Gatao 2: Rise of the King (2018)
A gripping Taiwanese crime drama about power, brotherhood, and the devastating price of loyalty when former allies become enemies.
Gatao 2: Rise of the King - Movie Information
- Original Title: 角頭2：王者再起
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Yen Cheng-kuo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 14, 2018 (Taiwan)
- Alternative Titles: GATAO 2-The New Leader Rising (TW)
- Production Countries: Taiwan
Gatao 2: Rise of the King - Plot
Ren has finally succeeded his boss as the head of the North Fort Gang. For so long, his ambitions had been held back; now, he can realize them. But the ruthless Jian returns with his own gang. Though Ren and Jian were once like brothers, Ren's position is challenged, causing tensions with Qing, his loyal captain. Now that former friends are enemies, what is the price of loyalty? What will be left of friendship when the smoke of battle clears?
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Gatao 2: Rise of the King - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yen Cheng-kuo
Main Cast
- Wang Shih-Sian
- Jack Kao
- Rexen Cheng Jen-Shuo
- Collin Chou
- Chang Tsai-hsing
- Peggy Tseng
- Yin Chao-te
- Chen-Kang Tang
- Di Ying
- Shang-Ho Huang
Writers
- Yen Cheng-kuo
Gatao 2: Rise of the King - FAQs
What is Gatao 2: Rise of the King about?
Gatao 2: Rise of the King follows Ren, a gang lieutenant who finally takes over as head of the North Fort Gang. His ambitions are quickly tested when his former sworn brother Jian returns leading a rival crew. The film explores loyalty, betrayal, and the brutal cost of power within Taiwan's criminal underworld.
Is Gatao 2 a sequel, and do I need to watch the first film?
Yes, Gatao 2: Rise of the King is a direct sequel to the 2015 Taiwanese crime film Gatao. While the sequel introduces enough context to stand on its own, watching the original first enriches the backstory of Ren and Jian's brotherhood and deepens the emotional weight of their falling-out.
Where can you stream Gatao 2: Rise of the King?
You can stream Gatao 2: Rise of the King on Netflix, including on the Netflix Standard with Ads plan. It's a great pick if you're in the mood for a gritty Taiwanese crime drama packed with action and complex characters.
What happens between Ren and Jian in the film?
Ren and Jian were once as close as brothers within the North Fort Gang, but Jian's return at the head of a rival faction turns their bond into a collision course. The film traces how ambition, pride, and conflicting loyalties transform a deep friendship into a dangerous and violent rivalry.
Who are the main actors in Gatao 2?
The film stars Wang Shih-Sian as Ren, the newly crowned gang leader, alongside Jack Kao as the veteran President Gui and Collin Chou as the threatening Jian. Rexen Cheng Jen-Shuo plays Qing, Ren's loyal captain whose allegiance is put to the test as tensions escalate.
Is the theme of loyalty central to the story?
Absolutely — loyalty is the film's beating heart. Gatao 2 constantly asks what loyalty is worth when power is at stake. Ren's relationship with his captain Qing fractures under pressure, and the film uses that tension to probe whether brotherhood can survive in a world defined by hierarchy and violence.
Who directed Gatao 2: Rise of the King?
Gatao 2: Rise of the King was directed by Yen Cheng-kuo, who also wrote the screenplay. Yen helmed the original Gatao as well, bringing continuity and a consistent vision to the franchise. His work on both films helped establish a distinct, grounded style for Taiwanese gangster cinema.
What are some films similar to Gatao 2?
If Gatao 2 hits the spot, you might enjoy Police Story: Lockdown, Hidden Man, or Caught in Time for more Asian crime and action. S.W.A.T. (2019) and The Great Arms Robbery also deliver high-stakes action with strong ensemble casts, making them solid follow-up watches.
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