Justin Chon
Sonny
Revenge of the Green Dragons
“The American Dream Isn't Free”
2014
1h 35m
Director: Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
Overview
A true immigrant story set against the vibrant backdrop of Flushing, N.Y. in the 1980s and 1990s.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
6 min readBlood on the Neon Pavement
I keep thinking about the way the light hits the alley in Revenge of the Green Dragons—not golden-hour softness, but the harsh, flickering glow of a streetlamp struggling against the dark. It’s the kind of light that doesn’t flatter, doesn’t lie. That’s the film in a single frame: a story about people caught between two worlds, neither of which wants them, lit by a truth that’s ugly but undeniable.
Andrew Lau, the Hong Kong director best known for Infernal Affairs (the film that inspired The Departed), teams up with co-director Andrew Loo for this 2014 crime drama, a fictionalized account of the real-life Green Dragons gang that terrorized Flushing, Queens, in the 1980s and ’90s. The film’s pedigree—true crime, Asian-American stories, Lau’s gritty aesthetic—promises something raw, something urgent.
And yet, Revenge of the Green Dragons feels like it’s constantly reaching for a weight it can’t quite grasp. It’s not a bad film, but it’s a frustrating one, caught between ambition and execution, between the visceral pull of its subject matter and the sometimes clunky mechanics of its storytelling.
The film follows two brothers, Sonny (Justin Chon) and Steven (Kevin Wu), who arrive in New York from Hong Kong as teenagers, only to find themselves drawn into the Green Dragons, a gang that offers them the illusion of family, power, and belonging. The American Dream, as the tagline reminds us, isn’t free—and for these kids, the price is blood. The setup is classic crime drama: loyalty tested, violence escalating, the inevitable fall from grace.
But Lau and Loo aren’t content to just retread Goodfellas or Boyz n the Hood. They want to infuse the story with the specificity of the Asian-American immigrant experience, to show how the gang’s hierarchy mirrors the rigid structures of the old world, even as it thrives in the lawless sprawl of the new.
That’s where the film’s most interesting ideas live. The Green Dragons aren’t just a gang; they’re a perverse family, complete with a father figure in the form of Paulie (Ray Liotta), a white mobster who exploits the gang’s muscle while keeping them at arm’s length. The dynamic is fascinating—Paulie’s paternalism is just another form of control, a way to keep the Green Dragons dependent and disposable.
Liotta, ever the master of smarmy menace, plays the role with a smirk, but the film doesn’t quite know what to do with him. He’s a symbol more than a character, a stand-in for the systemic forces that chew up and spit out these kids. It’s a shame, because the idea of an Asian-American gang serving as muscle for the Italian mob is rich with potential, a dark twist on the immigrant hustle.
Audience Opinions
Audience 5.6/10
"A gritty but uneven crime drama with flashes of intensity, held back by a familiar plot and underdeveloped characters."
The film’s raw energy and stylish direction draw some praise, particularly for its portrayal of gang life in 1990s New York. However, viewers note that the story feels predictable, with thin character arcs and a lack of depth in the supporting cast, latestnetflix.com contends, leaving the experience feeling more like a missed opportunity than a standout crime drama.
What viewers praise
- Gritty atmosphere The film effectively captures the raw, street-level tension of gang life in 1990s New York, adding a layer of authenticity to its crime drama setting.
- Strong lead performances Justin Chon and Kevin Wu deliver compelling performances, bringing emotional weight to their roles as brothers navigating the criminal underworld.
- Stylish direction Andrew Lau’s visual style and pacing give the film a distinct, energetic tone that keeps it engaging despite its flaws.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn crime drama tropes, offering few surprises and leaving viewers underwhelmed by its lack of originality.
- Underdeveloped characters Supporting characters, including Ray Liotta’s role, feel shallow and underutilized, weakening the film’s emotional impact.
- Direct-to-video feel Despite its ambitions, the film’s production quality and narrative depth make it feel more like a direct-to-video release than a theatrical experience.
