The time-travel genre, once viewed with suspicion by Chinese censors, is back in vogue, paving the way for a glossy cinematic sequel to a beloved television series. 'Back to the Past' revives the story from the hit 2001 Hong Kong TV show 'A Step Into the Past', picking up the narrative two decades later with original star Louis Koo returning to the fray.
From Small Screen to Big Screen: A Sequel Two Decades in the Making
The film continues the saga of modern-day cop Hong Siu Lung (Louis Koo), who remains stranded in the third-century BC Qin dynasty. Having installed his disciple, Chiu Poon (Raymond Lam), as emperor, Hong lives quietly with his family. Meanwhile, in the present day, the time machine's inventor, Ken (Michael Miu Kiu-wai), is released from prison after serving time for the botched technology that marooned Hong.
Rather than seek redress through official channels, Ken embarks on a vengeful mission, channelling a Darth Vader-like resolve to travel back in time and seize the imperial throne for himself. This sets the stage for a conflict that bridges ancient warfare and futuristic firepower.
Action-Paced But Lacking Nuance
Directors Jack Lai and Yuen Fai Ng propel the story at a brisk pace, blending larky humour with relentless action. However, they sidestep the fish-out-of-water comedy one might expect from a premise involving ancient China meeting the modern world.
Instead, the film largely unfolds as an extended chase sequence, with Ken astonishing Qin dynasty footsoldiers by deploying 21st-century ordnance. While there are passable set pieces—such as a cart escape down a hillside tea plantation—the action often feels repetitive. The gun-fu fight choreography, overseen by veteran Sammo Hung, is surprisingly rote and frequently obscured by restrictive close-up shots.
Nostalgia and Narrative Stumbles
Where the film struggles more significantly is in its tonal shifts. The plot's soapier convolutions adopt an increasingly sententious tone, particularly through the character of Ken's betrayed daughter (Baihe Bai), who becomes a mouthpiece for lectures on megalomania and historical consequence.
Furthermore, Raymond Lam's cold-eyed tyrant is required to flip unconvincingly back into the role of Hong's misty-eyed ward, especially when the film leans heavily on nostalgic callbacks to the original television series. This reliance on nostalgia may delight die-hard fans of 'A Step Into the Past', but it offers a limited appeal for a broader audience seeking more sophisticated storytelling.
In summary, 'Back to the Past' delivers a serviceable, action-heavy continuation of a cult favourite. It capitalises on the renewed appetite for time-travel tales in Chinese cinema but ultimately fails to innovate beyond its core premise or elevate its action sequences. The film is now showing in UK and Irish cinemas.
