The Guy at Simenting

Peter YANG, an orphan, works very hard to support his younger brother Larry. Unfortunately, having his investment lost in the stock market, he is forced to borrow money from a loan shark named Paul CHOW at very high interest rates. To pay back the loan, he turns to gambling. Larry is admired by Helen CHUNG, who soon becomes his close and intimate friend. Peter, meanwhile, wins a considerable sum of money with the help of Bobby CHU, a skillful and honest gambler. This infuriates Tommy CHAO, a ruthless gambler, who secretly tries to attack Peter and his fiancee, Lily. Failing in his attempt, he cheats Peter at the gambling table. Unable to pay his debt, Peter reluctantly accepts Tommy’s conditions and agrees to set up a game to cheat the Tycoon Henry CHUNG of his money.

Directed by Hsu Yu-Lung, The Guy at Simenting leans on a strong ensemble — Wang Kuan-Hsiung, Eagle Lee Siu-Fei, Violet Pan Ying-Zi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1981.