Genre: Drama/Action
Director: Doze Niu
Cast: Ethan Juan, Mark Chao, Ma Ju-Lung, Rhydian Vaughan
RunTime: 2 hrs 21 mins
Released By: Encore Films & Golden Village Pictures
Rating: NC-16 (Some Violence and Coarse Language)
Opening Day: 15 April 2010
Synopsis:
Starring the top two male idols in Taiwan today, Ethan Ruan and Mark Zhao, “Monga” is Taiwan’s blockbuster of the year which tells the story of five boys from the historical district of Monga in Taipei, who join a gang because they were tired of being bullied around.
As the young men enjoy their newfound status as gangsters in Monga, they have no idea that other gangs have also set their eyes on this prosperous area. Under the guidance of a veteran gangster, the youngsters are taught the heritage created by the founders of the borough of Monga. He has no idea, however, of a storm brewing that will soon break every hint of order in town, and remove the last remaining grandeur of the Old Town Monga…
Movie Review:
Taiwan's famed Wanhua District (or Bangka to the locals) forms the backdrop of Doze Niu's colourful and hugely entertaining gangster flick, "Monga". Taipei City's oldest district, and home to historic sites such as Snake Alley and Longshan Temple, the Wanhua district was before its cleanup in the '90s divided by rule of the local gangs and a hotbed of crime and prostitution. Against this lively setting, Doze Niu tells the coming-of-age story of five adolescents turned blood brothers who call themselves the "Prince Gang".