The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Hong Kong television series, A Step into the Past (also known as Shallow Time or Shun Tin Gei), premiered simultaneously in mainland China and Hong Kong today, drawing significant crowds and positive early reactions from audiences eager for the nostalgic return of the classic time-travel saga. Marketed by some as a potential “market savior” for cinemas, the film secured 1,460 screenings across Hong Kong on its opening day alone, with many locations reporting near-capacity crowds; notably, a screening at the Kai Tak cinema was nearly a complete sell-out, prompting some patrons to purchase front-row seats and pose for photos with promotional displays.
The film’s reception appears overwhelmingly positive, fueled by deep-seated nostalgia and curiosity regarding the cinematic renewal of the 2001 television drama. Many attendees cited their long-standing connection to the original series as their primary motivation for attending. Mr. Lai, who attended the premiere with his girlfriend, Ms. Wu, revealed a personal connection, sharing that he was a former primary school classmate of lead actor Louis Koo. He praised the film’s conclusion and highlighted the significant technological leaps in special effects compared to the earlier series, an sentiment echoed by others who appreciated the contemporary production values. Ms. Wu, despite never having watched the original series, found the film compelling and expressed a newfound interest in watching the television classic.
Nostalgia and Cinematic Updates Resonate with Viewers
Enthusiasts offered high praise, citing the successful blend of comedy, action, and emotional depth. Ms. Fung, an avid long-time fan who attended with her boyfriend and friend Ms. Leung, gave the film an enthusiastic nine out of ten. She lauded the film for its humor, numerous “Easter eggs,” and familiar scenes that “brought all the memories rushing back.” She noted that the core characters seemed convincingly preserved, appearing relatively unchanged from their original portrayals.
Ms. Leung found the film particularly rich in emotional depth, praising the complex portrayal of the mentor-disciple relationship between the characters played by Louis Koo and Raymond Lam as the most moving aspect. While she acknowledged the film’s relatively short runtime and the necessity of introducing new characters—which slightly reduced screen time for some original cast members—she was pleasantly surprised by brief appearances from late actor Liu Kai-chi (who passed away in 2021) and the rarely seen actor Deng Yijun.
Another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cheung, rated the film 8.5 out of ten. They humorously recalled that they had not yet met when the original series aired but both independently watched and considered it a significant childhood memory. To prepare for the premiere, the couple re-watched the original drama. Mr. Cheung expressed profound satisfaction: “Seeing the old characters again was very touching. Most of them haven’t changed their appearance and used the same acting style from back then. It felt like reuniting with a group of familiar friends.” He suggested the film would have been even stronger had original cast member Kwong Wa participated, especially during a key reunion scene. Mrs. Cheung praised the film’s quality and the incorporation of modern cinematic techniques, which provided a fresh perspective on the classic story.
The film serves as a potent reminder of the enduring cultural power of classic Hong Kong television dramas and the continued market viability of successful adaptations that tap into generational memory while updating technical execution. Its strong opening suggests that films relying on well-loved intellectual property and returning original casts can still significantly draw audiences in competitive markets.
