Original subtitles

The United States and European powers invaded China in the early 19th century

and set up concessions in Shanghai.

China became a sub-colony and Shanghai, the largest port in China.

The flourishing concessions in Shanghai

formed a sharp contrast with the poverty and under-development in the Chinese Territory.

The Westerners in the concessions had the highest status.

Only a few Chinese could enjoy the same privileges.

(1920's)

Hey, your face has been like this ever since Koo Siu-lau left.

Don't tell me you still miss her.

She's in Beiping now. You'll never see her again.

Don't be silly. I'm just sleepy.

I hope so. But decent girls are everywhere. I have good news for you, brother.

There are many modern girls inside this Western bar.

You're like a countryman in town! Stop embarrassing me!

Chief Inspector Chak Kam-tong! The man who hit us last time!

Relax, he won't recognise you.

Right, why should I worry? Let's go.

Westerners only. Please leave.

Let's grab a drink.

You're good at dancing. You're better.

The Westerners can’t dance.

So, having fun?

Yes.

As the Chief Inspector, you should come here more often

and meet more foreign friends. That'll be beneficial to you.

True.

I have referred you two for membership so that you can come on your own.

That's great, thank you.

This 1912 red wine is only available here. It can't be found anywhere else. Try it.

Sure. I've never tried red wine before.

It has a unique flavour. I like it.

Hello, Fiori!

You two enjoy, I'll be right back.

So, do you like it here?

Yes, of course. I'm impressed. Too bad it's for Westerners only.

Wouldn't it be great if we could open a similar nightclub for the Chinese?

I'm sure many people would love it.

Good idea.

I want to open a nightclub that's even bigger and grander than this one.

The Chinese upper class is our target market What do you think?

Good. We can also hire someone to sing Chinese pop songs. It'll be romantic.

Let's do it then.

Why not? The Chinese should do business with the Chinese. Cheers!

Miss Kwai-seng.

Boss, Master Hung is negotiating with Yeung.

I'm worried they'll end up in a fight. Should we go check it out?

What a pain.

Tong, come over here!

Brother Tong, I know what's going on. Let me handle it.

Are you sure?

Of course. Yeung is my man. I know how to deal with him.

Tim, stay with Miss Kwai-seng.

Yes, Boss.

Don't worry.

Yeung, I'm in charge of the gambling dens on Cheong Hong Street!

How dare you step onto my turf!

Master Hung, you also stepped onto mine on Wing Shing Road!

Want to talk about that?

We can’t talk if you act like this!

Talk about what? You tell me!

Quiet! Miss Kwai-seng is here!

Miss Kwai-seng...

Master Hung, you've told me about your disputes.

You still have problems there?

Miss Kwai-seng, you're not following the rules here.

He's one of your men! You're biased!

The rules? Are you the boss of Chung Yee Hall?

No, but since Boss is not here, I should say something.

I'm here to represent Boss. Do you have a problem with that?

Miss Kwai-seng is willing to play the judge. Does anyone have a problem?

I heard what happened between you two.

Yeung was wrong for overstepping onto your turf,

but you also stepped onto his.

So both of you were wrong.

The Boss helped you divide your territories, but you disregarded that.

So you're defying his orders.

To be fair, all territories should be confiscated and redistributed by the Boss.

Miss Kwai-seng, I'll listen to whatever you say.

But I fought hard for my turf on Cheong Hong Street.

It brings considerable income too! Now you want me to give it all up?

You have a problem with that?

Tim. Yes?

Take everyone outside except the two of them and Ping-on.

Miss Kwai-seng... Don't worry, I can handle it.

Yes. Get out of here!

Master Hung, here's the book for sic bo at your Cheong Hong Street gambling den.

I've check the numbers. It's not even close to the amount you paid.

That means there's a skimmer.

Miss Kwai-seng, someone cheated my gambling den out of a large amount.

I had no choice but to cook the books. Listen to me. I didn’t take the money!

I know. I've already looked into it.

If you purposely cheated the Boss, I wouldn't have let you say anything here.

I can forget about what happened, but you must return the money right now!

Thank you, Miss Kwai-seng! Thank you!

Master Hung, you said I was biased. You were right, but I'm biased towards you.

You should reflect on yourself.

Listen. I'm Brother Tong's woman. My men are also his men.

We work together as a team. Teammates don't fight each other.

