Young and Dangerous (film series)
The Young and Dangerous film series is a Hong Kong triad film series produced by BoB & Partners Co. and directed by Andrew Lau. It is based on the comic book series Teddy Boy by Dickey Yau. The series focuses on a group of young men who rise through the ranks of a Hong Kong triad society, examining their friendships, loyalties, romantic relationships, and struggles for power.
The main characters are often involved in violent conflicts with rival gangs, police, and internal betrayals. While the series is known for its action and violence, it also explores themes of brotherhood, honor, and the consequences of a life of crime.
The original Young and Dangerous was released in 1996 and spawned several sequels, spin-offs, and prequels. The success of the films made the main cast, including Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, Chin Kar-lok and Jerry Lamb, into popular stars. The series is considered a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, influencing fashion, music, and youth culture. While criticized for glorifying triad life by some, it also provided a gritty and realistic depiction of the underbelly of Hong Kong society during the period it portrays.
Key films in the series include:
- Young and Dangerous (1996)
- Young and Dangerous 2 (1996)
- Young and Dangerous 3 (1996)
- Young and Dangerous 4 (1997)
- Young and Dangerous 5 (1998)
- Young and Dangerous 6: Born to Be King (2000)
- Young and Dangerous: Reloaded (2013), a reboot of the series.
The series is noted for its use of Cantonese slang, stylized violence, and a soundtrack featuring Cantopop music, contributing to its distinctive identity. The characters, particularly Chan Ho-Nam (played by Ekin Cheng) and Chicken (played by Jordan Chan), became iconic figures and are widely recognized in Hong Kong cinema.