High Forces (Full Movie 2024)

High Forces (2024): A Turbulent Take on the Die Hard-in-the-Sky Formula

Released on September 30, 2024, High Forces (also known as Crisis Route) is a Hong Kong-Chinese action thriller directed by Oxide Pang, starring Andy Lau as a security expert battling hijackers on a luxurious Airbus A380. Marketed as a “Die Hard on a plane” spectacle, the film promises high-octane action and emotional stakes but struggles to soar due to a muddled script and questionable execution. Here’s a closer look at this ambitious yet flawed thriller.

Plot Overview: A Familiar Hijacking Tale

High Forces centers on Gao Haojun (Andy Lau), a former special police officer turned international security expert, haunted by a past mistake that blinded his daughter, Xiaojun (Zhang Zifeng), and ended his marriage to Fu Yuan (Liu Tao). Years later, Gao boards the maiden flight of Hangyu Airlines’ lavish A380, unaware that his ex-wife and daughter are also onboard. The flight turns chaotic when a ruthless hijacker, Mike (Qu Chuxiao), and his team seize the plane, holding 800 passengers hostage and demanding a $500 million ransom from the airline’s CEO, Li Hangyu (Guo Xiaodong).

Gao, leveraging his skills and a walkie-talkie connection with his daughter (who doesn’t know it’s him), fights to thwart the hijackers. The plot leans heavily on Die Hard tropes—estranged family, air ducts, and a lone hero—but adds a twist with both Gao and Mike sharing bipolar disorder, depicted through garish red and green color filters during their rage-fueled moments. At 115 minutes, the film feels overstuffed, balancing action with melodrama and a bizarrely patriotic finale.

Andy Lau’s Star Power vs. a Weak Script

Andy Lau delivers a committed performance as Gao, blending grit, vulnerability, and paternal guilt. His action scenes—fistfights, shootouts, and a daring mid-air stunt—are highlights, though the 63-year-old star’s physicality occasionally strains credibility. Zhang Zifeng shines as Xiaojun, bringing emotional depth to her role as the blind daughter aiding her father, while Qu Chuxiao’s Mike is a menacing yet underdeveloped villain. Liu Tao’s Fu Yuan, however, feels underutilized, relegated to tearful family drama.

The script, penned by Yu Bai and Sun Chan, is the film’s Achilles’ heel. Critics note its reliance on clichés, inconsistent pacing, and illogical choices, like the plane’s mall-like layout where gunshots go unheard. The bipolar disorder subplot feels forced and poorly integrated, adding little beyond visual gimmicks. The climax, featuring shoddy CGI and a nationalistic pivot to glorify China’s rescue services, has been called “laughably absurd” by reviewers.

Oxide Pang’s Direction: Hits and Misses

Director Oxide Pang (The Eye, Flash Over) brings experience to High Forces, but his execution is inconsistent. The action sequences, like a decompression-fueled brawl, are thrilling when clear, but rapid cuts and shaky camerawork often obscure the choreography. The plane’s set design is impressive, yet the film fails to give the A380 a distinct personality, unlike classics like Air Force One. The use of slow-motion bullet effects and dated CGI, especially in the finale, detracts from the tension. Critics argue Pang’s attempt to blend Hollywood-style thrills with Chinese propaganda results in a tonally confused film.

Reception: Mixed Feelings and Box Office

High Forces has divided critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 25% approval rating from 4 reviews, with critics calling it “generic” and “ridiculous.” IMDb scores it 5.8/10, reflecting polarized user reviews—some praise Lau’s charisma and the action, while others slam the editing and implausible plot. MyDramaList gives it a 7.4/10 from 72 users, suggesting a niche appreciation. X posts highlight its streaming availability on Lionsgate Play, with fans enjoying it as a “rollicking action movie” despite flaws.

Box office-wise, the film grossed $25.2 million in China during its opening weekend, ranking No. 5, and earned $642,470 in Hong Kong over four weeks. Its North American release on October 25, 2024, via China Lion Film was modest but steady.

Why Watch High Forces?

High Forces is a mixed bag but offers enough for action fans and Andy Lau enthusiasts. The fight scenes, when not over-edited, deliver adrenaline, and the family drama, though heavy-handed, adds emotional stakes. If you enjoy Die Hard-style thrillers and can overlook shaky CGI and narrative clichés, it’s a serviceable popcorn flick. Stream it on Lionsgate Play, rent it on Fandango at Home, or catch it in theaters where available.

For a tighter experience, classics like Passenger 57 or Non-Stop might satisfy more. The film’s heart—Lau’s performance and Xiaojun’s resilience—keeps it aloft, but its turbulent execution prevents a smooth landing.

Final Thoughts

High Forces aims high with its star-studded cast and ambitious premise but crashes under the weight of a derivative script and erratic direction. Andy Lau and Zhang Zifeng give it their all, and moments of suspense shine through, but the film’s absurdities and overlong runtime ground its potential. It’s a fun, flawed ride for those willing to suspend disbelief and embrace the chaos.

Have you watched High Forces? Drop your thoughts in the comments!