Understand? Yes.

We're a team.

Good. I won't mention it to Brother Tong.

Make peace with each other. Look after each other.

If this happens again, I won't show mercy.

Yee Heung Garden is closing?

I mean to close the loaning business too.

But those are our main sources of income. How are we going to make a living?

I want to open a high-end nightclub, and of course you'll continue to work for me

Thank you, Miss Kwai-seng.

But after years of effort, you really want to give it up?

What about the girls?

We're women. No women wants to work in this field.

Don't worry, I'll make some arrangements.

They can either work at my nightclub or go somewhere else.

I can also give them some money to start afresh. I'll let them choose.

Miss Kwai-seng, it's so kind and considerate of you.

Please get all the books ready. I'll read through them tomorrow.

Let's go. Yes.

What should we do, Miss King? Miss Kwai-seng wants to check the books!

She'll notice something's wrong with the loans records!

Now she has someone. It's easy for her to say.

I've worked so hard to get where I am.

We can’t let her know we practise usury. Get the money back as soon as possible.

But the debtors can't pay off their debts.

Have someone fill up the gaps first. I know just the perfect person.

(Chinese Territory)

I gathered you all here today to announce something.

All your debts have been transferred to Iron Head.

Just return the money to him.

Transferred?

How do we pay you back?

All I ask of you is return the money.

I'm an easy going person. I won’t force you as long as you pay on time

But let me double check the amounts to avoid future conflicts.

Kwok Wing-han, you owe me 50 silver coins. It's due in 7 days. Is that clear?

Yes.

Lee Chi-ching, you owe me 80 silver coins.

It's due in 3 days.

Don't worry though.

Let me know if you have any problems. We can work something out.

OK.

Let me know if you have any problems. We can work something out.

OK.

Chow Sheung-kuen.

Ching-ching!

What's up?

Iron Head is your loaner now?

Yes.

He's a thug! He's even worse than that bawd!

Really? It doesn't seem like it.

You don't know him! Pay him back immediately!

I don't have the money!

Don't worry, I just got paid. Let's try our luck at the gambling den.

Gambling? No! What if we lose?

No worries. I've picked up some tips from Brother Tin.

80 silver coins, right? Let's share and win four games with 5 silver coins.

5 becomes 10, 10 becomes 20, 20 becomes 40, 40 becomes 80! It's a piece of cake!

Really?

Alright, let's give it a shot.

I'm sorry I can't help you. We already won three games,

but the dealer got three sixes in the fourth game and took all the money.

No, you lost a whole month's salary trying to help me.

Don't worry, I'll think of something.

I'll help you figure something out.

I see a friend. Let me borrow some money and give it another shot.

Lung!

I'll keep you posted.

(Recruitment agency)

(Hiring three Florida Water girls, 30 silver coins)

30?

Excuse me, whats the job that pays 30 silver coins?

We're hiring Florida Water advertising girls for material distribution and sales.

30 silver coins. I can clear my debt in three months.

I want this job!

They're seeking young beautiful girls.

With that messy hair, you look like a country girl. You'll scare people away.

I really need this job.

I'm strong enough to carry the billboard. Please give me a chance.

You need a makeover. Get a haircut and a modern look. Then come back again.

It costs money to get a haircut.

It's fine if you don't want to. Many people want this job.

I'll cut my hair! I'm going to go now! Save me a place!

Hurry up.

Sir, come up here!

(Sang Kwong Hong Florida Water)

Try a bottle.

Try a bottle.

Get lost!

Miss Chi-ching?

Iron Head, what is it?

What is it? Return the money! You still owe me money!

No, yesterday you said it'd be due in 3 days!

When did I say that? If you don't have money, come with me.

Let go of me! It's not due yet!

I just started this job! I'll be able to pay you back in 3 days!

Look how gorgeous you are! Why bother selling things on the street?

Come to my brothel! You'll clear your debt in no time!

In your dreams! I'll never sell my body!

What are you doing?

Don't worry, I'll be gentle.

Go away! Stay away from me!

Let me go!

Stop!

Are you OK?

Help me! Help me!

I know who you are! You're that Madam!

You people force innocent girls into prostitution!

Shame on you! Shame on you!

What did you say?

Ping-on! It's OK, let her go.

Yes.

Honey, breakfast is ready.

Where's Hok-yiu?

He woke up early and went out.

