Film Name: 至尊无上 / Casino Raiders / 至尊無上
The plot now seems incredibly clichéd, but this was, after all, a work from 1989.
Crab and Sam grew up together as best friends and became the perfect partners in crime. Both fell for the same woman, Koyan (played by Chen Yulian). Because Sam confessed first, Crab buried his own feelings for her and wholeheartedly supported Sam.
Sam, worldly and fluent in English, wins Koyan’s father over with his unwavering integrity against villains. Sam gets engaged, joins his father-in-law’s conglomerate, and seems poised for a bright future. He even promises his father-in-law to leave the underworld for his fiancée’s sake.
When both men fall victim to a criminal gang’s retaliation, Crab sacrifices his hand to save Sam, losing his ability to earn a living. Sam owed Crab his life. When Crab, driven by pride, sought Sam’s partnership, he coldly refused. The stubborn Crab turned to the gangsters, scheming his revenge. But the price was high: cornered, the gangsters kidnapped Sam’s fiancée, Koyan.
While his fiancée fell into the wolves’ den, Sam was away on a business trip. The trouble stemmed from Crab, who also loved Koyan. Crab and his girlfriend Bobo (played by Rosamund Kwan) braved the danger to enter the den. In the ensuing fight, Bobo died. Gamblers’ matters must be settled by gambling. One poisoned cup was mixed among three cups of wine. Crab gambled his life for Koyan. Tragically, Crab drew the fatal cup, though the villains believed him merely lucky. Forcing composure, Crab and Koyan walked out of the den under the enemies’ watchful eyes. With every step, Crab fought to keep his chest lifted; with every step, blood flowed from his mouth. He told Koyan not to cry. Koyan was saved; Crab died.
Sam resolved to seek vengeance, devising a brilliant scheme that pitted the enemy father and son against each other. Though he finally avenged his loss, he could never return to his former life. He chose to leave his beloved Koyan.
Two scenes in the drama were profoundly moving. One occurred when Crab approached Sam to form an alliance, only for Sam to expose Crab’s lifelong secret to his face. Crab left the cheating coin in Sam’s hand and walked away. Sam, upon seeing it, was filled with regret, realizing Crab had intentionally lost to ease Sam’s pain.
The depth of their friendship was laid bare.
The other moment came at the end, in the hospital room. Through someone else’s voice, Sam revealed the truth to Koyan, who was about to enter. Koyan removed her ring and left…
This part baffles me. Just when peace had finally arrived, why must they part? Sam deliberately orchestrated this—it’s heartbreaking.
This film primarily explores male-centric themes. Women serve as embellishments, romance as dessert—the main course is the camaraderie and loyalty between men.
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