Once a Gangster (2010) : Redefining Hong Kong's Post-Gangster Movie Culture

 

Once a Gangster (2010)

"Once a Gangster" (2010) is a Hong Kong film that offers a fresh take on the gangster genre, combining absurdity and dark humor. This story revolves around the world of organized crime in Hong Kong, where the top gang leaders, Roast Pork (portrayed by Jordan Chan) and Sparrow(played by Ekin Cheng), vie for the position of the Dragon Head in the upcoming gang leadership election.

Kerosene aspires to secure his protege Roast Pork's rise to power to cover up his financial misdeeds, but Roast Pork only dreams of running his restaurant and leading a simple life. On the other hand, gang Lady Pearl (played by Candice Yu) also aims to push her son, Sparrow, into the Dragon Head position. However, Sparrow, after serving time in prison, just wants to focus on his studies and live a quiet life, far from the turbulence of the underworld.

"Once a Gangster" carries a clear message of reflection on the aging gangsters, a continuation of the legacy from the notorious "Young and Dangerous" era. Sparrow and Roast Pork, formerly hot-headed youth who joined the gang, now yearn for a quiet and stable life. The film humorously explores their desperate and over-the-top attempts to get out of the underworld mess. It even playfully references iconic films like "Infernal Affairs" and the original "Young and Dangerous" series, infusing the classic gangster genre with a fresh sense of humor.

While the "Young and Dangerous" series may have glorified the thug life, "Once a Gangster" takes a different path, delving into the existential crises of these former gangsters who want to break free from their violent pasts. The film takes a deeper dive into a critical question: Where can Hong Kong's gangster movie genre find innovation? In this post-"Young and Dangerous" era, how should we approach these narratives? This incorporates satire to comment on political issues, current events, and even the film industry itself. Amid the laughter, it manages to convey a tinge of pain and thought-provoking content.

Towards the end of the film, the character Sparrow delivers a poignant line that encapsulates the essence of Hong Kong gangster movies: "Wolves rule by devouring others, but I just want to be my own person."

Here, the film shifts the focus from mere humor to a reflection on the evolution of Hong Kong's gangster movie culture and, ultimately, the pursuit of individuality.

Notably, the film's title, "Once a Gangster," references a classic theme song by Chow Yun-fat from the film "My Heart Is That Eternal Rose," underscoring the film's theme of helplessness and sadness amidst the turbulent world of organized crime. This film brilliantly combines humor and satire to deliver a deeper message about life's complexities.