That little rascal does nothing but play.

What's the matter? Sit down. Are you sick? You look like you want to puke.

Hok-yiu will be a big brother soon.

Really? That's wonderful! It's going to be so great!

I must make more money and provide the best for you!

Don't push yourself too hard though. We're not a poor family.

You need to think about us.

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

You're pregnant. I promise I won't act rashly.

Finish your breakfast. OK, let's eat.

Brother Shan, Mrs Kung.

Good morning. What's up?

There's some trouble at the pier. Someone refuses to pay.

I wonder if you can have a look.

Who dares to cause trouble in my territory? Let's get him!

Shan, you're fighting again?

No, I'm just going to have a look. Don't worry, I'll be alright.

You're pregnant. Stay home and get some rest.

Be careful. I will.

Let's go!

Those people have some guts!

Who are they?

(Shiliupu Wharf)

Nam!

Brother Shan!

What's going on?

This rascal is taking advantage of us!

They placed an order with us. We agreed on the price and got a deposit.

It should be doubled for each day of delay.

The goods arrived late but that freak won't pay extra!

That's not fair to us! So we're detaining the goods!

So you're the boss?

My goods didn't arrive late, but your men are holding them up.

Listen carefully. We stick to our budget.

You people are responsible for any loss caused by the detention!

Listen! We're just following the rules! What's wrong with that?

You set your own rules! I'll tell you what! The goods belong to Marshal Yuen!

If you don't release them, I'm afraid someone will get hurt!

So, will there be an extra charge?

Fine. Since the goods arrived on time, just forget it.

It's important to do business peacefully. Release the goods!

Brother Shan!

What are you waiting for? You heard me!

Release the goods!

I can't believe he got the goods back without having to pay!

Shut up and keep walking.

Brother Shan was never scared of anything! What's wrong with him today?

You still don't get it! It's different now because Mrs Kung is pregnant!

Brother Shan must take care of himself before he takes care of his family!

He can't act rashly like he used to! What if he gem hurt?

But still!

Shut up and keep walking!

You've finally made up your mind?

We met each other at the weapons school. You know what I'm capable of doing.

I'll take your offer.

Good. We want someone who's new and capable. I'm glad you're willing to do it.

Commander Chow sees Yuen's army as a threat.

You want Marshal Yuen's head? Not a problem. Consider it done.

Good. Here's a map of Marshal Yuen's camp. Your gun and military uniform.

If you can take his head, you get 500 silver coins.

But remember not to expose your identity.

Don't worry, you people have nothing to do with it.

Also, I heard Marshal Yuen has a lot of money hidden in his camp.

See if you can get yourself a little bonus.

Of course. Wait for the good news.

Brother Shan, your marksmanship is incredible!

It's no big deal!

I can teach you. With some practice, you'll be able to shoot like that.

I don't need to learn how to shoot. I won't kill anyone.

Shooting isn't just for killing. You can protect yourself when something happens.

It doesn't hurt to learn a new skill, right?

Let me teach you.

Straighten your arm and aim. You'll feel the recoil when you shoot.

If you're worried, use your hand for support.

Not here. Support your wrist. Hold tight. Aim. Got it? Now try to shoot.

It's normal for the first time.

Keep it. I've got another one. Practise whenever you have time.

I don't need it.

You do. Bring it with you tomorrow so that you can divert people's attention.

Divert people's attention? Brother Shan, something big is happening tomorrow?

Just for you, man.

You know who Marshal Yuen is, right? He commits all sorts of evil deeds.

I've found out that he's hiding a large sum of corrupt money in his camp.

Let's get the money and share it.

It's better to keep it for ourselves than leaving it to that scumbag.

Not so easy. They all have guns in the camp.

The gang we stole from also had guns, but we managed to get away.

Don't worry, I've had it all planned out.

OK.

It wasn't easy for me to get this map. Here's their uniform.

If we put on a disguise, nobody will notice anything.

There are only 20 soldiers on guard at night.

This route only has 4 soldiers on patrol. It's easy enough to handle.

Divert their attention. Then go upstairs and get the money. A piece of cake.

What, you're worried?

No, I just want to make sure it'll work.

Don't worry, I've had it all planned out. Come on, let's go eat.

(Shing Wah Fruit)

You're late.

Uncle Wah, you're still up?

Your face is all red. You went drinking with the Mad Dog?

