MONGA | Movie Release, Showtimes & Trailer | Cinema Online
Movie Details

MONGA

Starring the top two male idols in Taiwan, Ethan Ruan (Monk) and Mark Chao (Mosquito), "Monga" tells about the story of five boys from the historical district of Monga in Taipei, who join a gang because they were tired of being bullied around. As the young men enjoy their newfound status as gangsters in Monga, they have no idea that other gangs have also set their eyes on this prosperous area. Under the guidance of a veteran gangster, the youngsters are taught the heritage created by the founders of the borough of Monga. He has no idea, however, of a storm brewing that will soon break every hint of order in town, and remove the last remaining grandeur of the old town Monga.

Language: Mandarin / Hokkien
Subtitle: NA
Classification: 18
Release Date: 29 Jul 2010
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 2 Hours 22 Minutes
Distributor: UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES
Cast: Mark Chao, Ethan Juan, Ma Ru-long, Rhydian Vaughan
Director: Niu Cheng-ze
Format: NA

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Review
Writer: Tammy Ang

Writer Ratings:
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Watch this if you liked: "Young & Dangerous"

Have you ever imagined of a romanticised triad film? "Monga" is exactly it. If you hate triad movies, and decided to skip this one, you would have missed watching a very good movie. "Monga" atypically weaves action and drama around values like friendship, brotherhood, honour and loyalty, while being underscored by wonderful music!

This gangster flick is directed by Doze Niu Chen Zer (2007's "What On Earth Have I Done Wrong?!) and stars two of Taiwan's hottest male idols, Ethan Juan ("Fated to Love You", "My Queen") and Golden Bell winner Mark Chao ("Black & White"). It's the first time both stars hit the silver screen but they have managed to avoid the usual crossover letdowns we're used to.

Mark Chao plays Mosquito, a new transfer student who's tired of being bullied and befriends a group lead by Dragon (Rhydian Vaughan) to form the Prince Gang. This being his debut performance onscreen, this actually sits in well with his acting, as his character is a fresh gangster recruit. He also manages to pull off the emotional scenes in the movie, especially during a showdown at the end.

Meanwhile Ethan Juan makes a shift from his usual prince charming persona and displays more depth this time. You'll get to see Ethan in a solid role as the tense Monk who struggles between his possibly homosexual affinity with Dragon and on the other hand, revenge.

The camerawork in "Monga" is also outstanding. The most impossible-to-miss scene is the introduction to the five members of the Prince Gang. The camera pans around the characters in one continuous take where they battle a rival gang. It is said from the director's blog that this perfect shot took 20 takes which started from 6am to 5pm in the course of one day. The music score is also worth mentioning as it artistically heightens the ambience of the movie. One such example is Air Supply's classic "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" supporting a love scene between a prostitute and Mark's Mosquito character.

"Monga" is uniquely Taiwanese and you'd enjoy the movie more if you understand Hokkien and Min Nan. With nostalgic backdrops, impressive camerawork and music score, stellar casts (and their half-naked hot bodies in some scenes) and the director's distinct style, "Monga" is a highly recommended watch.

Cinema Online, 09 April 2010

   
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Classification
U - General viewing for all ages
P12 - Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 12.
13 - For audiences aged 13 years old and above.
16 - For audiences aged 16 years old and above.
18 - For 18+ with elements for mature audiences
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