A high-stakes Taiwanese action film, “Immediate Assassination,” has officially commenced production, promising a return to the genre for Taiwan’s cinema, fusing martial arts choreography with unique spiritual themes. Led by a notable ensemble cast—including Hong Kong’s veteran talent Chu Pak-hong and Taiwan’s award-winning actor Fu Meng-po—the project held its official blessing ceremony just days ago, signaling the start of principal photography under the co-direction of renowned action choreographer Hung Shih-hao and filmmaker Hsu Chieh-ting.
The thriller marks a significant undertaking for the local industry, which has seen a dearth of large-scale action productions in recent years. The plot centers on a deeply conflicted, retired assassin, haunted by past wrongs, who is forced back into the criminal underworld to finance life-saving treatment for his gravely ill daughter. To complete the mission—the assassination of a prominent politician’s son—he must reunite with his estranged former partner, a volatile alliance that immediately plunges them into an unavoidable cycle of power games and retribution.
Veteran Action Talent Anchors Production
The film boasts a strong cast dedicated to the rigorous demands of the genre. Chu Pak-hong takes on the pivotal role of Jiang Song, the silent killer driven by paternal loyalty. Having recently wrapped another action project in Malaysia, Chu brings formidable experience to the set. Initially, he expressed logistical concerns about the intensity and limited preparation time for the demanding physical training required.
However, producer Lai Yu-tong offered persuasive encouragement, noting director Hung Shih-hao’s directorial debut: “Hung Shih-hao is directing for the first time, and he needs a seasoned performer like you.” This affirmation convinced Chu to accept the challenge, eager to contribute his expertise and collaborate on pushing the boundaries of action choreography throughout the filming process.
Chu’s co-star, Fu Meng-po, plays Han Yan, the former partner depicted as reckless and obsessed with gambling. Fu noted that while he has acted in many projects featuring action elements, Immediate Assassination is structured entirely around dynamic physical performance, making the creative process uniquely engaging.
High-Stakes Villain and Creative Direction
Adding dramatic weight to the narrative is veteran actor Li Li-jen, who portrays the film’s central antagonist, Mayor Gao Li. Gao Li is presented as a complex figure: charismatic and warm in public, yet ruthless and malicious in private dealings.
Li Li-jen emphasized the film’s genre classification as a “pure adrenaline rush.” Upon reviewing the script, he decided to embrace the entertainment factor fully: “This is a cathartic experience film, and if I enjoy acting it out to the fullest, the audience will be entertained.” He expressed keen anticipation for the cinematic sparks his character will generate, particularly in opposition to the protagonists.
The technical direction is anchored by Hung Shih-hao, who is known for his work as the action choreographer on prior Golden Horse-nominated features. The director duo is committed to crafting a distinct cinematic language for the film, incorporating a “unique aesthetic of violence” alongside elements drawn from traditional Taiwanese religious beliefs, aiming to elevate the action genre beyond simple spectacle.
Scheduled for an intense shooting timeline, Immediate Assassination is poised to rekindle interest in locally produced, sophisticated action cinema, offering Taiwanese and international audiences a fast-paced, emotionally resonant thriller driven by strong performances and innovative fight sequences. The film is expected to hit theaters late next year.