No, with Lung.

Drink some hot tea to sober up. I've saved you some pork knuckle.

OK.

Wipe the oil off your mouth.

You and Auntie Wah always save the best for me and Kit.

When I have money, I'll treat you to a big meal at Wu Heung Tea House.

It costs more than three months' salary to eat there. Don't waste your money.

You're not young anymore. It's time to think about your future.

My Uncle Tsat is moving back to his hometown for good.

I'm going to buy his shop and let you run it.

Me? You really trust me?

Why not? You're better with words than me. You know how to please customers.

You just don't have much patience.

Work hard. Once you have saved enough, you can buy the shop and become the owner.

Take a bath and go to bed.

You're going out?

I'm going out for a drink.

Why are you bringing a gun?

Just to play safe.

What's inside this?

Just some old clothes. I'll give it to the guys.

Stop thinking too much. Go to bed, don't wait up for me.

Hey, set the arsenal on fire and then meet me at the mansion.

What's that smell?

Fire! Go get some help!

Help! There's a fire...

Why aren't you helping them? I was going...

What's going on?

Marshal!

Come in!

There's a fire at the arsenal! Just minor objects on fire.

We're trying to put it out!

What happened? Tell the guards to see me afterwards!

Yes, Marshal!

The money is either in his study or bedroom. Search his study. I'll go to his bedroom.

Who are you? How did you get in here?

I came to send you to hell!

What happened?

Why did you kill them?

Shut up and go!

Shoot! Shoot!

Go!

Come on!

Let's take a break! There's no one after us.

Why did you kill them? I'm asking you! Say something!

You killed two people! Why?

What did they do to you? Did you get money for that?

I did, but so what? That scumbag deserved to die!

He deserved to die, but what about that woman?

Why did you kill her? You're not human!

That woman saw my face! She just got unlucky!

You would do anything for money! You even tried to get me killed!

Why would I do that?

You lied to me and tried to get me killed!

You would have screwed it if I hadn't lied! What's the problem?

You took his money and I took his head! I offered you the chance as a brother!

You offered me? This is robbery and murder! I can be charged as an accomplice!

That's what you offer a brother?

Did you get arrested?

This is just between you and me! It's over! Stop making a big deal out of it!

I almost died because you wouldn't shoot! You were trying to get me killed!

Fine! I have nothing left to say!

You're so selfish! You care nothing about consequences and me!

We're not brothers anymore!

I'm selfish? I care nothing about you? How could you say that?

Listen! I didn't get you in trouble! I owe you nothing! I meant only good!

Each of us gets one bag of money! Let's part ways!

(Shing Wah Fruit)

Who was it?

Just some officers.

I heard someone sneaked into the camp and killed Marshal Yuen.

They're searching for the killer.

Really? That's brutal.

Right. I thought you were sleeping. Have some black sesame dumplings.

OK.

Let me get you a bowl.

Thanks.

You heard what happened. Don't stay out too late.

Have they caught the killer yet?

Not yet. I heard he even killed his woman and took all his money.

That was so brutal. How can he keep a clear conscience spending dirty money?

Ching-ching managed to escape! Otherwise she would have been raped by Iron Head!

If I'd won, I could have helped her clear her debt and prevented that!

I can use the money to help Ching-ching. I'll go find Lung tomorrow.

Big!

Double supreme! 14!

Aren't we going to see your cousin? Why come to the gambling den?

My cousin works here as a bouncer.

He's been winning a lot these days. He can help us clear our debts.

Thank you so much.

Don't mention it. We take care of each other.

He has money. He doesn't mind helping you.

I'll pay your cousin back as soon as I can.

Han, after we clear our debts, let's start a business together.

You know we don't earn much doing laundry. We need to start our own business.

We'll see. Sit down and wait, I'll go find my cousin.

OK.

Ching-ching wasn't at Han's place. Where is she?

She probably went out with Han. Don't worry.

(Merry Lane)

Han, Ching-ching is not with you?

Go save Ching-ching!

What happened?

Iron Head said he'd hurt my family unless I took Ching-ching there!

She's in the room in his backyard! Please save her!

Let's go save her!

How? Iron Head has many working for him! Let's go find Brother Shan!

Iron Head only wants money! I have it here! We've got to hurry!

No, better safe than sorry!

Help!

It's useless to scream! They're all my men!

