This film is genuinely powerful, gritty, uncomfortable, and brutal—those are just a few words that come to mind when describing it. It took courage from the director to present the movie in black and white, yet similar to what Zhang Yimou achieved with Shadow in 2018, it proves beneficial for the film. This choice has allowed him to manipulate the scene compositions, conceal details within each frame, and disguise the CGI used throughout so well that it practically disappears. It also creates a strangely unsettling viewing experience. I realize that might sound contradictory, but the movie is captivating and intriguing enough to immediately draw you in. Despite the extensive digital work present, the cinematography stands out as truly impressive. There are some excellent tracking shots, smooth camera movements achieved through drones and CGI, and inventive framing choices. The Hong Kong skyscrapers, representing a sense of normalcy, frequently appear in the background, contrasted with the characters and gritty aspects of this film. This provides an unusual, often unseen perspective on Hong Kong. Beyond that, weather plays a vital role in conveying emotions. For instance, the fierce winds toward the end are followed by a storm-like downpour that seems to wash everything away. The visual imagery is among the most striking you’ll ever encounter. However, any film's success hinges on its characters, and Limbo delivers some of the most compelling characters I've seen in a modern Asian thriller. Veteran actor Gordon Lam leads the cast as Detective Cham, a dedicated police officer who is also broken and consumed by a desire for vengeance and justice related to a past event. Having typically played supporting roles alongside bigger names in Hong Kong cinema, he now has his chance to take center stage, and he makes sure the audience remembers why he’s such a versatile, if often overlooked, performer. But the true standout is mainland Chinese actress Liu Yase as Wong To, the informant. She delivers a remarkable performance, enduring beatings, assaults, abuse, and even being left for dead throughout the film. Her character's journey involves redemption, but it’s paved with hardship. Liu was also in the Hong Kong drama I’m Livin It, and this movie only strengthens her growing collection of noteworthy Hong Kong films. There’s a significant detail hidden within the film’s Chinese title, which translates to Wisdom Tooth. You'll understand its importance after watching it, but it’s an interesting example of how a title can resonate perfectly with a local audience while puzzling viewers internationally.

Source on TMDB