In 1982, the People's Republic of China, just ending a war with Vietnam, permitted Hui to film on Hainan Island. "Boat People" (1982) set the background in 1978, after Communist Party lead Vietnam, through the point of view of a Japanese photojournalist named Shiomi Akutagawa, showed the condition of society and political chaos after the Vietnam War. "Boat People" was the first Hong Kong movie filmed in Communist China. Hui saved a role for Chow Yun-Fat, but because at that time Hong Kong actors working in mainland China were banned in Taiwan, Chow Yun-Fat declined the role out of fear for being blacklisted. Six months before filming was set to start, and after the film crew was already on location in Hainan, a cameraman suggested that Hui give the role to Andy Lau. At that time, Andy Lau was still a newcomer in the Hong Kong film industry. Hui gave Lau the role and flew him to Hainan before a proper audition or even seeing what he looked like.