Original subtitles

China in the 1920s was a society in chaos.

The northern-based Beiyang Army and the Constitutional Protection Army

brought about the North-South divide.

To achieve peaceful reunification,

both sides agreed to holding peace talks in Shanghai.

But Shanghai was in a state of instability.

While it seemed peaceful and prosperous in the French Concession,

life was intolerable in the Chinese Territory.

Warlords totally defied the law.

Hot-blooded university students protested, resulting in the Beiyang Army's oppression.

Down with the Beiyang warlords!

Down with the Beiyang warlords...

(Shanghai in the 1920s)

Fight for sovereignty rights! Punish the traitors!

Down with imperialism!... Down with the Beiyang warlords!

(Chinese Territory)

Tim

You're late today. Was it a mess out there?

The Beiyang Army is just a bunch of bullies.

The students were just shouting slogans, but they got beaten up and arrested.

I took a detour.

I hope the North-South peace talks will take place and stop the fighting.

I remember you said the warlords were bad and the students were good.

I won't bother fighting as long as there's food.

You think it's easy to get food? Not unless you work with your hands.

I started with no money and no power, and built up a family with empty hands.

You also said, a pair of hands is what a man needs most.

Someday when the whole Shanghai knows Kiu Ngo-tin has all power in his hands,

I'll get you a cup of tea.

You can’t even peel a pear, arrogant brat.

Help! Help! Help...

What's the matter? What happened?

Hey! What happened?

The Mad Dog across the street keeps attacking people!

Look, his ear almost got bitten off! What should we do?

Let's take him to the doctor!

We need help! Give us a hand!

He shouted for help in front of the shop. The Mad Dog may come and cause trouble.

You'd better stay here. Close the shop in case there's a problem.

OK.

Little rascal, you always feel tempted on payday.

All men are like this. I heard they have many new girls in town.

There's a war in the north. Those girls came here to make money.

Look, those handsome maids are no good.

Western men like them because they can speak a little English.

By the way, I'm not interested in any of those low-class prostitutes.

What about first-class or second-class courtesans? Good enough for you?

Only Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai at Yee Heung Garden is good enough for a decent man like me.

Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai? Is that a four-character idiom?

Not everything with four words is an idiom. Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai is such an elegant name.

She's the number one courtesan in Shanghai.

Many high-ranking officials and rich guys are willing to pay good money,

but she won't even let them kiss her.

If I could see her just once...

You'd kiss her? You can't even use the toilet at Yee Heung Garden.

Miss, would you like to buy some blush?

No. Are you hiring new workers?

No, we have nothing for you.

Please take him upstairs.

Good luck with business!

Don't go yet!...

I'm not here to check girls out. I'm looking for someone.

I know you're worried I'll bump into your sister.

It's been a long time since she left.

What if she has become one of those girls on the streets?

Also, if you dare check my sister out...

So pure!

Wait a second. She looks kind of familiar.

Hey, is that Chi-ching?

Please give me a chance!

Stop!

Why did she have to run?

Boss. Where have you been?

There are piles of dirty bedding! Do you want this job or not?

OK, I'm going to wash them now. Sorry, Boss.

Where are you going?

Do you know Merry Lane is my territory? I'll find you wherever you go!

What do you want?

It's very simple. If you help me serve the customers,

you can clear your debt quickly and get out of this miserable life.

No matter what you say, I won't do it! I have money to pay you back!

It's not even enough to cover the interest.

If I knew you were a loan shark, I wouldn't have borrowed money from you!

You set a trap for me!

Anyway, you must return the money.

Think you're paying me back? It's Madam, not me.

If you mess with her, she'll cut off your arms and legs.

She may even cut your face open.

Are you threatening me?

I got this scar because I couldn't pay her back.

She used a hot iron to burn my skin.

Sounds like Madam is a vicious woman!

What should we do? We can't let her ruin Chi-ching's beautiful face!

Anyway, I won't do it no matter what!

You won't do it?

Fine, just return the money! Give me all your money! Catch her!

Hey!

Don't take my money! I need it to pay my rent!

Stop!

I can get you arrested for forced prostitution!

Who are you?

I'm the new Sergeant in charge of Merry Lane.

Return the money to this girl.

You're in charge of Merry Lane?

I've been around for years. Why haven't I seen you before?

Sergeant! Sergeant! Sergeant!

What's the matter?

Chief Inspector has assigned dozens of officers, guns, and prison cells

for you to get some work done!

I'm glad Chief has everything ready.

You're trying to force a girl into prostitution.

