🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the action-packed crime thriller “Chasing the Dragon,” viewers are taken back to the gritty underworld of 1963 Hong Kong, where illegal immigrant and drug kingpin Crippled Ho arrives with a ruthless ambition to dominate the city’s criminal landscape. Directed by Jing Wong and Jason Kwan, the film delves into the dark and dangerous world of drug trafficking, corruption, and power struggles.
As Crippled Ho establishes his reign, he forms alliances with local gangs and corrupt police, using his cunning and brutality to solidify his position. The tension escalates as Ho’s empire grows, leading to intense confrontations and betrayals within the criminal underworld.
The dynamic performances of the cast, including Donnie Yen as Crippled Ho and Andy Lau as Lee Rock, bring depth and complexity to their characters, showcasing the moral ambiguity and personal sacrifices that come with a life of crime. Philip Keung’s portrayal of Will adds another layer of intrigue to the story, highlighting the intricate web of relationships and loyalties at play.
Throughout the film, the audience is treated to gripping action sequences, from street brawls to high-stakes chases, all expertly choreographed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The cinematography captures the vibrant yet dangerous atmosphere of 1960s Hong Kong, immersing viewers in a world where violence and ambition collide.
“Chasing the Dragon” is not just a tale of crime and power; it also delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s choices. As Crippled Ho’s empire faces challenges from all sides, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey of intrigue and suspense, culminating in a dramatic showdown that will leave viewers breathless.
With its compelling storyline, stellar performances, and adrenaline-pumping action, “Chasing the Dragon” stands out as a riveting crime drama that captivates audiences from start to finish.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Donnie Yen, Andy Lau, Philip Keung, Kent Cheng, Wilfred Lau, Ken Tong, Yu Kang
Movie Casting:
- Donnie Yen as Crippled Ho (跛豪; based on Ng Sik-ho)
- Andy Lau (special appearance) as Lee Rock (雷洛; based on Lui Lok)
- Bryan Larkin as Ernest Hunter, a corrupt British policeman and the main antagonist of the film
- Kent Cheng as Piggy
- Philip Keung as Wil
- Wilfred Lau as Wayne
- Yu Kang as Chad
- Kent Tong as Tong
- Michelle Hu as Jane
- Raquel Xu as Rose
- Felix Wong as Jan
- Ben Ng as Chubby
- Julian Gaertner as Translator Geoff, the right hand of Ernest Hunter
- Niki Chow as May, Ho’s deceased wife
- Philip Ng as Wai Man
- Jonathan Lee as Peter
- Lawrence Chou as Willy
- Wang Qianyu as Cheryl
- Kenneth Tsang as Sir Chow
- Michael Chan as Master Dane
- Ricky Wong as Grizzly Bear
- Xia Qing as Grizzly Bear’s wife
- Han Xinyi as Snake Dancer
- Terence Yin as Tong’s brother
- Jason Wong as Comic
💬 Reviews and feedback
Chasing the Dragon Movie Review
Ah, the 1960s—a time of psychedelic music, groovy fashion, and apparently, the rise of a ruthless drug lord in British-colonized Hong Kong. If you’re thinking that “Chasing the Dragon” sounds like a wild ride, you’d be right on some fronts but hold your horses (or dragons), because this film is a mixed bag. It’s like ordering a fancy cocktail only to find out it tastes more like watered-down soda.
Plot: A Downward Spiral into Darkness
“Chasing the Dragon” tells the story of Crippled Ho (Donnie Yen), an illegal immigrant from Mainland China who sneaks into Hong Kong during its British rule in 1963. The charming timeline quickly spirals into chaos as Ho embarks on a journey to become one of the most feared drug lords in Hong Kong. Think “Breaking Bad,” but with more martial arts and fewer chemistry lessons. The plot has potential and is laden with betrayals, double-crosses, and action sequences that keep you on your toes—or at least try to.
The film’s narrative isn’t exactly groundbreaking but sets up plenty of opportunities for intense drama and explosive action scenes. However, much like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions, it feels like something crucial is missing.
