Mr. Ma
"Inn"
Get up, up
Get up
Yes, yes
Get up
You shouldn't be in my way
You shouldn't sleep in the stairway, damn it!
You've already kicked me once
I think that's enough
What are you talking about?
He paid you, but there's no space to sleep
And you're beating him up?
He has paid? How much?
If you can afford it
You can go sleep in Xi Hui Fang brothel
There you can pick girls to sleep with you
Don't look down on others
What if I do?
Do you know this is Shanghai?
You country bumpkins from Shantung...
hoping to earn a living here?
Forget it
Never mind, let's go
Ma Yongzhen, watch your back
If you bother me again
I'll make your life miserable here in Shanghai
Damn it!
I heard Shanghai is full of opportunities
What is needed is just the strength and ability
Brother Ma, you haven't had your chance yet
When you have the chance
Your life will pick up
"Xi Hui Fang Brothel"
"Tan"
Hey
Leave! Who told you to wash the horses?
Mister, I'm Xiao Jiangbei. Me and Brother Ma
...have been cleaning up the carriages here
Xiao Jiangbei, there's no need to explain to him
Who does he think he is?
He is but a mere coachman
So? You're just a bum
Looking down upon us?
I'm not doing as great as you are now
But I'm sure my good days will come
I doubt it
Stay and wash my carriage, I'll pay you
We don't want your money
You want us to beat you up?
You beat me?
I suggest you cut that out
But if you insist, I can't stop you
Cheeky, are we!
You've got quite a fist
I might be a bum, I can fight
Leave!
Enjoying yourself?
Lt's tough for us to get the carriage cleaning job
What now?
We can find another job
That's easy for you to say
Hey, wait up
Master Tan Si
Good morning
What's your name?
Ma Yongzhen
Fellow man from Shantung?
You sure have a bad temper
To make a living in Shanghai
You can offend anything and anyone...
except money
Clean up my carriage now
You've the strength
Clean it up and this dollar is yours
Ma Yongzhen, I'm disappointed in you
You planned on picking up the dollar?
If you want to make money
Look right in front of you
This costs quite a bit
Why don't you take this?
That would be robbing
Who doesn't rob in Shanghai?
Back off
Master Tan Si, I've heard of your reputation
You live up to your reputation
If I'm no good, I wouldn't have my reputation
But I'm almost as good as you
You've still got a lot to learn, brother
The coin is still yours
Wait, Master Tan Si
Stop
I don't care for this dollar
Very well, I'm impressed
Brother Ma, are you mad?
Why did you throw away the dollar?
If only I could be like him one day
I've got 20 cents, Brother Ma
Let's go to Pot of Spring teahouse for some ballads
"Pot of Spring Teahouse"
Go! Beat them up!
So that they will disappear from Shanghai
Beat them
Hey, did he kidnap your sister? What's that for?
You...
What?
Look
Life's getting tougher everyday
Even such a vagrant is complaining to me
Are you a vegetarian today?
Move over! Let me deal with him
No? Don't you know why I'm here?
You don't know?
I can't imagine why
This is our turf now
Sing your songs well
Did you see me getting rid of Tan Si's men?
They're dying outside
That's between you and Tan
You better serve me well
Brother Fan...
Still haven't taken care of them?
We were about to wrap up
A man appeared out of no where
Brother Li got hurt too
Who's he? Tan Si's man?
No, a newcomer. Never seen him before
Hey, Li. You broke your arm?
Tell him who I am
Hey you, listen carefully
This is Fan Agen, Head of the 'Four Champions'
I didn't want to fight you
He killed a man
And pushed him on me
Are you working for Tan Si?
I work for myself
I'm sure you've heard...
of 'Four Champions' before?
Yes, I have
And I've just fought with you
The one with the knife isn't that good
You want to get yourself killed?
I bear no grudge against you
But if you insist, I won't stop you
What's your name? Where do you live?
