Like Father Like Son

In the end, Michael, having been caught in a web of gang rivalries and deceit, finds himself betrayed and labeled as an enemy by his own father’s gang. Master Hee’s manipulations played a significant role in framing Michael for assaulting Hada, which weakened his father’s gang and cleared the way for new developments favored by Master Hee. Despite his initial impulsiveness and defiance, Michael’s fate is sealed when his own gang turns against him. Recognizing the danger and the growing conflict, Michael chooses to leave Taiwan to protect himself and his loved ones, as staying would only lead to certain death or loss. The emotional climax shows him helping his aging and possibly ailing father to administer morphine, a poignant moment that underscores their complex relationship. His departure is not just about escaping danger but also about finding a rightful space for himself separate from the violent legacy of his father. When he finally returns to Taiwan years later, after his father’s death, Michael seeks to inherit the torch of his father’s gang, continuing the cycle of violence and loyalty that defines their world. Ultimately, the ending reveals that despite the chaos, Michael’s departure was a calculated act to preserve some semblance of his own future and to forge his identity beyond the shadow of his father. Being pushed out of the fold, his exit signifies both a rejection of the violent world he was born into and a necessary step toward forging his own path.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44