To Be Number One (1991)

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Based on a true story, this Hong Kong crime and action drama follows the rise to power of a mainland gangster who has come to Hong Kong to do business. His ruthless willingness to engage in violence quickly gains him a prominent place in that city's rackets, but he wants to be number one. In a… More Based on a true story, this Hong Kong crime and action drama follows the rise to power of a mainland gangster who has come to Hong Kong to do business. His ruthless willingness to engage in violence quickly gains him a prominent place in that city's rackets, but he wants to be number one. In a number of very violent battles with gang members of the current number one, he finally attains the goal he seeks, displacing his rival before being condemned to a term in prison. Reviewers found that this action film paints a sufficiently realistic picture of the true crime situation in Hong Kong and is extremely instructive, in sharp contrast with the violent crime fantasies of director John Woo. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi