Young and Dangerous
Encyclopedia
The Young and Dangerous film series is a collection of Hong Kong films
about a group of triad young members, detailing their adventures, dangers and growth in a Hong Kong
triad society. The series is based on a popular comic book
series known as "Teddy Boy".
The series contributed a lot to the public image of triads and was condemned by certain quarters as glorifying secret triad societies. However, it was immensely popular in Hong Kong
and spun 9 sequels and spin-offs. Its main actor
s and actresses have also became major stars in their own right.
Andrew Lau
served as cinematographer
and director
for parts 1
, 2
, 3
, 4
, 5
and 6
including a prequel
with radio personality
Manfred Wong
writing scripts for the ongoing franchise.
Cinema of Hong Kong
The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese language cinema, alongside the cinema of China, and the cinema of Taiwan...
about a group of triad young members, detailing their adventures, dangers and growth in a Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
triad society. The series is based on a popular comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series known as "Teddy Boy".
The series contributed a lot to the public image of triads and was condemned by certain quarters as glorifying secret triad societies. However, it was immensely popular in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and spun 9 sequels and spin-offs. Its main actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
s and actresses have also became major stars in their own right.
Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung is a Hong Kong cinematographer and filmmaker. Lau began his career in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as a cinematographer to filmmakers such as Ringo Lam, Wong Jing and Wong Kar-wai. In the 1990s, Lau decided to have more creative freedom as a cinematographer by becoming a film...
served as cinematographer
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
for parts 1
Young and Dangerous
The Young and Dangerous film series is a collection of Hong Kong films about a group of triad young members, detailing their adventures, dangers and growth in a Hong Kong triad society...
, 2
Young and Dangerous 2
Young and Dangerous 2 is a 1996 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the first sequel in the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
, 3
Young and Dangerous 3
Young and Dangerous 3 is a 1996 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the second sequel in the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
, 4
Young and Dangerous 4
Young and Dangerous 4 is a 1997 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the third sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
, 5
Young and Dangerous 5
Young and Dangerous 5 is a 1998 Hong Kong triad film. It is the fourth and final sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
and 6
Born to Be King
Born to Be King , also known as Young and Dangerous 6: Born to Be King, is a 2000 Hong Kong film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the fifth and final sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Synopsis:...
including a prequel
Young and Dangerous: The Prequel
Young and Dangerous: The Prequel is a 1998 Hong Kong Triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the second prequel in the Young and Dangerous film series....
with radio personality
Radio personality
A radio personality is a person with an on-air position in radio broadcasting. A radio personality can be someone who introduces and discusses various genres of music, hosts a talk radio show that may take calls from listeners, or someone whose primary responsibility is to give news, weather,...
Manfred Wong
Manfred Wong
Manfred Wong Man-Chun , born on 1 January 1957 in Hong Kong is a Hong Kong radio personality, film producer, screenwriter, director and actor. He is best known for his involvement as a writer for the Young and Dangerous film series.-Biography:...
writing scripts for the ongoing franchise.
The Series
- Young and DangerousYoung and DangerousThe Young and Dangerous film series is a collection of Hong Kong films about a group of triad young members, detailing their adventures, dangers and growth in a Hong Kong triad society...
(1995)
- Young and Dangerous tells the story of Chan Ho NamChan Ho NamChan Ho-nam , or "Baby-faced Nam" is a fictional character in the Young and Dangerous film series. He is the Causeway Bay branch leader of the Hong Kong triad group, Hung Hing....
(Ekin ChengEkin ChengEkin Cheng is a Hong Kong actor and Cantopop singer. Early in his career he used the name Dior as a first name. He has also been referred to as Noodle Cheng, after a popular noodle product with a similar name...
), "Chicken" Chiu (Jordan ChanJordan ChanJordan Chan Siu-Chun is a Chinese actor and musician from Hong Kong.Chan got his start by enrolling in the TVB Dancers' Training Class in 1985. Soon after graduation, he joined a few of the studio's troupes that would accompany popular singers during their live performances...
), Tai Tin Yee (Michael TseMichael TseMichael Tse Tin Wah is a Hong Kong TVB actor.-Career highlights:Michael Tse graduated from TVB's Dance Training Class and worked with TVB as a dancer for 5 years. He then left TVB and formed a boy band group called 風火海 with Jordan Chan and Jason Chu...
), Pao Pan (Jerry LamJerry LambJerry Lamb Hiu Fong is a Hong Kong actor. He is also known as Lamb Hiu Fung.He was born in Hong Kong. He is the younger brother of popular DJ, pop singer, and actor, Jan and radio personality-turned-singer Sandy. Jerry is best known to hardcore movie fans as the young lackey Pou-pan in the Young...
) and his brother Chow Pan (Jason Chu) during their inclusion into the "Hung Hing" Society. The focus is on internal squabbling within the triad, spearheaded by "Ugly Kwan" (Francis NgFrancis Ng-Career:Like so many of Hong Kong's actors, Ng has his roots in television. He graduated from TVB's training classes in 1985. He acted in minor roles working gradually upwards in the television hierarchy, but his looks did not fit in the conventional leading man role...
).
- Young and Dangerous 2Young and Dangerous 2Young and Dangerous 2 is a 1996 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the first sequel in the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
(1996)
- The story in Young and Dangerous 2 is told in two parts: the first focuses on Chicken and his exile in TaiwanTaiwanTaiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
skipped over in the first film. The second half deals with the Hung Hing Society trying to ally with Chicken's Taiwanese triad "San Luen". The character "Banana" (Jason Chu) is recruited into Ho Nam's circle. At the same time, an election to obtain the branch leadership status of Causeway BayCauseway BayCauseway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
is underway, with Chan Ho Nam as its prime candidate, until a rivalry breaks out between him and another Hung Hing member, "Tai Fei" (Anthony WongAnthony Wong Chau SangAnthony Wong Chau-sang is a Hong Kong Film Award-winning Hong Kong actor, screenwriter and film director. He is regarded as one of the most notable actors in Hong Kong.-Biography:...
).
- Young and Dangerous 3Young and Dangerous 3Young and Dangerous 3 is a 1996 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the second sequel in the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
(1996)
- Chan Ho Nam and Chicken are back again in Young and Dangerous 3, this time taking on the rival "Tung Sing" triad, who is attempting to usurp Hung Hing influence in Hong Kong by having Tung Sing member "Crow" (Roy CheungRoy CheungRoy Cheung Yiu-Yeung is a Hong Kong-based actor, best known on-screen for his roles as Triad gangsters in a number of films.- Early life and career :As a child, Cheung idolized kung-fu legend Bruce Lee but never seriously considered a career in acting....
) frame Ho Nam for the murder of Hung Hing Chairman Chiang Tin Sang (Simon YamSimon YamSimon Yam Tat-Wah , born March 19, 1955, is a Hong Kong actor and film producer.-Background:The son of a former police officer of Shangdong heritage, his father was a Hong Kong Royal Police ship captain who was murdered by his colleague....
). On the plus side, Chicken finds a new love interest in Wasabi (Karen MokKaren MokKaren Joy Morris, known more commonly in the Sinosphere as Karen Mok or Mok Man-Wai, is a three-time Golden Melody Award-winning Hong Kong-based actress and singer-songwriter.- Biography :...
), the daughter of the comedic priest, Father "Lethal Weapon" Lam.
- Once Upon a Time in Triad SocietyOnce Upon a Time in Triad SocietyOnce Upon a Time in Triad Society is a 1996 spin-off film of the Young and Dangerous film series. This first spin-off movie focuses on Ugly Kwan, played by Francis Ng.-Cast and roles:* Francis Ng - Kwan...
(1996)
- The story of a gangster "Ugly Kwan" (Francis NgFrancis Ng-Career:Like so many of Hong Kong's actors, Ng has his roots in television. He graduated from TVB's training classes in 1985. He acted in minor roles working gradually upwards in the television hierarchy, but his looks did not fit in the conventional leading man role...
)'s rise and fall in the Triads. This is a sort of spin-off from the Young and Dangerous series. While Ng is basically reprising his role as Ugly Kwan from Young and Dangerous 1 and the priest from the series (Lam) makes an appearance, their ends don't mesh with the Y&D storyline.
