Young and Dangerous (1996) User Reviews

Actually quite entertaining...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 30 July 2012]

"Young and Dangerous" is a fairly straight forward Hong Kong triad action movie, and it was actually quite good, despite it being semi-old (from 1996).

The story is about the Hung Hing gang, who is part of the triad, but more so, it is the story of a couple of the gang members of that particular part of the triad. Chan Ho Nam (played by Ekin Cheng), 'Chicken' (played by Jordan Chan), Fao Pan (played by Jason Chu) and Yee (played by Michael Tse) who become the key members of the Hung Hing gang, and their struggle against one of the other triad bosses, Kwan (played by Francis Ng), attempts to overthrow and set up the gang. But it is also the story about brotherhood and loyalty.

Although predictable and without any real plot twists, then "Young and Dangerous" was actually good entertainment and the story held up its own. But most memorable was the performances by the cast hired for the various roles; most noticeable was Jordan Chan, Francis Ng and Ekin Cheng in my opinion (and in that given order).

If you are a fan of Hong Kong cinema and enjoy triad/gang member movies, then you definitely have to check out "Young and Dangerous". I bought parts 1, 2 and 3 together, and must say that I am looking forward to seeing the follow-ups.

"Young and Dangerous" is a worthy addition to the DVD collection of any fan of the Hong Kong cinema.

Episodic, entertaining, but without cohesion

[Groverdox · 7/10 · 6 January 2018]

The "Young and Dangerous" movies are a series of films about the experiences of young triads in Hong Kong's criminal society. They are based on a Hongkongese comic book known as "Teddy Boy", a fact which would be unknown if not for the movie often cutting to hand-drawn images, revealing how closely the film resembles the comic book.

The film's structure seems to be fairly episodic; there's not much of an overarching narrative that I could detect, and thus the scenes only have power based on the performances. The stand-outs for me were Ekin Cheng as the protagonist and the stunningly beautiful Gigi Lai as his love interest.

Despite being a HK crime flick, "Young and Dangerous" isn't heroic bloodshed; there's very little gunplay and none of the violence is shot in balletic fashion.

Unfortunately, with little cohesion to each scene, "Young and Dangerous"'s power feels muted, especially in its climax; however it is entertaining for most of its run-time.

Young and Dangerous

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 26 August 2019]

This Hong Kong crime drama is centred of Chan Ho Nam, 'Chicken' Chiu and their friends. They are young men growing up in a crime infested part of Hong Kong who get involved with the Triads, working for Uncle Bee. Their work is often violent and brings them into conflict with Kwan, the leader of another Triad group. After a job in Macau goes tragically wrong things get more dangerous. Kwan is on the rise and his actions will force Nam and Chicken to seek revenge.

I enjoyed this film; while there is some violence this is more a story about friendship and loyalty. The main characters are all pretty solid. Just about everybody is somehow involved in crime; Nam only met his girlfriend, Smartie, because she stole his car! The violence is less brutal than most Hong Kong crime dramas I've seen thanks to the way it is filmed; I assume this was meant as a nod to the stories comic book origins. The story does provide some surprises, which I won't spoil. There are some comic moments; notably how Smartie is punished for stealing Nan's car. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters' to life. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Hong Kong crime drama.

These comments are based on watching the film in Cantonese with English subtitles.

A Classic, In Any Right.

[Jordan-M · 20 July 2003]

"Young And Dangerous" is one of those films that is known about by anyone even vaguely familiar with Hong Kong movies, and for one reason. It's excellent.

The characters, the actors (Francis Ng is an excellent villain), the story, even the musical score all combine to make this one unforgettable film. Themes like loyalty, trust, and friendship in general figure heavily into the plot - which really makes for a strong narrative.

As in most movies concerning the Triads, there is a lot of violence. The thing is, in "Y&D" it isn't extremely glorified, nor is it downplayed. It's just there - for you to judge on your own. Surprisingly, the violence in this film actually serves to move along the story, not just for a "wow" factor like in many other HK features.

At any rate, if you're new to HK movies, or are just looking for a good gangster action/drama, then by ALL means rent (or buy) a copy of "Young And Dangerous." You'll thank me later.

Excellent, if your into that stuff.

[Marl-2 · 7/10 · 9 August 1999]

First of all a previous user who commented on this movie has a very bad taste in movies. I think this film is an excellent portrayal of Chinese Gangster life. It shows in depth the struggles of Asian mobsters in Hong Kong and how things are dealt with Asian style. The so called fuzzy scenes are typical of Chinese movies. So, in my opinon if your interested in the on goings of Asian Gang Warfare in Hong Kong this is an excellent film. If you're looking for a movie with an actual plot and meaning to it, go watch the Red Violin or something.

