Back to the Past (2025)
A Hong Kong time-travel blockbuster reuniting beloved stars in an epic clash between a fugitive from the future and the emperor he once trained.
Back to the Past - Movie Information
- Original Title: 尋秦記
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Jack Lai, Ng Yuen-Fai
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 2025 (China), January 30, 2026 (United States), January 30, 2026 (Canada - PG), December 31, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), January 15, 2026 (New Zealand), January 15, 2026 (Australia)
- Alternative Titles: Back to the Past (US), 影版寻秦记 (CN)
- Production Companies: One Cool Films, Huace Pictures, China Star Movie Limited, Big Honor Entertainment
- Production Countries: Hong Kong, China
Back to the Past - Plot
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.
Back to the Past - Trailer
See the epic time-travel clash unfold in the official trailer:
To save tomorrow, they must survive yesterday.
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Back to the Past - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Lai
- Ng Yuen-Fai
Main Cast
- Louis Koo
- Raymond Lam Fung
- Bai Baihe
- Jessica Hsuan
- Sonija Kwok Sin-Nae
- Joyce Tang Lai-Ming
- Michael Miu Kiu-Wai
- Louis Cheung
- Kevin Chu
- Wu Yue
Writers
- Lily He
Producers
- Tang Wai-But
- Charles Heung
- Astrid Chan Chi-Ching
Back to the Past - FAQs
Is Back to the Past based on a TV series?
Yes. Back to the Past is a theatrical adaptation of the beloved 2001 Hong Kong TVB series Xun Qin Ji (尋秦記), itself based on Huang Yi's popular time-travel novel of the same name. The film reunites several cast members from the original series in new roles.
Where can you watch Back to the Past?
Back to the Past is available to stream and rent across various platforms depending on your region. For a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and theatrical availability where you live, check JustWatch for the most current regional options.
Who are the main actors in Back to the Past?
The film stars Louis Koo as Hong Siu-lung and Raymond Lam Fung as Chiu Poon, the Qin Emperor. The supporting cast includes Bai Baihe, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok Sin-Nae, Joyce Tang Lai-Ming, Michael Miu Kiu-Wai, Louis Cheung, Kevin Chu, and Wu Yue.
What is Back to the Past about?
A time-traveller named Hong Siu-lung has lived quietly in the Qin Dynasty for two decades, but his former disciple — now the all-powerful Qin Emperor — still watches his every move. When a mysterious squad armed with futuristic weapons attacks, master and disciple must settle their long-buried conflict before the future is lost.
When was Back to the Past released?
Back to the Past was released on December 31, 2025 in China and the United Kingdom. It opened in the United States and Canada on January 30, 2026, and in Australia and New Zealand on January 15, 2026.
Who directed Back to the Past?
Back to the Past was co-directed by Jack Lai and Ng Yuen-Fai. The film was produced by Tang Wai-But, Charles Heung, and Astrid Chan Chi-Ching, with the screenplay written by Lily He.
How long is Back to the Past?
Back to the Past has a runtime of 107 minutes, approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes. The film is a Hong Kong production spoken in Cantonese, co-produced between Hong Kong and China.
What genre is Back to the Past?
Back to the Past blends Sci-Fi, Action, and Comedy. It combines time-travel science fiction with high-energy period action sequences and the irreverent humor characteristic of Hong Kong blockbuster cinema, set against the dramatic backdrop of China's Qin Dynasty.
More About Back to the Past
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