Today I shall eliminate the scourge and close down all the brothels in Merry Lane!

So what if you have that power? Did you see me commit any crime?

I saw that with my two eyes!

You committed loan sharking, forced prostitution, and robbery!

All those are felonies! Arrest her!

Hey!

Fine. Sergeant, right? Sorry if I've offended you today.

We'll be seeing each other a lot in Merry Lane in the future.

Brother Tin.

So I was right. You're Chi-ching indeed.

When did you come here? You're a sergeant now? That's awesome!

I wish I were.

After my dad died last year, I came to Shanghai to find a job.

I've always wanted to find my sister anyway.

I saw your sister a year ago. She was dating a very nice guy.

That university student, Ting-pong? I met him back home.

But I never heard from them again since he and Siu-lei came to Shanghai.

She didn't mention that. She didn't leave her address either.

I haven't seen her since.

Chi-ching, let me help you. You must be very tired.

No, it's OK.

It'll be done in no time.

It's OK, just let him help you.

Come here and sit down.

Thank you.

Why are you doing laundry here?

I didn't know anyone when I first came, so I opened a stall to make a living.

But business wasn't so good. I couldn't even pay my rent.

Then I met Miss King. She offered to lend me money.

But she lends money at a high interest. How can you pay it off?

I know, but what can I do? That's why I'm working multiple jobs.

Anyway, I'll never sell my body.

Chi-thing, I admire your integrity. You have my support.

By the way, thank you.

Don't mention it.

If you hear anything about my sister, find me at Shiliupu, at Shing Wah.

Sure.

Here's your shirt. We should get going.

See you soon.

Come on!

Sounds like that Madam is a vicious woman.

Chi-ching can't pay off her debt no matter how hard she works.

You can’t get rich working for someone else. Take a chance.

Place your bets! Place your bets!

What are you thinking?

You've watched more than ten games. I'm tired of standing.

I'll go ahead and place a bet. 7 Bigs in a row. It must be Small this time.

Wait. Just 1 dollar? Bet 5 dollars.

5 silver dollars? That's half my income.

Bet more, win more. Here's half my income too.

Come on! Big!

You're in big trouble!

Here you are! 5-5-6 comes to 16, Big!

We're rich! We get 20 for 10 dollars!

Big again!

Are you nuts?

Here! 3-6-6 and that's 15, Big!

Enough! Don't even think about it!

Three wins in a row! On Big again!

You're so cruel! Keep quiet!

4-5-6 and that's 15, Big!

Three wins in a row! 80 silver dollars!

Get the money! Get the money!

Place your bets!

We're so lucky today. Why are we leaving?

Know when to stop. We have won enough.

How much did that guy win?

They won 80 dollars altogether.

It's our lucky day today.

You need a brain to win money, not luck.

I only know I've never won so much money before.

Since we have so much money, let's get a nice haircut,

and then go to Yee Heung Garden on Avenue Joffre to find Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai!

Sure!

(French Concession)

(Night in Shanghai, Oh, night in Shanghai!)

(You're a city that never sleeps)

(Under the neon lights, amidst the blaring horns,)

(people sing and dance in the joy of peace)

Welcome, Sir. Usher.

Thank you, Sir.

(This nightlife is all for a living...)

Thank you, Sir.

Thank you, Sir.

Miss King, you have a payment for Madam?

Yes.

It's that bawd again. Besides Merry Lane, Yee Heung Garden is also run by that Madam.

Sergeant? What brings you here?

But Yee Heung Garden is in the French Concession, not Merry Lane.

The FCP officers are here to help us.

So we're not welcome here? We're customers. You're supposed to serve us.

Detective Chak.

Detective Chak.

Listen. The North-South peace talks will be held in Shanghai.

The bosses have ordered us to clean up the city.

We're inspecting Yee Heung Garden today.

Help yourself.

Of course. Of course.

Detective Chak, let me take you upstairs to see Madam.

It's Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai!

She looks stunning! Yes, so beautiful!

That's Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai?

No wonder she's the top courtesan! She's gorgeous!

Yiu-toi Yuet-kwai is Madam?

With you around, Yee Heung Garden can stay away from trouble.

Yee Heung Garden is Detective Chak's territory!

You're under arrest for causing trouble here!

Go!

For some reason, I really enjoy drinking with you.

Wine and a bosom friend. I feel like I can say anything to you.

What a pity.

Madam looks absolutely stunning, but she's rotten to the core.

Women can be so vicious.

There are all kinds of people in the world. I thought you were upset about the money.

