original . In the U.S., debuted an English-subtitled trailer on January 21, 2022, via , focusing on the film's "wildly hysterical" comedy-action fusion to appeal to international audiences ahead of its limited February 18 release. Promotional posters centered on Ma Li and Wei Xiang in dynamic poses—Ma Li as the glamorous actress and Wei Xiang as the reluctant "killer"—often set against European-inspired backdrops to evoke the story's town setting, underscoring themes of performance blurring into peril. Additional materials included a promotional theme song by Bao Shi Lao Ji, released on January 27, 2022, with its catchy, humorous lyrics tying into the film's meta-narrative of acting and reality. Social media efforts on highlighted the remake's origins, encouraging user-generated content around "fake killer" memes to engage younger demographics. Advance screenings in , such as those organized by Sina Entertainment on January 22, 2022, and viewer groups, created positive pre-release word-of-mouth, with attendees praising the film's family-friendly laughs suitable for holiday viewings. The strategy aligned the rollout with traditions, leveraging endorsements and viral shorts to position Too Cool to Kill as an accessible comedy amid competitive春节档 releases.

Reception

Box Office Performance

Too Cool to Kill achieved significant commercial success, grossing approximately 2.63 billion CNY ($414 million USD) worldwide, with the vast majority of earnings derived from the market. The film opened strongly in , earning 717 million CNY ($110.5 million USD) during its first weekend from February 4 to 6, 2022, across over 118,000 screens. By the end of its first six days, it had accumulated 1.41 billion CNY ($217 million USD), capitalizing on the holiday period. China accounted for over 95% of the film's total earnings, a performance boosted by its strategic release during the lucrative Spring Festival holiday, which drew large audiences to theaters. Following the initial surge, however, the declined sharply due to increasing competition from other releases, with weekly drops exceeding 60% in subsequent weekends. Internationally, the film had a modest showing, generating an estimated $1-2 million USD primarily through a limited U.S. theatrical release and subsequent streaming availability, alongside small contributions from markets like and . In comparison to other 2022 Chinese comedies, Too Cool to Kill outperformed titles such as Nice View ($211 million USD) and ranked among the year's top domestic hits, though it trailed blockbusters like The Battle at Lake Changjin II.

Critical Response

Upon its release in China during the 2022 Lunar New Year period, Too Cool to Kill received strong initial audience approval, earning a 9.2/10 rating on the Maoyan platform based on early viewer feedback. Internationally, the film holds an audience score of 78% on , derived from a limited number of verified ratings. Critics praised lead actor Wei Xiang's charismatic and comedic performance as the bumbling assassin, highlighting his ability to blend physical humor with emotional depth in a role that drives the film's light-hearted tone. Reviewers also commended the movie's fast-paced humor and meta-commentary on filmmaking tropes, drawing favorable comparisons to Hollywood action-comedies like for its self-aware . The film's energetic direction by debut feature filmmaker Wenxiong was noted for infusing charm and visual flair, despite occasional uneven pacing in action sequences. Some critiques pointed to the film's formulaic plot structure as a of the 2008 Japanese comedy The Magic Hour, arguing it occasionally relies on predictable setups that dilute originality. Advance screenings revealed minor flaws in the novice director's handling of transitions between and action, though these were often overshadowed by the overall escapist appeal. Audience reception in was bolstered by enthusiastic word-of-mouth, positioning the film as a popular choice for light-hearted family viewing amid holiday crowds. Internationally, viewers appreciated the cultural nuances of the humor but cited subtitle limitations as a barrier to fully capturing the rapid-fire dialogue and . The movie's success in further underscored its broad popularity as feel-good entertainment. The film received nominations at the 35th , including Best New Director for Xing Wenxiong, and won awards at the 2023 Zhejiang Film Phoenix Awards, such as Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actor for Chen Minghao. It did not win major national awards like the Huabiao Awards.

References

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