Cageman

Prod/Dir: Jacob Cheung Chi-leung
Scrs: Yank Wong, Ng Chong-chau (uncredited), Jacob Cheung Chi-leung
Prod Co: Filmagica
Cast: Roy Chiao, Liu Kai-chi, Kuk Fung, Teddy Robin, Michael Lee, Wong Ka-kui
1992 | Colour | DCP | Cantonese | 150min

Jacob Cheung’s Cageman is the spiritual successor to the Great Wall-Feng Huang-Sun Luen films about housing issues of the working class, films such as House Removal Greeting (1954), The Hut on Hilltop (1970), and Mud Child (1976).

Cage homes were places where rental bedspaces were enclosed by wire and in 1990, fire broke out in one of those in Sham Shui Po, killing several residents. The tragedy called attention to the dire gravity of living conditions in Hong Kong. After that, Cheung was encouraged to make a film about society’s neglect of those in the lower depths by a reporter who took him on a tour of the impossibly cramped conditions. A meticulous production from script, direction, cinematography and art direction to contributions by the cast, Cageman is a showcase of Cheung’s artistry, such as the long takes of the narrow spaces and a ‘live broadcast’ sequence of the home’s demolition. Unlike most commercial productions of the time, the film is not headlined by big names (with the exception of musician Wong Ka-kui, in his final film role). Instead, the ensemble cast of mostly character actors and non-professionals delivers highly convincing, naturalistic performances that give voice to the most vulnerable in society.

Residents in Cageman forge a unique bond with each other despite occasional quarrels. Forced out by the landlord, they organise a drinking party on their final night at the home, their attempts to make merry amidst a hopeless situation a bittersweet but profound statement on the human condition. Dialogues in the film are peppered with realistic slang and swearing, earning a Category III rating. None of the characters are paragons of virtue but in fact flesh-and-blood human beings, each with his or her flaws. The film went on to receive four major honours at the 12th Hong Kong Film Awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Liu Kai-chi).

Category III film: Only persons aged 18 or above shall be admitted

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