Original subtitles

THE BIG BOSS

- Is it over there, Uncle? - Yes.

This place is different from China.

Brother Xu lives over there.

Let's go.

We're not far.

We should be there in ten minutes.

Remember, you'll be living here alone.

Take care of yourself and don't look for trouble.

I know.

- You must be thirsty after walking all day. - I am.

- Let's get some drinks. - Sure.

Two bowls of that, please.

- So, what do you think? - It's not bad.

Come on.

Do you have any hot ice?

Do you have any? I'll pay anything.

- She's pretty. - Come, let me have a look at you.

Not bad at all. Nice complexion, too!

Go away!

- Stay out of this. - Let go of me!

You made a commitment.

Leave me alone!

Don't be afraid.

Dumplings! Hot dumplings! They're fresh.

Not bad. Try them!

Here you go.

- You need to pay me. - What?

You can't eat without paying.

What money? Get out of here!

Get out!

- What happened? - They refused to pay and beat me.

- Why would you hit a kid? - We'll hit you up, too!

It's Xu Jian.

- Brother Xu? - Yes.

Let's get out of here!

Where are you running to?

Stop!

Not many men are a match for Xu Jian.

Xu Jian!

Third Uncle!

When did you arrive?

Just got here. I'm here to see you.

I got your letter. And this is...?

- Zheng Chao-an. - Nice to meet you.

- Let's go back to my place. - All right.

I'll take your castle.

That was sneaky of you. You should've warned me.

No second moves allowed.

- Have you made your move? - Yes, I have.

Then, it's too bad!

- No quarter? - None.

- You won't regret that? - I won't.

Check!

Check? I was totally unprepared, it's unfair!

Why's that? You said no second moves allowed.

You didn't expect that, did you?

- This game doesn't count! - Hey, don't chicken out!

- We'll play another game. - Hey! Come out here, we have a guest!

Third Uncle!

- Hi! - Third Uncle!

Hey!

Third Uncle, how are you?

This is my nephew, Zheng Chao-an.

- My name's Ah Shan. - I'm Ah Yi.

- I'm Ah Wang. - I'm Ah Bi.

- I'm Ah Qiang. - And I'm Ah Kun.

I'm the big brother and the one with the brains.

I'm Zheng Chao-an.

- Come in and sit down. - Make yourselves at home.

- Take Uncle's luggage. - Thank you.

It's been two years since your last visit.

- Tell me, Uncle... - Yes?

How are things back at home in Tangshan?

Life's been hard.

We've had terrible floods over the last two years

that have led to crop failures.

Times are hard.

Have some tea, Uncle.

Oh, my, how you've grown!

You're getting more beautiful each time I see you.

This is our little sister, Qiao Mei. This is Zheng Chao-an.

- Please, have some tea. - Thank you.

And how's Uncle Zhang?

He was ill, but had no money to see a doctor. He died five months ago.

- What about the Chen Yu-fang? - Yu-fang?

She left three months ago because of the floods.

Wang, who used to live around here, left over a month ago to return home.

He's apparently gone to find a wife.

- Did you see him? - Wang?

- Yeah. - I didn't see him.

Life's hard at the moment. Who can afford to get married nowadays?

There was a tea house next door to us, now they've closed for lack of business.

More and more young people are heading for the cities.

They can't stay in the countryside.

- You've been away a long time now. - A very long time.

It's changed a lot, and everyone now wants to leave.

- My letter explained why I'm here. - I know, I know.

There was no work for Chao-an in the countryside.

Don't worry, I've already talked to the factory manager.

- I'll take Chao-an to see him tomorrow. - That's great, thanks.

Qiao Mei, go buy us some wine. We're celebrating tonight.

- That's right. - We're celebrating Uncle's arrival.

Thank you.

MANLI ICE FACTORY

Good to go!

Remember, don't talk too much.

Just answer whatever he asks, understood?

Hey, Third Uncle's here.

- Hi, Uncle. - Uncle, you're here.

- I'll take him to see the manager. - Great, thanks.

- You guys stay and chat. - Let's go over there.

