lau and ip had not worked together since 1999's "prince charming". production of the film officially began during chinese new year. it was filmed in mei foo sun chuen. production was wrapped on 6 april 2011 after two months of filming. the film competed in the 68th venice international film festival. it was also selected as the hong kong entry for the best foreign language film at the 84th academy awards, but it did not make the final shortlist.