Francis Ng Reveals That Donnie Yen Refuses to Stop Filming While Shooting 'Judgment'; Michael Hui Disappointed at Not Being Able to Have a Fight Scene

The action blockbuster 'Judgment,' created by the golden duo of producer Raymond Wong and international superstar Donnie Yen from 'Ip Man' and 'Flash Point,' has been enthusiastically released in cinemas throughout Malaysia. Since its release on the 20th, it has received rave reviews, and as of the 23rd, it has grossed 2 million Malaysian Ringgit, claiming the title of the highest-grossing Chinese film in Malaysia for the first week.

With 'Judgment' officially released in China, Hong Kong, and other regions, its box office is rising steadily. On its first day of release in Malaysia, it grossed 1 million Malaysian Ringgit. Recently, Donnie Yen, Raymond Wong, Julian Cheung, and Michael Hui have been tirelessly visiting theaters to thank audiences. Donnie Yen, who is both producer, director, and lead actor, expressed his gratitude on Weibo: “Thank you to everyone who stepped into the theater.” Raymond Wong happily remarked, “A good movie will naturally get a response.”

'Judgment' is a film adapted from a real case in Hong Kong, depicting a young man who gets involved in a drug trafficking case after receiving a package for a friend, leading to 27 years of imprisonment. Donnie Yen plays a prosecutor who discovers flaws in the case and attempts to correct the miscarriage of justice.

The film boasts a dream cast. Michael Hui plays a judge, engaging in a fierce legal battle with Donnie Yen in court, thrilling audiences. However, he stated that he was somewhat disappointed he couldn’t have a fight scene with Donnie Yen. Best Actor Francis Ng, who has known Donnie Yen for 36 years and is acting in the same film again after years, revealed that Donnie Yen has very high standards and would even refuse to stop filming on set.

The 5 highlights of 'Judgment'.
This time, Raymond Wong personally persuaded Michael Hui to play the role of a judge. Michael Hui recalled that after listening to Raymond Wong talk about the story for five minutes, he agreed to participate because the plot was based on a real case: “I've always wanted to film action scenes, but in the past, all the action scenes were assigned to Michael Kwan Tak. This time, I wanted to do action scenes, but Donnie Yen refused me. I admire the action sequences he designed, as graceful as ballet, but to my disappointment, they said no fight scene was needed.” When asked if he thought of adding scenes, Michael Hui jokingly replied, “I asked if we could add a scene where the judge is sought for revenge, Donnie Yen said no.”

Donnie Yen plays a prosecutor in the film.The most anticipated scenes in the movie are the performances of Donnie Yen, Francis Ng, and Julian Cheung, three of the silver screen's most handsome actors. Francis Ng even has fight scenes with Donnie Yen. The two previously worked together on the film 'In the Line of Duty' in 1988, where Donnie Yen jokingly said he was beaten by Francis Ng back then, and this time was his revenge. When filming 'Judgment,' Donnie Yen stated that he frequently sought Francis Ng's opinion on set and prepared several options for him: “Every time we acted, I took a broader view.”

Donnie Yen and Francis Ng worked together in the film 'In the Line of Duty' in 1988. Donnie Yen joked that he was beaten by Francis Ng in the past, this time he considers it revenge.However, Francis Ng stated that while it was rare to work with Michael Hui, he was amazed at how curious Michael was, asking about everything: “Every movie has its difficulties, and I didn’t want to hold up anyone from finishing work, but Donnie Yen wouldn’t let us go easily. It seemed like the passion we had in the past came back.” When accused of not wanting to stop filming, Donnie Yen explained that he wanted everyone to know that “it’s not just 'hea' (sloppily done),” and he would head straight to the editing room after each day of shooting, enjoying viewing everyone's performances through the screen.” Screenwriter Felix Chong revealed that Donnie Yen is a perfectionist, spending six months alone just editing the film after shooting, isolating himself in the editing room day by day until he was satisfied.

Julian Cheung said playing a villain this time is a new attempt.As for Julian Cheung, who usually excels in playing good roles, playing a villain this time was a new attempt, and he felt that everything is worth trying. Speaking of cursing scenes in the movie, Julian Cheung humorously said he was not used to it, as he rarely curses, especially in front of the camera, jokingly admitting that he was not as fluent as Francis Ng. Mentioning a bed scene, Donnie Yen initially worried that Julian Cheung might not be able to let go, saying that although the scene wasn't very explicit, its ideas were bold, but he praised Cheung for being very cooperative. However, after shooting, they found the scenes too explicit and cut a more 'restrained' version. Julian Cheung joked that he could perform even more intense scenes, but first, he needed a trustworthy director, even saying he had no problem with nude scenes and is always ready.

Raymond Wong personally persuaded Michael Hui to play the role of a judge.Besides the surprising performances from the cast, what is most unexpected is that Donnie Yen actually invited his own father, Yan Wun Long, for a cameo, playing his father in the film. Yan Wun Long plays a father with dementia who uses a wheelchair and shares a very touching scene with Donnie Yen. Donnie Yen said that the character 'Ho Tze Ho' is so dedicated to justice and truth because he is greatly influenced by his father, who was a retired police officer. #