Ma Yongzhen. I live in an inn when...
I can afford it, otherwise I live on the streets
Fine, I'll be looking for you. Let's go
Let's go
Got outdone by him
Never mind, let's go
That kid has got fists like iron
He's got to have practiced for at least 10 years
Where is he from?
No idea
Xiao Jiangbei, the one who's with Ma
I know him, he's just a hillbilly
No wonder Li got his arm broken
Ma Yongzhen won't be easy to deal with
Let's go and report to the boss
Let's go
Brother Ma, you're still in the mood for music?
Of course
We've got nothing better to do
You beat two of the 'Four Champions'
Three of them
That was brief with their leader
He'll hurt for a few days
Jin Lingzi, come here
Yes
What do you want to listen?
I have no money for tunes
You helped us kick out the 'Four Champions'
It's the least we could do
We could do with friends like you
I didn't do that for you
I don't need you to treat me
Here's a few dollars, keep it
After I've reported to Master Tan Si...
I'm Ma Yongzhen, Master Tan Si knows me
Tell him that
I didn't do this for him
I did this for myself
I don't want your money, or his money
I'll see him again
Wait till we are equals
Yes, yes
Goodbye then
The 'Four Champions' work for Boss Yang
Better stay away from them
I didn't provoke them
But I am involved now
You work for me
What's this? Asking me for help?
No, boss
We could have nailed him
Only that...
What? You're afraid of Tan Si?
I sent you to compete for his territory
What are you afraid of?
Boss
Ma Yongzhen doesn't work for Tan Si
I fear that he will lean onto his side
That won't do any damage to Tan Si
You've been working for me a long time
Don't you get this?
Boss, I've an idea
We'll use Ma as a pawn against Tan Si
That will save us lots of trouble
Now that you've got status
You don't want to do the dirty work?
Boss, we'll go and deal with Tan Si now
You think Tan Si would be so easy to handle?
Send a dinner invitation to Tan Si
Inviting him for dinner?
You must all attend
And apologize to him
Trust me, it's the right thing to do
You've got so much to learn
Any special business going on?
Wrestling tournament, we've a foreign boxer
Each challenger has to pay 20 cents
Whoever knocks him down
Can get 20 dollars
That should be profitable
Buy wine for the men with the profit
Maintain a low profile these few days
Tan Si is competing with us for the opium deal
There might be bloodshed
Yes, yes
Wait, that Ma Yongzhen...
Ma Yongzhen
One of you pays him a visit
You met him through a fight
It’s better to have a friend
...than a foe
Yes
Lu Pu, you heard them
A bloody mere cipher...
broke Li Caichun's arm
And is responsible for Agen's swollen fist
Boss, let me take care of him
Not yet
I'm off
Bye
Let's have something to eat. I'm treating
Afterwards we'll go to find some girls
You're thinking about hookers?
You'd be lucky to get past the Four Champions
You could have asked for Master Tan's help
You don't get it. I envy him
I want to be like him, I don't want his help
Yes, that day will come soon
He's eating expensive dishes, you're having noodles
He's sleeping with the high class courtesans
And you with the lowest of sluts
He has his own carriage
You can't even afford a trishaw ride
I'll make a name of my own one day
Let's drink to Master Tan Si
Cheers
Boss Yang
These men who work for me
...are blessed by their ancestors
Someone took care of the situation
There was a savior
I've asked them to
...apologize to you
So I hope this will be over
Sure
About the shipment arriving next month...
Boss Yang...
this is no time for business
It’s late
Where's your friend now?
Soliciting a female company
I don't know where he is
I'll go look for him
Hatchet Zhang Jinfa of the Four Champions
...is waiting for you with seven men
You better stay away
Don't worry, I've seen them before
Xiao Jiangbei told me, but...
