In 1975, Hong Kong was in the midst of enormous change. Its manufacturing sector was booming, gradually making it one of Asia’s major economic centers, but the city also faced an unstable financial market and challenges from the global economy. Under British colonial rule, social divisions were becoming increasingly pronounced. The Independent Commission Against Corruption had just been established and was launching a major crackdown on corruption, shaking up the traditional balance between the underworld and the law. Meanwhile, Cantopop and the film industry were rising rapidly. Bruce Lee’s martial arts films had taken the world by storm, opening a window for Hong Kong culture to reach the world and giving countless young people hope of making it in the industry.
