Original subtitles

Let's call it Shankeng,

meaning the 3 of us are tycoons.

You won't give me face?

I'll smash yours today!

The more he goes against me,

the more I will pin him down.

Since you disobeyed me and didn't carry out my orders,

that's against gang rules, and disciplinary action must be taken.

How brilliant! Even the new Government takes orders from you!

As long as I'm around, no one can touch you.

Not the new Government, not Kung Siu-shan.

In a way, Shanghai is now under my control.

I can guarantee your safety if you drop the gun.

I don't want to lose.

I don't care what sort of women you'll take up with,

I have all your assets.

Will not give you the chest.

But the way you treated Kwai-seng,

I'm afraid the boys wouldn't accept it.

Nobody would listen to me now?

Let's go all in to for the kill.

Between 1932 and 1936,

Japan invaded northeastern China and set up Manchukuo.

The Nationalist Government chose to stabilise the country

before resisting foreign aggression

and to avoid further confrontations.

While anti-Japanese sentiments were running high in Shanghai,

and Japanese goods were boycotted,

the French Concession still enjoyed peace and prosperity.

This plaque came from the Chairman,

to congratulate Brother Tin for getting onto the board of the MAC.

That's what Mr. Hon sent over this morning?

"For the country and the people", each word is worth a thousand pieces of gold

Of course, the Chairman personally inscribed every word.

I mean Brother Tin donated so much money to the New Government

and have done so much charity work in exchange for these 6 words.

That's why each word is worth a fortune.

Brother Tin has done so much for the Government and the people,

he deserved every word.

It's nothing. It's my duty.

The Chairman knows Brother Tin's clout in Shanghai,

and wishes to win him over.

If we continue to work with the new Government,

he's likely to be the No. 1 tycoon in China, not just Shanghai.

Being the No. 1 tycoon is not important,

these words mean a lot more.

Brother Tin, Mr. Fiori is here.

Mr. Kiu.

Welcome, Mr. Fiori!

Mr. Kiu, you got onto the board of the MAC, congratulations!

I hope you like this bottle of wine.

You're very kind! Please have a seat.

We'll be outside.

I needed to discuss something with you.

I got involved in the shipping business,

but ran into a bit of trouble in the Chinese Territory.

If you'll become our honorary director,

I'm sure everything will be resolved.

Here's a little something for you.

I won't take the money.

Friends should help each other out.

Thanks! Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

I will.

Then I won't impose on you anymore.

Watch your step!

This way, Mr. Fiori!

Brother Tin, Director Chiu of Wing Hing Bank is here.

Director Chiu!

Brother Tin, how are you?

Please sit down! Sure!

Mr. Chow, the manager of Lucky Printing also wants to see you.

Ask him to wait.

How can I help you, Director Chiu?

Haven't seen you in a while. You look radiant!

Of course not!

You must have had a lot of suitors while you're performing in Beiping.

Stop teasing me.

How's your back?

It still hurts when I practise.

It may be an old wound, but you mustn't take it lightly.

I'll introduce you to a doctor later.

Later? Playing matchmaker again?

You're just having dinner with a friend.

Fate is not something you can make happen.

Stop introducing people to me.

I'm worried about your happiness.

Let's not talk about that.

How is Mr. Kiu?

He's busier than ever.

He eats out more than he eats in.

That's the price you pay for having a capable husband.

For which I'm very content.

Let's have dinner at your house sometime.

We'd better make an appointment with him.

(Hujiang Film Company Grand Opening)

Thanks for coming to the opening party of my film company.

One thing you must all do tonight: Have a real blast!

Yes...

Let's take a picture...

Sure!

It's Mr. Kiu!

You came to show your support, Mr. Kiu?

I heard you're one of the investors.

Mr. Kiu is branching into showbiz too?

Welcome, Brother Tin! Let's take a picture.

Sure...

This way, Brother Tin.

Hok-yiu!

This way...

Thanks.

Hok-yiu, you look so suave, more so than a movie star.

Stop teasing me!

Brother Tin, let me introduce you to some of the actresses.

Sure...

Miss Heung Suet-lan!

Hello!

This is Miss Lok Ha!

Hello!

Hello, Mr. Kiu!

And this is Miss Ching Siu-dip.

