Award-winning crime film set to be box office blockbuster

As one of the most anticipated films of the upcoming May Day holiday, Trapped — which recently won two Tiantan Awards at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival — is set to hit domestic theaters on Thursday.

Set in 1995, just one year before China implemented a nationwide gun control law banning private firearm ownership, the story takes place in a remote town with just four police officers. A ruthless crime boss fakes his death to escape prison and leads his gang of 43 armed bandits on a mission to recover over 20 boxes of cash and valuables stolen from previous heists and hidden throughout the town. As the police struggle to protect the residents, a bloody showdown erupts between law enforcement and the criminals.

Actor Geng Le, who plays a greedy bandit — the first to attempt betraying the gang leader for more money — took home the Tiantan Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film also earned scriptwriters Sun Yue and Zhang Qi, who's also the film's director, the Best Screenplay award.

Geng recalled being struck by his character's name Qu Maduo when he first read the script, mentioning that the role shares its name with the Chinese translation of tramadol, a pain-relief medication used for moderate to severe pain, including postsurgical pain. He found the irony fitting — as his character, far from alleviating suffering, brings fear and agony to his victims.

Xin Baiqing, who portrays the crime boss, shared that his first meeting with director Zhang involved hours of discussion during which he was captivated by Zhang's meticulous vision for the character — down to his hairstyle and costume. Highlighting the director's creativity, Xin cited an example: After hearing the crisp sound of a lighter being ignited, Zhang incorporated it into the movie as a key motif — every time the top villain flicks the lighter, it signals an impending kill.