Don't worry, I'll be fine
We see each other everyday
We've helped each other out
When my life turns better
I won't forget my poor fellow-men
Brother Ma
Ma Yongzhen
We came here to see you
Move away, Xiao Jiangbei
You don't believe us? Look
What do you want?
Boss Yang sent me here to tell you
He's got a job offer for you
He's got a job offer
What kind of job?
You should know that Boss Yang and Tan Si
They've been rivals
Men working for Tan Si are all useless
If you can take over his jurisdiction
Boss Yang won't bother you
What's this about?
Boss Yang's handout?
Think it over
If you don't have enough men
Boss Yang can help you
Never mind
Go tell Boss Yang
I've met with Master Tan Si once
He's a man of influence
And I'm a poor man who sleeps here
But I think of him as a friend
You're going up against us?
What are you scared of?
You've got men, knives, hatchets
You control half of Shanghai
You don't have to worry about me
I don't think you'd dare to do anything
Brother Ma
Go
Ma Yongzhen, I think your luck begins
There's an empty room upstairs, go sleep
Don't hang around in the attic
I can't afford the rent upstairs
Just pay when you have the money
Unbelievable
You are never that generous
Please go
Brother Ma is going up the ladder
Brother Ma
Xiao Jiangbei
Brother Ma, there's a foreign wrestler
Think you can tackle him?
What?
There's a wrestling contest against a foreign strong man
20 cents for a challenge
You can have a challenge on stage
If you can knock him down
You stand to win 20 bucks
20 dollars? Let's go
"Russian Muscle Man's Wrestling Tournament"
That's unfair
Do you know how to?
Calm down, everyone
Anyone else up to the challenge?
If you can knock him down
You get 20 dollars
I'll have a go
Try hard
In the past week, we've made an average...
profit of 20, 30 dollars a day
So many people are hoping to strike it rich
Beat him
More power
Get up and fight
Go! Yes!
Ma Yongzhen's here
I just recovered, he's here again?
Ma Yongzhen? He's here for the wrestling, eh?
That's the word
Tan Si has given his territory...
nearby the Pot of Spring teahouse to him
Ma didn't take the protection fees
He just told them to keep the money
He hasn't shown up in more than ten days
If he's here to challenge, he's not in it for the cash
How could you do that?
That's unfair
Are you up to it, Brother Ma?
This guy knows kung fu, it should be fun
Gentlemen, please sit down
Please know your limits before your challenge
This Russian has gone everywhere
He is matchless
I'll try
Please
Go! Go! Go!
Great!
Go, Brother Ma!
Well done, Brother Ma!
Excellent!
You've got guts
Brother Ma
You deserve this, muscle man
Well done
Can I go now?
Leave...
Ma Yongzhen
Look what you've done to my business
That's your rules
The Russian bum is a laugh, and you too?
Look down
What do you have to say now?
Hear my fists
How's your arm?
Go, Brother Ma!
20 dollars is yours
I can’t just leave like this
You told me to say something
What do you want to say?
I want to tell you to go to the doctor again
I only dislocated your joint
If you can't even bear the pain
You don't live up to your name
Haven't been to Pot of Spring Teahouse for a while
Right
You three
Get all our poor friends from the inn
I'll be waiting in the teahouse
Sure, let's go
Great!
You may order whatever you like to eat, sir
The cashier will be coming soon
The cashier? Do I owe you money?
Stop kidding, Boss Ma
Boss Ma... Boss Ma!
Here comes the cashier
Brother Ma, we've been awaiting you a long time
You've been busy
The protection fees we've collected, please count
Protection fees?
Yes
The money...
After the turf war against the Four Champions
Master Tan Si said he couldn't collect
The protection fees...
of the hawkers in the area
in the vicinity of the teahouse
For you kicked the Four Champions out
This territory is yours from now on
Brother Ma, this is only a small turf
Five, six dollars a day
Mater Tan Si said...
