Young And Dangerous (DVD 1999)

NO SPOILERS

This is the first film in a series of 12!! Of course as with all sequels the first are usually the best, although to be fair these don't start losing their appeal until #VII or so. My opinion of course. The first three are available in a box set, which if you like triad films and these are for you is better value than buying seperatly (talk about stating the obvious!). These films are full of action and have great story lines, if that isn't enough they've been directed by one of the best action directors alive, Andy Lau (the infernal affairs trilogy) and through the series the cream of asian actors including Anthony Wong, (infernal affairs trilogy, the untold story and ebola syndrome) Francis Ng, (the infernal affairs trilogy, heroic duo and the mission) and Simon Yam, (fulltime killer Dr Lamb and hitman) to name but a few have staring roles not just walk-on parts. As so many of the cast and crew have worked together many times before they all get the best out of each other, making for altogether an electric production, and most enjoyable viewing.
I loved the first three so made it my mission to get the whole series, which took a lot of patience. If you persevere and keep on looking you should be able to get IV,V,VI and the prequel in the UK, but I found that the others were only available from the far east. It's a bit of a gamble but if you do your research, study feedback and don't mind a bit of a wait it'll pay off in the end. Unless your a avid collector don't bother you might be dissapointed and the first few of them are the best.
This film tells the story of five friends lead by Chan Ho-Nam (Chang Ekin)as they grow up on the tough streets of Hong Kong where Triad gangs rule and the bloody fight for territory rages continuously. From a very young age these friends learn the rules of the street and by sticking together soon become a valuable asset to the Hung Hing society, a notorious Triad, and its leader Mr. Chiang (Simon Yam).
After your introduction to the five young friends trying to become teenagers with as few scars as possible. You see the event that starts them on their path to the top. Time then skips forward about ten years. If you want to know what happens in those ten years it's explained in "Young and Dangerous the prequel". As young adults they are about to be the front line in a battle where the future of the Hung Hing society, and who controls it has rarely been so imperative. A bloody battle that will test their loyalty as they are played off each other by a former rival, "Ugly" Kwan (Francis Ng) as he begins his quest to become the new leader and he doesn't care who gets in his way or how he gets there.
A great start to a truly amazing series. See my other reviews for more asian madness. Thanks for reading hope I've been a help.
Kes