Mongkok Story (1996)
Reviewed by: MilesC on 2001-02-11
Although this film was made before Wilson Yip's name meant much, I should've known to expect something other than a typical Young and Dangerous ripoff. Although that's exactly what this movie feels like early on, some drastic changes take place in the second half.

There are too many problems with this movie to really make it a must-see. Edmond Leung isn't a very exciting lead, and the first half-hour or so isn't very promising. Still, even the relatively dull opening scenes play out differently than might be expected, with more time spent on Triad soccer game than gang fights, and Roy Cheung playing a happily married man with a pregnant wife.

The second half, though, is where things get interesting. Virtually nothing plays out as expected, and the movie seems to be headed towards "Too Many Ways To Be No. 1" satirical territory more than once. Of course, there's the expected gang-fight, which, surprisingly, is better and more bone-crunchingly realistic than anything in the Young and Dangerous movies. It all comes to an end that is somewhat unsatisfying, but also admirably unpredictable. As you may be able to tell from my vague descriptions, I was tired when I watched this and actually took a nap in the middle. Still, I came away from Mongkok Story pleased with, if not having seen a great movie, at least seeing a very different take on the Triad genre. Worth watching, if not necessarily seeking out.