A glimpse into the making of ‘The Furious’: A martial arts revival
A new police station in Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok, an old retail unit on Surawong Road has been transformed into a convincing police station. From the outside, it looks so authentic that passersby often stop, wondering if they should report a crime from the nearby Patpong red light district. However, stepping inside reveals its true purpose: a set for the martial arts action movie The Furious.
The set’s intricate details
The ground floor of this makeshift police station is meticulously designed. Scuffed and rusting gray metal desks, wanted posters, mission statements, job ads, and regulations adorn the walls. Yet, the English verbiage and the piles of lighting and camera equipment hint at its temporary reality. This set will be used for 18 days of a three-month shoot, playing a crucial role in the film.
The vision behind ‘The Furious’
The Furious is a revenge action movie produced by a veteran known for his work on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. The producer aims to remind audiences that Asian martial arts films can still compete with Hollywood’s high-tech thrills. The film boasts a pan-Asian cast and is directed by Tanigaki Kenji, a Japanese action choreographer-turned-director with deep roots in Hong Kong cinema.
A day on set
On the day of our visit, the set was being used for a dramatic scene set to appear in the film’s final act. Two inmates share their thoughts in a moment of calm before the storm. Despite the cramped space, the setup required three cameras to capture the scene from different angles.
The producer explains that the film’s finale may run for 15-20 minutes, with only three minutes of that being non-action. “You need these drama scenes between the fighting to let the audience breathe and relate to the characters,” he says.
Tanigaki’s directorial style
Director Tanigaki Kenji is a master of his craft. He was spotted crouching on a low plastic stool, intensely focused on a bank of monitors. When the scene plays out, the actors move around their cells, smoking and stretching before delivering their lines. Tanigaki calls “cut” in the Hong Kong style, and the set comes alive with activity.
Tanigaki’s approach involves showing actors footage from earlier rehearsals or previous takes on his mobile phone, demonstrating exactly how he wants things done. His energetic and hands-on style is reminiscent of a Japanese version of Jackie Chan.
The importance of long takes
Tanigaki favors long takes, allowing time for movie magic to happen. “Jeeja [Yanin] or Joe Taslim can usually get what is required on the first take. But I’m always looking for miracles and to do more takes. Sometimes they happen,” he says.
Even with an experienced cast, Tanigaki knows he’s asking a lot. “In a normal action movie, we use stunt doubles. Here it is all actor on actor,” he explains. The extensive preparation and choreography make the action look natural and unscripted, but Tanigaki still fine-tunes the moves on set.
Building trust and safety
Rehearsals have helped build trust among the cast, making elaborate stunts safer. “We do things that look dangerous on screen, but in reality are not,” Tanigaki assures. However, co-producer Todd Brown, visiting the set for the first time, is concerned about the solidity of some of the police station’s facilities.
The Thai connection
Both Tanigaki and the producer praise the Thai crew for their professionalism and integration with the Japanese stunt team. The friendliness and flexibility of local crews have made Thailand a popular destination for international film projects. Many Thai actors have been hired to perform as henchmen, getting beaten up by the core cast.
Looking ahead
With production wrapping on schedule and within the “sub $20 million” budget, the next steps involve a proper sales launch at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is set for delivery in 2025, with a potential premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
The producer mentions a buyers meeting in Toronto, targeting a theatrical release but also considering offers from streaming platforms. “The festival used to be a great platform for this kind of movie, and I hope it has not forgotten its heritage,” he says.
Final thoughts
The Furious promises to be a thrilling addition to the martial arts genre, blending intense action with moments of drama. With a dedicated cast and crew, the film aims to push the boundaries of martial arts cinema and captivate audiences worldwide.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Furious.