Trivisa

Trivisa is a politically-charged, thrilling crime drama set in 1997, leading up to Hong Kong's handover to mainland China. It tells a tale of three notorious mobsters who ruled in what is arguably the Golden Age of crime in Hong Kong. Directed by Frank Hui, Jevons Au and Vicky Wong and produced by Johnnie To, the film stars Richie Jen, Jordan Chan, and Ka-Tung Lam as the central characters, each portraying a mythical crime lord, creating a confluence of three separate, yet intertwined narratives.

The title "Trivisa" is a clever play on words, meaning "three points of view" in Greek, hinting at the film's tripartite structure about a trio of infamous criminals - Kwai Ching-hung, portrayed by Gordon Lam, is a cold-blooded killer with a businessman's intellect; Yip Kwok-foon, depicted by Richie Jen, a dramatic, flamboyant bank robber; and Cheuk Tze-keung, played by Jordan Chan, is a charismatic kidnapper with a penchant for high-ransom targets. This trio, while never actually crossing paths in real life, leaves a significant mark on Hong Kong's underworld at the end of British rule.

The plot focuses heavily on each crime lord's individual tales, allowing each character to articulate their ethos, fears, ambitions, and ultimate downfall in their unique fashion. At first glance, it would seem that the narrative struggles to find common ground amongst the three protagonists' stories; yet, it becomes clear that the stories are linked by a profound sense of urgency and uncertainty that is subtly reflected in the changing political climate of Hong Kong.

All three characters are constantly pitted against time, which is brilliantly symbolized by the ticking clock of impending doom that is the Hong Kong handover. The thematic exploration of change, survival and evolution symbolizes not just the fate in the world of crime but also reflects the larger political landscape and social changes.

Apart from superb acting performances, Trivisa is a masterclass in filmmaking, with beautiful cinematography and production design that perfectly captures the essence of the late 90s in Hong Kong. Adding to this, the sophisticated dialogue and narrative style are considerably enhanced by a sleek editing style that keeps the audience engaged, forming a synergy that extends into the film's potent themes.

Trivisa wonderfully blends the tension of a crime thriller with deeply personal character studies, delving into the psyche of the three law-breakers - revealing not just their grandeur but also their flaws and vulnerabilities. It questions the perception of the criminal identity, much like a modern western, revolving around outlaw icons whose survival leans heavily on the existence of illicit environments.

The film doesn't glorify crime nor does it paint its characters as solely evil or irredeemable, but instead, offers a complex depiction of a society on the edge of significant change. Trivisa presents suspense and drama through a detailed character study, showcasing its central characters not just committing crimes, but also trying to make sense of their rapidly changing world.

It portrays a clear contrast between the nature of law and order under British rule and the specter of uncertainty as impending Chinese control looms. In doing so, it strikes a balance between exploring organized crime's mechanics and reflecting a turbulent epoch in Hong Kong's history.

Trivisa is a film that subverts the typical 'triad movie' genre to wed the personal and the political subtly. At its heart, it is a human drama – shaped and driven by the changing socio-political tapestry of Hong Kong. It showcases the nostalgia for a time of lawlessness and uncertainty, while also exploring the anxiety, adaptation, and struggle that comes because of change, making it a compelling watch for crime-thriller aficionados and fans of Hong Kong cinema.