Original subtitles

China and Japan went to war on 7th July, 1937.

By August, the Japanese Army has reached Henan.

Beiping and Tianjin have already been taken.

Refugees flooded into Shanghai from everywhere.

While the Chinese Territory was plunged into chaos,

the French Concession remained relatively calm.

As the battlefront was suffering shortage of supplies,

the Government called upon the people to do their part for their country.

Have a seat, Uncle Yiu-kwong.

How are things going with the favour I asked of you?

About raising funds to pay for army provisions,

the people I spoke to are very supportive.

That's great!

We have contacted 6 opera troupes.

They've agreed to participate in a fundraising gala,

which is expected to happen soon.

That's great! Thank you so much!

Luckily you're the one in the lead.

That's why everything is going so well.

1 need to discuss details about the venue. I should go.

Of course! Watch your step.

I'll walk you out.

I summoned you here to tell you something very important.

It's our duty to defend our country.

The Japanese have reached Henan

and will soon be here in Shanghai.

Though they may not enter the French Concession,

as Chinese, we shouldn't divide ourselves as the French Concession or Chinese Territory.

We should fight alongside the army.

I have spoken to the Government,

we must set up a Special Task Force.

The aim is to maintain order

and help the army in transporting supplies and help fight the enemy.

Yes !

Siu-hong, I'm putting you in charge of setting it up.

Will do!

Father, considering the situation,

we should put the film on hold.

Let me think about it.

Don't look so worried!

How can I not worry? If the battlefront is moved to Shanghai,

what'll happen when there's no food?

People are running scared and trying their best to leave Shanghai.

Maybe we should consider leaving too.

Leave Shanghai?

Then we'll lose everything we have.

Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you.

We must stay together as a family.

Will protect you no matter what

I already have a backup plan.

Brother Shan!

Mrs. Kung! Master Hok-yiu!

What's the situation?

The Japanese will soon reach Shanghai from Tianjin.

They are practically unstoppable.

Shanghai may not hold out much longer.

Japan is strong, and China is weak.

Sooner or later, Shanghai will fall.

I think so too.

Then we're dead!

Not quite.

I have a man to turn things around.

We can stay alive and make money.

What is it?

Are you with me?

Of course we are!

We'll do anything you say.

I think Japan will rule over China.

One should seek greener pastures.

If we beat other people in winning over the Japanese,

we'll have an edge in Shanghai.

You mean to seek refuge from the Japanese?

Do you have the nerve or not?

You know how?

Genji Tojo.

I think he's more than a businessman.

He's been roping me in all along.

I intend to start with him.

If they reach Shanghai and we surrender, it means...

What?

Think no more of it.

One must not be narrow minded.

You must survive in Shanghai.

When the French took over the French Concession,

we worked for the French.

What's wrong with helping the Japanese?

The key is to help whoever will benefit us the most.

We'll be in big trouble if anyone should find out.

I'm not asking you to broadcast it.

Nobody is telling you to make an announcement.

We'll be fine if we're careful.

Don't be a coward, Chung.

We must take chances if we want money.

We'll do whatever Brother Shan tells us to do.

Brother Shan, we'll follow your lead.

I'd like to welcome you all to my humble abode for this meeting.

Here's a toast to you!

We must drink up,

or else Mr. Tojo will be fairly upset.

Cheers!

You should drink up, Mr. Tojo!

Very well!

Mr. Kung, where's your son?

He's not feeling well today.

He's sick?

Then he should stay home and get some rest.

It's my honour to have you with us today.

No, it's my honour to make your acquaintance

Not everyone in Shanghai is sensible like Mr. Kung.

They make an about turn when they see a Japanese,

as if we're like a contagious disease.

I dare say Japanese don't carry any contagious diseases.

They are very hygienic.

I know they did a good job in ruling the Northeast,

while our New Government can barely function.

We have so much to learn from the Japanese.

You have quite an understanding of Japan

I'm very interested in Japanese culture.

Oh, really? I've just bought an antique from the Heian Period.

It's in my study. Want to take a look?

I'd love to.

What kind of antique is it?

No hurry, Mr. Kung! Let's have a drink.

