Year of the Dragon

Year of the Dragon

Year: 1985

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Cimino

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

In a city consumed by crime and corruption, a hard-boiled detective's pursuit of justice turns into a brutal obsession. Captain Stanley White, driven by racism and a lust for vengeance, takes on Joey Tai, a cunning young gangster. As White's tactics escalate, he disregards the rules, ignoring warnings from loved ones and superiors, in a deadly game where right and wrong are blurred.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Year of the Dragon (1985)
Trace every key event in Year of the Dragon (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Stanley White's Vigilance

Captain Stanley White, a seasoned police officer, roams the streets of New York City's Chinatown. He is on a mission to dismantle the grip of Chinese organized crime, a pursuit that heavily weighs on his personal life.

New York City's Chinatown
2

Clash with Joey Tai

White encounters Joey Tai, a rising and ruthless leader of the Triads, igniting an intense rivalry. Both men engage in a deadly game to dominate the heroin trade in Chinatown, pushing the limits of violence and morality.

3

Escalating Chaos

The power struggle between the police and the Triads collapses the fragile peace in the area. As gang wars erupt, the Italian Mob and Thai gangsters get embroiled in the conflict, complicating White's quest to restore order.

New York City
4

The Affair with Tracy Tzu

Amid the turmoil, White begins an affair with Tracy Tzu, a bold television reporter. With both their lives in jeopardy, Tracy becomes a target for the Triads, deepening White's emotional conflict.

5

Connie's Victimization

As violence escalates, Connie, White's wife, also falls victim to the dangerous world her husband is fighting against. This tragedy fuels White's determination to eliminate Tai and all threats from organized crime.

6

Herbert's Undercover Operation

White mentors a rookie cop, Herbert, who goes undercover in one of Tai's restaurants to gather intelligence. Herbert's mission initially shows promise, revealing critical insights into the Triads' operations.

7

Betrayal by Alan Perez

Herbert's progress is abruptly halted when he is betrayed by corrupt officer Alan Perez. This treachery leads to a fatal confrontation, resulting in Herbert's tragic death at the hands of the very gang he tried to infiltrate.

8

Attack on Tracy Tzu

In a ruthless display of power, Tai brutally attacks Tracy Tzu, further escalating the violence. This event not only threatens Tzu's life but also pushes White into a vengeful mindset driven by outrage and loss.

9

Confrontation at the Harbor

In a climactic showdown, White confronts Tai at the harbor during a key drug shipment. The confrontation becomes a battle of wits and survival, further complicated by betrayals and shifting allegiances.

Harbor
10

The Deadly Standoff

An explosive shootout ensues between White and Tai. Amid the chaos, Perez meets his end, and Tai narrowly escapes, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit fueled by vengeance.

11

Final Encounter

In the dramatic conclusion, White confronts the wounded Tai, who pleads for release from his suffering. After a brief moment of compassion, White grants Tai's request, marking a sorrowful end to their violent conflict.

12

Aftermath of Violence

With Tai's demise, White is left carrying the weight of emotional and physical scars. Though the immediate conflict ends, the impact of violence and loss continues to linger in his life.

13

Stroll Through Chinatown

In the closing scenes, White and Tzu walk through the streets of Chinatown heading toward Tai's funeral. This moment reflects on the lasting hardships and reminders of the violent life they endured.

Chinatown

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:57

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