I did not see all of this movie as the video ran out of tape near the end, but basically it is a retrospective life story of the Hong Kong crime lord Ho Ng. The movie was disturbing namely because it was a tragedy. We knew that in the end he would be in gaol, which is better than dying, but we can see all the way through the movie as he claws his way to the top that he is coming ever closer to disaster.

Basically the movie chronicles the rise and fall of a crime lord. When the crime lord is a bad guy, they seem to be untouchable and invincible, but when we see the crime lord in this context, we come to understand how vulnerable he really is. In fact through this movie we come to relate to Ho as he is the main focus. We have seen him at his vulnerable stage when he first came to Hong Kong, and has he grows in power, we see how shaky this power is.

Ho's flaw is his greed and his arrogance. At first he works with another crime lord, Por, who comes from the same province as Ho did, but soon they become bitter enemies, not willing to concede to each other. Tiger Li, the police officer who is under the pay of the crime lords, attempts to reconcile them, but Ho simply does not want to let his hatred of Por go away. Por never really did anything that bad, it is just that Ho is over sensitive and simply did not want to laugh when Por poked fun at him. Even though it is bad for Por, he seems much more flexible than does Ho, so when Por is set up and sent to gaol, he is released and back on top of things which Ho still holds a huge amount of animosity towards him.

I guess this movie is a character study of a crime lord, and how he claws his way to the top but is never truly satisfied. It also shows the failings of the capitalist system that people must turn to crime to succeed with those who have everything. The police, who are paid badly, receive lots of money to turn a blind eye to the crime lords.

All in all, this is not a bad movie, though it is overtly long. While watching it, we cringe as we watch it progress knowing that Ho is simply leading to disaster. He is living his life to fast and too extravagant, and this life must end sometime. He is lucky that he lands up in gaol for then he is able to learn what life is really all about.

One of the best Hong Kong gangster movies, it's also based on a true story. It's the story of a dirt-poor guy name Hao. Him and his gang of friends begin their rise in Hong Kong organized crime by killing a rival gang for Fatty Biao's gang. From this lowly start he very quickly rises to become one of the top 4 drug/gang lord. With very believable acting, an all-star cast, and an unexpected ending that will leave you speechless. A must see if you like Hong Kong films or movies like The Godfather series or Casino even.

To Be Number One (1991) is a hardcore gangster film that received the notorious category three for sex and real graphic violence. Ray Lui stars as a coolie who aspires to be a big time crime lord. With his strong lady by his side (Cecilia Yip),he rises fast through the ranks eventually becoming the triad's boss. But due to jealous within his ranks, he has a major fall. His ego and the law help him fall as well. Loosely based upon a true crime case. This film is an underrated classic.

Ray Lui is quite convincing as a cold hearted boss who trusts no one. Cecilia Yip co-stars in her usual strong female character role, she's hot and a fine actress. Kent Chueng, Kenneth Tsang, Waise Lee and Category III regulars Amy Yip and Elvis Tsui co-stars as well. A beautifully directed and photographed gangster epic that's waiting to be discovered.

Highest recommendation possible.