Reviewed by: mrblue Date: 12/19/2009 The Mongkok area of Hong Kong is the most densely populated urban neighborhood in the world, featuring everything from high-end shopping to seedy "hostess" clubs. In terms of the Hong Kong film universe, Mongkok has come to symbolize Triad gangster activity, with the ideas and myths perpetuated by stylish crime dramas like Wilson Yip's Mongkok Story. The film is a nice change of pace from the usual Triad fare, but its' wild changes in tone ultimately make it feel too disjointed to become a truly successful release. Reviewer Score: 6

Reviewed by: j.crawford Date: 10/19/2007 Summary: cool. not cool. In his early career, before his direction of Bio Zombie (1998) garnered him cult status, Wilson Yip Wai-Shun worked as an assistant to talented directors like Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Poon Man-Kit, and Lau Kar-Wing. With Mongkok Story (1996), Yip lays the foundation for his future. Yip was cool enough to get Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung and Anthony Wong Chau-Sang to appear in his coming of age movie that he dressed up as a triad youth melodrama which were so popular at that time. The director uses Edmond Leung Hon-Man to express that awkward discomfort that all teens go through, a theme that runs through almost all of his films. This movie is just another page in the book known as "Reasons why Roy Cheung is the Best Actor ever in Hong Kong movies". Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy Date: 08/15/2003 Summary: It feels both halfs of the movie dont fit with each other The first half of this film looked like a serious triad drama, but once Anthony WOng is introduced into the movie, it just takes a different direction, it is almost turned into a comedy, though i was not laughing. The ending just made it worst, was it like a dream sequence or were they just trying to make it a different type of ending, who knows!! The main lead seems out of place, bored with his role. Roy Cheung and Anthony wong play their roles well as usual. Unfortunately, the movie is predictable, except the ending which just blew me away, in a bad way!! I can't really recommend this movie since the first half and 2nd half just don't blend in together. i felt like i was watching 2 different movies!! 5.75/10

Reviewed by: MilesC Date: 02/11/2001 Although this film was made before Wilson Yip's name meant much, I should've known to expect something other than a typical Young and Dangerous ripoff. Although that's exactly what this movie feels like early on, some drastic changes take place in the second half. There are too many problems with this movie to really make it a must-see. Edmond Leung isn't a very exciting lead, and the first half-hour or so isn't very promising. Still, even the relatively dull opening scenes play out differently than might be expected, with more time spent on Triad soccer game than gang fights, and Roy Cheung playing a happily married man with a pregnant wife. The second half, though, is where things get interesting. Virtually nothing plays out as expected, and the movie seems to be headed towards "Too Many Ways To Be No. 1" satirical territory more than once. Of course, there's the expected gang-fight, which, surprisingly, is better and more bone-crunchingly realistic than anything in the Young and Dangerous movies. It all comes to an end that is somewhat unsatisfying, but also admirably unpredictable. As you may be able to tell from my vague descriptions, I was tired when I watched this and actually took a nap in the middle. Still, I came away from Mongkok Story pleased with, if not having seen a great movie, at least seeing a very different take on the Triad genre. Worth watching, if not necessarily seeking out.

Reviewed by: hktopten Date: 12/21/1999 Edmond Leung seemed bored as the outsider who joined up with gangster youths who hang out at the coffee shop he works in. Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung is typecasted as the mighty gangster who took him in. The fantasy romance between Edmond and Roy's wife in the film went nowhere, just like the rest of the film. Anthony Wong Chau Sun AGAIN plays the villain, a flashy and twisted gangster in the opposing gang and probably the only memorable character in the entire film. Ok if you are bored.

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 Finally finished watching this today and to my surprise it was very refreshing to see a twist and turn of events towards the ending. The first half was pretty slow. I guess it needs to build everybody's character or something. Also, during the first half i was already thinking about the rest of the storyline how everyone is going to end up. But during the second half i was wrong. What i liked the most about this movie was that the story was told by an outsider who just stumbled upon an event that lead to one after another. Of course there are your usual "everyone holding butcher knives and chop everything in sight" scenes, but in this movie there were more scenes that showed the relationships between the "rascals" in a gang and what it means to respect oneself and others in gangs. There were times that it got pretty deep. Overall, i thought this movie was a sad story. Especially the end. I won't say its a must see but it definitly doesn't hurt seeing it. It was shot very well the acting was pretty good. Oh and how can i forget, the concensus' favorite, Anthony Wong, also did a little Desparado spoof that will have you on the floor. [Reviewed by Fannie H. Ip]

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 This one is S-L-O-W. This is yet another incarnate of the Young and Dangerous rip-offs. Waiter Leung Ping (Edmund Leung) wants to follow renowned triad member Long Ching (Roy Cheung). The story is all too familiar, the action is a carbon copy of the other triad flicks (the standard onslaught of machete wielding triads), and the unsteady cam work disorients the ole noggin'. Anthony Wong attempts to ham up his role as rival triad Liu Lone, elevating the comedy the slightest bit but alas, he can't rescue this drowning storyline from the depths of futility and boredom. Roy Cheung looks dazedly and blankly into the camera, half-heartedly into his character, and the fellow young rascals, Peter and Herbal Oil needs better wigs and acting lessons. Good thing a remote control is handy to fast forward through some of the painfully long and useless scenes. Better yet, just rewind and bring the tape back to the store. [Reviewed by Jennie Tam]

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 A surprisingly good movie. Starts off as a YOUNG AND DANGEROUSrip-off but with more emphasis on character than style. This movie tells the story of a young, at loose ends waiter who gets drawn into triad membership by the lures of friendship, easy money and good times. Edmond Leung gives a sensitive performance as the thoughtful waiter. Roy Cheung is cast out of type, and does an excellent job, as the charismatic triad big brother who inspires intense loyalty is his followers. This "good guy" turn is a welcome change from his usual sneering villians. Anthony Wong plays his usual hilarious villian, but with a casual brutality that's chilling. [Reviewed by Lori Saltis]