Young and Dangerous 1...2...3...= Unforgettable Trilogy

[rebirth_2008 · 9/10 · 6 December 2006]

Y&D is the best HK Triads Movies ever, even to this day IMO. Y&D 1,2 and 3 are wicked must-see movies that any fan on HK cinema should watch. If you can watch them one after the other, the better.

Unforgettable characters and surprisingly good soundtrack. Standout actors/characters include Ekin Cheng (Lam), Jordan Chan (chicken), Gigi Lai (the gf, especially in Y&D 3) and Francis Ng (the villain from Y&D 1).

Contrary to some ppl's opinion on the lack of plot, I thought that it was quite good, definitely interesting and not boring. The twists were unexpected and the pacing was really good.

I had no problems following the story. My one complaint would be to the translators because it could have been so much better! The subtitles only convey a little more than half the depth and expressions~

Even so, these are still movies that are very entertaining and it's quite an accurate portrayal of HK gangsters. Don't ask me how I know this ;) lol

A real gem!

[locosam · 8/10 · 3 September 1999]

Are you people watching the same film as I am?!? This film is highly entertaining, and a great watch. I've seen a lot of triad movies before, and this just blows most of those other ones away. The film has pretty good characters and the actors do well in them. The funeral scene was very moving. If you know anything about HK/triad films, you will certainly find this film a real gem. Go rent it or watch it, then go get the rest of the series!

One of the HK greats

[GenX · 10/10 · 15 May 2001]

Young and Dangerous is probably one of my favorite series of films I have ever seen. This first installment of the Y&D series is probably the best. The protagonists, (hung hing boys) are played well by Ekin Cheng and Jordan Chan. Francis Ng who plays Liang Kwan is excellent at being sinister. Solid acting all around and the story keeps moving without slowing down.

Great acting, great story, great plot... that's why this film is a Classic.

Some might even consider this "A Better Tomorrow" of the 90s.

Teen-idol Triad drama

[Libretio · 4/10 · 11 January 2005]

YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (Gu Huo Zi: Zhi Ren Zai Jiang Hu)

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Mono

The end of Hong Kong's 'New Wave' revolution - initiated by Tsui Hark's THE BUTTERFLY MURDERS in 1979 and consolidated throughout the 1980's by the likes of John Woo, Ringo Lam, et al - was signalled by the inexplicable commercial success of Andrew Lau's YOUNG AND DANGEROUS, a visually frenetic melding of teen idol actors and old-fashioned Triad sensationalism, adapted from the graphic novels by Niu Lo (aka Kau Man). Ekin Cheng (known at the time under the English name Dior Cheng) plays a rising young star in the Hung Hing society who falls foul of rival gangster Francis Ng (GEN-X COPS), a psychotic killer who covets the Hung Hing leadership for himself. Betrayal and murder ensue, until Cheng and his loyal friends mount a counterattack against Ng, leading to a redemptive finale.

Director Lau also serves as cinematographer on this dog-eared potboiler, adopting a hand-held camera style which simply emphasizes the impoverished budget and hurried production schedule, and the decision to print key action scenes in the 'jerky-cam' style popularized by Wong Kar-wai in the likes of CHUNG KING EXPRESS (1994) is profoundly irritating. Manfred Wong's screenplay takes too long setting up the basic premise, and the film's opening half is almost derailed by needless comic set-pieces involving Cheng's relationship with Gigi Lai (playing the tough cookie sister of another gangster) which threaten to sink the entire production until events take a turn into dark-hearted melodrama, culminating in a dramatic showdown between Good and Evil.

Actor/pop singer Cheng is a bland leading man (it's doubtful he'd amount to very much without the floppy fringe and Lau's complimentary lighting scheme), and he's upstaged throughout by Ng as the monstrous psychopath who ruins the hero's life whilst murdering everyone who opposes his methods, innocent and guilty alike. The movie's only real claim to fame, however, is that it kick-started the career of second-billed Jordan Chan (KITCHEN), an unlikely heartthrob whose natural acting ability atones for a lack of movie star good looks, and who has since emerged as one of HK cinema's shining lights; his performance in YOUNG AND DANGEROUS as Cheng's loyal, hare-brained best friend is charming and unaffected, and seemingly effortless. HK movie veteran Simon Yam (BULLET IN THE HEAD) makes a brief appearance as head of the Hung Hing group, and Spencer Lam plays a former triad-turned-priest whose Christian piety doesn't prevent him from landing a few well-aimed kicks on Ng during one of the film's more bizarre episodes! Director Lau went on to better things (including the recent "Infernal Affairs" series), though not before directing SIX sequels to YOUNG AND DANGEROUS, the first of which appeared in HK theaters mere months after its predecessor!

