Project Gutenberg (PG13) – A Money‑Making Thriller
Ever wondered what it takes to forge genuine US currency in a cinema setting? Project Gutenberg takes you through the gritty, yet oddly elegant, world of counterfeit artistry, all under the watchful eye of Hong Kong’s crime‑genre maestros.
Plot & Characters
A smooth‑talking sorcerer of forgery, Lee Man (played by Aaron Kwok—yes, the guy who once strutted on the beach), finds himself behind bars in Thailand. Luck (or fate?) forces a Thai guard to hand him over to the Hong Kong police. Meanwhile, the flamboyant painter Yuen Man (Zhang Jingchu) steps in to bail him out—provided he spills the beans on a mysterious figure known only as “The Painter” (Spoken by a comical Chow Yun Fat incarnation).
The twist? Bowing to the police’s demands, Lee must reveal the very secrets behind a massive US dollar counterfeiting ring. It’s a high‑stakes battle of wits and wills.
The Making of Money
Felix Chong is at the helm, wearing both the writer’s and director’s hats, and with true detective flair he lays out a masterclass in greenback manufacturing—complete with a soundtrack of calming classical tunes that almost feel like a documentary.
- Paper is key: The crew hunts for the niche starch‑free stock needed for a 1996‑style bill.
- Intaglio press human touch: They discuss the meticulous craftsmanship required when setting the fine lines on the bill.
- Watermark wizardry: The spotlight falls on the design of the elusive watermark that’s a nightmare to replicate.
- Color‑shift metallic ink: This is where the film shows the HVAC system of imagination.
Every step is frozen in moments of cinematic beauty, like a polished museum exhibit, with a fine‑tuned focus on the hundred‑dollar bill’s hidden lacework.
Reactions & What to Expect
Because Chong is a crime mastermind, the feel is hushed but intense. You’re led through a labyrinth of turns: from the chilling interrogation of the police to the shady alleyways way out of the city, all the while you’re hustling to keep your ear squeezed.
Why It Feels Like a Sweat‑Pumping Demo
Unlike a regular thriller, this film tries to be more instructive—like a machinist’s manual for counterfeit aficionados. This can feel almost too technical for some, but the storytelling pace manages to keep your heart racing on the edge of your seat.
Cast in Action
- Chow Yun Fat: He’s no longer just the charismatic gentleman you know; his temper swings from charming smiles to a near‑homicidal rage at a distracting moment.
- Aaron Kwok: The ever‑heroic and macho figure who’s less than you’d expect, sometimes denigrating in the shadows.
Our two stars have previously shared a screen in Cold War 2 (2016). Though both are still facing each other’s gaze, a new type of dynamic unfolds this time.
Critiques & the Rest
Some twitter‑aged critics believe the dialogue is infuriating—especially the repetitive metaphor talking about “lead” and “support” staff. Certain viewers see that before they can pitch the audience; this may feel tiring.
Ultimately, you’ll feel like the film re‑saw Right. It is an unpredictable thriller that depends heavily on your taste in cinema. How strongly you care about its underlying truth hinges on if you’ve seen other crime thrillers from Hong Kong.
Outro
Of course there’s a link where you can watch a quick teaser (clip), and you might also want to check the full movie. However, if you prefer to stick to the article, the seasoned older investigative veteran is on the task.
