Writer: Ng Suzhen

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Watch this if you liked: “Young And Dangerous” franchise and “Brothers”

After the successful run of "Young and Dangerous", the Hong Kong film industry has left a gaping hole in the form of a triad movie that packs as much a memorable punch as the franchise with Ekin Cheng's Chan Ho Nam and Jordan Chan's Chicken forever etched in the hearts of triad movie fans.

What "Triad" aims to achieve, is to replace that gap, hoping that the lead William Chan will make an impact as unforgettable as Ekin Cheng did. However, unlike Cheng, who is able to convey a young and brash character as well as a seasoned one as time goes by, Chan looks too youthful for the part.

Perfect as a student starting out in the triads, Chan looks too young as a calm, calculative and vicious triad leader. There is no picking his acting chops, but youthfulness may be his bane in this case, which is a pity.

Joining Chan, who plays university grad turned triad leader Ah Ting, are Derek Tsang (aka son of Hong Kong film veteran Eric Tsang) and Edward Chui as Ah Cheung and Ah Dong respectively. While the movie does not really explain in detail on how the three become best buddies, it works well in subsequently conveying the strong bond they have with each other.

The reason for using totally fresh faces is probably to suggest that the world should prepare for the next generation of film makers, mirroring the same thought in the Hong Kong underworld. It is constantly suggested that the time has come to make way for forward thinking in the fast-paced society, and that the old should be giving way to the young.

Unfortunately, the young ones are too busy with their own achievements to notice that the old may still have some tricks up their sleeves.

Young blood aside in terms of casting, the people audiences are really looking forward to see would be veterans Patrick Tam and Irene Wan. Both are excellent in their roles as higher-up members in the triad society. The history between them is subtly suggested through flashback and their carefully distanced yet intimate meet-ups. At times, you would wish to learn more about their past rather than find out what happens next in the movie.

Audiences would be able to make out early in "Triad" of what to expect as the trait of triad films does not seem to steer far from blueprints of previous films in the same category. It is commendable though, that it tries its best not to recycle familiar plots, adding in a twist or two.

Cinema Online, 07 December 2012