Cageman focuses on residents of a low-cost men’s apartment that rent out iron-cage-style bunk beds, these forgotten members of society have become the subject of news and discourses due to the demolition of the old building. Featuring a traditional ensemble cast of low-income citizens, it avoids sentimental melodrama, vulgar comedy, and radical denunciations. Instead, it delivers absurd realism, rich human emotions, and relentless street humour, culminating in a surreal and metaphorical ending. The character actors deliver outstanding performances, and the masterful long takes shot in the narrow corridors of the cage house stand out.

The film premiered at the Hong Kong International Film Festival to enthusiastic responses but cut by twenty minutes for the release version. It was classified as a Category III film due to the swear languages. The film garnered critical acclaim, running for four weeks and winning four major awards.

Jacob Cheung (b. Hong Kong, 1959) has worked as an assistant director and producer. His directorial debut was Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch (1988), followed by Beyond the Sunset (1989) and Cageman (1992), both of which won Best Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He is known for directing artistic films. Later, he developed his career in mainland China, with A Battle of Wits (2006) achieving both critical acclaim and box office success.