Neglected Features in Hong Kong Triad Movies

Abstract

Triads in Hong Kong cinematic world are consistently deemed a marginalized social sub-group. They are presented as pre-modern and socially disadvantaged, bound by archaic or formalistic rituals and tenets of Chinese traditions. However, at the same time they themselves prey on other marginalized social communities for the sake of securing territorial domination and monopolizing all (illegal) businesses. Very often, they are depicted as mercenary and diabolical in nature, ready to double-cross their comrades or usurp the triad headship through whatever violent means possible. This particular movie genre in Hong Kong always attracts severe criticisms from parents, social workers, policymakers, educationalists, etc. from the perspective of social morality and yet, people in general seem to disregard the genuine (though, rather offbeat and covert) value of moral education and de-triadization embedded in many of the productions. This presentation will highlight two very crucial aspects i.e. edification and anti-triadhood commonly neglected in our understanding of this movie genre. It is hoped that through this presentation people will be able to re-evaluate the nature and value of triad movies from a new and more enlightening angle.