HONG KONG — A high-octane Hong Kong crime thriller, The Goldfinger (Tentative Title: Inside Story), featuring an ensemble cast led by cinema heavyweights Aaron Kwok and Francis Ng, is set to hit theaters on December 6, investigating the murky world of alleged money laundering hidden within charitable foundations. The film, a rare cinematic exploration of financial crimes within philanthropy, promises intense dramatic confrontations between lawyers, police, and various factions fighting for power and truth.
The principal players include Kwok, Ng, Simon Yam, and Alex Fong Chung-sun, whose characters are embroiled in a complex web of deceit and corruption centered around a seemingly benevolent organization. The plot thickens when massive donations vanish without a trace, prompting Kwok’s character, lawyer Ma Ying-fung, and Ng’s, police detective Ke Ding-bang, to join forces to uncover what they suspect is the work of foundation chairman, Ko Shing-man, played by Fong.
The film studio today released the inaugural Hong Kong trailer, showcasing a gripping atmosphere rife with suspense. Kwok’s portrayal of the highly articulate lawyer is highlighted, involving not just intellectual sparring but physically demanding action sequences performed by the actor himself. Ng’s detective, meanwhile, is seen meticulously piecing together evidence, setting the stage for a compelling duality as both protagonists, despite their different professions, seek the same truth, leading to frequent and explosive clashes.
A quarter-century after their last collaboration, Kwok and Ng share extensive screen time as the savvy lawyer and the persistent detective, generating considerable on-screen chemistry. Their combined investigation quickly uncovers far more sinister activities lurking beneath the surface of the charity. As they delve deeper, shocking criminal enterprises involving money laundering, contract killings, and drug trafficking are revealed, exposing a horrifying nexus of corruption deeply embedded within the organization.
The veteran cast provides layers of intrigue to the narrative. Simon Yam takes on the role of a mysterious, ailing accuser whose reserved demeanor contrasts sharply with the apparent duplicity of the charity’s chairman, portrayed by Fong. Fong’s character, Ko Shing-man, is depicted as inscrutable and deceitful, adding significant suspense to the overall plot progression.
The expansive supporting cast further enriches the production, featuring talents such as Niki Chow, Kathy Yuen, Kwok Fung, Cherry Ngan, and veteran actors like Paul Chun, John Chiang, and Nina Paw.
The Goldfinger stands out for its bold approach to tackling a sensitive public interest topic—the misappropriation of funds intended for good causes—through the lens of a sophisticated crime thriller. The film not only navigates complex legal-police dynamics but also serves as a cautionary tale about the potentially dark inner workings hidden behind large-scale charitable operations. Moviegoers can anticipate a high-stakes dramatic showdown when the film opens across Hong Kong cinemas.