Trivia: This film was supposed to be Steve Coogan's ticket to Hollywood stardom, but it was not to be. The film tanked at the box office, losing almost US$80,000,000. This is the biggest loss by any independent film ever, and it bankrupted its producers.
Trivia: The man that punches Phileas when he attempts to beg for money is the director Frank Coraci. (01:22:20)
Trivia: The 2004 adaptation is a loose adaptation of the Jules Vernes novel. Instances include changing Phileas Fogg as an English gentleman into a gentleman-inventor; changing Passepartout to a Chinese thief from a French valet; and replacing an Indian princess with a French artist.
Trivia: When Passepartout (Jackie Chan) meets up with Wong Fei Hung, you may notice that Wong is played by none other than Sammo Hung, a martial artist Chan grew up with in the Chinese Theater. Chan has also played the legendary Wong Fei Hung in several films, including "Legend of Drunken Master."
Trivia: This film was Arnold Schwarzenegger's last acting role before being elected governor of California.
Answer: Hong Kong was indeed under British rule from 1841-1997. In short, it stems from the First Opium War where in the aftermath of the war, China ceded (gave up control of) Hong Kong to the British. After the war, with the cession of Hong Hong, it wasn't technically part of China any more and Britain didn't really seek to occupy more of China.
Bishop73