Johnnie To drops the heroic bloodshed conventions in what is essentially an in-depth exploration of Triad customs and lifestyle. On the R1 DVD cover art, one character is shown with a gun, however To makes a bold decision for a Hong Kong crime movie in that not only is there absolutely no gunplay, a pistol is never even brandished anywhere in the movie. This film is heavy on the drama but when the gangland violence erupts, it’s sticky and brutal.