Being a rascal (triad) has never been so noble and has never been so much fun, either, than in Andrew Lau's controversial adaptation of the popular "Teddy Boy" comic that struck a cord with impressionable viewers and touched a raw nerve with the government and critics alike.

Manfred Wong, who wrote and produced "Young and Dangerous," tailors his primary cast of obnoxious low ranking punks (Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Jerry Lamb, and Michael Tse) in such a way that attempts to convince his audience these young thugs (or "teddy boys") would never hurt anyone who didn't already have it coming and are all [mostly] above the deplorable acts often synonymous with organized crime.

Apparently the kids bought it: "Young and Dangerous" proved the surprise hit of 1996 and spawned two sequels in that year alone, in addition to three more official sequels, two spinoffs, and two prequels all in a span of four years.

Not dissimilar to past Andrew Lau projects "Young and Dangerous" is a car wreck of a film but one whose entertainment value is derived from your inability to look away.