She studied in Japan.

Hello!

Nice to meet you, Mr. Kiu!

Tin! Mei-kam!

Mother!

I want a word with you.

Excuse me!

Brother Tin gave you so much money to make a film.

You must take it seriously.

You shouldn't be hugging and kissing these actresses in public.

Mother, I'm very serious.

Connections is very important in the film business.

If I get to know them, it'll be easier to get their help.

He's absolutely right.

Connections is everything.

Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on him.

Even Brother Tin thinks so! Don't worry!

Brother Shan! Father!

Brother Shan! Tin!

Brother Tin!

So you're the big shot who gave my son money to make movies.

No wonder!

You even booked the whole place to throw this party!

No wonder he likes to hang around you.

Tin is family to us.

What difference does it make who came up with the money?

Exactly! What's mine is yours,

as long as we're happy.

Come...Long time no see. Let's have a drink.

Sure!

Tin, you're brilliant. You stick with the New Government.

Now that you're the Chinese director on the board of the MAC,

you'll be involved in government administration

and soon you'll be running my household and you'll become my boss.

But everyone in Shanghai knows you're my big brother.

You really flatter me!

There's something I don't understand.

Why would the New Government take orders from you?

How stupid of me to let you con me into running that stupid cotton mill!

Luckily I got out soon enough.

Now I make a lot more money from the stock market.

Listen, running an industry can't compare with playing the stock market.

You know I have a keen eye when you see what a fortune I'm making.

Right...you're the best!

I don't think Hok-yiu should get into filmmaking.

He makes hardly any money for all his hard work.

That's what he likes. Let him learn for himself.

Exactly! Let him learn something.

Here, have a drink.

Cheers! Hok-yiu, you'd better watch out!

Your Brother Tin may be loaded,

but it's not very nice to lose all his money.

Don't worry. Your father will pay me back.

A toast to your success!

Thanks, Father!

That's all I have to say about the Tianjin North Railway.

Any questions?

They say the New Government intends to work with the Japanese.

Since you're in charge of this project,

what's your response to that, Counsellor?

Don't believe in rumours.

The railway is built for the people

and is meant to enhance economic prosperity.

The Government will be fair and just in giving its approval.

That means you won't rule out awarding the project to the Japanese.

But public sentiments are against any collaboration with the Japanese.

No collusion with the Japanese!

No collusion with the Japanese!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracies!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracies!

No collusion with the Japanese!

No collusion with the Japanese!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracy!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracy!

No collusion with the Japanese!

I urge you not to show any bias.

Should we award the project to the Japanese,

they're not savage beasts.

If they qualify, we should work with them.

Reporters like you are fanning the fire and misleading the people

into organising demonstrations that disrupt the order of society.

How can we enjoy peace and prosperity?

The Government is looking after the best interests of the people.

Please ignore the rumours and stay united.

No collusion with the Japanese!

No collusion with the Japanese!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracy!

Down with Sino-Japanese conspiracy...

These protests have gone on forever 10 days

Some people have vandalized the shops,

or even resorted to looting.

Their demonstrations are stopping people from doing business.

Even if they don't want to do business with the Japanese,

there's no need to over-react.

If they lose their heads, innocent people will get hurt.

Counsellor, can you clarify about your relationship with the Japanese?

What's your response, Counsellor?

Yes, please comment on that.

What's your relationship with the Japanese?

...about the Japanese! Care to comment?

Counsellor Lee has been stabbed!

(2/F Military Headquarters, 1/F National Liaison Office...)

(Director, National Liaison Office)

This way, Mr. Kiu!

Brother Kiu! Brother Hon!

Please have a seat.

Congratulations on your promotion.

You're now the Director of the National Liaison Office.

The Chairman must think highly of you.

The Chairman wanted to set up this office

to collect intelligence and deal with anti-Government individuals.

Lately, I've had quite a few hot potatoes on my hands.

You're more than qualified for the job.

Did you ask me here to talk about Counsellor Lee?

You're so observant.

A government official was murdered in public.

That's absolute defiance of the Government

and the Chairman is outraged.

The killer was probably a civilian or even someone from a gang.

The Chairman has issued a red-header document

to apprehend the killer as soon as possible.

Counsellor Lee spoke in favour of the Japanese.

