Veteran actor Xiao Yang recently spoke with China.org.cn about his role in and the creative process behind the new crime film "Octopus with Broken Arms."

Actor Xiao Yang in a still image from "Octopus with Broken Arms." [Photo courtesy of As One Production]

In one pivotal scene, the protagonist is faced with a desperate dilemma: he must decide whether to press a detonator and blow himself up on one ship or sacrifice his kidnapped daughter on another.

"That scene left a profound impression on me," Xiao said. "It made me realize that if in a moment when you should stand up, you choose to run away, the darkness you face afterward could be even greater than what you would endure by standing up — bringing even more torment, suffering and despair."

The actor believes the film's most compelling element is its exploration of the "complexity of human nature." He emphasized, "It delves into the vast gray areas of humanity rather than pure black and white. It's a story about the pursuit of truth."

"Octopus with Broken Arms," directed by Jacky Gan and set for release nationwide on Dec. 28, follows the story of a man in a Southeast Asian country whose beloved daughter is abducted by a mysterious kidnapper. A homeschooling teacher joins the father in a desperate rescue mission. Meanwhile, the cunning kidnapper effortlessly eludes the police while manipulating both the father and teacher. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists and hidden truths emerge, revealing a larger conspiracy.

The film is the latest installment in the acclaimed but loosely connected "Manslaughter" franchise. The first film, "Sheep Without a Shepherd" directed by Sam Quah, grossed 1.33 billion yuan in 2019, while the second, "Fireflies in the Sun" by Dai Mo, earned 1.12 billion yuan in 2021. Both were remakes — "Sheep Without a Shepherd" was adapted from the 2015 Indian blockbuster "Drishyam," and "Fireflies in the Sun" from the 2002 Warner Bros.' "John Q."

However, unlike the previous two films, the third installment is an original story helmed by Jacky Gan. Xiao said that Gan brought fresh energy to the franchise, describing him as "a very meticulous person, perfectly suited for making this film."

Xiao portrays different father figures in the three films. "In the first installment, the father was defensive, focused on leaving no flaws or traces after the crime. In the second, he was an offensive father. In this new installment, he combines both defense and offense," he said.

The actor acknowledged the challenge of reconnecting with audiences, especially given the shifting demographics over the past five years. "It's crucial to see whether you can still resonate with the new generation of viewers. It also depends on whether you're innovating and staying relevant. Our team pays great attention to contemporary issues, emotions and movie-going habits to cater to today's audiences," Xiao noted.

He also observed that modern moviegoers often struggle to resist checking their smartphones, which can impact their understanding of the plot. However, he believes the suspense in "Octopus with Broken Arms" will hold viewers' attention so thoroughly that they'll put their phones away and focus entirely on the unfolding story, immersing themselves in the film's world.

Xiao also hopes the film will help raise awareness about child trafficking. "I feel it's great when I can fulfill my social responsibility while delivering emotional and entertainment value in a film," he said.

A poster for "Octopus with Broken Arms." [Photo courtesy of As One Production]

Making "Octopus with Broken Arms" also posed significant physical challenges for Xiao. The father character becomes enraged and engages in several bloody, violent brawls. Many scenes were shot on real sets, with genuine fight sequences that even stunned crew members. Yet for Xiao, the emotional scenes proved far more difficult than the action sequences.

"Next, I'd like to try something lighter — like a relaxed comedy film," Xiao said jokingly. "Making suspense dramas every day gets too serious."

He may also revisit music. As a member of the duo Chopstick Brothers, which he formed with musician and singer Wang Taili, Xiao is forever associated with their viral hit "Little Apple." Looking ahead to 2025, the pair will reunite for a performance in mid-January at a music festival in Taizhou, Zhejiang province.