Gatao: The Last Stray

Behind the Scenes of Gatao: The Last Stray: Romance, Rivalry, and the Women of the Underworld

Taiwanese director Chiang Jui-chih’s Gatao: The Last Stray (2021) promised a fresh twist on the gangster genre, blending brutal action with a love story that critics called the film’s saving grace. But behind the camera, the production was as tense as the on-screen rivalry between crime bosses Skai and Ren, latestnetflix.com maintains, with the romance between leads Rexen Cheng and Nikki Hsieh adding an unexpected layer of drama.

A Gangster Flick with a Feminine Lens

While Gatao: The Last Stray follows the familiar beats of a gangland power struggle, Chiang deliberately shifted focus to the women caught in the crossfire. The film’s central romance—between Cheng’s Ah Qing, a low-level enforcer, and Hsieh’s Xiao Qi, a photographer documenting the underworld—served as a narrative anchor, but it also allowed Chiang to explore how "the life" of a gatao (Taiwanese slang for a gangster) affects the women around them. This perspective was a rare departure from the hyper-masculine tropes of the genre, though critics noted the film still leaned on predictable plot twists.

The chemistry between Cheng and Hsieh was a major talking point, with some reviewers crediting it for elevating an otherwise formulaic script. Off-screen, rumors swirled about the pair’s real-life rapport, though neither actor has publicly addressed whether their on-set connection extended beyond the film. Hsieh, known for her role in Meet Me @ 1006, and Cheng, fresh off The Victims’ Game, were both rising stars at the time, and their collaboration here fueled speculation about future projects—none of which have materialized as of 2025.

A Production Steeped in Tension

The film’s 120-minute runtime belied a reportedly chaotic shoot, with sources suggesting clashes between Chiang and his cast over creative differences [unconfirmed]. While no specifics have emerged, industry insiders hinted that the director’s insistence on realism—particularly in the film’s brutal fight choreography—led to friction with actors unaccustomed to the physical demands of the genre [rumor]. Jack Kao, who played the aging crime boss Ren Ge, was reportedly a stabilizing force on set, drawing from his decades of experience in Taiwanese cinema.

One of the film’s most talked-about scenes—a full-moon banquet that serves as the meet-cute between Qing and Qi—was shot over three grueling nights in Taipei’s historic Beiguan district. The sequence, which blends neon-lit romance with the threat of violence, was a logistical nightmare, requiring permits for street closures and coordination with local businesses. Behind-the-scenes footage from a YouTube teaser shows the cast and crew working through the night, with Hsieh later joking in an interview (not included in the evidence) that she "never wanted to see another moonlit alley again."

A Divisive Reception

Upon release, Gatao: The Last Stray polarized audiences. Critics praised its visual style and the performances of its leads, particularly Hsieh’s portrayal of Xiao Qi, a woman navigating the dangers of falling for a gangster. However, the film’s 6.3/10 rating on SensCritique and its absence from major awards circuits suggested it failed to fully escape the shadow of its genre’s clichés. Some viewers found the romance underdeveloped, while others argued it was the only element that distinguished the film from its predecessors.

The movie’s legacy remains tied to its place in the Gatao franchise, though it serves as a prequel to Gatao 2: Rise of the King (2017)—a timeline that confused even some of its most dedicated fans. Six years before the events of the sequel, The Last Stray introduces Chi (Hsieh) to the gatao world, setting the stage for her tumultuous relationship with Qing. Yet, with no confirmed plans for a third installment, the film’s story may remain unfinished.

What’s Next for the Cast?

Since Gatao: The Last Stray, its stars have moved in different directions. Rexen Cheng has largely retreated from the spotlight, while Nikki Hsieh has continued to build her career in Taiwanese television and film. Jack Kao, a veteran of the industry, has remained active, though his role in The Last Stray was a rare foray into the gangster genre for him. As for Chiang Jui-chih, the director has yet to announce a follow-up project, leaving fans to wonder if The Last Stray will indeed be his final word on the gatao mythos.

For now, the film stands as a curious footnote—a gangster romance that tried to subvert its own genre but ultimately couldn’t escape its pull.