In the Qin Dynasty, time-traveller Hong Siu-lung has lived in seclusion with his family for twenty years. Yet every step he takes remains under the watchful eye of his former disciple, now the Qin Emperor. On the brink of ultimate power after conquering the six warring states, the emperor is suddenly ambushed by a mysterious team wielding advanced weapons clearly originating from Hong’s time. Drawn together by fate again, Hong and Qin Emperor are forced to confront the long-buried conflict between them, because the future now depends on how they settle their past.
Critics' Reviews
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You might be wondering why the makers of 'Back to the Past,' an unusual Hong Kong sci-fi/action hybrid, bothered to revive 'A Step Into the Past,' a popular 2001 Hong Kong TV series. Maybe some answers can be found in the movie’s fight choreography, provided by legendary star/action director Sammo Hung. Or maybe you, like me, think Hong Kong star Louis Koo has only gotten better with age, or you just enjoy the 2022 crowd-pleaser, 'Warriors of Future,' a polished and mostly entertaining box-office flop starring Koo and helmed by 'Back to the Past' co-director Ng Yuen-fai. Lunar New Year is also right around the corner, so maybe you’re in a forgiving mood. Alas, 'Back to the Past' will likely only satisfy fans of the original series, which you can thankfully skim on Tubi.
Full Cast of Back to the Past
Louis Koo
Hong Siu-lung
Louis Koo starred in the movie 'Back to the Past,' delivering a performance that resonated strongly with both fans and critics. His portrayal was unique due to his nuanced balance of emotional depth and action-packed intensity, which brought a fresh dynamic to the character. One behind-the-scenes story reveals that Koo insisted on performing many of his own stunts, which led to a minor injury but ultimately enhanced the realism of his scenes, earning admiration from his co-stars and the production team.
- Released January 30, 2026