"To the Fore" will represent Hong Kong to the 88th Academy Awards. (Photo : www.indianexpress.com)
Hong Kong has selected the Dante Lam-directed cycling drama "To the Fore" as its contender for the foreign-language film category at the 88th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
The Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong recently made the announcement.
The sports drama "To the Fore" stars Eddy Peng ("Rise of the Legend"), Chinese actor Shawn Dou ("Wolf Totem") and Korean star Choi Siwon, who first rose to fame because of the idol group Super Junior. The three are part of a team of cyclers put to test because of their pursuit of personal glory.
The film was released in Hong Kong on Aug. 6, 2015 and in China on Aug. 7.
Since its premiere, "To the Fore" has grossed a total of $23.6 million in China. However, it failed to reach the $1.29-million mark in Hong Kong.
The cycling drama was produced by Emperor Motion Pictures, iQiyi Motion Pictures, Suning Universal, Evergrande Pictures and Huace Pictures.
Reports revealed that "To the Fore" was chosen from a shortlist, which also included "Two Thumbs Up" of Lau Ho-leung, "Wild City" of Ringo Lam, and "Tale of Three Cities" by Mabel Cheung.
According to a variety.com review, the Dante Lam film "represents a feat of action choreography and virtuoso lensing seldom seen in a Hong Kong sports movie."
Shot in different locations across Asia, "the film merges diverse cycling styles with the stunning terrain to evoke the raw excitement of a live sports program."
The review concludes that "To the Fore" is "dynamic and entertaining enough to pedal its way to great B.O. gains in Chinese-speaking markets."