My father said it's an important load and must be delivered immediately.

Don't worry, it'll be finished tonight and will be delivered tomorrow.

- Take care. I'm off. - Yes, sir. Don't worry.

Please.

Goodbye, take care.

Xu Jian, is this your friend?

Yes, his name's Zheng Chao-an.

This is our factory manager. Hello, sir.

Perfect. We need hardworking people.

He looks like a hard worker. Have him start tomorrow.

Great. You can start tomorrow.

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

We're all trying to make a living away from home.

We'll show you the town afterwards.

That looks like Mrs. Ma.

Why are you alone and crying, Mrs. Ma”?

Have you been harassed by someone? Tell me and I'll take care of it.

- Where's Mr. Ma? - He's out gambling. We're already broke!

Stay here. I'll go in and take a look.

COME IN AND GET RICH

Six.

Mr. Ma”?

- Mr. Ma? Have you lost everything? - Yes.

- Do you have any money? - You still want to gamble?

Have a look first.

It's a pair! Sorry, the banker wins!

- Not again! - Banker wins!

What are you doing?

Look. How could you not lose?

A loaded dice?

Forget it. It's your own fault. Nobody asked you to come here.

Don't be a sore loser. Come on.

Nine out of ten games are rigged. You should stop gambling.

Here's $200 to cover your debts.

- I can't... - I have nowhere to spend money anyway.

- Pay me back when you can. - Thank you so much.

- Head home now. - Thank you.

It's cramped, and the work is hard.

Working here is tough, but the income is steady.

You could make enough in five years

to start a small business back home.

Hey, you!

Please step aside, Chao-an.

If they're looking for a fight, I'll give them one.

Where do you think you're going? You should mind your own business!

I'm going to teach you a lesson!

So, is it just the six of you?

Come on, then, try me.

Get out of here! Go!

You're pretty good.

I learned some Kung Fu back home.

My mother gave me this to stop me from fighting.

- Where did you learn to fight? - I didn't really.

I bought some books and taught myself.

Speed and strength are the secret.

- Forget it. - That was a close call!

It's taken all the fun out of it.

Brother Xu?

- Did you get into a fight again? - Oh, they were a useless bunch.

- Who were they? - Tell me all about it!

Get up and switch on the lights!

- What's the matter? - Brother Xu got into a fight.

What happened?

Well, I was just walking with Chao-an,

and we saw Auntie Ma crying.

Oh? Why?

You know all about old man Ma's vice.

He wouldn't leave the gambling den, so I went in to look for him.

And I discovered a loaded dice.

Why didn't you close the joint?

I didn't make any trouble for them, but they came looking for me.

I want to hear this, too! Who did you fight?

You weren't there to see it.

- How many were they? - Six of them.

- Tell us, what happened? - Well, it was like this...

I was walking with Chao-an, and somebody yelled, "Hold it!"

- I looked back and saw six of them. - Six?

Yes, six of them.

So I told them to make their move.

They charged toward me...

So, I spun around... and threw two of them.

- Threw two of them? - Then another charged at me...

I gave him a hefty whack, and that was another one gone.

Just then, I saw one of them diving at me,

so I ducked and struck upwards at him.

Eh? Struck upwards?

And Chao-an? Did he get in the fight as well?

No, no. But Chao-an did almost get hit.

Rise and shine! It's time for work!

Get up!

You're safe with Xu Jian. But he does like to help those in need.

I'm worried he'll get you in trouble.

Don't worry, Uncle.

I'm wearing my mother's pendant. I promised I wouldn't fight.

All right, then.

I'll be off.

Goodbye, Uncle!

Hey, beautiful.

I've been doing all the talking, and you haven't said a word.

We should get to know each other better.

Don't be shy.

Hey, why are you ignoring me?

Hello? I'm talking to you!

Hey, where do you live?

Let me take you out tonight.

- Let go of me! - Not until you answer me!

Brother Zheng! Brother Zheng!

Hey!

I'm off to work.

Hey, Zheng Chao-an!

- You starting work? - Yes.

Report to the foreman first.