Anti-Japanese sentiments are running high.

People are upset. I'm not surprised someone wanted him dead.

You're quite right, Mr. Kiu!

Demonstrations have ended in violence that disrupted order of society.

They're getting out of hand.

The Chairman wants to punish those who defy the law.

But we're under fire, even if we were to make arrests,

public opinions would only be against us.

I know you're well-connected.

It's easier for you to find someone.

If we kill one of them, we can put them in their place

I understand.

The Government wants peace and no disruption of people's livelihood.

Leave this with me.

Thank you, my old friend.

Don't mention it!

I'll be out of your way! Bye!

We have confirmed, the man in the picture

is Yu Tai-fui, an ex-worker at the cotton mill.

He's a member of the Axe Gang.

He showed up at the scene, posed as a reporter

and then quickly disappeared.

He's likely to be the killer.

But he didn't kill with an axe. That's to hide his real identity.

If you put two things together, it can't be a coincidence.

He should be the killer.

The Axe Gang always went after corrupted officials or traitors.

Counsellor Lee was clean and honest.

All he did was to speak in favour of the Japanese.

He didn't deserve to die.

Yu Tai-fui thinks he's a judge

and has the right to knockoff anyone he doesn't like.

What should we do?

If it was Yu Tai-fui's own doing,

we'll hold him responsible.

But if the Axe Gang was behind it,

we'll kill him as a warning to the others.

He's a dead man either way, shall we kill him?

No, just tell the National Liaison Office what we know.

Right! People will be scared coming from them.

King-chuen, find out if there were other reasons behind.

Will do!

(Horrifying Murder on the street...)

Tai-fui died a horrible death!

Who did this?

We must avenge him, Brother Chiu!

It's written in the newspaper headline.

It seems the Government ordered the hit.

So Tai-fui had blown his cover?

Someone is onto us?

It's not safe here. Let's get out.

Brother Chiu, what about Tai-fui's revenge?

We will avenge him.

But we have something more important to do.

We can't let Tai-fui die in vain.

We should carry on his unfinished work.

Yes! Yes!

You have magic powers, Brother Kiu!

Thanks for finding the suspect so quickly.

Not as quickly as you executed him.

We must use him as a warning for the others.

No one must know the Government is involved

or it'll incur the wrath of the people.

You have your way of handling things.

I should go if there's nothing else.

There's something I want to clarify.

Yu Tai-fui used to work for your cotton mill.

He was a member of the Axe Gang, right?

You already know that.

We've been watching the Axe Gang.

We know a thing or two about them.

They have worked against the Government,

so we must root them out.

Can you continue to help us?

You've already killed one to warn the others.

I believe they won't act recklessly. There's no need to corner a tiger.

The tiger is getting a bit out of hand

and has killed many Government officials.

We may invite disaster if we don't nip them in the bud.

It's best not to burn one's bridges.

Maybe someday the tiger will be useful.

If you don't want to help me, I won't make you.

But we will take out the Axe Gang.

I understand.

I have things to do, I should be going.

Very well! Goodbye!

Goodbye!

He won't help me, but we still have work to do.

Send out every man we have.

Take out the Axe Gang even if you have to turn Shanghai upside down.

Yes, Sir!

The money from selling Golden Casino paid off the debts.

Paramount will close after today.

We owe the staff 2 months' pay.

Brother Tin said we could go to him if we needed help.

I don't need his help.

I still have 5,000 silver dollars in my safe.

Give that out to the staff.

Right, Chief!

Brother Tim!

Chief, we received a phone call about Chuk Yee-hung.

Where is she?

Shanghai! She lost a lot of money in Tianjin.

She claimed to be your wife,

so the creditors brought her back to Shanghai.

They want to see you.

The nerve of her claiming to be my wife!

Good! I want to see what happened to her.

Brother Tong!

Sit down!

You must save me, Brother Tong.

So you're Chak Kam-tong?

Your wife lost a lot of money and owes me 4,000 silver dollars.

I'll let her go if you pay me off.

4,000 silver dollars is small change.

Tim, take him outside and sort it out.

I want a word with Yee-hung.

Good! As long as you'll pay up!

You're the best, Brother Tong!

I'll do as you say from now on.

