The film ‘Monga’ is unnerving because it is realistic – as what featured could really happen in real life, if not already… many times over. Of how innocence can easily become deviousness. What happens when a group of boys befriend one another with a strong sense of loyalty… while joining a triad? Conflict looms ahead. Is one to be true to another, or to the triad itself, or to personal motives? They share their weals and woes together, but that’s alright only when there are no conflicts of interest. Is honour really possible among thieves? Even if yes, to what extent? (Ironically, the triad headquarters is a temple.)
The life of a gangster is like a time-bomb, ready to explode any time due to so many tensions. The father of the clean-shaven gangster nicknamed ‘Monk’ already lost an arm due to a triad conflict in the past. But he had since given up thoughts of vengeance, and even peacefully crafts Buddha images for a living and chants daily to repent for his misdeeds. But his son chooses to take upon the needless task of avenging him, even turning on his ‘brothers’ in the triad, who were supportive of the leader, whom he realised to be guilty for his father’s missing arm. Didn’t the Buddha say that the way to curb hate is not to feed its fire with more fuel of hate? ‘Monk’ should had learnt from his father, who already learnt the hard way.
This movie is quite realistic and the life of a gangster is really a tragic. Singapore was once underwent such secret society era since Qing dynasty British colony era till early rule of PAP. Glad that our country is free from such social turmoil and triad threats now! Applause!
Buddha preaches about collective karma which is proven.
In this movie, it seems that this gang of 5 youngsters have a similar triad family background. And their life’s activities are like a carried on episode of their dads. Each of them has a karmic interdependence over one and another. Although the botak “monk” young man’s dad repent over his misdeeds, however as Buddha said, collective karma is difficult to prevent. Even back in ancient India, Buddha also can’t do anything to prevent 2 countries from waging wars. Until the karma is consumed, then everything will come to rest.
Perhaps this is how this samsara works.
Sadhu… 🙂
I like realistic films, even if they are fictional, because they are good credible cautionary tales! Amituofo
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