Right!

Let me ask you, Mr. Kung,

this war between Japan and China,

which side do you think will prevail?

I attended the military academy in my youth.

I know all about the Chinese army.

China is no match for Japan.

A defeat by the Imperial Japanese Army is only a matter of time.

Great minds think alike.

I have friends in the military who would love to meet a sensible man like you.

Perhaps you can be of assistance to the Imperial Japanese Army?

I'd be happy to make friends with them.

Let me know how I can help.

Good! Straight talk from a straight man.

Here's a list of people in Shanghai who are opposed to us Japanese.

I don't want to see them again.

You should know what to do.

You're a veteran, Mr. Kung! Is there a problem?

I'll do my best to help a friend.

I never let a friend down.

Very well! I was right about you!

When we finally rule over China,

you'll be rewarded for your troubles.

Don't kill me! I'll pay you.

I'll pay you. Don't kill me!

Mr. Chan, thanks for your generosity

in lending us the Grand Stage for the gala.

I thank you on behalf of all Chinese.

How is Uncle Yiu-kwong?

He was shot in the waist.

Luckily he's in no danger, but he's lost a lot of blood.

Uncle Yiu-kwong gets along with everyone, why would he be shot?

I heard from the Police, he probably recognised the killer.

He was not the only one who got shot.

His good friend Mr. Chan was shot too.

The Police thinks Mr. Chan was the intended target.

The killer recognised Uncle Yiu-kwong.

That's why he shot him as well.

Send more men to protect him.

Right, Brother Tin!

Mr. Kiu, you must be careful too!

I will.

Chuen, here's the press release appealing to Shanghai businessmen to donate money.

Please take a look.

I'll do that later.

The Counter-Japanese Committee in Shanghai has an announcement at 3 o'clock.

Go check it out.

Right!

Sis, time to eat!

Sis, time to eat! Thanks!

What happened between you and Siu-hong is water under the bridge.

You miss him?

No, we have a war going on.

Unlike some people, I have my principles.

Of course! But can you forget him?

Hello, China Daily!

Yes...good, see you later.

What is it? Who was that?

Kit from the Axe Gang is back.

I hid in Wuxi for a few months after I left Shanghai.

I have decided to comeback.

But it'll be too dangerous for you.

China is at war, I can't hide anymore.

I don't want Brother Chiu to die in vain.

I came back because I want you to print this ad for me tn the paper.

An ad?

It contains a coded message for Axe Gang members.

When they see the message, they'll know we're to meet in Shanghai

and join the resistance effort.

There's something I need to ask you.

How did you and the other Axe Gang members get away safety?

I thought the NLO killed you all.

Brother Tin negotiated a deal with the NLO.

I don't know exactly what he did,

but the NLO released over 100 workers.

Then he told Siu-hong to arrange for me and a few Gang members

to leave Shanghai safely.

Siu-hong helped save you?

Then why did they catch Mo Kwun-chiu?

I thought Kiu Ngo-tin wanted to kill him.

I don't really know what happened.

But I know Brother Tin must have ineffable reasons.

Brother Tin and I grew up together.

Though he's the leader of the gang,

he's big on morality and justice.

Everyone respects him.

He deserves your respect?

Trust me!

I'm sure you know it's hard to run a business these days.

The cotton mill has been affected.

But Mr' Kiu told me he'd keep the mill running,

and promised not to lay off anyone.

It's business as usual for the mill.

As long as you work together,

Mr. Kiu guarantees you'll all get paid.

We have no family around here,

but Mr. Kiu has kept us warm and fed.

We should trust him and keep working.

Just stick together as a team. We'll share what we have here.

We're counting on you all!

Let's get back to work.

Yes...

Come with me.

These boat tickets to Hong Kong were very hard to get.

Thanks, Father.

Siu-hong!

Ting-ting?

I'm sorry, Siu-hong!

I was wrong about you!

I got mad at you before I got the facts straight.

What happened?

I just saw Kit. He told me everything.

You've helped Mr. Kiu do so many things!

You saved members of the Axe Gang

but I blamed you for evildoing.

I was so wrong...

Now you know who Mr. Kiu is.

