Investigation: City of Pipes (2026)

The 2026 film, known in Chinese as 'Busted Water Pipes' (破·局), presents a satirical caper set in a small town where the local police force has achieved zero crime rates through overly aggressive enforcement. This unprecedented success leads to bureaucratic pressure on Inspector Yu Dahai and his honest team, who are forced to fabricate cases to justify their existence and keep their jobs. The situation spirals out of control when a literal burst water pipe at the station creates chaos, intertwining with their manufactured investigations.

Starring Eddie Peng as the lead inspector, the movie blends comedy with social commentary on law enforcement dynamics in an era of low crime. Allen Luo Siji and Yan Peilun join the cast in key roles, navigating a narrative that balances absurdity with procedural elements. The film explores how institutional pressure can distort justice, using the metaphor of leaking pipes to represent systemic failures.

Production highlights include the collaboration between director Chen Cheng and writer Huang Xinru, known for their sharp dialogue and character-driven stories. The cast underwent extensive research into police procedures to ensure authenticity despite the comedic premise. Early screenings have noted the film's unique approach to the buddy-cop genre, focusing more on workplace satire than action sequences.

• Eddie Peng plays Yu Dahai, a dedicated but pressured officer.
• The title refers both to the literal plumbing crisis and the broken systems of bureaucracy.
• Director Chen Cheng previously worked on critically acclaimed dramas like 'The Long Night'.
• The film features a ensemble cast including veteran actor Jiang Xueming.