Help! Nobody will come to your rescue!

Help! Help!

Stop!

Brother Tin!

What? You came to rescue her alone?

This is enough to pay off Chi-ching's debt! Let's go!

Stop! I want the money and the girl!

Don't hit him! Stop! Stop!

(Marshal Yuen robbed and killed in military camp by intruder)

Who could have sneaked into the camp and killed Marshal Yuen?

Right, it took a lot of guts.

The police have no clues.

Shan went out with a gun yesterday. Were you outwith him?

No, I didn't see Brother Shan.

We weren't together.

Kam.

Brother Shan.

I couldn’t find my keys in the room. Help me look for them.

Sure.

Found that traitor yet?

No, we couldn't find Leung anywhere.

He always complained about splitting spoils. This time he even took everything.

How dare he! That's our hard-earned money! I'll kill him if I find him!

Brother Shan! Brother Shan!

What?

Brother Tin...

It was really Shan?

Hurry up and gather everyone! Let's get him!

OK! Let's so!

Shan! Honey, where are you going? Please don't...

Don't hit him! He didn't do anything!

He didn't?

He teamed up with the Mad Dog to trick me! I must teach him a lesson today!

Go ahead! Get revenge on me! Let Chi-ching go!

A man should protect his woman.

What are you going to do? Scumbag, stop!

No! No! Stop! Stop!

Stay away from me! I'll kill myself!

Really? I don't think so.

No!

Don't move!

Brother Shan!

Move over!

Ching-ching! Ching-ching!

Lung!

Brother Shan!

Say no more! Take them to the hospital!

I'm warning you! Kiu Ngo-tin is my brother!

If you mess with him again, I'll bite your other ear off!

Go!

Are you feeling better?

We were so worried about you.

Let me check if Brother Shan is here yet. Stay with her.

Sure, I'll stay with Ching-ching.

Ching-ching, get some rest here. Don't think about anything.

Tin! How's the girl?

She's fine. Brother Shan...

Mr Kung, thank goodness you're here!

What's the matter, Mrs Lee?

I just went to your house! Your wife fell down the stairs!

There was blood on the floor, so I took her to the hospital! Go check on her!

Honey! How's my wife?

Your wife fell. It's nothing serious. But the baby...

Stay with her.

Shan! Honey!

I heard you went to a fight...

No! Tin was in trouble! I went to save him!

I heard you guys talking about a fight, so I rushed downstairs to stop you!

But I accidentally fell down the stairs! Sorry! I lost our baby!

Don't say that! It's not your fault! Please stop crying!

We're still young! There will be plenty of chances!

Please stop! Stop crying!

I'll go get some clothes for Kam. Go home first.

Brother Shan, your wife had an accident because of me. I...

It's fate. Don't blame yourself.

Brother Shan, I said you were selfish and cared nothing about me.

When I was in trouble, you came to my rescue immediately.

You still consider me your brother.

We say things we don't mean when were angry. I understand.

If you're in trouble, I'll be there.

Were brothers forever. I'll always look out for you.

I'll never forget this. We're brothers forever.

I probably owed you in my past life.

Besides my wife and my son, I have to take care of you, little rascal.

Brother Shan, I swear I'll look after you no matter what happens in the future.

Don't copy me! Look after yourself before you look after me!

Chan, we agreed on 50,000. How could you raise the price to 60,000?

Do you respect me as the Chief Inspector?

Are you kidding, Chief? The whole Shanghai respects you.

It's located between the French Concession and the International Settlement

with high pedestrian flow.

Someone was going to pay a deposit, but since you're the Chief Inspector,

the landlord said he'd sell it to you if you could pay that amount.

Oh well, what a shame. It's too expensive. Were not interested.

I'll let you two know when there's something else available.

I should be going.

Chan, 60,000 it is, but no more bargains.

Miracles don't just happen.

60,000 is a lot of money. It'll take me some time to raise it.

It wasn't a rash decision. The location is perfect.

If we miss it, there won't be a next time.

We'll have the money once I've sold Yee Heung Garden.

Are you sure?

But the price will be pressed down if you want to sell it fast.

I know, but I have faith in you.

Once our nightclub is open, we'll definitely earn the money back.

It'll be much more profitable.

I know you're doing it all for me. Don't worry, I won't let you down.

Your husband will become the richest tycoon in Shanghai.