Themes and Tone: Dark and Gritty
The movie aims for a dark and gritty tone reminiscent of 90s gangster films. Think “The Godfather” meets “Scarface,” but with far less finesse. The themes revolve around power struggles, moral decay, and betrayal—classic gangster movie staples. But let’s be real; this isn’t going to give you deep philosophical questions to ponder over your morning coffee.
Acting and Characters: Donnie Yen’s Show
If there’s one thing worth watching here, it’s Donnie Yen’s performance as Crippled Ho. Yen brings his typical intensity and charisma to the role, making you almost root for this morally ambiguous character. Andy Lau also delivers a solid performance as Lee Rock, a corrupt cop who forms an uneasy alliance with Ho.
- Binge-watching Tip: If you’re planning to watch other Donnie Yen movies after this one (because let’s face it—he’s awesome), make sure you have “Ip Man” series on standby for some palate-cleansing martial arts excellence.
The supporting characters? Well, they’re there. They exist. Unfortunately, they don’t bring much depth or interest to their roles—more like background plants than actual human beings contributing to the story.
Direction: A Tale of Two Directors
Directed by Jason Kwan and Wong Jing, “Chasing the Dragon” feels like two different visions mashed together in an awkward dance-off where neither side wins. Kwan attempts to bring some visual flair while Wong tries his hand at old-school exploitation cinema elements—but instead of blending harmoniously, they clash like oil and water.
You get sporadic moments where it feels like something profound or visually stunning might happen—but these moments are rarer than finding Wi-Fi in Mordor.
- Binge-watching Tip: Keep your expectations low if you’re diving into any other Wong Jing films immediately afterward; he’s known for his hit-or-miss approach!
Score: Mood Music or Noise?
The musical score does its job well enough—it sets the mood without overpowering scenes or becoming memorable itself. It’s more of an elevator music experience where you notice it’s there but can’t recall any specific tunes afterward.
- Binge-watching Tip: For an enhanced experience (and if you’re feeling adventurous), try playing some classic mobster soundtracks from “The Godfather” while watching!
Cinematography: Hit or Miss?
The cinematography ranges from atmospheric shots that genuinely capture Hong Kong’s gritty underbelly to confusingly chaotic fight scenes where you’re not quite sure who’s punching whom—or why anyone cares anymore.
- Binge-watching Tip: Watch in HD if possible; sometimes those chaotic scenes make more sense when every detail pops out crisply on screen!
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Donnie Yen’s performance | Failed as a throwback to 90’s gangster films |
| Intriguing storyline | Considered a bombastic failure |
| Interesting portrayal of real-life events | Not well-received as an exploitation film |
| Action-packed scenes | Received mixed reviews |
Feedback
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Chasing the Dragon (2017) - IMDb
SPONSORED
Chasing the Dragon
Original title: Chui lung
- 2017
- 2h 8m
An illegal immigrant from Mainland China sneaks into corrupt British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963, transforming himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord.An illegal immigrant from Mainland China sneaks into corrupt British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963, transforming himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord.An illegal immigrant from Mainland China sneaks into corrupt British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963, transforming himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord.
- Awards
- 3 wins & 5 nominations
SPONSOREDSPONSORED
-
Chasing the Dragon (film) - Wikipedia
Chasing the Dragon(Chinese: 追龍; Sidney Lau:Jui), previously known as
1Lung4
, is a Hong Kong-Chinese action crime drama film directed by Wong Jing and Jason Kwan. The film stars Donnie Yen as Crippled Ho, based on real life gangster Ng Sik-ho and Andy Lau reprising his role as Lee Rock from the film series of the same name. The film is about an illegal immigrant from China who sneaks into British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963 and transforms himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord. The film is a remake of the 1991 film
King of Drug Dealers
To Be Number One.