Why did you hit me?

I should have done that a long time ago.

You had the nerve to clean me out and make a cuckold out of me!

You have humiliated me enough!

I'm so sorry!

I know I was wrong, please forgive me.

I won't do it again! I'll listen to you!

Go to Hell!

It's all sorted out!

You owe me 5,000 silver dollars with interest.

5,000 silver dollars?

Yes !

Ask her for it!

What? Is this a joke?

Stop or I'll blow up your head! Sit clown!

Listen, I'm through with this woman.

She's disposable!

Whatever you do to her is your business, not mine.

Please don't go, Brother Tong!

They're bound to sell me to a brothel!

Help me! They'll sell me...

Get ready to be a bawd, tramp!

Boss, we're leaving.

Goodbye, Boss!

This bottle is from the first shipment of wine when Paramount opened.

This is the last one of the lot.

Chin, you were here since Day One.

You and Miss Kwai-seng built Paramount.

I started working here from the beginning.

I really don't want to go.

Your loyalty towards Kwai-seng is rare indeed.

Has she been around?

Paramount is closing down and she didn't show up.

That means she has given up.

Chin, you should go!

Take care, Chief!

(Don't be such a hypocrite...)

(Shanghai at night...is a sleepless town)

(The fights are on, the cars are honking...)

I want none of that in our night club.

I want it to be the most luxurious and feature the latest hits.

Anyone can come in,

I want it packed with customers...

You'd finally show your face!

Happy now? You got your wish and revenge.

You're finally giving me the chest?

Do you know the trouble you have caused me these past few years?

I've been keeping the chest for you.

I have not spent any of it.

From the day you met Chuk Yee-hung,

I knew you'd end up like this.

I don't want her to con you out of your entire fortune.

That's why I kept the chest.

Now I'm returning it.

You'll be well provided for in your old age.

I married you with a dowry, hoping to build an empire with you

I wanted Paramount to be the biggest night club in Shanghai.

But in the end, everything is in vain

Don't worry, I won't take your money.

I don't care what'll become of you.

Kwai-seng, I know it's my fault.

Give me a chance, so we can start over!

Kwai-seng, please don't go!

Give me another chance!

Mr. Kiu, Miss Kwai-seng is praying.

She should be out shortly.

Tin!

Since I started reading the scriptures, I quit opium.

That's great! You've been living here all these years?

I thought I could let go.

But my heart was aching when I saw Chak Kam-tong.

Looks like I'm still hung upon him.

I need more practice.

Let me know if you need anything.

Nothing in life is permanent.

I had my share of wealth and splendour.

Yet in the end, everything has come to naught.

A simple life is more enjoyable.

Don't worry about me from now on.

You're home.

There you are.

Yes, I came to talk to Yuet-lan!

Did you see Miss Kwai-seng? How is she?

Don't worry. She's fine.

I'm glad you're here. Give Siu-lau some advice.

What is it?

Her agent and owner of the record company Fok Wing-yung

wanted Stu-tau to participate in the Tencho Festival

and help celebrate the Japanese Emperor's birthday.

Siu-lau doesn't know how to say "no".

Uncle Yiu-kwong is out of town,

I have repeatedly turned him down,

but he wouldn't stop begging me.

I really would rather not participate in a Japanese function.

I know how you feel.

Why not set up a meeting with Mr. Fok,

and I'll see what I can do.

Thank you, Mr. Kiu!

Don't mention it!

Welcome! This way, please...

Let me introduce you...

This is Mr. Kiu Ngo-tin.

This is Mr. Fok Wing-yung, my agent at the record company.

Nice to meet you.

I have heard so much about you, Mr. Kiu!

This is Mr. Tojo, the Chairman of Moriga Corporation.

Hello!

Hello!

This is...

Hello, Mr. Kiu! I'm Ching Siu-dip.

We met at the grand opening party of Kung Hok-yiu's film company.

I remember.

Please have a seat, Master Koo!

Mr. Tojo's company is in charge of the Tencho Festival.

They came to persuade you

and to meet the famous Mr. Kiu.

Mr. Tojo has also invited me to perform.

If Master Koo is willing to sing,

it'll be my honour to share the stage with you.

Am I right, Mr. Tojo?

There's something you may not know, Master Koo.

