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In the late 1980s, Hong Kong cinema was dominated by films that showcased high-stakes gambling and crime. One such film that stood out during this period is "Casino Raiders" (1989), a movie written and directed by Jimmy Heung and Wong Jing. The film stars Andy Lau, Alan Tam, Idy Chan, and Rosamund Kwan.
The story follows two gamblers, Law (played by Andy Lau) and Chan (played by Alan Tam), who are best friends and partners in crime. They make a living by pulling scams and exposing cheating casinos, but their luck changes when they meet a family of Japanese gangsters. The duo is forced to take on the Yakuza in a high-stakes card game that will determine the outcome of their friendship.
"Casino Raiders" was released just one week after "Fatal Bet," another film based on the same true story, but with different actors and an English-language script. The movie was followed by two sequels, "No Risk, No Gain" and "Casino Raiders II," which have unrelated plots.
The Movie's Impact
"Casino Raiders" is a classic example of Hong Kong action cinema during the late 1980s. It was one of the many films that dominated the market at the time, along with other gambling-themed movies like "All for the Winning" (1992) and "God Money" (1993). The film's success can be attributed to its blend of action, drama, and comedy, as well as its memorable characters.
The movie has also been praised for its well-executed fight scenes and its portrayal of the lives of gamblers in Hong Kong. The film's director, Jimmy Heung, is known for his work on other Hong Kong classics like "The Eagle Shooting Heroes" (1993) and "Viva Love" (1996).
The Cast
The movie features a talented cast of Hong Kong stars, including:
- Andy Lau as Law
- Alan Tam as Chan
- Idy Chan as Karen
- Rosamund Kwan as May
All four actors are well-known in Hong Kong for their work in film and television. Andy Lau is particularly famous for his roles in movies like "The Eagle Shooting Heroes" (1993) and "Casino Raiders II" (1992).
Trivia
Here are a few interesting facts about the movie:
- The film's original title is "" (Zhi Zun Wu Shang), which translates to "Above the Casino."
- The movie was released on June 29, 1989, in Hong Kong.
- The film has two sequels, "No Risk, No Gain" (1991) and "Casino Raiders II" (1992).
- Andy Lau's character, Law, is a notorious gambler who loses his hand in a card game.
"Casino Raiders" is a classic Hong Kong action drama that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. The movie's blend of action, comedy, and drama has made it a beloved film among fans of Hong Kong cinema.