Part 2: Red Peony Gambler vs A Better Tomorrow 2
(Warning: The endings for both films are spoiled)

I don't think John Woo has ever acknowledged it but it's fairly obvious the ending of A Better Tomorrow 2 was inspired by the ending of the first Red Peony Gambler film. Considering that Woo has made no secret of his love for Toei's 60s yakuza films starring Ken Takakura, it is not hard to believe that he saw this film in his youth. He has also acknowledged the debt that The Killer owes to another 60s yakuza film from Toei (1964's Narazumono, directed by Teruo Ishii, starring Ken Takakura, and shot in Hong Kong/Macau). I think one can safely assert that Woo borrowed more than a few ideas from Toei's yakuza films when he began making gangster films in the 80s.

Here is a look at the similarities between the endings of both films. Both films end with a "brother" getting killed and the "good guys" taking revenge by starting an all out war at the residence of the "bad guys"...

#1
A "brother" is killed and revenge is the only answer.
A "brother" is killed and revenge is the only answer.

#2
Junko and Kyosuke get dressed in formal attire (Junko in a beautiful kimono that has red peonies on it and Kyosuke in his tattoo “suit”).

See the 2nd Red Peony Gambler film for an even more impressive kimono being worn by Mari Shiraki (yes, those are dice on the kimono!)




Chow and company get dressed in formal attire (in business suits).



#3
Kyosuke loaded up with sticks of dynamite.
Chow and company loaded up with grenades.

#4
Junko and Kyosuke walk up to the house. Junko's Red Peony Gambler theme song begins playing.
Chow and company walk up to the house. Joseph Koo's A Better Tomorrow instrumental theme song begins playing.

#5
Members of the rival gang notice the oncoming combatants.
Members of the rival gang notice the oncoming combatants.

#6
An explosion marks the beginning of the war.
A gun shot marks the beginning of the war.

#7
The boss inside the house reacts to the initial commotion.
The boss inside the house reacts to the initial commotion.

#8
The mayhem begins with a mixture of swordfighting, gunplay, and explosives.




The mayhem begins with a mixture of swordfighting, gunplay, and explosives.



#9
Kyosuke periodically throws sticks of dynamite during the battle. Explosions ensue.
Chow and company periodically throw grenades during the battle. Explosions ensue.

#10
After initially using a gun, Junko switches to a sword for the rest of the battle.
After initially using a gun, Ti Lung switches to a sword for the rest of the battle.

#11
The mayhem continues...
The mayhem continues...

#12
The final confrontation with the boss.
The final confrontation with the boss.


Part 1: Red Peony Gambler DVD Review