A constellation of Hong Kong cinematic talent and football legends converged yesterday, May 13, for the “All-Fan Jersey Day” event promoting the forthcoming film, The Reversal Halftime (逆轉上半場). Cast members Chan Cham-man, Rachel Leung Yung-Ting, Chow Gee-Yuet, Chen Nuo-Ting, Tam Chun-Yin, and Wong Tsz-Yin attended the gathering, which drew major figures from the city’s football history, including former players, coaches, club owners, and celebrity enthusiasts like Philip Ng, Teddy Robin, Luk Chun-Kwong, and Lau Weng. The event highlighted the film’s inspirational message and championed stronger public support for local sports.
The movie, centered on themes of perseverance and revival, earned strong endorsements from icons of Hong Kong football. Santo, a former Hong Kong Footballer of the Year, emphasized the picture’s motivational power for youth. “This work inspires young people not to give up—that is the most crucial takeaway,” Santo explained. He recounted a humbling defeat against Japan at age 14 where his team lost by 10 goals, leaving him devastated and tearful in the locker room. “I almost quit then,” he conceded, “but I realized a match is not the end; if you lose today, you can win tomorrow. If your skills are lacking, then you train harder.”
Former professional footballer Au Wai-lun lauded the film’s quality and stressed the systemic need for greater investment in local athletics. “The film is excellent,” Au commented. “I hope the public will offer more support and, crucially, increased sponsorship for Hong Kong athletes and football players to ensure the sustainable development of our domestic football scene.”
The cinematic side of the event underscored the film’s engaging narrative and strong performances. Actor Philip Ng singled out Rachel Leung Yung-Ting’s portrayal, noting that the film’s storyline is “simple and passionate. Every character is clearly etched, and the outcome is incredibly satisfying and enjoyable.”
Lead actors Chan Cham-man and Rachel Leung shared their excitement about the robust turnout, noting the atmosphere felt akin to a World Cup viewing party. They expressed hope that The Reversal Halftime will deliver much-needed positive energy to audiences when it releases around the Christmas season. Cham-man and Leung confessed to being starstruck by the presence of legendary players like Santo and Au Wai-lun, whom they had long admired. “It’s remarkable to meet them up close,” Cham-man said.
In a playful vow, the lead actors pledged a unique celebration if the romantic sports drama achieves robust sales. Cham-man and Leung publicly committed to playing football while wearing traditional Chinese costumes should the film’s box office takings surpass ten million Hong Kong dollars, a promise that simultaneously pays tribute to a rival film scheduled for release during the same period. The convergence of sports and entertainment figures highlights a concerted effort to leverage media to bolster the profile and financial backing of Hong Kong’s athletic community. The film is positioned not just as entertainment, but as a vehicle for community pride and resilience.
