One More Chance (2023 film)

One More Chance, formerly known as Be Water, My Friend , is a 2023 Hong Kong comedy drama film directed by Anthony Pun and starring Chow Yun-fat as a pathological gambler who searches a way to communicate and connect with his autistic son. The film's former English title was based on Bruce Lee's famous quote on martial arts philosophy. Production for the film began in January 2019 and wrapped up in late March of the same year.

One More Chance was theatrically released on 29 June 2023.

Plot
Fai, a compulsive gambler and an irresponsible man, is asked to take care of his ex-girlfriend Chik's son, Yeung. Chik also reveals to Fai that Yeung is his son, and promises to pay him HK$100,000, so Fai agrees to be a father for one month.

Soon, Fai notices his son has autism and gets to understand the difficulties of raising a child with special needs. When Chik fails to show up on the date when they agreed to meet, Fai realises why she brought him his child.

He finds his life goal while discovering Yeung's talent on the racing field, then decides to give up his former dissipated life and to accompany his son as he sets out to achieve his dream.

Cast

 * Chow Yun-fat as Fai (吹水輝), a compulsive gambler.
 * Anita Yuen as Lee Chik (李夕), Fai's ex-girlfriend.
 * Alex Fong
 * Liu Kai-chi
 * Andy On
 * Kenny Wong
 * Michael Ning
 * Calvin Choi
 * Amy Lo
 * Will Or as Lee Yeung (李陽), Fai and Chik's son.

Production
With a budget of US$40 million, One More Chance was shot on location in Hong Kong, Macau and China.

On 7 March 2019, Chow suffered from an injury on set while filming a scene where he was threatened by co-star Kenny Wong who played a debt collector with a hairspray bottle on hand. In the scene, Wong was preparing to toss the hairspray bottle from his left hand to his right, but the cover of the bottle popped off and struck Chow on his forehead. Despite his forehead bleeding, Chow continued filming the scene. Originally wanting to continue the shoot for the rest of the day, director Anthony Pun and action director Nicky Li eventually advised him to seek treatment at the hospital where he received five stitches.

Release
One More Chance was theatrically released in Hong Kong on 29 June 2023.

It was invited at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Open Cinema' section and was screened on 5 October 2023.

Box office
One More Chance has grossed a total of $1,647,313, combining its box office gross from Hong Kong, United Kingdom and New Zealand.

One More Chance debuted at No. 2 during its opening weekend in Hong Kong, grossing HK$4,430,879 (US$565,415) after its first four days of release and bringing in a total of HK$4,532,059 (US$578,326) including preview screenings. The film grossed HK$4,216,896 (US$538,728) in its second weekend, coming at No. 4, while having grossed a total of HK$8,749,065 (US$1,117,734) by then. The film remained at No. 4 during its third weekend grossing HK$2,286,311 (US$292,557), while having accumulated a total gross of HK$11,035,376 (US$1,412,094) by then. In its fourth weekend, the film grossed HK$1,357,907 (US$173,703) coming in at No. 5, and has grossed a total of HK$12,393,283 (US$1,585,345) by then. The film fell down to No. 10 during its fifth weekend grossing HK$450,490 (US$57,778), while accumulating a total gross of HK$12,843,773 (US$1,647,313) so far.