Let the Bullets Fly

In the tumultuous 1920s of China, Poxy Zhang, the clever leader of a notorious bandit group, executes a daring ambush on a government tram. This event marks the beginning of a series of conflicts as it results in the death of the bodyguards of Ma Bangde, who is traveling to assume the position of county governor in Goose Town.

After losing his bodyguards and funds due to his extravagant spending, Ma Bangde fabricates a new identity to circumvent the threats posed by Zhang's banditry. He claims to be Counsellor Tang, asserting that his wife was the late governor's spouse with the hope of securing his survival by offering to aid Zhang in raiding Goose Town's finances.

Upon arriving in Goose Town, Zhang faces opposition from the local mafia leader, Master Huang, who rules from a heavily fortified citadel. Despite the tension, Ma explains the necessity for governors to share taxes with Huang, but Zhang shows indifference to exploiting the impoverished inhabitants of the town.

Tensions escalate when Champion Wu, one of Huang's henchmen, severely injures a local citizen. Governor Zhang bravely champions the injured man in court, which infuriates Huang and sets the stage for a fierce conflict between Zhang's group and Huang's mafia.

In retaliation for Zhang's actions in court, Huang frames Zhang's godson Six for theft, leading to his tragic death while attempting to prove his innocence. This event ignites Zhang's fury and sets him on a path of vengeance against Huang, though Ma cautions a more strategic approach.

Huang extends an invitation to Zhang for a meal at his citadel, masking his intentions behind a façade of goodwill. Unbeknownst to Huang, Zhang is the very bandit he aims to eliminate, and he plays along, feigning interest in the financial support for his expedition.

During the night, Huang sends his men disguised as Mazi's bandits to kill Zhang. However, the attempt fails, and instead, they mistakenly abduct Ma's wife, leading to a spiral of grief and deception as Ma reveals his true identity to Zhang.

Zhang retaliates for the abduction of Ma's wife by taking Huang hostage along with notable families from Goose Town. His bandits initially capture a look-alike of Huang, which complicates their plans and launches them into a comedic yet critical predicament with the townsfolk.

Despite securing the ransom from the townsfolk, Zhang ultimately decides to return the collected funds, restoring them to their rightful owners. This act of generosity marks a pivotal moment in Zhang's character development and positions him as a leader among the townspeople.

Flora, a captivating prostitute under Huang's control, discovers the real identities of Zhang and his bandits. Driven by a desire for redemption, she forms an alliance with two of Zhang's men, determined to aid in protecting both the fake governor and the unwitting duplicate of Huang.

Huang, seeking to eliminate Zhang once and for all, sends disguised thugs to assassinate him. However, the plan backfires, resulting in the slaughter of Huang's henchmen and further escalating the conflict between the two factions.

As the conflict intensifies, Huang reluctantly funds Zhang’s Anti-Bandit Expedition, a twisted turn of events that alters the dynamic between the two adversaries. Huang's desperation leads him to concoct increasingly elaborate plans to thwart Zhang.

In a climactic confrontation, Zhang confronts Huang, leading to the ultimate revelation of Ma’s true identity as the rightful governor. The conflict culminates in an encounter fraught with landmines and treachery, resulting in substantial casualties.

With a relentless thirst for vengeance, Zhang returns to Goose Town to settle scores with Huang. He cleverly distributes wealth among the townsfolk, emboldening them to join in a fierce assault against Huang’s fortified citadel.

In the aftermath of the conflict, while Zhang rides off with vengeance in his sights, the surviving bandits contemplate a quieter life on a train to Shanghai. Flora and Three envision a new beginning, but Zhang remains irrevocably drawn to his quest for justice.