Of course I'm upset.

I didn't even get a sip of wine and you made me leave.

How could we not leave? We're not real officers.

A plainclothes detective was in there. You want to get exposed and arrested?

The money has broadened our horizons.

Come to think of it, we haven't eaten anything yet.

You finally realised that?

There's a high-class Western-style restaurant near here.

Let's eat steak like those Western guys.

One day I'll make a name for myself and treat you to steak every night.

In the meantime, let's eat plain noodles in the Chinese Territory.

Plain noodles again?

Yes, plain noodles! Come on!

(Chung Yee Hall, Chinese Territory)

Chief!

Chief, shall we begin?

12 theft cases have been solved this month.

Master Hung, get a few men to turn themselves in.

Step aside.

There are five other cases. The victims didn't claim the items in three days.

Some of them will be confiscated as usual. The rest will be returned to them.

The last case is arson and assault. The Frenchmen urge us to turn someone in.

Master Hung, whose turn is it?

It's Chun-hung's turn.

Let them take you and lay charges. You'll be spending three years in prison.

Your settling-in allowance will be delivered to your home.

Why the long face?

I know you have a big family, so I'll double your settling-in allowance.

Thank you, Brother Tim!

Don't thank me! Thank the Chief instead!

Thank you, Chief! Thank you so much!

Good. As long as you follow my rules, everything will be just fine.

The Frenchmen will be happy, the Police Department will do well,

and our society will flourish!

Hurrah for the Chief!

Hurrah for the Chief! Hurrah...

The clear-up rate has increased steadily. I'm happy about that.

But the one person who really stands out is Detective Chak.

Once again, you're number one this month.

I'm just doing my job. No matter how good I am, I'm merely a horse.

Without you gentlemen to spur me on, I couldn't have achieved this success.

Anyway, I hope you can keep it up.

Sure.

Under Captain Fiori's guidance,

we'll keep spurring the horses and solve as many cases as we can, right?

Right...

Crime prevention is just as important as solving the cases.

So we must keep an eye on criminals for effective crime prevention.

I agree. The Beiyang government and the Constitutional Protection Army

are coming to Shanghai for the peace talks.

I want my territory in good shape.

Chak Kam-tong, keep a close watch.

Yes, Sir.

Did you guys hear that? The Beiyang Army and revolutionists from the south...

many are hiding in the French Concession and waiting to start a riot.

We must stay alert and be extra careful at work.

Yes!

(Chinese Territory)

There're no rickshaws around. Let's take a look over there.

Ding-bong, I want to stay here with you. I don't want to go to Suzhou.

Listen. You go there first. I'll meet you there once everything’s done.

Move aside! Move aside!

Go!

How could you bully the granny...

Mind your own business! Go!

This price is reasonable enough.

You should have brought more free samples back.

That's easy for you to say, Auntie Wah.

You weren't there. Those officers were hitting and robbing people like bandits.

Good thing I rode fast enough to bring the samples back.

Most of our hard-earned money goes into their pockets,

but they still rob people like that. Those warlords have gone too far.

Life is hard under those unruly warlords.

Hopefully the North-South peace talks can improve peoples livelihood.

Uncle Wah, it's chaotic out there. The peace talks won't help.

Only the wicked will rise to power. Period.

You do know it's chaotic and hard to make a living?

Little rascal, if you must give our fruit away.

You give away good fruit and claim it's just rotten fruit.

It's OK. He makes customers happy. Then they come back with more business.

Uncle Wah understands me the most.

Yeah right. I don't want to argue with you. You two speak the same language.

Don't be mad, Auntie Wah. Here's a little something for you.

For me? What is it?

Wow, it's beautiful!

Aunt Kau's son is getting married next month

Wear this and you will stand out from the crowd at Shiliupu

And this kaleidoscope is for Kit.

For Kit? Let me see.

Uncle Wah, you always lose track of time. This is for you. It's imported.

Imported? It must be very expensive. Where did you get the money?

Six months of savings. Do you like it?

You have savings? I thought you'd go to Merry Lane and spend all your money.

Since you're such a good kid, I'll give you a day off tomorrow.

You've always wanted to watch Beijing opera.

Really? The watch is totally worth it!

Look, you two are like father and son.

Really?

(French Concession)

(Now showing: Muk Kwai-ying Takes Command)

Why are you wearing your hair like this?

This haircut cost me 1 silver dollar. I must get the most out of it.

I won't wash my hair until next week.

No wonder you smell.

Where are the tickets?

