Yuda, a Chinese immigrant, and his adopted son Kirin, who he saved being eaten by a tiger in the jungle, stand at the head of a massive pirated goods operation that brings in both money and influence. But their empire is crumbling, as corrupt politicians and rival gangs seek to end their power in the city. Yuda is soon got arrested and his dedicated son tries his best to save not just the family business, but his father's reputation.
Cinematography
São Paulo as living organism—sweat, neon, decay.
Direction
Yu Lik-wai turns genre pulp into visual elegy.
Acting
Anthony Wong's weary patriarch breaks your heart.
Director
Nelson Yu Lik-wai
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nelson Yu Lik-wai is better known as Christopher Doyle's protégé and Jia Zhangke's regular DP—this is his rare directorial feature.
Shot in São Paulo's Liberdade district, the film captures a rarely seen Chinese-Brazilian underworld that funded much of 2000s global piracy.
BR
JP