- Young and Dangerous 4Young and Dangerous 4Young and Dangerous 4 is a 1997 Hong Kong triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the third sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
(1997)
- When the branch leader position is open for Tuen MunTuen MunTuen Mun is a town near the mouth of Tuen Mun River and Castle Peak Bay in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It was one of the earliest settlements in Hong Kong which can be dated back to the Neolithic period. In the more recent past, it was home to many Tanka fishermen who gathered at the Castle...
, Chicken decides to run for it and is up against fellow Hung Hing member "Barbarian", who resorts to ruthless Tung Sing member "Thunder Tiger" (Roy CheungRoy CheungRoy Cheung Yiu-Yeung is a Hong Kong-based actor, best known on-screen for his roles as Triad gangsters in a number of films.- Early life and career :As a child, Cheung idolized kung-fu legend Bruce Lee but never seriously considered a career in acting....
) for help in his candidacy. The triad also has to deal with finding a new chairman to the Hung Hing Society, Chiang Tin Yeung (Alex ManAlex ManAlex Man , Hong Kong actor who has played leading roles in numerous movies and television serials.Born in Hong Kong, Alex Man joined ATV in 1970s, casting some TV drama. He became popular when joining TVB in 1980s, in which he had been the main character of several TV drama with big production...
), Chiang Tin Sang's older brother, who resides in ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Young and Dangerous 4 also brings in new characters first appearing among the Hung Hing ranks, such as Ben Hon (Wan Yeung MingWan Yeung Ming-Filmography:* The Stool Pigeon * Confession of Pain - Uncle Man* Isabella - Bik-Yan's father* Infernal Affairs III - Night club manager* Payment in Blood * Healing Hearts - Officer Chen...
), "Sister 13" (Sandra NgSandra NgSandra Ng Kwan-yu is a Hong Kong film and television actress.-Biography:The daughter of Ng Kam-chuen, Ng was born in Hong Kong, where she attended St. Stephen's Girls' College. Encouraged by her parents, she began her entertainment career at the age of 16. She is most known through her comic...
) and "Prince".
- Young and Dangerous 5Young and Dangerous 5Young and Dangerous 5 is a 1998 Hong Kong triad film. It is the fourth and final sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Plot:...
(1998)
- Although Chicken does not make an appearance, Chan Ho Nam finds a new love interest in the form of Mei Ling (Shu QiShu QiShu Qi is the stage name of a Taiwanese actress born Lin Li-Hui . Her stage name is occasionally romanized as Hsu Chi or Shu Kei . Her name is sometimes seen in the Western order as Qi Shu.-Early life:...
). Meanwhile, Tung Sing returns to cause trouble again for Hung Hing, in the form of new leader Szeto Ho Nam (Mark Cheng). Young and Dangerous 5 occurs during the transfer of Hong Kong sovereignty to ChinaTransfer of the sovereignty of Hong KongThe transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, referred to as ‘the Return’ or ‘the Reunification’ by the Chinese and ‘the Handover’ by others, took place on 1 July 1997...
, with the "boys" becoming "men", as they develop and mature into more business-like dealings.
- Portland Street BluesPortland Street BluesPortland Street Blues is a 1998 Hong Kong film, directed by Yip Wai Man. The film is a spin-off of the Young and Dangerous series of films.-Synopsis:...
(1998)
- Portland Street Blues is the first spin-offSpin-off (media)In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
to the franchise, providing a different contrast to the familiar Young and Dangerous films with more character development. This time, the story's focus centers on "Sister 13". In a triad underworld dominated by men, the film tells the story of how she faces the trials and tribulations of rising to become the Hung Hing's branch leader of Portland StreetPortland StreetPortland Street is a popular street in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The street is known for its business and retailing skyscraper complex Langham Place, numerous restaurants and its famous red-light district.-Geography:...
, and her willingness to forgo a heterosexual relationship. The film also gives more details and insights on the rival Tung Sing triad and the mutual friendship between Sister 13 and Ben Hon.