If Brother Ma has enough men
Then we don't need to interfere
But if there's anything we can do
We would treat you like Master Tan Si
Brother Ma
It’s 67 dollars 80 cents in total, count it
There're lots of people working for you
Master Tan Si asked for a low rate
If you want to raise the amount
No one will oppose
We just want to do business peacefully
That's enough
Xiao Jiangbei, I'm now in charge of the
...territory around this teahouse
Let's have a feast
Don't hesitate
It’s my treat
Miss Jin, it's Brother Ma's first day here
Something cheerful would be in order
Yes, yes
What would you like to listen, boss Ma?
Whatever
I won't take it. Spare us the protection fee for 10 days
What's your problem, Jin Lingzi?
What's your attitude about?
Master Tan Si, Brother Ma
or Jin Laoqi from earlier days
or whoever is in charge next
We must pay protection fees to him
What's wrong with that?
If you don't pay...
what do we live on?
Sing
Yes
What's with the face?
Be cheerful
Forget it if you don't wish to sing
Brother Ma, drag her back in
No, she...
Let's drink some more
Come on, cheers
Don't be mad
It’s business, we've to deal with it
It’s back into place
You've embarrassed me
Boss Yang
Ma Yongzhen has got his ways
Tan Si handed over to him Pot of Spring's turf
He's difficult to handle, now that he has power
There's no point to rush
This might be Tan Si's strategy
I'll think of something. Let's deal with Tan Si first
Boss
How is it?
The weapons will arrive in 2 months
Two men will bring in a load of gunpowder
They'll arrive in 20 days
Tan Si's gang is dealing with them
When will they meet?
Don't know yet
But I've bribed one of his men
He'll keep me informed
What's the matter with you?
There's a new boss from time to time
It’s nothing new
You've never cried because of that
Leave me alone
Fine, then tell me
The other day you said Ma Yongzhen's a good man with skills.
You smiled when mentioning him
Why the change?
Look at him today
What's the difference between him and the rest?
He's just a gangster
But I think he's nice to you
If that's someone else
You couldn't have got away today
I don't need him to be nice to me
Lingzi,
you have a lady's temper but a mains destiny
Uncle, let's head back for our home town
What's going on?
What are you doing?
Brother Ma said 3 dollars each
Who wants it?
"Xingcheng Carriage Company"
"Ma"
Look
This is the same model as Master Tan's
Who's the owner?
Ma Yongzhen, Brother Ma
Brother Ma... haven't heard of
You'll know when you go to Pot of Spring
In Shanghai,
Some rise, some fall everyday
Mister... mister
You owe three days' money
Don't you want to keep your business?
Business has been slow
Please be reasonable
If business isn't good, then go some place else
Here at least I'm able to earn a little
If I go else where...
This man owes three days' money
Should we punch him?
Nonsense
So he owes three days' money
He will settle when he has
We all started out poor
We all had our penniless days
Don't press them
Yes, yes
Please
Jin Lingzi is still not here?
No, she isn't
Since you've been in charge
She hasn't been working here
Should I check out where she's singing now?
So that we can teach her a lesson?
No, if she doesn't want to be here
Let her be
Brother Ma, that Jin Lingzi
...is quite a pretty girl
She's a good match for you
Stop this
I can have any woman I want
We're earning very little lately
Brother Ma
We didn't beat up the candy vendor
I'm afraid we won't get a single buck tomorrow
Don't go bothering them
They are poor, they've got nothing to give you
How does Master Tan Si make his living?
Master Tan Si runs several casinos
That's where the main income is from
Brother Ma, how could you get your share?
I won't touch Master Tan's territory
And I can't take others
If we don't get our hands on a casino
Others will
It’s Master Tan's turf from here eastwards
Westwards belong to the Four Champions
The Qunfu Lane nearby
The casinos and brothels there
They make thirty, forty a day
That's profitable
How come no one's interested?
Of course there are
Two months ago, Tian Bibo, Chen Xingrong
...tried and died in front of the lane
Any of you volunteer to go with me?
