Rewind to the Present: TAPE《錄影歹》, a Raw and Thrilling Hong Kong remake of Richard Linklater’s 2001 Film

Movie Information and Stills Courtesy of Bizhan Tong
Film Review Written by Deborah Lau-Yu
Director: Bizhan Tong
Written by: Bizhan Tong & Stephen Belber
Starring: Kenny Kwan, Adam Pak, Selena Lee

Poster design by Palettera

Vince, Amy and Jon. The same three names re-enter the room, this time in a Kowloon apartment in modern day Hong Kong.

Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Robert Leonard in 2001. Adam Pak, Selena Lee, Kenny Kwan in 2024. TAPE (2024) is a powerful remake and adaptation of Richard Linklater’s Hollywood film of the same name in English from two decades ago. Both storylines explore the complexities of confronting the past — our memories fail us or play with our minds, our intentions distorted with the passage of time, and the natural inclination to protect ourselves are just some of the things to unpack. Directed by Bizhan Tong and co-produced by Tong and female lead Selena Lee (Fête Chinoise Edition 5: Dreams Take Flight), the shift to a Hong Kong setting is distinct, and offers an Asia-based perspective to the original narrative that is richly layered with nuances of cultural expectations and societal context.

The synopsis seems simple, but as the film unravels, you will feel its intensity dial up your emotions as they rise with the pressing emotive storytelling, pulling and almost drowning viewers with its rawness. In short, three former high school friends have a seemingly casual reunion in one of the friend’s flats 15 years after graduation. Wing, also known as Vincent, slightly high on alcohol and drugs and a drifting former romantic, invites Jon, now a rising filmmaker who is in town for a film festival debut to reconnect. The mood and atmosphere shifts uncomfortably to secrets concerning Amy, who is an ex-girlfriend that they both share a history with. As tensions mount with the seconds of the on-screen confrontations, viewers witness as the characters’ suppressed memories clash with the need for closure, and the calm conversation spirals into an argument that forces all three to face the weight of harsh truths and lies that they have been carrying for a decade and a half.

Kevin Kwan

The film, like its inspiration, is uniquely presented in real-time, where the majority of it is one continuous conversation between the three characters. Fittingly, the film’s 110 minutes bear semblance to some of the long, often frustrating and conclusionless conversations you might have between close friends in high school to work through tough situations that are magnified in importance at the time when many are in the phase of coming of age.

Different from the original Hollywood production, Tong’s remake includes a bold and well-crafted addition to the storytelling: the introduction of a second layer of “tape” that shows the younger versions of the three main characters through a camcorder-taped version of memories from graduation night. This brilliant weave-in of the past and literal representation of a video tape allows for a monologue at the beginning and end of the film that is thoughtfully layered.

The film references the Me Too movement in the dialogue and brings to light some of the below-surface tensions and issues that women still fear when speaking out against abuse — some are plainly obvious like the impacts on reputation and career and judgement, and others are blurry and may not even be immediately clear for a victim, a struggle and toying of the mind which Lee’s character portrays so well. The movie resonates with many societies at a time in the world that is grappling with the headlines and public cases of high profile celebrities and names involved with scandals and sexual assault. Place it under the lens of Asian culture and in the city of Hong Kong, the cultural norms and perspectives play into creating an insightful and complex thought process for each character. 

Adam Pak

Selena Lee delivers a high impact performance that sharply contrasts her male counterparts in composure, tone, and carefulness of her words and delivery. Adam Pak convincingly portrays his messy and rowdy character with wit and gusto, and Kenny Kwan matches the energy with his stereotype of a quiet and polite student turned success story with hidden secrets. The three main characters each uncover parts of each other and self that perhaps they didn’t intend to, pouring emotion into every word and expression, with a constant grip on the audience. A compelling film that is worth watching.

TAPE CHarity Screening With Selena lee

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After a successful festival run including a screening at the Raindance Film Festival, the Hong Kong adaptation of Richard Linklater’s TAPE is set to hit UK cinemas from 22 August 2025. The film brings new cultural depth and dramatic intensity to the classic one-room thriller. Stay tuned for more screening updates, including upcoming showings in Canada!

Synopsis

Updating Richard Linklater’s award-winning 2001 film for a modern era, TAPE relocates the story from the U.S. to Hong Kong, following three former high school friends whose reunion 15 years later forces them to confront a harrowing secret from their past.

Starring Kenny Kwan, Selena Lee, and Adam Pak, alongside Hong Kong Film Award winner Mason Fung, Summer Chan, and Angus Yeung as their younger selves, TAPE is a powerful exploration of power, manipulation, and the cultural silence around sexual assault in a society that has yet to fully reckon with #MeToo.

With a haunting score by British musician Keaton Henson, the film examines how trauma lingers across time and challenges the subjective nature of truth. TAPE is a bold, socially relevant drama that pushes boundaries, making it one of the most thought-provoking Hong Kong productions in recent years.

兩個多年沒見的朋友Jon（關智斌飾）和Wing（栢天男飾）在Wing的公寓見面。Jon是一位新晉導演，而Wing 卻是一個毒販。老友敘舊的話題很閒話家常，直至Jon發現Wing 把他們的對話暗中錄影，令氣氛變得緊張！Wing試圖讓Jon承認一件在15年前畢業派對中發生的事，此事涉及他們的朋友Amy（李施嬅飾）。隨著激烈的對談，Jon和Wing不得不面對他們的過去，挑戰着他們的友情和道德底線。Amy如今是一名檢察官。當她到達Wing家後，三人要被迫面對那個晚上的秘密，揭開一個多年的真相...

Director: Bizhan Tong 唐畢山
Written by: Bizhan Tong, Stephen Belber
Starring: Kenny Kwan 關智斌, Adam Pak 栢天男, Selena Lee 李施嬅, Angus Yeung 楊天宇, Ho Yeung Fung 馮皓揚, Summer Chan 陳紫萱

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TAPE Official Trailer

Cantonese (with English subtitles)

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