Watch Gatao 2: Rise of the King

Gatao 2: Rise of the King is a 2018 Taiwanese crime thriller directed by Cheng-Kuo Yen. It stars Collin Chou, Shih-Sian Wang, and Jack Kao in a story about a young gangster's rise to power in the Taiwanese underworld. The film picks up two years after the events of the first movie, with Ren Guang Xi (played by Wang) now serving as the boss of his own gang. However, his position is challenged by a rival group led by the violent and unpredictable Shiou (Chou). As the two factions begin a bloody war for control of the criminal underworld, Ren finds himself facing betrayal from within his own organization, as well as pressure from his loyal but concerned girlfriend Ya Ya (played by Amber An).

Amidst all this chaos, a new player enters the game: the enigmatic, powerful gangster Blackie (Kao), who has his own motives for getting involved in the conflict. As the violence escalates and the body count rises, Ren must fight to protect his friends and allies, while also maintaining his position as the kingpin of Taipei's criminal underworld.

One of the standout elements of Gatao 2 is its strong performances from the cast. Wang is excellent as the conflicted young gangster struggling to balance his ambitions with his desire to do what's right. Chou is suitably menacing as the ruthless Shiou, while Kao brings a compelling presence to his mysterious character. An also shines as Ya Ya, deftly portraying the character's loyalty and vulnerability.

The film's action sequences are another highlight. Director Cheng-Kuo Yen stages some impressively brutal fight scenes, with the hand-to-hand combat feeling fast-paced and impactful. The film's use of firearms is also notable, with the shootouts feeling tense and exciting without ever descending into mindless bloodshed. The film's use of location is also worth mentioning, with the various settings around Taipei adding to the sense of gritty realism.

That said, the film does have its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel uneven, with certain scenes dragging on for longer than they need to. Some of the character motivations can also be a bit unclear, especially in the case of Blackie, who feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the other major players in the story. Additionally, the film's themes (such as the struggle for power and the toll of violence on the human psyche) are not particularly original, and some viewers may find the film's content to be somewhat clichéd.

Overall, Gatao 2: Rise of the King is a solid entry in the Taiwanese crime drama genre. Its strong performances and well-staged action make it worth a watch for fans of the genre, though it may not be particularly groundbreaking for viewers looking for something entirely fresh and innovative.