Triad movies have been a hit genre for the past few years, especially the 'Young and Dangerous' series. After a summer full of horror movies, two triad films open this week. 'Rules of the Game' is a more marketable production with famous actors like Louis KOO Tin-lok, Alex FONG Chun-shun and Kristy YEUNG Kung-yu. So, will triad movies suit the audience who are fed up with the horror glut?

'Rules of the Game' refers to the rules in the gang society Hung Lok. The whole society is run by Shing (Alex FONG Chung-shun). Shing meets Ann (Kristy YEUNG Kung-yu) in a nightclub and takes a shine to her. Subsequently the gangs beats up her boyfriend David CHOW (Louis KOO Tin-lok) and his friends, including Ann's brother Beckham (SO Chi-wai) and her friend AU Ka-cheung (Sam LEE CHan-sum).

AU is beaten so severely that his lower half can't move and he turns vegetative. At the same time, Beckham is in debt. So they have no choice but joined Shing's triad party. David, who's pretty smart, climbs the ladder within a year. However, no one knows his secret plan......

Judging from the poster of the movie, maybe you will peg 'Rules of the Game' with Clarence FORD's 'The H.K. Triad' (1999). In fact, most of the sub-plots look very similar. This is not outright copying; it just shows that triad movies could be more unique. We know that triad movies have their conventions, but they don't have to be the same every time.

At the beginning of the movie, 'Rules of the Game' is quite comedic. But once AU is beaten up, the other actors can't match Sam LEE's gags. The latter part of the movie focuses on Ann (Kristy YEUNG), and it's a bit different. Her role in the ending was not unexpected, but I didn't expect Steve to present the ending in such a surprising way.

The movie focuses on the life of David CHOW in the triad society. The other material suffers from too many loose ends; and the movie would be better rounded with more context on the conflict between Shing and another Triad boss Uncle Sexy (NG Chi-hung). This would help strengthen the tension in the latter part.

Louis KOO Tin-lok performs well in 'Rules of the Game' as dark schemer with hate in his eyes. Alex FONG does his job, but he could have done with some more chances to develop his character. His character could be a battle between an angel and a devil, given the chance.

Sam LEE stands out in the movie. Though his character is almost disabled at the beginning, he sets the climate of the movie as a bit relaxed. Even though he plays a disabled character, the story still gives him chances to show his acting ability.

'Rules of the Game' is a typical triad movie. It has some good points, but there could be more to it. Kristy YEUNG's character is well done; while the conflicts between characters could be better used to set up the tensions between them. Louis KOO Tin-lok, Alex FONG Chung-shun and Sam LEE Chan-sum all play up to standard. It's worth watching.