Triad is a 2012 Hong Kong gang movie in which 3 childhood friends join the Hong Kong Triads only to discover that fame and fortune will ultimately break them apart as only one can become the leader of the gang…
While working at his mother's street stall, a high school student is bullied by triad hooligans and saved by his friend who is the member of a rival triad gang. Determined not to be bullied again he joins his two friends as a member of the triad. The three of them gradually work their way up through the ranks of the triad to become established members and instrumental in helping the triad adapt to changes in Hong Kong. Unfortunately the three of them become involved in factional infighting when a new leader for the triad is chosen.
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Triad Review
"There’s no denying that recent years have been lean times for fans of triad and Hong Kong gang action, though there’s finally a splash of neon light at the end of the tunnel with the aptly named “Triad”. Appropriately for such a uniquely local and Hong Kong genre, the film was produced by the same team responsible for the “Lan Kwai Fong” duology and “Girl$”, and was written and directed by Daniel Chan, who also helmed Wong Jing’s soon to be seen “Young and Dangerous” reboot. As expected, the film showcases a cast of young up and coming talent as the rising gangsters, headlined by Sun Boyz singer William Chan (“Overheard”) and including Derek Tsang (“The Thieves”), Deep Ng (“The Viral Factor”) and Michelle Wai (“Lives in Flames”), plus veterans Patrick Tam (“The Detective 2”) and Irene Wan (“Exodus”).
The plot charts the rise of young William (William Chan), a poor though decent lad who after local gang boss Patrick (Patrick Tam) saves his mother from a market place attack decides to join the triad to protect his family. Backed by Patrick, William and his friends Edward (Edward Tsui) and Derek (Derek Tsang) fight their way up the ladder, winning the respect of their fellows largely through their fists and willingness to take on difficult missions. Everything changes when a new leadership election approaches, with mob war threatening and William being pitted against gang elder Ming (Lam Lei), his wife Irene (Irene Wan), and their ruthless deputy Kin (Deep Ng).
“Triad” is certainly nothing if not old school, and performs exactly as expected…Although it plays out in entirely predictable fashion, what the film lacks in creativity and substance, it more than makes up for in enthusiasm, and Daniel Chan shows a fine grasp of what many triad film fans have been missing over the last few years. There’s a great deal of fun to be had here, and the film’s dedication to the genre comes across as a respectful attempt to recreate the mood and energy of the past rather than as a half-hearted copy. The action certainly comes thick and fast, with plenty of impressive mass brawls and vicious choppings, and this ensures that the film fairly sprints along, even if its many set pieces do feel stitched together at times.
Though anyone looking for the extreme violence or nastiness suggested by the category III certificate may be a little disappointed, the many (supposedly) authentic touches and scenes of triad rituals (handily highlighted by onscreen text) which won it the rating do make a difference, and gives a vague impression that Chan knew what he was talking about. His handling is equally assured, and very much in the finest genre style, making great use of the neon drenched back alleys of Hong Kong and giving the film a similarly convincing feel.
As a result, while it may be open to accusations of a lack of ambition or originality, the simple fact is that “Triad” succeeds in serving up the kind of action and hard-boiled fun which fans of the form haven’t seen for some time. Daniel Chan does a great job in recalling the wild heyday of the Hong Kong gang film, and on this modest score, for those who care at least, it’s hard to find much not to like." beyondhollywood.com