Ok, it’s time for me to start writing reviews for some of my favorite movies- not just the ones that I’ve recently viewed. I’ll start with the film that made me a fan of Francis Ng. Once Upon a Time in Triad society is an underrated classic. It’s also unique as Francis portrays Kwan who is both the villain and the hero of the story.

“Once Upon A Time in Triad Society” is essentially a spin-off of “Young and Dangerous”, as Francis Ng plays virtually the same character Kwan. In this case, Kwan is the leader of a Triad group attempting to make a deal with a Japanese gang. In the opening act, Kwan’s true colors are shown as he mistreats his own men, the Japanese, the police, and especially his tailor and his daughter! All of this is done excellently by Francis. Kwan is so over the top that I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s obvious that a guy like Kwan has got to have enemies, and that is made clear when he is shot and seriously injured.

Arriving at the hospital, no one seems to really care about saving Kwan’s life. All of the Nurses and Doctors have heard of his antics and Kwan is put to the end of everybody’s priority lists. Only one police officer wants him to be treated, and that is only due to fact that he needs a statement. Seeing how he is viewed by others, Kwan reflects on his life, and as he suddenly becomes the films narrator, tries to explain how he became such a bad guy. The movie completely switches gears, and we now see how Kwan was just a shy honest kid who is mislead in to joining the Triads based on his belief that it is an honorable society. He spends most of his time checking out a local waitress that he has nicknamed “Restaurant”, too shy to even speak to her. Here we are shown in detail how one by one, Kwan is betrayed by his best friend, two Triad bosses, and finally his girl. Kwan explains to the audience that he had every intention to lead an honorable life, but was dragged down on every occasion. How could he have ended up any other way? Well it’s a good story- but is it true? Next we are treated to another (and more probable) background of Kwan in which he was a bad guy since childhood. In this version Francis graphically shows that it was Kwan who backstabbed and betrayed everyone on his way up the ladder in the society. Which version is the correct one, and if Kwan survives this near-death experience will he change his ways?

What’s great about this movie is the contrast between the two versions. The cast is excellent with the same actors portraying two different versions of their characters. For example, Spencer Lam plays a drug addict Triad in one version, and his priest character from “Young and Dangerous” in the other. Edmond So, although playing Kwan’s best friend in both versions, goes from a sneaky good for nothing con-man, to a trust worthy lounge singer! Francis does an excellent job with the two versions of Kwan. His acting range is on display here as he portrays Kwan on both ends of the spectrum. The good version is so compelling that part of me wanted it to be featured for the entire movie. As for the “Ugly Kwan” character- he’s just so bad that you can’t help but laugh along with him enjoying his antics in a guilty pleasure kind of way.

Everything just clicks in the film, right down to the music. There is even some action thrown in featuring an exciting gunfight at the climax. I give this movie my highest recommendation. Check it out if you have the chance.