Watch The Bund

The Bund is a Hong Kong crime drama movie from 1983 that centers around the world of organized crime in Shanghai during the early 1900s. The film stars Chow Yun-fat as Hui Man-keung, a triad member who seeks to rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld, and Ray Lui as Ting Lik, a rival gang leader who becomes Hui's primary adversary.

Set against the backdrop of political upheaval and social change in China, The Bund paints a vivid portrait of life in the city's bustling harbor district, where gangs and corrupt officials battle for control of the lucrative opium trade. At the heart of the story is Hui, a young and ambitious merchant who enters the world of gangsters to advance his career and achieve personal glory.

Hui quickly establishes himself as a skilled and ruthless enforcer, earning the admiration of his boss, the powerful Liu Yuncheng (played by Patrick Tse). However, his success attracts the attention of Ting, a hot-headed rival whose violent methods prove to be a formidable challenge to Hui's rise to power. Despite their mutual hatred, Ting and Hui share a respect for each other's abilities and engage in a cat-and-mouse game of wits and violence that escalates over time.

As Hui becomes increasingly embroiled in the criminal underworld, he also develops relationships with two women who play significant roles in the story. One is a nightclub singer named Fung Ching-ching (played by Angie Chiu), who becomes Hui's lover and provides him with emotional support as he navigates the treacherous waters of Shanghai's gangland. The other is a wealthy socialite named Hsiao-yun (played by Kitman Cheng), who is drawn to Hui's charisma and becomes his patron, enabling him to move up the social ladder.

The Bund is a sprawling epic that spans several years and covers a wide range of themes, including loyalty, betrayal, honor, and revenge. The film is notable for its vivid portrayal of the sights and sounds of old Shanghai, as well as its impressive action sequences, which include gunfights, car chases, and brutal hand-to-hand combat. The movie also features a memorable score by the legendary Hong Kong composer Joseph Koo, whose soundtrack includes the iconic theme song "Man in the Net."

Overall, The Bund is a classic of Hong Kong cinema that showcases the talents of its formidable cast and crew. The movie has enjoyed enduring popularity in Asia and beyond, and it remains a must-see for fans of crime dramas and period pieces alike.