Snakehead

Snakehead is a crime thriller movie released in 2021, directed by Evan Jackson Leong, and starring Sung Kang, Devon Diep, and Celia Au in leading roles. The story of the movie is inspired by true events and based on the life of Sister Ping, a Chinese smuggler of illegal immigrants who operated in New York City during the 1980s and 1990s.

The movie revolves around a woman named Sister Tse (Shut Mei Yun), who has served a ten-year prison sentence for human trafficking. Sister Tse is known as a "snakehead," or a smuggler who helps Chinese immigrants enter the US illegally. After being released from prison in 1993, Sister Tse finds herself struggling to survive in New York City, where the Chinatown community she once ruled has changed drastically. Despite her notoriety, Sister Tse is no longer respected or feared as she once was.

As she tries to figure out her next move, Sister Tse meets a young Taiwanese girl named Pei Pei (Devon Diep), who has just arrived in New York City and has no one to turn to. Sister Tse takes Pei Pei under her wing and begins to teach her the ropes of being a snakehead. Unbeknownst to Sister Tse, Pei Pei has more connections than she lets on and is connected to a powerful Chinatown gang leader named Donnie (Ron Yuan).

Meanwhile, Detective Lee (Sung Kang) is investigating a series of murders that have taken place in Chinatown, and he is convinced that Sister Tse is involved. Despite being warned by his colleagues to be careful, Detective Lee is determined to bring down Sister Tse and her criminal empire.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey through the seedy underbelly of Chinatown, where human trafficking, drug dealing, and violence are a way of life. The performances of the actors, especially Sung Kang as Detective Lee, are top-notch and bring a sense of authenticity to the film. Devon Diep as Pei Pei and Celia Au as Sister Tse also deliver powerful performances, bringing to life the complex characters they are portraying.

The movie captures the essence of the immigrant experience, highlighting the desperation and poverty that drive people to risk everything to come to America. It also shows the harsh realities of life for those who make it to the US illegally and the ruthless people who prey on their vulnerability.

Overall, Snakehead is a well-crafted crime thriller that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. It has a compelling story, strong performances, and stunning visuals that capture the gritty atmosphere of Chinatown in the 1990s. The movie portrays a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and the criminal underworld, making it a must-watch for fans of the crime genre.