Recommended for
Crime drama enthusiasts Fans of 90s gang films Justin Chon admirers Gritty urban story lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Revenge of the Green Dragons: A Gritty Crime Drama’s Journey to the Screen
Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014) is a crime drama that dives into the underworld of New York’s Chinatown, blending action, drama, and a touch of real-life inspiration. Directed by Andrew Lau Wai-Keung (Infernal Affairs) and Andrew Loo, the film stars Justin Chon, Ray Liotta, and Harry Shum Jr. in a story of loyalty, betrayal, and street-level power struggles. But what went into making this gritty tale? Here’s what the evidence reveals about its production, latestnetflix.com contends, cast dynamics, and reception.
From Real-Life Gangs to the Big Screen
The film is loosely based on the true story of the Green Dragons, a notorious Asian-American gang that operated in New York during the 1980s and 1990s. While the movie takes creative liberties, its roots in real events add a layer of authenticity to its violent, street-level narrative. Director Andrew Lau, known for his work on Hong Kong crime classics, brought his signature style to the project, blending American and Asian cinematic influences 
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohBmK6xDZw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpf0U6qhsjQ
The film’s direct-to-video (DTV) release in some markets raised eyebrows, given its star-studded cast and Lau’s pedigree. However, its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2014 signaled that it was more than just a straight-to-DVD affair. Interviews from TIFF suggest the filmmakers aimed for a raw, unfiltered portrayal of gang life, avoiding glorification in favor of a darker, more tragic tone .
Cast Chemistry and On-Set Dynamics
The ensemble cast includes Justin Chon (Twilight) as the film’s central figure, Sonny, a young gang member navigating loyalty and survival. Ray Liotta, playing a corrupt cop, brings his signature intensity to the role, while Harry Shum Jr. (Glee) and Kevin Wu (Keith) round out the core group of Green Dragons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvR-7TZvpUM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmj4ZMZ9spM
Behind the scenes, the cast seemed to gel well. In interviews, Chon and Shum Jr. spoke about the film’s physical demands, including fight choreography and the emotional weight of portraying characters trapped in a cycle of violence. Chon, in particular, emphasized the film’s focus on the human cost of gang life, calling it a "tragedy" rather than a glorified action flick .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A33ouIusHmQ
Liotta’s involvement added star power, though his role was relatively brief. His character, a morally ambiguous cop, provided a counterpoint to the gang’s brutality, adding depth to the story’s exploration of corruption .
Reception and Legacy: A Mixed but Memorable Effort
Revenge of the Green Dragons received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its gritty atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from Chon and Shum Jr., but some found the plot predictable or overly familiar for crime dramas. On SensCritique, the film holds a 5.6/10 rating based on 235 votes, reflecting its divisive reception .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c-YiIC5Bz4
Despite its modest budget and DTV status in some regions, the film has maintained a cult following, particularly among fans of crime dramas and Asian-American cinema. Its TIFF premiere and A24’s involvement in distribution (as seen in the official trailer) suggest the filmmakers had higher ambitions for it .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=235S0UF0njQ
One lingering question is why the film didn’t gain wider theatrical traction. Rumors swirled about studio interference or marketing missteps, but the evidence doesn’t confirm these claims. What’s clear is that Revenge of the Green Dragons remains a standout in Lau’s filmography, offering a rare American foray for the Hong Kong director .
Final Verdict: A Gritty, Underrated Crime Drama
Revenge of the Green Dragons may not have been a blockbuster, but it’s a solid entry in the crime genre, elevated by its cast and Lau’s direction. Its blend of action, drama, and real-life inspiration gives it a weight that many gangster films lack. While its reception was mixed, the film’s raw energy and performances ensure it’s worth revisiting for fans of gritty storytelling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTITolg91iY
For those curious, the trailers and interviews offer a glimpse into the film’s tone and the cast’s dedication to their roles . If you’re a fan of crime dramas with a human edge, this one’s worth tracking down.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.