- Young and Dangerous: The PrequelYoung and Dangerous: The PrequelYoung and Dangerous: The Prequel is a 1998 Hong Kong Triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the second prequel in the Young and Dangerous film series....
(1998)
- Showcasing the earlier years of Chan Ho Nam (Nicholas TseNicholas TseNicholas Tse is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter, actor and musician, and son of actor Patrick Tse. He is a member of the Emperor Entertainment Group...
) and Chicken (Sam LeeSam LeeSam Lee Chan-Sam is an actor from Hong Kong. He started his film career when he was first spotted by director Fruit Chan who cast him in Made in Hong Kong. Since his debut, Sam has been working hard on many films. In 1999, he made thirteen films in that year alone. He appeared in a Japanese...
), this prequelPrequelA prequel is a work that supplements a previously completed one, and has an earlier time setting.The widely recognized term was a 20th-century neologism, and a portmanteau from pre- and sequel...
tells of their time during their willingness to follow Hung Hing's "Uncle Bee". The film co-stars Shu QiShu QiShu Qi is the stage name of a Taiwanese actress born Lin Li-Hui . Her stage name is occasionally romanized as Hsu Chi or Shu Kei . Her name is sometimes seen in the Western order as Qi Shu.-Early life:...
and Daniel WuDaniel WuDaniel Yin-Cho Wu is a Hong Kong actor, director and producer. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry.-Early life:Wu was born in...
.
- The Legendary 'Tai Fei'The Legendary 'Tai Fei'The Legendary 'Tai Fei' is a 1999 Hong Kong film directed by Kant Leung and starring Anthony Wong. It is a spin-off to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Synopsis:...
(1999)
- In another spin-offSpin-off (media)In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
, after Tai Fei obtains branch leadership status of North PointNorth PointNorth Point is a mixed-use urban area in the Eastern District of Hong Kong. It is the northernmost point of Hong Kong Island, adjacent to both Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay, and projecting toward Kowloon Bay. Fortress Hill occupies the western end of the North Point area.-History:In 1899, The...
in Young and Dangerous 4, he discovers he has a son. Worse yet, his son is a member of the hated Tung Sing triad, now dealing in narcotics.
- Those Were The Days... (2000)
- This semi-prequel/spin-offSpin-off (media)In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
follows the life of Chicken before he joined the Hung Hing triad. The film co-stars Gigi LeungGigi LeungGigi Leung Wing-kei is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer and actress.-Biography:Given the name Leung Bik-Zi at birth, at the age of 7 her mother changed her name changed to 'Wing-Kei' for superstitious reasons; as a child, Leung suffered from frequent asthma attacks and it was believed a change of name...
as Chicken's childhood friend.
- Born to Be KingBorn to Be KingBorn to Be King , also known as Young and Dangerous 6: Born to Be King, is a 2000 Hong Kong film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the fifth and final sequel to the Young and Dangerous film series.-Synopsis:...
(2000)
- Born to Be King, also known as Young and Dangerous 6, is the last and final installment to the mainstream franchise and characters. This film is a return to form for the series with what is considered a fitting end by fans. Chicken is set to marry Nanako (Anya), the daughter of Japanese yakuzaYakuza, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
boss Isako Kusaraki (Sonny ChibaSonny Chiba, also known as Sonny Chiba, is a Japanese actor, singer, film producer, film director and martial artist.Chiba was one of the first actors to achieve stardom through his skills in martial arts, initially in Japan and later before an international audience.- Early life :Born in Fukuoka, Fukuoka,...
), to tie relationships between the Taiwanese San Luen triad and Kurasaki's clan. When Chicken is set up and framed again for murder, he seeks his old friends from Hung Hing to clear his name.