The key is, I know who you are!

Please don't be mad at me.

Good! You won't scold me anymore for helping Mr. Kiu.

But you must tell me what's going on.

A lot of Mr. Kiu's dealings are confidential

I cannot disclose any of it.

You just have to trust me, understand?

I know!

Here are 2 boat tickets to Hong Kong.

You want us to wave?

I want you and Chi-man to leave Shanghai and go to Hong Kong.

Because the Japanese will be here soon.

Who knows what will happen to Shanghai than?

I thought you're angry with me and won't talk to me anymore.

I didn't realise you'd still care.

You mean a lot to me.

Who else would I care about but you?

I'm not leaving if you're not.

I want to be with you forever.

You mean everything to me too.

I've killed the majority of the people on this list.

I have yet to find some of them.

Keep looking! Yes!

I'm sorry, Brother Shan.

You're sorry?

When I killed the last target,

the owner of an opera troupe recognised me.

I've shot him already,

but he survived and is now in the hospital.

Don't stand there. Kill him!

If he fingers us, we'll all be in trouble!

I know, but he knows Brother Tin.

Brother Tin has put him under protection.

I don't care! Clean up your own mess!

Right!

Loser!

About setting up the Special Task Force,

men from the gangs and ordinary citizens have responded well to the call.

We've recruited several thousands.

Good! Yung, give them basic training and deploy them accordingly.

Will do, Brother Tin!

Hello? I see...thank you!

Brother Tin, the hospital just called.

Uncle Yiu-kwong is awake.

Yung, let's go to the hospital.

Have some water!

What happened the other day?

I recognise the killer.

He came to the opera with Brother Tin.

But I don't know exactly who he is.

Fire...

Fire...

Mr. Kiu!

Are you alright?

Mr. Kiu!

Help...Mr. Kiu!

Doctor, how is Mr. Kiu?

Luckily the bullet didn't hit any major organs.

We've removed the bullet

but the wound is inflamed.

There's a German drug called Prontosil

that should effectively reduce the inflammation,

but we're short in supply because of the war.

I can only prescribe an ordinary antiphlogistic drug for him.

Mr. Kiu you must be hospitalised

until the inflammation of the wound is completely gone.

Thank you, Doctor!

Thank you, Doctor!

How is Uncle Yiu-kwong?

He's fine! He's resting.

He said he recognised the killer.

He has been to the opera with you before.

I also saw a wound on this hand.

One of ours?

What should we do?

Get someone trustworthy to find out if the killer is one of ours.

I know what to do.

Brother Tin!

Put more men on Uncle Yiu-kwong.

Will! Brother Tin...

Check me out of the hospital!

You can't! What about the inflammation?

I'm fine! Hon-lam, get me out of here!

Right!

Shall we send a telegram to England

and keep Mrs. Kiu posted on your situation?

No, I don't want to get her worried.

What did you find out?

The dead killers in the hospital were from the Hunan Gang.

They arrived in Shanghai 2 days ago.

They should be hired hands.

They were hired because someone doesn't want loose ends.

The policy of the Japanese

is to rally powerful Chinese in Shanghai to rule over Chinese.

Brother Shan has clout in Shanghai,

I believe he'd be someone they want.

We followed Genji Tojo.

He appears to be collaborating with Brother Shan on a film,

but who knows exactly what they're doing.

Brother Shan has the power and influence, what if...

No more guesses! This is a serious matter.

Find the other 2 killers who got away.

Yes !

Siu-hong, get someone to check out the Bund.

Maybe we should leave.

Mr. Kiu looks busy.

I've already told them to prepare his medication.

No, we'll wait till he takes the medication.

Let's go check on it now.

Come in!

Mr. Kiu, I've prepared your medication.

I'm well enough. No need to trouble you.

Western medicine cures your symptoms, Chinese medicine looks after your core.

This ts taohong siwu decoction, the best potion tor people tn our trade.

It's best for healing wounds.

Very well! Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Yuet-lan asked me to take care of you before she went to England.

I feel awful you're wounded because of me.

You must nurse your wound properly.

If you overwork yourself, you won't recover.

More people will be killed if I don't get back to work.