Fine, I'll go alone
Call all the men, wait for me at the entrance
Enter the lane only when I'm done
If I fail...
Then you'll go back to your poor days at the inn
Brother Ma, you...
I know how to play this game
If you're satisfied with your turf
You won't be able to keep it
Xiao Jiangbei, to Qunfu Lane
Sure
He's got guts
Master Tan Si was the same then
We have a great leader
Stop here
"Qunfu Lane"
Xiao Jiangbei, I'm hoping to take over here
Drive the carriage back
If I fail
Sell the carriage and go back to your village
Brother Ma, you're doing this on your own?
I... I'll go with you
You're an honest man, not a gangster
Just listen
"Hongfu Casino"
Win
Come
Place your bets
Mister, inside
Have a seat please
Mister
Need to exchange some chips?
I want to see your boss
Sure
That's him
Call them
Yes
We've won again
Today is our lucky day
I can meet Mr. Zhang right away
Don't have to go through others
Ma Yongzhen, you've struck gold
To tell you the truth
Scraping off from the poor
...isn't what I intend to do
Then what is it that you're after?
Boss Yang has plenty of income
The casinos and brothels in Qunfu Lane
Let me take over
Ma Yongzhen
Some nerve you've got there!
I mean it
You've got guts
Um, I wouldn't want to disturb the customers
Otherwise there's no use even you take over
Let's speak outside
Whatever you say
Fight, go in
Go in
Come on
Ma Yongzhen
Today you walked in here
But you will be carried out
Someone will be
Go
Go on
Hurry
What's going on?
Boss Yang, Ma Yongzhen has brought...
some men to take over Qunfu Lane's turf
They're about to succeed
Let me go
No
Fetch Zhang Jinfa back
We'll take care of Tan Si first
And then we'll take care of
...Ma Yongzhen later
Boss, when Zhang Jinfa comes back,
the area round Qunfu Lane...
We'll get it back later
Go on, hurry
Yes
You head out too
Just do this for now
Tan Si would think that I'm losing power
Stop it, Boss Yang has his orders
Bullshit. He should send some men here
Ma Yongzhen, Boss Yang said you've got guts
You can control this lane
Fan, this...
The Boss said so, let's go
All of you here, c'mon move
Please thank Boss Yang for me
Bullshit!
Go, move
How could this be?
Get all those in charge here
I want to meet with them
Yes
Boss Ma, welcome
You sure are cool, Boss. Please!
Please come in, Boss Ma
Boss, come
Please
Come
Boss Yang, I'm telling you the truth
Tell me again
Tan Si will meet them tomorrow morning
Then they will pass him the opium shipment
They'll set the price after checking
They've planned to meet near Dacheng
It’s quiet there
What if something happens to Tan Si?
They'll need to find another buyer
Then Boss Yang could get the deal
Well done, leave now
Tan Si is smart. Don't let him find out
I'll leave first
Go
You know what to do?
Tan Si won't bring a lot of men
You wait half way...
Too easy
Let's just allow Ma Yongzhen...
enjoy a few more days in Qunfu Lane
Come, eat and drink some more
Hey, have some more
This is our sixth meal of the day
This is the last one in the lane
I can't eat anymore
Then have something to drink
Come
Boss Ma, take a look
Which girl do you like?
Brother Ma
Should we go pick elsewhere?
You don't know Brother Ma
I know he likes someone
Nonsense
Brother Ma
I know there's a girl at Xi Hui Fang
...who looks exactly like Jin Lingzi
Watery big eyes, slim waist
and has a good voice
See, I know Brother Ma
Shut up, but Xi Hui Fang...
was a place I used to know
I'll get Xiao Jiangbei to get the carriage ready
Go!
Move over
Master Tan Si
This carriage belongs to...
Brother Ma. He had particularly requested that
he wanted the same model as yours
Brother Ma...
