Triad MoviesWho likes Triad Movies? aka Hong Kong's gangster culture aka 黑社會 is one of
Asia Movies & TV's most popular genres.
Filled with storylines of struggle between cops and gangsters, brotherhood and betrayal, glory and dishonor, the action is non-stop, the lessons in life oh so valuable. From "Mark 哥 Gor" (
Chow Yun-fat in
A Better Tomorrow 英雄本色 series) to "Chan Ho Nam 陳何南" (Ekin Cheng Yi-kin in the
Young and Dangerous 古惑仔之人在江湖 series) -
it's malebonding to DA MAX!!Triad TidbitsThe triad society was formed during the Qing Dynasty and was organized to protest against the government, they worshipped Lord Guan
(see below) adopting his loyalty to the former Han Dynasty. Triads want their members to have the qualities of Lord Guan, most importantly,
righteousness and to make contribution to the society especially when their people are under threat of a harsh repression.
Over several centuries, triads today developed from a patriotic society to a criminal organization. They moved to Hong Kong after the Communists came into power.
The name "triad" was coined by British authorities in Hong Kong, referring to that use of triangular imagery.
One common scene you see in Triad Movies is the worship of the
famous hero Guan Gong (or Guan Yu 關羽) from the Han Dynasty (during the period of the Three Kingdoms) who exemplifies the Chinese thinking of the six qualities of a humble man:
- humanity (仁)
- righteousness (義)
- ritual obedience (禮)
- wisdom (智)
- loyalty (忠)
- trust (信)
Guan Gong is most respected as the epitome of
loyalty and
righteousness (
yee hay).
Ironically, it is for the same reason that some police officers of the Hong Kong Police also worship Guan Gong, especially when a tough operation is to be carried out. The joke is that Guan Gong will be caught in the middle when the police and the triads face off.
Triad societies have traditions and exotic rituals dating back to the early days of The Hung Clan in the 18th century. The concept of brotherhood, "secret handshakes", and the use of triangles as symbols. Moreover, many of those rituals were based on superstitions and were related to peasant faiths in Southern China. For instance, in formal inauguration ceremonies new members were required to take a blood oath in front of an altar. After incenses were burnt, the head of a rooster would be chopped off, and each new member would taste its blood.
"Gau Geung?" (canto for "you tough enough?") Use the weapon of choice, The "Watermelon Knife"
Tattoos is a common association:
Here's a few characters / movies to get you started on learning the traditions of brotherhood and introduce the concept of Jiang Hu (江湖
literally "rivers" & "lakes") aka The Triad Society:
A Better Tomorrow Directed by John Woo The movie that started it all. Hong Kong movie history was broken with record box office and numerous awards incl. Best Picture and Best Actor for Ti Lung. The blood-and-bullet level was raised to new highs with epic cinematic artistry and hyper-kinetic action. The story of brotherhood and redemption has had a huge cult following worldwide, most notable
Mark Gor (played by Chow Yun-fat) is the ultimate gangster.
His rise and fall, and ultimate payback is highlighted by his famous "I will not only get back what I lost, but to show them I'm the BEST!" theme has been copied by millions.
The Killer John Woo's masterpiece, The Killer illustrates the dilemma of upholding principles, sacrificing friends and betraying one's conscience. It's a classic example of Woo's cinematic style and flair, with the infamous church bloodbath scene included. As described by John Woo, The Killer is "a movie conveying my philosophical thinking and my own version of righteousness".
Young and Dangerous series
Directed by Andrew Lau Glamorizing the triad lifestyle full of flash clothes, fast cars, and fabulous women, Y&D provides a glimpse into the culture of triads. The influential movie and its many sequels, spin-offs and parodies, depict the importance of discipline, morality, righteousness and tradition. Introducing us to such
goo wak jai (canto for gangster) like Chan Hor Nam (Ekin Cheng), Chicken (Jordan Chan) and buddies:
...and featuring the notorious
Ugly Kwan (played by Francis Ng) was the ultimate villain, power hungry, and doing anything possible to reach the top of the chain.
This series was so epic, several actors returned playing different characters, like Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung lol
The Mission and
Exiled Blurring the lines between crime drama, triad action and romanticism, Johnny To's stylish
The Mission and
Exiled creates a world where people are forced to turn into cold-blooded killers, yet still possess an inherent sense of goodness and morality. The "One Last Job" is a common theme. Just watching four gangsters goof around in a photobooth before the most epic bloodbath is what malebonding is all about.
Infernal Affairs Directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak Bringing an inventive twist to the typical triad movie, the directors blaze new trails by replacing bloody fighting with a darker and more philosophical spin in Infernal Affairs. Winner of seven prizes including Best Movie at the 2002 Hong Kong Film Awards, Infernal Affairs raised the bar by injecting non-stop games of double-crossing, questioning of integrity, and shifting of loyalties.
Election and
Election 2 Johnnie To's narrative on the power struggle to be the Chairman (
jah fit yen). This is like Triad 101 on the whole process of how members struggle for power and the loyalties of fellow members are tested. Oaths be broken as one rises to the top.
Tony Leung Ka-fai and Louis Koo Tin-lok help Simon Yam Tat-wah make this one of HK's best ensemble casts. You get the whole triad ritual, like drinking blood mixed with wine:
Laughing Gor (played by Michael Tse) is a TVB Character which set housewives in a frenzy as the loudmouth, over aggressive triad boss who has a soft spot for his boss' woman and takes a undercover cop under his wing - mirroring his own career. Spin off movies like "Turning Point" and an appearance in "House of 72 Tenants" await.
No matter how many killings and drug deals are depicted in the films, the main characters always retain their sense of honour and chivalry.
DISCUSS!What's your favorite movies?
Who are your favorite actors/characters?
How did you get hooked on Triad Movies?