Cheap tickets were sold out. Other tickets were too expensive.

So I didn't get the tickets.

You've got to be kidding.

Beijing opera is not fun to watch anyway. Let's go.

I've been looking forward to this opera!

If I miss it, I don't know how long I'll have to wait! I must watch it!

How? Just barge in without a ticket?

Come with me!

Why did you take me here?

We can enter through the backdoor instead.

Hey, someone's coming!

Siu-ling.

You're here. I've saved you a spot in the back. Come in.

Bravo!...

Fantastic!...

My legs are so numb. When can we go?

Let's watch a little longer.

What are you guys doing? Did you buy tickets?

We almost got caught!

It's all because of you!

Were you there to watch opera or check girls out?

I saw you staring at a girl, pervert.

No, I didn't.

No? Next time, let me join you.

But luckily someone spotted us. Otherwise we'd still be squatting there.

We can’t watch opera now. What should we do?

Let's try our luck somewhere else.

You've been so lucky these days.

Three wins in a row!

(Chinese Territory)

Two! Even!

We're rich! Four wins in a row! This is better than robbing!

Trust me if you want to win money.

Know when to stop.

I have memorised all your patterns. There's an 80% chance it's even.

We'll stop after this game.

Again?

Place your bets!

Even! Even! Even...

Three! Odd!

The dealer wins!

You cheated!

What did you say?

Little rascal, how dare you accuse us of cheating!

If he really didn't cheat, let me check his sleeves!

Who do you think you are?

Don't make trouble in my territory! Listen! Iron Head is my name!

If I see you again, I'll beat you up! Go!

Why are you so late?

How did you get those wounds?

I went for a bite with Lung and ran into some thugs.

It was dark and dusty there, so they mistook me for someone else.

It's just not my day.

That's terrible. Where does it hurt? Let me get you the medicated wine.

I kept telling you not to stay out too late, but you wouldn't listen.

Look, you got beaten up for no reason. It's not worth it.

Like you said, we all need training just like knives need sharpening.

Adversity makes us stronger.

Someone has got to teach you a lesson.

Gentle, Uncle Wah! It hurts!

Now it hurts? I hope you've learnt your lesson.

I said gentle! Too rough! Hang in there!

Ouch!

You sell fruit here?

It's good.

Hey, pay for it.

You're asking me to pay?

Stop! What's going on?

Sir! Sir! If my employee has offended you, let me apologise for him!

Your employee lost money at my casino and then accused me of cheating!

Does he deserve to be punished?

What did you say?

Sorry, Sir!

I pay Tong-law protection money every month! Please do Tong-law a favour!

Tong-law? Tong-law is a nobody! Can he protect you? Can he?

Please stop! I'll help him pay! It's not much! Please accept our apologies!

That's more like it. Remember me. Iron Head is my name.

I can't believe you've been gambling behind my back!

All gamblers end up losing! You're going to get all of us in trouble!

Let me cut off your fingers so that you can't gamble again!

I didn't lose!

You didn't?

I won but they wouldn't pay me! They accused me of cheating!

They even came to trouble us!

We all know justice doesn't exist! Power means everything!

You paid Tong-law but still got bullied!

What can we do? With no power, we can only swallow our anger.

Listen to me.

Stop gambling and stay away from those thugs or you'll get yourself killed.

Darn you, Iron Head! I'm not a pushover!

If I could be like the Mad Dog, no one would bully me.

Kung Siu-shan! Who's Kung Siu-shan? Come on out!

What do you want?

So you're the Mad Dog? I came to get my goods back!

Are you new here? Pay protection money for using this pier!

Want your goods back? Sure! 20 silver dollars!

I'm the boss in Shandong! No one dares to ask me pay!

Give me back my goods or I'll beat your brains out!

How dare you pee in my wine!

What? This is your wine? Sorry about that.

I'll castrate you!

You want your goods back? I'm asking if you want your goods back!

So you're the Mad Dog!

Yes, I'm the Mad Dog, and I'll bite your ear off!

No! I'll pay!

Leave the money here and go!

You little thief!

Please let me go! I won’t do it again!

Let you go? I'll let you go if you beat me!

What? If you're not strong enough, don't steal!

Tell you what! Only the strongest will survive in this world!

Don't hit me! Don't hit me!

I'm not a bully, OK?

Your pants are worth some money! Take them off and I'll call it even!

No!

Take them off!

Take them off!

Go!

It's all set.

Young Master, you're not wearing pants!

Brother Shan!

Hok-yiu, where are your pants?