I must find the killer as soon as possible.

Why must Chinese people kill each other?

Will Shanghai be taken?

Shanghai is the most important city of China,

the Japanese are determined to take it.

We must stay united or there's no hope.

I'd like to do my part for the country.

You really think you're Muk Kwai-ying?

I may be a woman, but I'm willing to sacrifice for my country.

Very well! Any sacrifice made for the country is worth it.

Hon-lam, I won't be going back to Hui Xing for a while.

There's a list of anti-Japanese activists at the office.

To play it safe, bring me all the files.

I don't want any leak of classified information.

Hurry up! Pardon me...

I'm sorry!

Pick that up, Yan.

I'm sorry, Master Koo!

(Muk Kwai-ying Takes Command)

This is for you.

For me? I'll be there!

All the important documents from Hui Xing are here.

Everything?

Everything!

What are you looking for?

Is it important? Let us help you.

Have you seen a ticket?

Ticket?

I'd love to see Master Koo on stage.

I'll see all the shows.

When I married Tin,

I knew there were 2 other women in his life.

She was in love with one of them,

but for some reason it ended abruptly.

The other one was his wife.

They said she ran off with someone.

Did you drop anything?

Yes, right outside!

We've found the killer!

Speak up! Whose order was it?

I didn't do anything, Brother Tin!

Please let me go, I really didn't...

What happened to your hand?

I was collecting a debt and the debtor cut me.

You're lying!

Mr. Kiu, that's him! He shot me.

Watch your mouth, you old fool!

Look again before you open your mouth!

What can you say for yourself?

I admit I did it.

Please let me go, Brother Tin.

On whose order?

I...acted on my own!

I was helping the Japanese.

It was the money...

I'm giving you one more chance.

No more lies or I'll shoot.

Trust me, nobody put me to it. I acted on my own.

Brother Tin, please...

No one ordered me.

No one?

Killing innocent people is against gang rules.

Disciplinary action!

Have some tea, Mr. Kiu!

Thank you! When will Brother Shan be back?

He's in Hangzhou.

Didn't he come back yesterday?

What do you want with him?

Nothing, just a chat.

Hok-yiu, how is the film?

I stopped filming, everyone is anti-Japanese

Don't want anyone to call me a traitor.

Right! Do you know Tojo's background?

No, I make films out of interest.

I didn't think of anything else.

Ask your Father, he seems to know him.

What is he up to lately?

We don't know. You know we never ask.

Tin, did something happen to him?

No.

He's rubbing shoulders with the Japanese.

Did he do something bad?

Probably not. Don't worry!

You always lose when you do business with the Japanese.

There's no turning back once he has gone down that path.

Please remind him.

Will bring you food and water later.

You can all stay here.

This is a place for meditation.

The Japanese probably won't come here.

You're risking your life by taking us in.

I don't know how to thank you.

We're fellow Chinese.

I can't sit back and watch the Japanese bully the womenfolk.

Miss Kwai-seng!

Fook!

Long time no see, Chin.

My brother.

Even Ping-on is back.

We're all family, don't worry!

Chin, what about the fund raising?

I've contacted some of the major clients like you suggested.

They donated a lot of money when they heard your appeal.

The boys from the gang have promised to follow your lead.

What about Tin? Did you find him?

I've been to Hui Xing, but didn't see him.

They said he hadn't been back for some time.

We must find him as soon as we can.

Though we have enough food here,

we're still within the Chinese Territory.

We won't be safe until we make it to the French Concession.

We'll need Tin's help.

Keep up with the fund raising and I'll be in touch.

Yes, Miss Kwai-seng!

Chief, maybe I'm a nag.

You know how Miss Kwai-seng is.

She won't pay any attention no matter how many times you come here.

I told you, it's dangerous for her to stay here.

I want her back inside the French Concession

It's Chin, Chief.

Chief!

What are you doing here?

We're helping Miss Kwai-seng raise money.

I have plenty of it.

Set up a meeting with her for me.

Remember this wine?

We had our first drink here.

I don't drink anymore.

You really feel nothing about this place?

I only care about the country.

Only because Chin told me you wish to donate money.