-
Chasing the Dragon (2017) | Rotten Tomatoes
Chasing the DragonWhere to WatchChasing the Dragon
Rent Chasing the Dragon on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew
Jing WongDirectorJason KwanDirectorDonnie YenCrippled HoAndy LauLee RockKent ChengPiggyPhilip KeungWill
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “Chasing the Dragon,” directed by Wong Jing and Jason Kwan, the filmmakers attempt to revive the mobster-biopic genre that was popular in Hong Kong cinema in the 1990s. The movie draws inspiration from two classic films of that era, “Lee Rock” and “To Be Number One,” but falls short in terms of storytelling, character development, and historical accuracy.
The film focuses on the illegal immigrant Ng Sik-ho, portrayed by Donnie Yen, also known as Crippled Ho, and Lee Rock, played by Andy Lau. Ng Sik-ho rises to power in the criminal underworld, while Lee Rock, a corrupt police officer, collaborates with him. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the social and political turmoil in Hong Kong during the 1960s and 1970s, depicted as a consequence of British colonial rule.
Unlike Wong Jing’s earlier works known for their explicit content, “Chasing the Dragon” opts for a more restrained approach to cater to mainland Chinese audiences and navigate past the strict censorship regulations. The film sidesteps graphic violence and sexual content, focusing instead on the power struggle between Chinese protagonists and oppressive British authorities.
The climax of the movie culminates in a face-off between the Chinese characters and their British adversaries, portraying a patriotic victory that resonates with mainland audiences. The film simplifies the complex historical context by attributing Hong Kong’s challenges solely to British colonialism, painting a black-and-white picture of heroism and resistance.
Despite its visually striking elements, “Chasing the Dragon” fails to capture the depth and nuance of its predecessors, relying more on spectacle than substance. The filmmakers prioritize action and spectacle over character development and historical accuracy, resulting in a film that falls short of its potential.
Overall, “Chasing the Dragon” attempts to revisit the glory days of Hong Kong cinema but ultimately falls short of capturing the essence and complexity of the genre it seeks to emulate.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating: R
Parental Guide for “Chasing the Dragon” (2017):
Sex & Nudity:
The movie contains some sexual content, including suggestive scenes, but no explicit nudity is shown. There are references to prostitution and sexual relationships.
Violence & Gore:
“Chasing the Dragon” features intense violence throughout, including shootings, stabbings, fights, and bloody injuries. The violence is graphic and realistic, with some scenes depicting gore and brutality.
Profanity:
The film includes frequent use of strong language, including profanities, crude terms, and vulgar expressions.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
As the movie revolves around the drug trade, there are scenes depicting drug use, trafficking, and substance abuse. Characters are shown using drugs like heroin, and the consequences of addiction are portrayed.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The movie contains intense and suspenseful scenes that may be disturbing for younger viewers. The themes of crime, corruption, and violence are prominent throughout the film.
Overall Appropriate Age:
“Chasing the Dragon” is recommended for mature audiences aged 17 and above due to its graphic violence, strong language, and adult themes. It is not suitable for children or younger teenagers.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | Available to watch on Prime Video with subscription |
| Fandango | Rent or buy on Fandango at Home |
| Plex | Watch for free on Plex with 20% off a Lifetime Plex Pass |
| fuboTV | Available on fuboTV with subscription |
| Hoopla | Available on Hoopla with subscription |
| Hi-YAH | Available on Hi-YAH with subscription |
| The Roku Channel | Watch for free on The Roku Channel with ads |
| Crackle | Watch for free on Crackle with ads |
| Pluto TV | Watch for free on Pluto TV with ads |
| Freevee | Watch for free on Freevee with ads |
| Amazon Video | Rent or buy on Amazon Video |
| Vudu | Rent or buy on Vudu |
| Apple TV | Rent or buy on Apple TV |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or buy on Google Play Movies |
| YouTube | Rent or buy on YouTube |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Life is a drug-induced haze for Claire Oberon, who lives in her remote mansion addicted to heroin, surrounding herself with her drug-addicted friends and letting her life slowly fade away.
