Big Boss Of Shanghai: Reviews

Chen Kwan Tai directs this excellent 'brotherhood and betrayal' kung fu drama which seems highly influenced by his previous starring role in the classic 'Boxer From Shantung'. Like that movie it tells the story of a penniless new arrival in the big city who fights back against the exploitation of workers by gangsters and soon rises through the ranks of the triad; taking control of territories and gaining influence.

The former Shaw's star is joined by Jimmy Lee and while Chen Kwan Tai keeps to his morals and sense of righteousness his partner is seduced by the dark side. None too happy about the new troublemakers in town taking his profits, gang overlord Chen Sing seeks to use the growing friction between the two friends to his own advantage.

The film is made on a much lower budget than 'Boxer' but sets and costumes are adequate to recreate Shanghai of the 1930's; a time when the city was split into sectors governed by foreign powers. There are times when external locations seem a little modern but nothing that upsets the ambience too much. The drama is engaging and effectively loads the film with emotional content that gives the final showdown such an impact.

The action is well choreographed and comes at regular intervals throughout the film building to an explosive climax which echoes the final showdown from 'Boxer From Shantung'. It's not as bloody but better arranged as choreography styles had moved on by that time. A great performance from Chen Kwan Tai, and from co-star Jimmy Lee, and a great kung fu movie.

ALTERNATE SYNOPSIS:
Wang Hung was the head of a gang in a small town between Chit Kong and So Chau Province. Most of the prostitution and gambling business was under his control. Wong Chun Yung and Cheung Fu Sum were expert gamblers. They were both jobless and always hung around lik ebrothers. Wang admired Wong's martial arts technique "Clutch Hand" and wanted to recruit him. However, Wong was disgusted at his behavior and refused.

One day pickpocket Tsui gave a stolen wallet to Wong but was urged to return it back to the owner, Wang. In return, Tsui was beaten up by wang. Wong and Cheung came to the rescue and accidentally killed one of Wang's men. They had no choice but fled to Shanghai.

The prosperity of Shanghai was a shock to them, but Wong decided to build himself up. Scoundrel Fan always bullied the laborers at the pier where htey worked. They stood up for those and defeated Fan. Seeing of no match with Wong, Fan set an ambush to kill Wong and Cheung, but was murdered by his man Tao, who always intended to tape up Fan's position. Wong could not accept him, so he fled.

At the memorial service, Wong started a lead in practicing martial arts to protect oneself. This act aroused a lot of followers. Through his wisdom and martial arts skills, many other gangsters turned to be his followers. He became a reputable big boss of Shanghai under the French leased territories.

Meanwhile, Cheung was jealous of Wong's growing power. In despite of their relationship, he wanted to split up.

Tao, though defeated by Wong, took this chance to revenge. He persuaded Cheung to go for another big boss, Lam, of the British leased territories. The seduction was a success, and Cheung was to betray Wong.

Lam decided to kill Wong because of his growin gpower. A banquet was held to trap Wong. Cheung acted as usual and went with Wong and Tsui to the party. During which Lam hurt Wong's hand on purpose in order to cut his power in "Clutch Hand". Then Wong was attacked by the ambush. Tsui tendered his held but was killed by CHeung. Even though Wong tried to advise Cheung not to be a traitor for self benefit, yet Cheung was overwhelmed by aggression to get Wong's position.

After a vigorous struggle, Wong proved himself to be the winner and deserved to be the only big boss of Shanghai!