Dad, I got bullied!

Then why didn't you fight back? Did you tell him you're my son?

Yes, I did fight back and say I'm your son, but he wouldn't stop hitting me!

I wasn't scared at all! I kept fighting until he took my pants off!

That's outrageous! Who dares bully my son?

It's the guy at Shing Wah Fruits, Kiu Ngo-tin!

Kiu Ngo-tin? Tung, Nam, let's teach him a lesson!

Shing, take Hok-yiu home and get some pant!

Brother Shan, we need to make a payment to the Coast Guard.

Perfect! Let's do it after beating him up!

(Chinese Territory)

Come out, Kiu Ngo-tin! How dare you bully my son and take his pants off!

Kiu Ngo-tin!

Are you Kiu Ngo-tin? How dare you bully my son!

Sir, I'm a blind man. How could I bully your son?

You're blind?

I've been blind since I was a kid. What's this about?

Blind, huh?

Where's my bamboo staff?

Right in front of you!

Oh thanks.

Go straight! Go!

Why are you bullying a blind man?

Be careful. Let me help you up.

Thank you.

You're so clumsy.

Hey, have you run into Kiu Ngo-tin?

I'm looking for him too. He still owes me 1 dollar.

I'm waiting for him to pay me back. How could he cheat a blind man?

Cut the crap. Do you know where he is?

The neighbours told me he's off to Yue Kee Trading on Second Road.

Go find him immediately before he's gone.

Do you know what he looks like?

Are you kidding me? I'm blind. How would I know?

I heard the neighbours call him Centre-parted Kiu Ngo-tin.

Here you go.

Thanks.

Brother Shan, that chubby guy has centre-parted bangs.

Kiu Ngo-tin!

What? What's the matter?

May I help you, Sir?

Kiu Ngo-tin, you took my son's pants off!

I'm not Kiu Ngo-tin!

Stop lying! You can’t get away!

Don't trick us!

My name is Ku Man-lung! Here's my work permit! It's Ku Man-lung!

Then why did you answer me?

You were shouting, so I took a glance!

The blind guy lied to us!

Perhaps he's Kiu Ngo-tin?

Yes, it must be the blind guy!

Darn it! I'm going to castrate him!

Brother Shan, it's time to meet the Coast Guard.

You guys go get him. I'll deal with him when I'm back.

Yes, Brother Shan.

You scared me!

Brother Tin, I saw Siu-lei's boyfriend!

Where?

I saw him in the hostel yesterday. He may have come back with Siu-lei.

Are they still in the hostel?

He left after visiting a friend yesterday. His friend also checked out yesterday.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

I was so busy yesterday. Today I sneaked out to tell you this.

Do you know where I can find them?

I've asked the housekeeper.

His friend lives in Zhabei, but I don't have his address.

Go check it out. You may find Siu-lei there.

OK.

Brother Tin, I heard them talk about some revolution.

It seems dangerous. Please be careful.

OK.

Uncle Wah, I may be able to find my sister! Can I go?

Really? You'd better hurry!

OK!

Where's the blind guy?

Blind guy? Right there.

Is Kwan Ding-bong there?

No.

So, is it confirmed yet?

I've checked.

Marshal Lok will meet with the Frenchmen at Tin On Hotel at 3 o'clock today.

Lok Wai-kei has been oppressing the people and doing evil deeds.

We must kill him today.

This mission could cost us our lives. Is it the only option?

Lok Wai-kei is arrogant and overbearing.

He's opposed to the peace talks and even wants to stop it.

Unless we kill him, peace will never come, and the people will continue to suffer.

Right. He always stays at the military camp.

This is our best chance to kill him. We must not miss it.

Kwan Ding-bong, you're really here.

How did you find me here?

I saw you on the street and followed you. Where's Siu-lei?

She's not here.

I don't believe it!

Siu-lei and I broke up a long time ago! I haven't seen her in a year! Please leave!

You're lying! Let me check! Let me check!

Don't make me hurt you!

Please leave!

You think you can fool me? Siu-lei has to come out sooner or later.

Who was that guy?

Siu-lei's brother, just a countryman. He meant no harm.

Good thing you sent Siu-lei to Suzhou to ensure her safety.

Otherwise our plan would have been ruined.

Remember to pay on time or I'll have the Coast Guard inspect you every day.

Don't worry, I'll pay on time.

OK, bye.

So he pretended to be blind to fool me!

(French Concession)

Kiu Ngo-tin!

Hey, let's talk!

How dare you fool me!

Go!