When this Hong Kong show popped up on Netflix recently, it caught my eye immediately, though I was a little reluctant to start watching it because looking at the episode list, it would require viewers to make a 30 episode commitment. But I decided to take a look at the first episode, though a little reluctantly. The first episode was interesting enough to make me decide to give the second episode a look. By the end of the second episode, I was hooked on this show. I have now watched about 60% of the episodes, and the show continues to be great. Yes, I will admit that the show is not perfect. It's definitely not a fast paced show, and there isn't that much action. Also, there are some plot points and plot threads that will be very familiar to those who have seen their share of other cop shows. But as familiar as the writing might get on occasion, it is always executed in a way that keeps you riveted and interested. One reason for that is that the characters are very memorable. The good guys are not perfect, but you understand their mistakes, and you sympathize with them. And while the bad guys are definitely deserving of punishment, they often have some dimension to them that does not make them clear-cut bad people. As a bonus, the Hong Kong backdrop gives this show a lot of freshness, and you get to learn a lot about Hong Kong culture and life. I'm looking forward very much to watching the remaining 40% of the episodes. Catch this show while it's on Netflix, because it probably won't be there forever!
6 Reviews
Crime Soap Opera
palainausa13 March 2018
I watched all 30 episodes. The first 9 were crime oriented, mostly. Then it really became more of a soap opera, in look, plot and music. It had all the features of K-drama, except missing orphans. Will Fiery Sh*t take over from Bun Hon? Who has the Dragon Baton? Still, I hung in and will watch Season 2, should it come about. I liked the location shots. If only smellevision existed. The opening credits are great and worth watching again and again, except for some of the lackluster hooliganism scenes. They need to swing those baseball bats with more sincerity. Most of the secondary characters could be developed much more, e.g., Heman, Old Timer, Big Pang. But On-zai (Sam Lee), a semi-secondary, steals much of the show. Be prepared for frequent violence and discussion of foreigners, invaders, and "white boys." Remember, this is pre-handover and Queen Elizabeth is hanging on the wall. Oh, yeah, and then there is C*cky Chiu, who has blonde hair. I don't want to have to check the spoiler box, so I'll leave it there, mostly, and just say that they eat things in Hong Kong that I wouldn't.
One of my favourite new shows.
zachweaver-3948913 April 2018
I've been basically binging any Hong Kong and Chinese cinema I can find recently on Netflix. Operation Mekong, Rise of the Legend, Cal Of Herosx basically everything with Sammo and Donnie. Eventually, I guess by elimination I ended up getting OCTB on my homepage - I didn't hesitate the jump in. Thirty episodes is a great length for a first season - it meant if I enjoyed it, I had a lot to look forward too and I had just finished a similarly lengthed Legend Of Bruce Lee.
More about the show though - this is for sure fans of any of the above, and it contains quite a lot. Drama, action, intrigue - great character development. Without getting into it - watching the (somewhat predictable) characters evolve and grow as the show goes on has been a joy. All in all, I recommend this for anyone who is into Chinese, and in particular HK cinema. It's well filmed, well thought out and had plenty of twists and turns. It doesn't hold out on how attached you'll get to characters only to lose them or have them do a complete 180. Let's just say - as someone who works in motion graphics and film, this is one show I wish I could work on.
Cannot wait for season two!
More about the show though - this is for sure fans of any of the above, and it contains quite a lot. Drama, action, intrigue - great character development. Without getting into it - watching the (somewhat predictable) characters evolve and grow as the show goes on has been a joy. All in all, I recommend this for anyone who is into Chinese, and in particular HK cinema. It's well filmed, well thought out and had plenty of twists and turns. It doesn't hold out on how attached you'll get to characters only to lose them or have them do a complete 180. Let's just say - as someone who works in motion graphics and film, this is one show I wish I could work on.
Cannot wait for season two!
Must-Watch Post-Handover Hong Kong Series
BLau3225 April 2018
A poignant hat tip to pre-handover Hong Kong gangster movies, OctB wins in character development and plot. All the OGs (pun intended) came out for this one. Season One is available on #Netflix now.
This series is reminiscent of all the Hong Kong movies and drama series of the 80s and 90s -- many of which were mimicked and imitated but never duplicated by Hollywood and Korea. Watch to relive the glory of those decades.
This series is reminiscent of all the Hong Kong movies and drama series of the 80s and 90s -- many of which were mimicked and imitated but never duplicated by Hollywood and Korea. Watch to relive the glory of those decades.
Fun watch
WinstonMaDe25 April 2018
A hidden gem!
jaybizman28 August 2020
Don't let the fact that this is a 30 episode show stop you from watching. Episodes are 45 mins long - and time goes quickly. Seriously, after two/three - you may be hooked.
IMO, very clever piece set in Hong Kong prior to Mainland China taking over the British Colony in 1997. (I visited HK in 1992!), and it was interesting to see the old city. The Series depicts grabs for power between the OCTB (HK Anti Mob/Gang Police), the old Chinese Mafia and their next generation - and The British Government. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the main protagonist 'Inspector Chan' is well played. Eye candy for both Ladies and Gents - and a truly terrifying Blond Psycho in later episodes. Let's just say that by Episode 30 you may see the British 'occupation' in a new light. Give it a go, you could be intrigued with multiple storylines and of course, lots of plots, betrayal, and gang fighting.
IMO, very clever piece set in Hong Kong prior to Mainland China taking over the British Colony in 1997. (I visited HK in 1992!), and it was interesting to see the old city. The Series depicts grabs for power between the OCTB (HK Anti Mob/Gang Police), the old Chinese Mafia and their next generation - and The British Government. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the main protagonist 'Inspector Chan' is well played. Eye candy for both Ladies and Gents - and a truly terrifying Blond Psycho in later episodes. Let's just say that by Episode 30 you may see the British 'occupation' in a new light. Give it a go, you could be intrigued with multiple storylines and of course, lots of plots, betrayal, and gang fighting.
See also
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