- Who's the foreman? - Him in the dark clothes.

Hurry up, you two.

See him over there?

The one with a beard and ponytail.

Who are you?

My name's Zheng Chao-an.

You're the one Xu Jian brought here?

You're late. Have you seen the time?

All right, get to work. Go help him.

Set it down carefully. Push this across.

Well? Don't just stand there!

Off you go!

Do you want the job or not?

What should I do?

Help them move the ice.

What's this?

That's none of your business! Back to work!

Sorry about that...

Stop there!

- What was that for? - He was careless and broke the ice.

He's new here. Just dock his pay.

- Why get violent with him? - Yeah, why did you hit him?

- Come on, tell us. - Why did you hit him?

What's going on? Back to work!

Don't worry about it. They can be a little impulsive.

Take five minutes.

Let's head back.

Don't worry, we'll get him one of these days.

Am I right? Let's go.

Hold on.

- Wait, you two. - What is it?

- The manager wants to see you. - Okay.

Dinner's ready!

Wait, Ah Qiang and Ah Wang aren't back.

Never mind.

As we were leaving, I heard the foreman say the manager wanted to talk to them.

- The manager? - Yeah.

- What for? - I don't know.

Fine, we'll leave some for them.

Pass it over.

Thank you.

Please, take a seat.

I've asked you to come to my office so I could give you something.

Here's $1,000 each.

- What for? - Let me explain.

You've travelled far from home to make money and to have a better life.

You two found something in the ice today, isn't that right?

Yes, sir.

It was heroin.

- Heroin? - Correct.

An ice factory can only make SO much money.

There are more profitable businesses.

Now that you know, we'll let you in.

We'll be in this together now.

When we left home, sir,

our father told us to work hard but stay away from crime.

I'm just trying to be nice to you.

$2,000 is a lot of money.

That's true, but we don't want it.

I won't force you to accept the money. But you must discuss this with no one.

Don't worry, we won't tell a soul.

Good. I trust you.

- Can we go now? - Fine.

- Goodbye. - Good night.

Come on, hurry up!

Hey, have Ah Qiang and Ah Wang arrived yet?

- Not yet. - You guys, get to work.

Didn't the manager send for them last night?

- Yes, he did. - Why didn't they return last night?

How should I know?

- Is the manager in? - He is.

Sir?

Ah Qiang and Ah Wang didn't come home after your meeting last night.

- Do you know where they are? - Oh? They're missing?

- How would I know? - The foreman said you sent for them.

So, you should know.

Oh, the boss called yesterday and asked for them.

- The boss? What for? - I have no idea.

That's odd.

- I don't believe it. - Fine.

You can go to the boss's place and see for yourself.

Wang also disappeared two months ago and hasn't been seen since.

I'm afraid something may have happened to them.

Wang didn't disappear. I heard he went home to find a wife.

Anyway, you should get back to work. They might turn up soon.

- So, any news? - What did the manager say?

He said the boss sent for them.

If they're not back soon, I'll go there after work.

- Alone? - Why not?

I'll go with you.

Don't move!

All of you, watch me.

Step aside. Right, come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Did you see that? That's the way to do it.

You were too slow, and left yourself open to attack.

- Remember that next time. - I will.

Could I have $2,000?

What is it for this time?

Well... I've got a good reason for wanting the money.

You change your women every year, don't you?

Well, I've found you a new one.

- Oh? Really? - Yes.

She's tall, slim, beautiful and gentle.

A lot better than your other women.

- So, where is she? - How about that $2,000 first?

That's blackmail! She better be worth it.

She is.

Thanks!

Sir, two workers from the factory are here to see you.

I'll see them inside.

You guys, take a break.

- I'll be right back. - No problem.

Hey! This way!

This is the boss.

Hello, sir.

- You can go. - Yes, sir.

How can I help you?

Two workers are missing. Weren't they here last night?

Yes, they were here.

Ah Qiang and Ah Wang have been working very hard.

I sent for them to reward them, and also promote them.

Did you know they never returned home?

Yes. I informed the police.

- They'll surely find them. - You said that about Wang.

