Hong Kong Film 'Weeds on Fire' to be Released in Japan! Poster Visual Unveiled, Comment Arrives from Lead Actor Tony Wu!

Salon Japan is pleased to announce that the Hong Kong film 'Weeds on Fire' (2016) will be released sequentially starting August 21st (Friday) at Cinemart Shinjuku, Stranger, and other theaters nationwide. Today, the poster visual has been unveiled along with a comment from lead actor Tony Wu addressed to the Japanese audience.

### About the Film
This film marks the acting debut of Tony Wu (Hu Tsz-tung), who recently thrilled audiences worldwide in 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' (2024). Having competed in international tournaments as a second baseman for the Hong Kong national baseball team, he brought his athleticism and reality as an athlete directly to the screen, making a vivid debut. His performance was highly acclaimed, earning him the Best New Performer award at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards. Will Or (柯煒林), who was nominated for Best Leading Actor at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards for the buzz-worthy 'As This Lake Is' (opening in Japan on May 8th), also made his debut in this film. Ten years since its 2016 release in Hong Kong, the young men who started their careers with this movie have grown into leading actors driving the Hong Kong film industry.

The film was helmed by Steve Chan (陳志發), who was 25 years old at the time and making his feature directorial debut. The film had its world premiere at the 40th Hong Kong International Film Festival, received seven nominations and won two awards at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards, and was nominated for Best New Performer at the 53rd Golden Horse Awards. Despite its success, it had not yet had the opportunity for a general theatrical release in Japan. This year, marking the 10th anniversary of its Hong Kong release, it finally arrives in Japan.

### Story
1984, Hong Kong before the handover. In the suburban new town of Shatin, Hong Kong's first youth baseball team, the 'Shatin Martins' (Sha Yin Team), is formed. In Hong Kong, where baseball is not a major sport, these 'underdog' boys with no baseball experience begin practicing with balls made of rolled-up newspapers. Their first match against a Taiwanese elementary school team ends in a crushing defeat. Yet, guided by the strict but student-loving Principal Lo (played by Liu Kai-chi), and centered around the childhood duo of the introverted Lung (played by Lam Iiu-sing) and the impulsive but loyal Wai (played by Tony Wu), the team members gradually grow. The final showdown against their rival, the Japan Buffaloes, becomes a stage to question their 'past' and 'future.'

A youth drama based on a true story set in Hong Kong in the early 1980s, leaving a quiet resonance that goes beyond the victory or defeat of a game.

### Cast & Staff
Serving as the spiritual pillar for the rookie cast and leading the team is the late Liu Kai-chi (廖啟智), a legendary actor whose presence in a film was often said to be a guarantee of its quality. With eight nominations and two wins for Best Supporting Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards for classics like 'Infernal Affairs II' (2003) and 'SPL' (2005), he adds a dignified presence to the young talents.

Starring alongside Tony Wu's Wai is Lam Iiu-sing (林耀聲) as Lung, who also appeared in 'The Stuntman' (2024). The teammates include Will Or, Kaki Sham ('Far Far Away', 2021), Himmy Wong ('Still Human', 2018), and Rocker Lum ('The Prosecutor', 2024), all of whom made their film debuts in this work. Hedwig Tam (談善言), who played the heroine, was nominated for Best New Performer at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards along with Tony Wu.

Supporting rookie director Steve Chan are veterans Chan Hing-kai (Producer), known for screenplays like 'A Better Tomorrow' (1986) and 'Breaking News' (2004), and O Sing-pui (Producer/Cinematography), known for 'Made in Hong Kong' (1997) and 'Ip Man' (2008). Elite members of the Hong Kong film industry across generations united for this single production.

### Comment from Lead Actor Tony Wu
"Participating in this work was a major turning point for me. This film led me to the path of being an actor, and I encountered something I could truly be passionate about, different from baseball. Most importantly, meeting friends who love cinema just as much is still a precious treasure to me today. 'Weeds on Fire' is a work that will surely give you positive energy no matter what era you watch it in. Especially when you experience disappointment or setbacks, this story might..."