For a long time one of the most elusive titles in Stephen Chow's filmography, Triad Story is finally released on DVD almost 20 years after its theatrical run. Regrettably, the budget of the DVD production was obviously very tight, so much so that the manufacturer couldn't find a decent picture for the packaging box and had to settle on using a photo of a pair of melting wax figures instead. Nevertheless, this should not discourage you from buying this movie. Quite the contrary, this movie demands a place on your DVD shelf, particularly if you claim to be a Stephen Chow fan or collector.

Triad Story enjoys the unique status of being the only Stephen Chow movie to earn the film rating of Category III, thanks to its liberal use of Cantonese cuss words. The gangster action drama was released at the start of the Stephen Chow era, soon after he broke box-office records with his gambler comedy All for the Winner. The poster for Triad Story prominently featured Chow and his best sidekick Ng Man Tat, the tandem that had just officially become the most popular people of Hong Kong Cinema, even though they only play supporting parts in the film. That's understandable from a business point of view, but the audience should not be mistaken, as the movie is not really a Stephen Chow starring vehicle, nor does it have comedy - at least none that seems intended.

The main role here is Taiwan's top leading man Ko Chun Hsiung, who plays a triad boss just out of jail after doing time for 16 years. He regrets his past of criminal deeds, and what he wants now is simply a peaceful family life. But his daughter Lai doesn't forgive him, and to make matters worse, Lai hooks up with the nefarious gangster Jason (Alan Ng). Tension escalates when Ko's son Sing (Stephen Chow) gets a beating from Jason, and Ko's former gang disciples Sor Fun (Shing Fui On) and Tat (Ng Man Tat) are raring to retaliate. Still, Ko agrees with his former lieutenant Wai (veteran actor Shum Wai in his debut as writer and director) that they are too old and weak to fight back. The conflict soon spirals out of control as Sor Fun and Tat hatch up a plan to attack Jason, and people from both sides begin to fall down one by one, culminating in a violent and explosive ending where the disgraced hero decides that he won't be held down any longer.

Stephen Chow gives a reasonably straight performance for his role of a good son trying to help his family, but even so, whatever he says or does here seems funny, especially when Ng Man Tat is next to him. A scene in particular (around 40 minutes into the movie), where Sing confronts Jason in the latter's office, is absolutely killer, and this scene alone is worth the price of the DVD. The dirty words from Chow's mouth, the outrageously bad acting of Alan Ng, and the overall absurdity of the situation help make this one of the most hilarious moments in all of Stephen Chow's films!