- It's been over a month now. - What can I do?

You workers eat, drink, gamble. You get up to all sorts.

They're adults. They'll do whatever they want.

I can't be responsible for them.

They wouldn't do that. You're lying!

There's no need to get angry.

Why are you so worried about them?

It's not like they're your parents or your children.

Think about what's best for you.

You're a smart man.

Keep working hard and you'll be rewarded.

I don't understand.

I'll spell it out for you, then.

Mind your own business, and I can make you rich.

What?

- Has something happened to them? - I didn't say that.

Hand them over or I'll report you!

Nonsense, you've got no evidence.

You can't intimidate us.

- Hand them over. - No!

Then you'll be charged for murder!

Brother Xu!

Brother!

It's 12:30.

Time to sleep.

Hurry and come to bed!

- Come on. - Okay.

No news of them yet.

We'll wait until tomorrow. Let's get some sleep.

Let's go.

Don't cry. I'm sure Brother Xu is fine.

You should go to bed.

- Brother Xu isn't back yet, is he? - No, we're getting worried.

Something might've happened.

Chao-an, you know the pier?

There's a shop there where Xu often goes to play chess.

- Go and see if he's been in. - All right.

- Ah Shan. - Yes?

Go quietly to the gambling den and watch for anything suspicious.

- All right. - Hurry!

I'll have a poke around town. Go to Mr. Ma's place, ask him to help.

- Fine. - Off you go.

Qiao Mei, you stay indoors.

If he returns, come let us know.

All right?

- Excuse me. - Yes?

- Has Brother Xu been here? - Brother Xu?

- Yes. - No, not for some time.

- Excuse me, have you seen Brother Xu? - Which Brother Xu?

The one who was in that fight the other day.

Thanks.

Have Brother Xu and Ah Bi returned yet?

No. Everyone's waiting.

What do we do?

Ask the manager to call the boss, see if there's any news.

So, I've called the boss.

- What did he say? - Any news on Brother Xu?

And what of the other two who disappeared?

He said Xu Jian and Ah Bi went to his home but left soon afterwards.

As for the other two,

the boss has informed the police, and they're looking into it.

They went to the boss's place, and now they can't be found.

- He must have them. - Yeah! Tell him to hand them over!

- That's right! - Tell him!

You're all being unreasonable.

You gamble all day and have fun with girls.

Nobody tells you what to do.

They may have gone to Bangkok. Who knows?

No, Brother Xu doesn't gamble.

He's our brother. He'd tell us if he was going.

Hand him over now, or else we'll tear down the factory!

We want to know where they are!

- Tell us! - Come on! Do something!

What's the use in pressuring me? How should I know where they are?

We don't care what you say.

Hand them over or we won't work!

Stop shouting! It's no use!

Start work now! We'll discuss this tomorrow.

- No, that's not fair! - We're not going anywhere!

Enough! Hurry up and get to work!

We want Brother Xu back, or we're not working.

- Yeah, we're not working! - We'll strike!

Yeah, we'll strike!

What do you think you're doing? Get to work!

Fine. No need to get violent!

- You hit me! - Hey, why did you hit him?

Get me 3-3-6.

Sir, we've got trouble!

Chao-an, give us a hand!

Hey, where did they all come from?

Stop! Everyone, stop fighting!

This is our fight!

We don't need you around.

If you want someone to fight, then fight me.

- Hey, Chao-an's actually pretty tough. - I know.

Who's next?

- Come on! Fight him! - Fight him! Yeah, come on!

- Are you scared? - Come on!

Let's go!

Come on! What's stopping you?

Get out of here!

- Good work! - Yeah, well done!

What's wrong?

Chao-an! You, and you three, in my office now!

What did the manager want with Chao-an?

What are they going to do to him?

Right, if anything happens to Chao-an, we'll fight!

Let's go!

- Should we go and take a look? - No, not yet.

He wouldn't dare hurt Chao-an.

Fine, let's wait here.

- Let's take a break. - Yeah, sit down.

- What's that about? - Let's go have a look.

- What does it say? - "Zheng Chao-an is...