Attempting one last chance, Claire's mother, Judith Oberon, contacts Cary Gable, an ex-boyfriend of ...
An illegal immigrant from Mainland China sneaks into corrupt British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963, transforming himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord.
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict — FBI
Working class mother becomes addicted to heroin, and soon her life falls apart.
The film is about an illegal immigrant from China who sneaks into British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963 and transforms himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord.
🤖Chasing the Dragon Reddit Talks
Chasing the Dragon: A True Crime Story of a Ruthless Drug Lord
Introduction:
“Chasing the Dragon” is a biographical crime film based on the real-life story of Crippled Ho, a Chinese immigrant who rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful drug lords in Hong Kong during the 1960s and 1970s. The film stars Donnie Yen as Crippled Ho and Andy Lau as a detective who is determined to bring him down.
Plot Summary:
The film begins with Crippled Ho arriving in Hong Kong as an illegal immigrant. He quickly gets involved in the drug trade and quickly rises to the top of the criminal underworld. Along the way, he makes powerful enemies, including a ruthless police detective who is determined to take him down.
Themes:
The film explores a number of themes, including:
- The dangers of drug addiction
- The power of corruption
- The importance of family and loyalty
- The struggle between good and evil
Critical Reception:
“Chasing the Dragon” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film’s action sequences and Donnie Yen’s performance, while others criticized the film’s slow pacing and lack of originality. However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
Discussion:
On Reddit, users discussed a variety of topics related to “Chasing the Dragon,” including:
- The film’s historical accuracy
- The performances of Donnie Yen and Andy Lau
- The film’s themes and messages
- The drug trade in Hong Kong
- The dangers of drug addiction
Different Perspectives:
Some users praised the film’s realistic portrayal of the drug trade in Hong Kong, while others criticized the film for glorifying drug use. Some users also expressed disappointment with the film’s ending, which they felt was too neat and tidy.
Overall:
“Chasing the Dragon” is a well-made and entertaining crime film that explores a number of important themes. The film is sure to appeal to fans of Donnie Yen and crime thrillers.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/711zgv/chasing_the_dragon_starring_donnie_yen_as/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/aznidentity/comments/7m2qh4/chasing_dragon_by_donnie_yen_is_a_must_see/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/DarK/comments/16k00g3/no_spoilers_im_chasing_the_dragon/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/19dzfvi/chasing_the_dragon/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/spicy/comments/13mb6r2/chasing_the_dragon/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of the film Chasing the Dragon?
The film is about an illegal immigrant from China who sneaks into British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963 and transforms himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord. It is a remake of the 1991 film To Be Number One.
What is the rating of the movie Chasing the Dragon?
Chasing the Dragon has not garnered favorable reviews and is considered a bombastic failure as a throwback to 90’s gangster films, a Donnie Yen acting showcase, and a Wong Jing exploitation film.
What is the origin of the term “chasing the dragon”?
‘Chasing the dragon’ originated in or near Hong Kong in the 1950s, referring to the act of inhaling heroin vapors after heating the drug on tin-foil above a flame.
What is the story of the movie Way of the Dragon?
Chasing the Dragon portrays the journey of an illegal immigrant from China who arrives in British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963 and rises to become a ruthless drug lord.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch: A sequel to the original movie with a focus on gangster dynamics.
- The White Storm 2: Drug Lords: Another crime thriller involving drug lords and intense action sequences.
- Rise of the Legend: A martial arts film with a strong lead performance, similar to the intensity of “Chasing the Dragon.”
- Ip Man 4: The Finale: Martial arts action with a compelling storyline, showcasing the struggle against adversaries.
- Peppermint: A revenge-driven thriller that keeps the audience engaged with its action-packed sequences.
- Flash Point (2007): A crime action film that delves into the gritty world of law enforcement and criminal elements.
- Colour of the Truth (2003): A crime drama with twists and turns that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014): A tale of power struggles and loyalty set in a crime-infested city.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
