When a criminal who refuses to be second best learns he's only the third most wanted by Taiwanese authorities, he decides to hunt down criminals number 1 and 2 to prove he's the best. The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon is the hottest Taiwanese crime film of 2023, with an unconventional plot and full-on violence.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Chen Guilin (Ethan Juan) is a hitman wanted by Taiwanese authorities as number 3. He lives in hiding and continues committing crimes until one day he learns he's only number 3. Ambition and dissatisfaction drive him to hunt down criminals number 1 and 2 to climb the ranks, regardless of the methods.
Along the way, he meets Cheng Xiaomei (Gingle Wang), a woman who was trafficked, and Chen Hui (Lee Lee-zen), criminal number 2 hiding in a temple. This journey becomes a civil war full of blood and madness.
Acting and Characters
Ethan Juan powerfully portrays Chen Guilin, conveying the character's brutality and madness chillingly while subtly hinting at inner vulnerability and pain. Gingle Wang as Cheng Xiaomei does excellently, showing the weakness and strength of an exploited woman movingly.
Lee Lee-zen as Chen Hui, criminal number 2 disguised as a monk in a temple, impresses equally. He conveys the character's mystery and intimidation with finesse. Every character has depth and clear motivations, allowing the audience to deeply understand and root for (or hate) them.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Wong Ching-Po skillfully creates a dark and brutal crime atmosphere. Action scenes are designed fiercely, using camera angles that emphasize realism and violence without over-embellishment. The overall cinematography uses gloomy, cool tones reflecting the despair and violence of the criminal world.
The score, especially the song "The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon" repeated in the film, enhances the mood and gives the film uniqueness. Editing is fast-paced and concise, making the 134-minute runtime not feel boring.
Editorial Analysis
The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon is not just an exciting action film but also contains philosophy about redemption and the meaning of good and evil through the symbols of the pig, snake, and pigeon appearing in the title, representing greed, anger, and ignorance according to Buddhist teachings.
The film questions: In a world full of bad people, does being the number one bad guy matter? Our protagonist kills worse criminals, but he is still a criminal. Do his actions become redemption or add to his sins? The film leaves the audience to think and debate.
Verdict
If you like gritty, sophisticated crime films and aren't afraid of violence, 'The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon' is a must-watch. With excellent acting and a gripping story, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat and thinking until the very last minute.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Unconventional and unique plot
- +Excellent acting, especially Ethan Juan and Lee Lee-zen
- +Brutal, realistic action scenes without embellishment
- +Deep philosophy and symbolism
👎 Cons
- −Violence may be too much for those who don't like brutal films
- −Middle section in the temple may drag a bit
Top Cast
FAQ
The film is adapted from the Chinese legend 'Zhou Chu Eliminates the Three Evils' (周處除三害), which tells of a wicked man who reforms and eliminates three beasts.
Yes, the film has Thai subtitles available in theaters and streaming platforms.
The film contains violence and adult content, suitable for viewers aged 18 and up.