- "...promoted to foreman." - No way!

What about Ah Sheng?

He's been demoted.

It's better that way!

Now Chao-an is our leader.

- He's our big brother from Tangshan. - That's right!

Who's that?

Hey, here comes our big brother.

Congratulations!

- Amazing news! - Yeah!

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

- One, two, three, four. - One, two, three, four...

- Hey! - Come here! Get behind!

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

- Stop! - Disperse!

- Disperse! - Disperse!

- Ah Kun, why are you so happy? - Oh, you haven't heard.

Zheng Chao-an has been promoted to foreman.

Tell me, how did it happen?

The manager says he's righteous and courageous.

- Righteous and courageous? - That's right.

- Tell me, what happened? - We had a fight with foreman Sheng.

He slapped me and we fought.

He then called over ten men to beat us up.

Zheng Chao-an suddenly stepped in. He was so quick and so skilful.

He was hitting them left, right and centre.

One by one, they dropped to the ground. He floored them all.

Then the manager promoted him.

Why did you fight the foreman?

He tried to make us work when we didn't want to.

He hit me, and that prompted the fight.

Why did you refuse to work?

We asked for our four men back, and refused to start work otherwise.

So, there's no news of Brother Xu?

I don't understand why you're so happy about fighting.

You don't care about Brother Xu at all!

Don't cry, Qiao Mei.

I'll talk to the manager tomorrow.

I'll show him no mercy if he refuses to hand them over.

- Well? - He said he's reported it to the police.

He said he'd go to the station with me if they didn't return by the end of the day.

- All right. - That's good.

- Let's start work. - Time to go.

- Food's ready. - Great.

Here.

Wait a minute.

Chao-an went to the police station but he isn't back yet.

We should wait for him.

Just wait a minute!

- Please, sit down. - Thank you.

The boss is in a meeting, he says he can't make it.

He's having dinner with the police chief.

Right, any news of Brother Xu?

Don't worry, the police chief is a good friend of mine.

I'm sure they'll do everything to find him.

We'll be notified as soon as he's found.

Come on, let's eat.

- Sir, they're here. - Please, come in.

Sit down. Please, join us.

Take a seat.

Let me introduce you. This is Wu Man.

- This is Ding Xiang. - Hello.

- And this is Rose. - Hello.

This is our foreman, Zheng Chao-an.

Thanks.

Sir, a toast to you.

Thank you. Cheers!

A toast to you, too, Mr. Zheng.

You're a good drinker.

Let's have another one.

It's good, right?

Let's enjoy a meal together.

We're all colleagues here, there's no need to fight one another.

You have a big future here with us, Chao-an.

Thank you.

Cheers, everyone!

Now, let's eat.

One, two... three!

Impressive!

That's not that impressive.

You're still up?

Go to bed. You're going to catch cold.

- Ah Kun, I'm worried. - What about?

Already, five of us who lived here have disappeared.

- Could Brother Zheng be next? - Let's not make any assumptions.

He's such a good fighter, I'm sure he'll be fine.

But I'm worried.

Why are you crying?

I know you like him, but we don't know much about him.

He's young. Don't worry about him.

Why are you in such a hurry to leave?

Sorry.

Chao-an still hasn't turned up. Where could he be?

No idea.

Wait, there he is!

- Chao-an, you didn't return last night. - We were worried sick.

- Well, what did the police say? - Any news?

The police? I didn't go.

- You didn't go? Why not? - Where were you, then?

The manager asked me to dinner.

Dinner? So you just forgot about Brother Xu?

Just remember how you got this job.

Let me explain...

You ungrateful...

Wait!

- Let's start work! - What?

- Let's get to work. - What's the rush?

One dinner, and you think you're better than us.

Acting high and mighty just because you know the manager!

You're a suck-up!

My strength is my power, and I'm not afraid of anyone!

- Am I right? - Yeah!

- Sir? - Who is it?

Zheng Chao-an.

- What is it? - There's still no news of Brother Xu.

All the workers are worried.

- I'd like to see the boss. - All right.

