GATAO: Like Father Like Son (2025), directed by Ray Jiang, represents the fourth installment of the esteemed Taiwanese gangster series. Sunny Wang returns as Michael and is a prequel set several years prior to Gatao (2015). As a critical exploration of gang origins, it offers an intricate character-driven narrative that deepens the understanding of the series' core factions. Expectations from previous entries suggested a gritty, visually stylized portrayal of gang conflicts and personal histories—this film largely fulfills those, with notable improvements in production quality and narrative focus.
Plot and Storyline: A Deeper Dive into the Past
Positioned several years before the third film, the narrative meticulously reconstructs the formative years of key characters, especially Michael and Qing. The film delineates how Qing joins Ren and his gang and explores Michael’s departure for America—a pivotal moment that shapes subsequent events. The storyline deftly balances character development with gang rivalries, centering the long-standing feud between North Fort (Beiguan) and Daqiaotou, with the Mongrels, and their evolution into the North Fort Five Tigers.
While the core plot is compelling and contextualizes the series’ backstory, it leaves an unresolved subplot involving Scorpion, which hints at future conflicts. This choice maintains narrative tension but slightly hampers narrative closure, reflecting a deliberate focus on character origins over complete resolution of all conflicts.
Cast and Performances: Characters with Depth and Presence
Sunny Wang’s portrayal of Michael embodies arrogance tinged with vulnerability, capturing the internal conflict underlying the gang prince archetype. Wang Shih-hsien’s portrayal of Ren commands respect with gravitas, injecting scenes with a commanding elder-statesman aura. Supporting performances, notably by Shih Ming-shuai as Meng and Harry Chang as Scorpion, exhibit nuanced characterizations that enhance emotional investment.
The chemistry among the cast supports authentic interactions, providing a believable portrayal of loyalty, rivalry, and brotherhood—essential for engagement within a crime saga. The performances elevate the material, making even violent confrontations impactful and rooted in character psychology.
Directorial Vision: Stylistic Refinement and Narrative Cohesion
Ray Jiang’s direction demonstrates a keen eye for visual style, evident in the more polished and energetic aesthetic compared to earlier entries. The cinematography leverages tight framing, stark lighting, and stylized action sequences to heighten tension without sacrificing realism. The decision to employ stylistic flourishes—such as selective color grading and dynamic camera angles—successfully heightens the gritty atmosphere.
Jiang’s ability to weave backstory with fluid narrative pacing is deliberate and effective, ensuring that stylistic choices complement storytelling rather than overshadow it. This balance exemplifies a refined directorial approach, elevating the franchise’s visual storytelling.
Script and Dialogue: Authenticity and Narrative Balance
Scriptwriters Chiang Hsi-wen and Shih Cheng-yu craft dialogue that is naturalistic, avoiding melodrama and jargon, supporting authentic gangster milieu. Key scenes—such as gang negotiations or moments of introspection—are delivered with conviction, strengthening character arcs. The film tactfully balances exposition and action, providing enough references to series lore for fans without alienating newcomers.
While some melodramatic moments exist, they are mitigated by performances and pacing, maintaining narrative integrity. The dialogue’s authenticity bolsters emotional resonance, particularly in scenes depicting loyalty and betrayal.
Themes and Emotional Impact: Loyalties, Origins, and Legacy
The film’s exploration of origins emphasizes themes of loyalty, familial legacy, and the cyclical nature of violence. Michael’s departure for America encapsulates the tension between duty and personal ambition, resonating emotionally. For fans, the backstory enriches understanding of long-standing rivalries and alliances, creating a more cohesive franchise universe. The themes remain relevant, reflecting societal issues of loyalty and identity—parallels that resonate with current societal dynamics.
Genre and Tone: Gritty Action with a Stylistic Edge
Operating within the crime and action genres, the film adheres to conventional gangster tropes while integrating stylistic innovation. The tone remains serious, intense, and visceral, eschewing glamour in favor of raw realism. Violence is depicted with brutal authenticity, supporting the overall mood and themes. The stylistic approach—combining gritty visuals with polished cinematography—creates an immersive experience that balances spectacle with character depth, aligning well with genre expectations.
Comparative Analysis: Evolution within a Franchise and Genre
Compared to Rise of the King and The Last Stray, Jiang’s latest installment exhibits a more refined focus on character backstories and stylistic cohesion. The visual polish and character development surpass earlier efforts, providing a richer prequel narrative that benefits longstanding fans and newcomers alike. Within Asian gangster cinema, GATAO: Like Father Like Son aligns with films like Monga in balancing gritty realism with layered character studies. Its stylistic choices and narrative depth exemplify a modern evolution of the genre, showcasing Jiang’s maturation as a filmmaker.
Conclusion: A Strong Prequel that Enriches the Series
Overall, GATAO: Like Father Like Son stands out as a compelling, stylistically polished prequel that effectively deepens the franchise’s lore. It successfully balances character-driven storytelling with visceral action, elevating the series’ cinematic quality and thematic depth. This installment resonates as an expertly crafted entry that enriches the series’ narrative fabric, emphasizing origin stories that inform the existing conflicts and alliances. While a few subplots remain unresolved, the film’s overall execution—visual, narrative, and performances—makes it a noteworthy addition to contemporary Asian gangster cinema. It leaves viewers eager for future entries that will further explore these characters’ legacies. A commendable, stylistic prequel that succeeds both as a standalone story and as part of the Gatao universe.