Many Japanese are big fans of Beijing Opera.

We really wish you'd do us the honour of singing at the Tencho Festival.

You must reconsider, Master Koo.

Mr. Tojo wishes to do his part for cultural exchange between Japan and China.

Please don't get the wrong idea.

If you're willing to perform at the Tencho Festival,

remuneration won't be a problem at all.

Mr. Tojo, it's not a matter of money.

Master Koo cannot perform because she's not feeling well.

The reason she made the record

is precisely because of her ill health.

Please understand.

Yes, I cannot perform on stage anymore.

I'm really sorry.

There's no other way out?

It's her health. What other way out can there be?

We shouldn't impose on Master Koo, right?

We intend to persuade Master Koo

but also wanted to meet Mr. Kiu.

We're friends and should stay in touch.

Sure!

Here's my card.

Thank you! It's an honour to meet you, Mr. Tojo.

Master Koo and I have things to do.

Excuse us.

Sure...

Watch your step.

Goodbye! Goodbye!

Goodbye! Watch your step.

I'm sorry I've disappointed you, Mr. Tojo.

True to his name, Kiu Ngo-tin is rather arrogant.

He's the No. 1 tycoon in Shanghai.

Obviously he has his imposing manners.

It's alright, he's not the only big shot in Shanghai.

Did you say you can introduce Mr. Tojo to someone called Kung Siu-shan?

Yes, I have contacted his son Kung Hok-yiu. But he has yet to give me a reply.

In that case, we can go see him.

Sure. Please excuse me.

I need to go to the restroom.

What are you doing here, Mr. Hon?

Care to sit down for a drink?

Sure!

Whiskey's alright?

If Mr. Hon is buying, I'll drink anything.

You brought up my old wound suddenly.

I almost didn't know how to respond.

No, you were smart and caught on right away.

You're quite the actress.

I only played along with what you said.

You're making it sound like I'm your agent.

Thank you so much, Mr. Kiu.

Don't mention it. It was nothing.

Brother Tin, there's a roadblock because of the protest.

We must go around in order to drop off Master Koo.

I'm not in a hurry.

These people are getting out of hand.

Their protests are beginning to affect people's livelihood.

They can barely stay open for business.

No doubt they've gone extreme,

but it's because the Government has refused to listen to the people

and let the Japanese build the railroad that brought such discontent.

The Government has its reasons.

But still, the Japanese have invaded China. I'd rather have nothing to do with them.

You've been keeping up with the news.

I don't really know what's going on.

I just followed my gut feelings.

You went with your gut feelings when you helped me, right?

You sound like you can read my mind.

Very well! I don't have to speak up,

I'll look at you and you'll know.

Especially Yuet-lan, she's always feeding me

When I look at you, you'll know how to turn her down for me.

I can't help you with that, but I can help you eat the food.

Good...

Father, I have great news for you.

I can start filming my first movie.

I plan to make a musical.

That's a big project.

Your Brother Tin didn't give you money to throw away.

Ching Siu-dip introduced me to a Japanese businessman

who wants to make films in China.

That's perfect if we can work together.

Not only can we save half the money,

but we can shoot on location in Japan and use Japanese stars as well.

Isn't that brilliant?

What Japanese businessman?

Ching Siu-clip is only a starlet.

What connections does she have?

His name is Genji Tojo. He's very rich.

He's interested in meeting you.

He's really very sincere.

Can you find the time to have dinner with him?

Then you'll know I'm not lying.

I'm not interested.

Brother Shan, someone won a lot of money in show hand in the VIP room.

Was he cheating? Let me go take a look.

Right!

Boss!

Mr. Tojo?

He's the Japanese you mentioned?

Yes, Father!

Mr. Tojo! Siu-dip!

Fancy seeing you, Mr. Kung!

We meet again, Mr. Kung!

This esteemed looking gentleman next to you must be your Father.

Yes! Father, this is Mr. Tojo!

Hello, Mr. Tojo!

Nice to meet you!

Looks like luck is on your side tonight.

But everyone left, how disappointing!

You won their money, Mr. Tojo,

obviously they didn't want to play with you.

We mustn't disappoint Mr. Tojo.

If you don't mind, how about we play a few hands?

That would be most welcome.