I'll call him now. You can see him after work.

Understood.

- Xiao Chun? - Huh?

- What is it? - The foreman's coming to see me.

- We have to put on a show. - A show?

Who are you?

- The factory foreman. - Your name?

- Zheng Chao-an. - Okay.

Thanks.

That way. You can let yourself in.

Back down!

Come, come!

Hello, sir.

- Are you foreman Zheng? - That's right.

The manager told me you were coming.

Let's sit down.

Take a seat.

I know why you're here. It's about Xu Jian, isn't it?

Concerning that matter...

- You clumsy woman! - Sorry, sir.

I'm also very unhappy about the situation.

- I've lost a great deal as well. - How so?

I've been here so many years.

Many people envy my success,

and they're using this opportunity to attack me.

You've probably heard many rumours about me.

They're not true. I treat the workers like my own children.

I advise them on their finances. We've all come from afar.

We need to work hard and save money, right?

Listen, you know I think very highly of you.

You have a big future ahead of you.

Thank you, but what about them?

Don't worry, I've told the police. They'll find them.

Father!

We've searched everywhere. There's no trace of them.

You're useless!

Up to no good all day every day.

You can't even do one thing right! Why are you home so early?

It's almost dark.

You can keep looking tomorrow and the day after!

Don't bother coming home until you find them!

Sir, I better head back.

Fine. And please ask them not to worry.

I'm doing everything in my power to find them.

Okay.

Goodbye.

We got away with it for now.

We must take good care of the factory from now on.

We can't slip up. They could easily turn on us.

- Keep an eye on them all! - Understood.

Father, come with me.

I found out where that girl lives.

She's beautiful.

Good. Let's get her over here tonight.

I want her here tonight.

Hey.

Hey.

Have you eaten?

Thank you.

What's wrong?

You were at the boss's house and didn't get invited for dinner?

No.

What did he say? That he'd informed the police?

And that they'd let us know if they found them?

You know he's lying!

A foreman having to eat cold food? That must be tough for you!

A foreman isn't used to such tough living conditions.

Ah Kun, why would you say that?

I can't stand him.

Ah Kun, we'd best keep away from him.

It's no use being nice to him.

We'll tell him to leave when Brother Xu returns.

Ah Kun is a good man, but he can be impulsive.

- Don't be angry with him. - I'm not.

I just feel like they don't understand me.

In time, I'm sure they will. You just need to be patient.

I'm off to work. You'd better head home.

Mr. Zheng!

Were you looking for me?

Why don't you take a seat?

This way.

No...

What's making you so unhappy?

Some of the workers have disappeared, and there's been no news of them.

You must take care. Your boss isn't a nice person.

Think about it, how much money can an ice factory really make?

Do you know how he became so rich?

- How? - They hide heroin inside the ice.

- How do you know that? - I was their maid. Look...

He did this to me.

Brother Xu!

I knew you'd come here.

I know what you're up to.

Well done.

Now that you know, you shall suffer the same fate.

Get him!

Get him!

Qiao Mei...

Qiao Mei?

Qiao Mei? Qiao Mei!

Qiao Mei...

Qiao Mei!

Qiao Mei!

Qiao Mei!

My mother made me promise not to get into fights.

I've killed so many people. What should I do?

If anything were to happen to me,

what would my 70-year-old mother do?

She wouldn't survive.

I made new friends here.

They treated me just like one of their own.

They always helped me when I needed it, just like my own brothers.

But now they've all been Killed.

I must avenge them.

I must kill this monster!

But I am alone.

It's my duty to die for my friends.

But who will look after my mother?

They were slaughtered innocently.

I'm no fool, but I must do it.

I shall avenge them!

I shall avenge them!

Me?

Hey, my son didn't come home last night. Find him and call me.

Yes, sir.

This is none of your business. Out of my way!

This fight doesn't concern you. Get out of here!

Come out, hurry. The boss and the foreman are fighting.

- This is your chance to escape. - Why would you save me?

No questions, just go. You can get out that way. Hurry!

Quick, over there!

Brother Zheng!

Brother Zheng!