A definite must-see, both for the somber tone and vicious action as well as the high quality performances from the actors. In particular, Simon Lui (Brother Ko) redeems his various sub-par efforts in the past with a standout performance here.

As with the majority of films in this sub-genre the story isn't really what matters - it is conflict (the more the merrier) and the violent "resolution" of those conflicts that is the mainstay of these movies and this particular example passes its Category III test with flying colours. Whilst this is probably not the biggest budgeted film ever the cast is a strong one and they all make a more than adequate fist (how appropriate) of their respective roles.

Fast-rising star Louis Koo ("Century Of The Dragon") tops the cast as David Chow the boyfriend of Ann (played by Kristy Yeung) who attracts the attention of the Hung Lok society head Shing (played by Alex Fong who was Simon Yam's second-in-command in "Casino" - another great gangster film). Also in the film is So Chi-Wai as Beckham (thankfully there is no character called Posh Spice) - Ann's brother - and Sam "Beast Cops" Lee (he was the youngest of the three cops in that film) as their friend Au Ka-Cheung.

Shing's attraction to Ann makes an all-out rumble between the two groups inevitable and it isn't long before trouble flairs. During their fight Shing batters Ka-Cheung so badly (finishing off by dropping him spine-first across a hard edge of a table) that he ends up in a wheelchair - he sits there a shadow of his old self.

In the dog eat dog world that they live in it is inevitable that David joins Shing's triad group although he doesn't join only to ensure his own survival as Shing finds out to his cost. As the opposing forces Louis Koo & Alex Fong give terrific performances - Koo as David is all intensity and simmering aggression whilst Fong as Shing is a colder character yet very vicious.

Sam Lee still manages to contribute to the film despite being wheelchair bound and silent from less than 30 minutes into the film. So Chi-Wai gives a solid performance as Ann's brother (giving him as a appropriately pathetic air) but it's Kristy Yeung as Ann who gives the best performance outside of the two male leads - she elevates her character from the level of a mere damsel-in-distress and is on this evidence an actress to look out for.

The typical Hong Kong gangster film isn't stunningly original (few films the world over are to be frank) but if it's as well executed as this film is then they can be a real thrill ride. It's kind of like "The Godfather" but without all that method acting getting in the way of the violence !