Ma Yongzhen?
That's right
Good day
Master Tan Si
You tell him that
Boss Yang's turf won't be easy to take over
Although he's done a good job at Qunfu Lane
He must watch out
Master Tan Si's here, come on out
Thank you, Master Tan
Boss Ma
Have a drink
No, I've had enough
Why don't you come to Pot of Spring?
To Dacheng, hurry
What the!
Excellent plan of Boss Yang
Tan will die this time for sure
Don't fight him, go
I was sold out by my own man
I've got nothing to say
Brother Ma, Master Tan has just left
Follow him, I want to see him now
That's easy. He told his coachman
...to head for Dacheng
Brother Ma, look!
Brother Ma, Master Tan was ambushed
We better leave before others get here
Go quick
Great, six...
Let's drink to you, boss
It was a job well done
Now we've got the opium deal
Come
Agen
What about Tan Si's territory?
All under our control now
But those who worked for him
most of them are now working for Ma Yongzhen
I worry that...
Might as well butter Ma up a bit
Send someone to tell him that
I will personally meet with him
at Green Lotus Pavilion teahouse tomorrow
I want to talk to him alone
I will only bring Lu Pu
Boss, that...
I'm only taking Lu
But you can enter the teahouse if you want
Boss, I can fight with Ma Yongzhen
We'll see then
They've all been beaten by Ma
I know you want your revenge
Brother Ma, Boss Yang's appointment...
Of course I'll be there. In order to secure my
...status in Shanghai, I'll go
But...
Yang is a well-known person here
A promise is a promise
He wants to see me alone
Green Lotus Teahouse is a crowded place
What can he do to me?
It might be an ambush
With him besides me, should anything happen
He'll be the one in trouble
Send Xiao Jiangbei here, guard outside
Yes
This is the only way...
for me to get close to Yang
My only chance for Master Tan Si's revenge
Xiao Jiangbei, borrow 100 dollars from Zhang Huan
Head back to your village tomorrow morning
Brother Ma
Xiao Jiangbei, the way we lead our lives now
This isn't for an honest man like you
I'm doing well as your coachman
What if something happens?
Lt's not worth it
Look what happened to Master Tan's coachman
Take the money, buy some land
Get married and settle down
Go on!
You want more than 100 dollars?
No, not that
You must leave tomorrow
Fine, if Brother Ma wants me to
I'll leave
"Green Lotus Teahouse"
Hello, Boss Yang
Boss Yang
Please
Boss Yang
Sorry
Hello, Boss Yang
Boss Yang
I'm meeting someone today
A gang will show up soon
Don't worry about that
Yes
Don't worry, we won't damage anything
I'm glad to hear that
I won't worry
Go
Listen, all the waiters and the...
peanut vendors must go
Our men will take over
We've enough men here
Yes
Don't worry, boss
We'll pay for all the damages
Yes
Please
Sorry, please leave
Sorry, sorry
Sorry, please leave
Let's Go
Boss
Everyone in position; act normal
Remember. The water must be boiling
Yes
"Green Lotus Teahouse"
He is here
Boss Yang has been waiting for you
Boss Yang
Hi, sit down
My bodyguard, he follows me around
Lu Pu, one of the Four Champions
Yes, he won't say much
Just ignore him
But I don't want to hurt bystander in a fight
Don't you worry, young man
To be honest regarding your skills
You are as good as Tan Si
I won't be so sure
Very confident, good! Tea
Yes
I'll be frank with you
Go ahead
I don't want Qunfu Lane's turf anymore
Qunfu Lane's turf...
I'm not interested in it now
I want something else from you
What?
I want you dead; You're the public enemy
You're over, Ma Yongzhen
I'm not over yet
Brother Ma...
Ma Yongzhen, this time you're really over
Hurry
Go
Don't worry, boss. He's dying!
He won't have the strength
Boss Yang, now we could...
really have a personal chat!