Cast includes
- Ekin Cheng Yee-KinEkin ChengEkin Cheng is a Hong Kong actor and Cantopop singer. Early in his career he used the name Dior as a first name. He has also been referred to as Noodle Cheng, after a popular noodle product with a similar name...
as Chan Ho Nam - Jordan Chan Siu-ChunJordan ChanJordan Chan Siu-Chun is a Chinese actor and musician from Hong Kong.Chan got his start by enrolling in the TVB Dancers' Training Class in 1985. Soon after graduation, he joined a few of the studio's troupes that would accompany popular singers during their live performances...
as Chicken / Little Chicken (In Those Were The Days) - Gigi Lai ChiGigi LaiGigi Lai is a Hong Kong actress and Cantopop singer. Lai was under a contract with the television station TVB and she retired in October 2008. She is popularly nicknamed by the Hong Kong media as the "Goddess of Beauty" ....
as Smartie / Tuan Mu Ruo Yu (In Born To Be King) - Francis Ng Chun-YuFrancis Ng-Career:Like so many of Hong Kong's actors, Ng has his roots in television. He graduated from TVB's training classes in 1985. He acted in minor roles working gradually upwards in the television hierarchy, but his looks did not fit in the conventional leading man role...
as Ugly Kwan - Frankie Ng Chi Hung as Uncle Bee
- Simon Yam Tat-WahSimon YamSimon Yam Tat-Wah , born March 19, 1955, is a Hong Kong actor and film producer.-Background:The son of a former police officer of Shangdong heritage, his father was a Hong Kong Royal Police ship captain who was murdered by his colleague....
as Chiang Tin Sang - Michael Tse Tin-WahMichael TseMichael Tse Tin Wah is a Hong Kong TVB actor.-Career highlights:Michael Tse graduated from TVB's Dance Training Class and worked with TVB as a dancer for 5 years. He then left TVB and formed a boy band group called 風火海 with Jordan Chan and Jason Chu...
as Dai Tin Yee / Michael (born to Be King) - Jason Chu Wing-Tong as Chow Pan (Part 1) / Banana Skin (2-5) / Jason (Born to Be King)
- Jerry Lamb Hiu-FungJerry LambJerry Lamb Hiu Fong is a Hong Kong actor. He is also known as Lamb Hiu Fung.He was born in Hong Kong. He is the younger brother of popular DJ, pop singer, and actor, Jan and radio personality-turned-singer Sandy. Jerry is best known to hardcore movie fans as the young lackey Pou-pan in the Young...
as Pou Pan - Suki Chan Sau-Yue as Ho Yan
- Joe Cheng ChoJoe ChengJoseph Cheng, also known as Joe Cheng, was born on 19 June 1982. He is a Taiwanese model, actor and singer. Although he started his career as a model, Cheng is well known for his role as Jiang Zhishu in Taiwanese drama serial version of Japanese manga Itazura Na Kiss, It Started with a Kiss...
as Boss Ba Bai - Teresa Ha Ping as Kwan's mother
- Spencer Lam Seung-Yi as Priest / Lethal Weapon
- Lee Siu-KeiLee Siu-KeiLee Siu-kei is a Hong Kong actor, film director, scriptwriter and producer. He is a former triad member and has served as consultant for many Hong Kong triad movies.-Selected filmography:* God of Gamblers II * Fist of Fury 1991...
as Boss Keith - Shing Fui-OnShing Fui-OnShing Fui On was a Hong Kong actor, best known for his supporting roles in Hong Kong cinema. He had only one leading role in his entire career.-Biography:...
as Boss Saur - Johnny Wang Lung-WeiWang Lung WeiWang Lung Wei , also known as Johnny Wang, is a Chinese actor, director, producer, and action choreographer, who has starred in over 80 kung fu films, mainly for Shaw Brothers Studios. Wang's first Shaw Brothers film role was as the traitor Ma Fu Yi in the Chang Cheh-directed film Five Shaolin...
as Boss Wai - Anthony WongAnthony Wong Chau SangAnthony Wong Chau-sang is a Hong Kong Film Award-winning Hong Kong actor, screenwriter and film director. He is regarded as one of the most notable actors in Hong Kong.-Biography:...
as Tai Fei
External links
- About the Young and Dangerous series and spin-offs
- Young & Dangerous: Hung Hing in depth... at www.PodcastOnFire.com
- Reviews of Young & Dangerous 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 at HKCuk.co.uk / PodcastOnFire.com
- Teddy Boy The comic Young and Dangerous is based on