A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong action drama film directed by John Woo and stars Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun-Fat. The film follows the story of Sung Tse-Kit (Ti Lung), a former triad member and smuggler who is released from a prison sentence for his crimes. Upon his release, he attempts to start his life anew but finds it difficult to escape from his past and the influence of his former colleagues.
Sung's brother, Tse-Ho (Cheung), is a successful businessman but is estranged from him due to his criminal past. Sung attempts to repair their relationship, but Tse-Ho wants nothing to do with him. Meanwhile, Sung is recruited by his former boss, Lung (Fat), to work for him again. Lung is planning a big smuggling operation and needs Sung's expertise.
Sung initially refuses but eventually agrees to help Lung, hoping to use the money to start a new life. However, things quickly go awry, and Sung finds himself caught in the middle of a violent conflict between Lung and a rival gang led by his former partner, Mark (Waise Lee). The situation escalates, and Sung must use his skills and wits to protect himself and his loved ones from danger.
The film explores themes of brotherhood, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. It was a critical and commercial success in Hong Kong and propelled director John Woo to international fame. Its impact on the action movie genre was significant, with its stylized gun battles and slow-motion sequences becoming a hallmark of Woo's later work. A Better Tomorrow has since been remade multiple times and spawned two sequels.