Movie:
Triads: The Inside Story is the English title for Wo zai hei she hui de ri zi, which was originally released in 1989. Directed by Taylor Wong, the film stars Chow Yun Fat (Ho), Wai-Man Chan (Shing), Roy Cheung (Kong), Fui-On Shing (Keung), and Feng Tien (Kwan).

When a meeting on Lamma Island goes awry, Uncle Kwan, head of the Hung Hing family, is killed, despite the best efforts of his top two men, Keung and Shing. His dying words to them are to not involve Ho, his only son, in the business. Years ago, Ho had moved to the states to avoid the triad life and to study. Upon hearing of his father's death, he goes to Hong Kong, and before long, finds himself forced into being the leader, though he doesn't approve of the family's violent tactics. The other families are eager to get the turf owned by the Hung Hing, and sensing a weakness, they attack. Now, in a position he doesn't want, Ho must find a way to save his family and avenge his father's death.

Unlike many Triad films, Triads: The Inside Story doesn't glorify the life of a Triad. Ho is very reluctant to assume position as head of the family, and many of the family engage in the Triad lifestyle because they've been doing it for so long, and have no other options. I hadn't seen the film previously, but as a fan of Chow Yun Fat, I had wanted to. The role he plays in this film is quite different than the ones in the other films I've seen him in, as he doesn't like violence, doesn't use guns, and until the end, doesn't kill anyone. Ho's character is well developed during the course of the film, and Yun Fat does a terrific job here as a dramatic actor, displaying a wide range of emotions during the movie. The movie has a few slow spots and some of it is a bit hard to follow, but overall, I really enjoyed the film.

Picture:
Triads: The Inside Story is presented in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen. The transfer is soft throughout and has a fair share of print defects, including: marks, specks, scratches, and some grain. Colors are hampered by the soft print, though remain adequate. Some scenes seem overly red, though whether it is a result of bleeding or intentional, I'm unsure. Flesh tones are mostly accurate, though are occasionally too red or too pale. Blacks are decent throughout.

Sound:
Triads: The Inside Story is presented in a remixed Dolby Digital 5.1 track in both Cantonese and Mandarin. The 5.1 track, like many remixed Hong Kong movies, is still mainly center channel based, but there is some surround use, both for weather effects and the score. There is also some directionality in the track with moving cars in a few of the scenes. The English subtitles, though readable, do contain quite a lot of bad grammar, and a few of them were a bit hard to decipher. Also included are optional subtitles in Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Korean, Japanese, and French.

Extras:
Extras include trailers for this film, The Postman Fights Back, Flaming Brothers, and Witch from Nepal, along with a talent file for Chow Yun Fat.

Summary:
Triads: The Inside Story is recommended rental for fans of the genre or the stars, especially Chow Yun Fat, though those seeking violent shoot-outs will be disappointed. Rent it.