飛砂風中轉
Once a Gangster
How do you escape the life when the life won't let you go? This is the central dilemma in the darkly comedic 2010 Hong Kong crime film, Once a Gangster. The movie cleverly subverts the genre by following two reluctant mobsters. Sparrow, a mild-mannered man who just wants to open a restaurant, and Firefly, a businessman dreaming of pursuing an MBA, both find themselves trapped by their triad obligations. When their aging boss is imprisoned, they are unexpectedly thrust into a fierce and absurd competition to become the new leader, a position neither one actually wants. Blending crime drama with sharp satire, the film explores themes of fate versus free will, poking fun at the very gangster tropes it employs. It’s a story not about the glory of the criminal underworld, but the desperate, often hilarious attempts to leave it behind. Viewers should watch for its unique tone, which masterfully balances clever humor with genuine character-driven moments. The stellar cast delivers performances full of wit and unexpected depth, making Once a Gangster a refreshingly original take on a classic genre that questions whether anyone can truly be just once a gangster.









