In the world of triads, everything’s a matter of life and death, and you have to be careful with who you trust. In Derek Chiu’s latest directorial effort, Brothers, it we come to see how this theory is brought to life.

Tam brothers, Shun (Eason Chan) and Yiu (Miu Kiu-wai) were separated since young by father, Tin (Wang Zhi-min) in a bid to prevent a prophecy from coming true. Years later, Yiu takes over Tin’s position as triad boss and tries to legitimise their business dealings. Rival member, Kui (Tong Chun-yip) continues with illegal dealings behind his back and strikes back by attempting to assassinate Tin.

This brings Shun, who was brought up in America, back to Hong Kong. However, Yiu’s attempt to set Shun up time and time again makes it difficult to tell if their ties as brothers are broken, or not. Yiu even sends Shun as a “fugitive” to Thailand along with his girlfriend Ching (Crystal Huang) and god brother, Ghostie (Wong Yat-Wah), because it’s easier to kill there.

Andy Lau plays Foon, a police officer who has witnessed many triad brothers turn against each other in the process of fighting against the illegal triad activities. Will blood brothers Yiu and Shun still remain brothers, or will they turn against each other in a murderous show down?

The Five Tigers

While the movie is said to be a reunion of 5 actors from Hong Kong television station, TVB‘s production of 1991 drama serial, “The Tigers“, Tony Leung Chiu-wai is missing from the cast. With only 4 Tigers; Andy Lau, Wong Yat-Wah, Miu Kiu-wai, Lam Ka-Tung and Tong Chun-yip, one wonders if the outcome of the movie would have been different with Leung’s presence.

That aside, Miu’s acting is highly commendable as he plays the role of an elder brother and triad boss. In fact, he’s not your usual bad-ass boss who goes around killing anyone and everyone. Miu plays the good, bad guy role so well that he exudes much charm. It was hard not to like him.

Andy Lau fans might be disappointed to know that he didn’t have a very big role in the film. But they can take heart in the fact that he was given a role quite similar to his personality –

funny and easygoing.

Action…?

Movies about triads and the underworld are famous for their exhilarating car chases and shooting showdowns. Unfortunately, the action scenes in Brothers fail to even excite with a mixture of predictable unrealistic events.

One can clearly sense when one of the characters was going to be shot or going to die. The car chase scene was idealistic as the onlookers seemed nonchalant. It was as if they were bystanders who knew a production shoot was going on. All in all, the storyline was flat. The only element that kept the show going was the trust issues between the brothers, and the desire on the audience’s part in finding out the plans that fate has for brothers, Yiu and Shun.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Movie Details:

Opens: Oct 18

Running Time: 106 mins

Language: Mandarin

Cast: Miu Kiu-wai, Eason Chan, Andy Lau

Director: Derek Chiu