Where was Iceman filmed?
2014
City Locations
Hong Kong (China)
Location Types
Riverside
Location Styles
High Tech/Futuristic, Contemporary Modern, Mountain Huts, Foreign
About Iceman
Released in 2014, Iceman is a grand display of martial arts action-comedy in 3D. The genius of Law Wing-Cheung as the director is evident in every scene. The film is a remake of the 1989 movie The Iceman Cometh, initially directed by Clarence Fok.
Renowned martial artist and actor Donnie Yen leads the cast of Iceman and directs the action sequences. Wang Baoqiang, Eva Huang, and Simon Yam are among the other talented individuals that are joining Yen. The protagonist, Ho Ying, is an officer in the Ming Dynasty who is betrayed, frozen, and then awakens in contemporary Hong Kong. Despite their lack of familiarity with the modern world, Sao and Niehu, intent on exacting revenge on Ho Ying, accompany him.
Starting on December 19, 2012, in Hong Kong, the film shoot was extravagant and determined, with a budget of HK$200 million. Included in this sum was an extra HK$50 million for a built duplicate of the Tsing Ma Bridge. A ten-day shoot for a seven-minute battle scene was possible because leading actor Donnie Yen was dedicated to getting the shot right.
Jam Hsiao sings the Mandarin version of the film's theme song, while Julian Cheung, a famous Hong Kong singer and actor, sings the Cantonese version. Although the film received criticism, denying the amount of work put into its development is difficult. The Golden Broom Award for Worst Actor went to Donnie Yen for his one-of-a-kind turn in Iceman.
Iceman Locations
Moviegoers will be whisked away to several different locales on Iceman. The film's shooting started on December 19, 2012, in Hong Kong, and the city's distinctive metropolitan scenery serves as the setting for multiple scenes.
The film's reproduction of the Tsing Ma Bridge enhanced its production value. Despite the initial opposition from the Hong Kong government, the film crew constructed a replica of the bridge and spent an extra fifty million Hong Kong dollars on the project. This enhanced the film's authenticity and showed how seriously it takes the idea of capturing Hong Kong's spirit.
The production also included natural settings and Hong Kong's urban scenes. Formerly one of the world's busiest airports, the now-defunct Kai Tak Airport provided a historically significant backdrop for several sequences. The Changbai Mountains, with their tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery, are also included in the film.
Another thrilling element of the film's creation was its use of luxury vehicles in its action sequences. One example is the automobile pursuit scene, which would not have been possible without actor Julian Cheung's generous gift of his black Lamborghini.
Given the wide variety of settings utilized, viewers and tourists may find it rewarding to visit the areas where the film was shot. Whether you're looking for the serene serenity of the Changbai Mountains or the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, these places have it all. In addition, the film's use of these places for key scenes enriches the trip with a bit of cinematic history.
Ho Ying, Sao, and Niehu are transferred to modern days scene in Iceman
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong, China
Ho Ying (Donnie Yen), Sao (Wang Baoqiang), and Niehu (Yu Kang) are frozen during a fight, discovered, and subsequently placed in cryo-stasis pods. These pods are then transported to modern-day Hong Kong. However, an accident during transit sets them free, and they escape into the heart of the bustling city.
This pivotal sequence was shot at the defunct Kai Tak Airport, a location steeped in history and nostalgic charm. Kai Tak Airport was Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 until 1998. Today, the former airport land has been transformed into a small park and the Hong Kong Children's Hospital, while the Kai Tak Sports Park construction commenced in April 2019.
Once completed, Kai Tak Sports Park will be the most prominent sports venue in Hong Kong, complete with a Main Stadium, an Indoor Sports Center, a Public Sports Ground, and multiple open spaces. While fans of Iceman can visit the site, due to these developments, they won't find the exact locations of the film. Nonetheless, walking on the grounds where iconic scenes were filmed can still provide a thrilling experience.
To get to this location, one can take the MTR to Kowloon City Station or use the numerous bus services that serve the area. You'll only need a brief stroll to reach the historic site of the former Kai Tak Airport and the upcoming Kai Tak Sports Park.
Ho Ying befriends May scene in Iceman
Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China
Soon, Ho Ying (Donnie Yen) befriends May (Eva Huang). Unfamiliar with the modern world, he becomes an easy target for May, who charges him excessive money for rent, food, etc. Meanwhile, his companions Niehu (Yu Kang) and Sao (Wang Baoqiang) unwittingly assist two mobsters in evading the police, leading them to join the mob.
This compelling city sequence was filmed in Tuen Mun, the westernmost continental district of Hong Kong. Known for its cultural and entertainment facilities, government buildings, and bustling town center, Tuen Mun provided a vibrant backdrop for these scenes. While the exact filming locations are not specified, fans can explore the district to glimpse the scene's setting.
Aside from the town center, Tuen Mun is home to various noteworthy spots. The Tin Hau Temple and Bogy's Rock offer glimpses into the district's rich history and culture. Lung Kwu Tan, known for its primitive simplicity, attracts crowds with its privately run barbecue sites. Furthermore, Hong Kong's Gold Coast, located in Tuen Mun, is the city's most prominent tourist resort. It features a world-class resort hotel, a shopping mall, a convention center, a marina club, the famous Golden Beach, and the newly constructed Gold Coast Dolphin Square.
It's a 30-minute drive from Hong Kong via Route 5 and New Territories Circular Rd/Tuen Mun Rd. Additionally, you can take the MTR west rail line to Tuen Mun Station. From there, the district and its many attractions are easily accessible.
Ho Ying meets May's mother scene in Iceman
Changbai Mountains, China
Following a series of experiences in the contemporary world, which include encounters with May's mother (Wong Man-wai), skillfully evading police capture through his martial arts expertise, and grappling with technological advancements, Ho Ying (Donnie Yen) begins to unravel the identity of the individual relentlessly pursuing Cheung (Simon Yam).
This particular scene was captured against the grandeur of China's Changbai Mountains. The Changbai Mountain Range spans the Chinese provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning and continues across the China-North Korea border into the North Korean territories. Primarily composed of old granites and metamorphic rocks, the mountain range is punctuated by sizeable intermontane fault troughs. The region is recognized for its swift rivers that feature steep inclines and regular rapids, contributing an element of drama to the film's location.
To reach the Changbai Mountains, one can take a flight to Changbaishan Airport, which is near the city of Baishan. From there, one can drive a taxi or private car to the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area. Guided tours are also offered at this location.
Conclusion
Iceman is a high-energy martial arts film. What stands out about Iceman is its wide-screen compositions. This movie is made for theater viewing, not on a small screen at home. Mr. Law spared no expense in creating visually stunning scenes that enhance the cinematic experience.
The locations used for filming are varied and add depth to the movie. Shot primarily in Hong Kong, the film takes viewers through the city's busy streets and into its natural landscapes. Notably, some scenes were filmed at the defunct Kai Tak Airport, once one of the world's busiest international airports, lending a historical touch to the movie. Additionally, the serene beauty of the Changbai Mountains provides a captivating backdrop for a portion of the film.
As for recommendations, Iceman is worth watching if you appreciate martial arts films interspersed with humor and enchanting visuals. Moreover, visiting the filming locations, such as the historic Kai Tak Airport or the tranquil Changbai Mountains, can provide a deeper appreciation of the film's aesthetic and narrative context.