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R E V I E W
Young and Dangerous
Mei Ah / 1996 / 100 minutes
Directed by Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
Written by Manfred WongWith Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Francis Ng, Frankie Ng, Gigi Lai
B A C K G R O U N D : director, in cinemas, recent and related films
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung developed his career first as a cinematographer. In colloboration with directors such as Ringo Lam, Wong Kar Wai, Tsui Hark, and Kirk Wong, Lau lensed films as varied as City on Fire, Chung King Express, Once Upon a Time in China III, and Future Cops. Even as he continue working for others, Lau began directing in 1990. Young and Dangerous was his 10th film. Meanwhile, Manfred Wong wrote or co-wrote 24 scripts before this one. Wong Jing served as executive producer.
The film opened in Hong Kong on January 25, 1996 and ran for more than two months, grossing HK $21 million.
Numerous sequels, prequels, and related films have been spawned from this film, including the recent Born to Be King.
M O V I E : plot, performances, production, rating
Plot: At an early age, best friends Nam and Chicken join up with Bee's gang, part of the Hung Hing Society run by Mr. Chiang. Nam gets a girlfriend, Smartie, more commonly referred to as Stammer in the subtitles because she stutters. Bee's gang comes into conflict with Ugly Kwan's gang as divisions run deep in the family.
Performances: The large cast is enjoyable to watch, highlighted by Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin as Nam (the heart of the film), Jordan Chan Siu-Chun as the multi-hair colored Chicken, Francis Ng Chun-Yu as the incredibly nasty and sly Kwan, Frankie Ng Chi-Hung as the besigied Bee, and Spencer Lam Seung Yi as a doggedly persistent priest (and former gang member known as Lethal Weapon). Rounding out the cast is Gigi Lai Chi as Smartie (defined entirely by her stutter) and Simon Yam Tat-Wah as the smooth Mr. Chiang.
Production: The story pushes forward and often appears ready to stumble, yet it keeps moving and is never less than entertaining. The plot is quite familiar. The direction is rough-hewn and not terribly subtle, yet effective for what it is. Lau also served as his own cinematographer; perhaps this contributed to the immediacy of the look of the film. The musical score by Clarence Hui Yuen throws several guitar-based themes behind the action.
Rating: Category IIB. Several scenes are explicit in their depiction of bloody violence, while others are more discreet. Also some profanity and crude talk about sex.
D V D : look, sound, subtitles, features
Look: The letterboxed (approximately 1.85:1) presentation varies considerably in quality; unfortunately, it's mostly disappointing. The opening scene is not in focus (!), and many times the black levels, colors, and flesh tones go haywire. The source print looks like it was rescued from a trash heap.
Sound: The DD 2.0 Cantonese track sounded fine; nothing exceptional. Also included is a DD 2.0 Mandarin audio version.
Subtitles: The burned-in, non-removable Chinese and English subtitles are sometimes difficult to read and are filled with awkward translations. Also, some text that appears on screen is not translated (a kind soul has provided very helpful translation at Hong Kong Movie Database). No other subtitles are provided.
Features: None. No menu is provided.
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N : buy, rent, or pass?
Rent. Criticized for its lack of moral fiber and for making the triad lifestyle look attractive, the film has undeniable appeal as populist entertainment.
(Reviewed 7/18/01)
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