Or else I wouldn't be here.

Of course I will.

You want to raise money for the country?

The money is ready.

I'll donate as much as you want.

The money is not for anyone.

It's tor the country and its people.

It's not for me.

Kwai-seng, please don't do this.

I know I have hurt you.

Everything I'm doing right now is for you.

We have been through so much.

In the end, I only want us to be together.

If you're donating money to please me, I don't want your money.

Why are you being so heartless?

I have changed because of you. Why won't you give me a chance?

Who's right or wrong doesn't matter anymore.

Everything between us is over.

Please conduct yourself properly.

These people are against Japan.

They've raised money and boycotted Japanese goods.

By killing them, you have done a huge service to the Japanese Imperial Army.

Some people on the list have disappeared.

I suspect someone is hiding them.

But they won't dare cause any more trouble.

You have 2 good friends in Shanghai.

I'm giving them a way out.

Tell them to surrender to the Imperial Army.

You mean Kiu Ngo-tin and Chak Kam-tong?

Our Imperial Army is unstoppable.

We'll occupy Shanghai very soon.

I need powerful people to run Shanghai for me.

You're quite right.

But I'm more than capable of doing that.

Chak Kam-tong was a Chief Inspector.

Kiu Ngo-tin is feared and respected by both sides of the law.

If they become friends of the Imperial Army,

they can enjoy co-prosperity.

Otherwise, they might get killed tn the crossfire.

Can you do this?

Don't worry, I'll take care of them.

Come in!

Brother Shan!

Where's Yee?

He was killed while you were away.

Dead? Who killed him?

We don't know yet.

Must be those anti-Japanese activists.

Dispatch the boys to find who did it. We must avenge Yee.

Yes, Brother Shan!

The real headache is Tojo wants me to win over Kiu Ngo-tin and Chak Kam-tong.

It's not fair I have to cut them in.

What if they refuse?

They can't!

Were on a winning streak, the Nationalists are retreating.

The Japanese are unstoppable and will soon reach Shanghai.

If they're sensible, they should know which side to take.

What if they're not?

Even better' If they refuse to surrender,

the Japanese won't go easy on them

and I'll be the only tycoon in Shanghai.

Mr. Kiu!

There you are' You're here to feed me more medication?

You refused to stay in the hospital,

and you still have the fever and won't rest.

Yuet-lan will blame me for not looking after you.

I'm not paying you. How long will you be my maid?

Until you're well again!

Mr. Hon!

Thank you!

I'll get out of your way.

Brother Hon!

Brother Kiu, don't get up!

Please have a seat.

I got wind you were injured, so I came to see you. Everything alright?

I'm fine...

Tea, Mr. Hon!

Thanks! Was that Master Koo?

You asked me to dig into Sheung Man-bun's past to help her?

She's Yuet-lan's good friend.

Longjing tea before the grain rain?

When the Japanese reach Shanghai,

it'll be hard to enjoy such good tea.

I sense a tinge of emotion in your tone.

Bad news from the battlefront?

The war is intense.

If we fight the Japanese head on,

it's unlikely we'll win anytime soon.

The Boss is prepared for the worst.

If things should go sour,

we'll move out of Nanjing and Shanghai

to preserve our military strength to continue fighting.

Admitting defeat before the dice are rolled?

The Boss has his reasons.

He appreciates talents, especially you.

He'd like you to come with us.

But we must keep it quiet so we won't affect morale of the soldiers.

What about the people?

I know what you're thinking.

The Japanese will be here soon.

As your good friend,

I'd like you to get out unscathed.

I appreciate your concern.

I believe your Boss is worried I'd help the Japanese if I stayed.

Please tell him even if I stayed,

I would not work for the Japanese.

My hat's off to you for saying that!

Brother Hon-lam!

Is Brother Tin in?

Sorry to interrupt.

Brother Shan wants to invite you and the Chief to dinner at the Arch.

Good' I want to speak to him too.

I want to know why he killed the anti-Japanese activism.

You suspect Kung Siu-shan is behind all the killings?

It'd better not be him!

What does the Mad Dog want with us?

Brother Shan!

You're here! I ought to be punished for being late!