(Cantonese dialogue)

Well-paced HK youth gangster boxoffice hit

[experten · 23 October 2001]

Young And Dangerous was a big boxoffice hit in Hong Kong and is the first movie in a series that this far contains six parts plus five spin off movies, not counting the many imitations and rip offs, so it could be worth checking out. If you like it there is the whole series to watch.

Y & D is an action movie (more than a gangster drama) about young triad gangsters and the importance of good friendship. It is purely entertainment, it is not an art film and has no important messages to the audience. The story is simple and we are not getting any deeper knowledge about the triads and how they function, even though the funeral and the punishment scene are interesting and well made. But simplicity does not have to be only bad, this is action and it is good that the story is not confusing. Also, the story contains the element of revenge and revenge tends to be involving.

The pacing is good and Y & D never gets boring, on the contrary, it gets more and more involving. Some scenes are unnecessary though, especially those with the priest and the female car thief that seems aimed to provide some not needed comic relief. But those scenes does not ruin the movie, it would just be better without them. Otherwise the tone is serious and Francis Ng, as the villain, gives a strong performance that actually lifts the film.

Y & D is superficial, but there is a lot of action, even though it is mostly the usual gang fighting. Y & D does not belong to the Heroic Bloodshed genre, there is not much gunplay and bloodsquibs. If it had been more brutal with more on screen violence it would have been a better movie. Even though it is a serious movie I would have preferred a grittier tone, but this is aimed for a younger audience. Some of the young rascals does not seem tough enough to be gangsters, but Cheng is OK as their groupleader (Ho Nam) and Chan is good as his right hand (Chicken). Simon Yam has only a small role as their highest boss. You will be entertained even if it is not the best you have seen. 7 / 10

My favorite movie of all time

[g3files · 10/10 · 14 July 2005]

I saw this movie was I was 10 years old. I am almost 20 now and still love this movie when I re-watch it.

Lang Kwan was the best evil boss I've seen in all of the series. And the way the movie show how friends stay loyal is what I love about this movie.

This movie does promote some approval of triad ways, since is no cops that always interfere but later on in the series, it started to show some aspects of that.

In this movie, it is mostly about a bad boss trying to take leadership of a district while trying to rid of his rival who is righteous.

An absolute classic...

[binaryfinary2019 · 9/10 · 8 May 2019]

The movie series that influenced a generation in Chinese culture. Parts 1, 2 & 3 are hall of famers as far as HK cinema goes regarding the Chinese gangster triad genre where even in the underword, the is honor among thieves and there is good vs bad even in the "bad guy" universe. Together with the iconic soundtrack which produced instant mando/canto pop classics, this is definitely a classic.

bad

[paul-195 · 4/10 · 12 June 1999]

i'd like to meet the guy who said this film is "a better tomorrow for the nineties", which is printed on the cover. it's not. it's not even half as good. which figures when you know it's based on a comic strip... there is hardly any character development here and the few action scenes there are are ruined by the director's fuzzy slow-motion, as in his other film "to live and die in the streets of tsim sha tsui". some nice performances but overall it's really a mess.

One of the last decent films of the Hong Kong film industry

[Wilson W · 3 August 1999]

When I first watched this movie...I thought it was a total piece of s**t. But my friends keep bugging me that it was a great film. So I watched it again and I got say I was impressed after the second time watching it. I won't really explain the plot too much but it's sort of like a Chinese version of "Menace to Society" with a touch of "Goodfellas". Strong performance by Jordan Chan and the plot is pretty good for a Hong Kong flick nowadays. There is some action with a "A Better Tomorrow" flower pot shootout spoof where Jordan Chan tries to be Chow Yun Fat. Well that's all i gotta say. Watch the film.......8/10

Very good movie.

[Darkray16 · 20 March 2002]

This movie has been the center of many lifestyles of my friends who are chinese, and for good reason. This show the better side of organized crime with good acting, funny scenes, and they actually had the guts to kill off a main character.