Project Gutenberg

In Hong Kong, a global counterfeiting ring operates with uncanny skill, producing notes that look real and feel real, challenging every attempt to spot the fakes. The mastermind behind the operation goes by the name Painter, and his network draws the attention of the police who vow to bring the operation down. To crack the case, investigators bring in a talented painter named Lee Man, someone who can read the subtleties of craftsmanship and disguise. As Lee Man collaborates with the force, the pursuit grows more intricate, blending art and crime into a high-stakes game where appearances can mislead and every clue may be pointing in the wrong direction. Its tension intensifies as clues clash with public expectations.

Released in 2018, this Hong Kong crime thriller is directed by Felix Chong Man-Keung. It stars Chow Yun-Fat as Painter and Aaron Kwok as Lee Man, and carries a substantial budget that signals a high profile, cinematic approach to the genre. The production emphasizes sleek visuals, tight pacing, and a glossy, urban atmosphere.

Reception and themes: The film foregrounds authenticity and deception, exploring how artful craft can blur moral lines and how money moves powerfully across borders. The collaboration between the no nonsense Lee Man and a skilled counterfeiting network invites a tense, strategic chase that tests trust and technique. By turning a painter into an informant, the story questions what counts as real and counterfeit in currency and character, while maintaining a brisk, action driven rhythm that keeps viewers on edge.

Culture impact: The collaboration pairs Chow Yun-Fat and Aaron Kwok, two icons of Hong Kong cinema, giving the film a prestige sheen and cross generational appeal. It taps into a traditional HK crime thriller sensibility while presenting a story framed around art money and global networks, a blend that reflects Hong Kong's enduring appetite for stylish, high stakes capers.