Those Were the Days Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Those Were the Days
| Movie | Those Were the Days |
| Release Year | 2000 |
| Director | Raymond Yip Wai-Man |
| Genre | Action / Crime / Romance |
| Runtime | 103 minutes (1h 43m) |
| Language | CN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Those Were the Days (2000) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Those Were the Days are led by Jordan Chan Siu-Chun . The supporting cast, including Jason Chu Wing-Tong and Michael Tse Tin-Wah , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Those Were the Days does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Action films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Those Were the Days has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Those Were the Days
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2000, Those Were the Days is a Action, Crime, Romance film directed by Raymond Yip Wai-Man, written by Manfred Wong Man-Chun. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As part of the Young and Dangerous Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jordan Chan Siu-Chun as Chicken.
Ending Explained: Those Were the Days
Those Were the Days Ending Explained: Gang member Chicken is fond of his childhood sweetheart, Gigi, who becomes a nightclub girl to cover her sick mother’s medical costs and is entrusted to him by her dying mother. Directed by Raymond Yip Wai-Man, this 2000 action film stars Jordan Chan Siu-Chun (Chicken), alongside Jason Chu Wing-Tong as Banana Skin, Michael Tse Tin-Wah as Dai Tin Yee, Jerry Lamb Hiu-Fung as Bau Pei / Foreskin. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Those Were the Days?
Gang member Chicken is fond of his childhood sweetheart, Gigi, who becomes a nightclub girl to cover her sick mother’s medical costs and is entrusted to him by her dying mother. Chicken plans to send Gigi to live in Macau, yet unexpected hurdles leave their romantic fate unresolved.
Raymond Yip Wai-Man's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jordan Chan Siu-Chun (Chicken)'s journey. Chicken plans to send Gigi to live in Macau, yet unexpected hurdles leave their romantic fate unresolved.
As part of the Young and Dangerous Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Jordan Chan Siu-Chun (Chicken)'s Story End?
- Jordan Chan Siu-Chun: Jordan Chan Siu-Chun's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jason Chu Wing-Tong (Banana Skin): Jason Chu Wing-Tong's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Michael Tse Tin-Wah (Dai Tin Yee): Michael Tse Tin-Wah's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Those Were the Days Mean?
Those Were the Days's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Jordan Chan Siu-Chun may feel rushed. Raymond Yip Wai-Man's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Those Were the Days Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Those Were the Days Based on a True Story?
Yes, Those Were the Days draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Raymond Yip Wai-Man and starring Jordan Chan Siu-Chun, this action, crime, romance film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Those Were the Days
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Those Were the Days uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Those Were the Days?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jordan Chan Siu-Chun or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Those Were the Days Parents Guide & Age Rating
2000 AdvisoryWondering about Those Were the Days age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Those Were the Days (2000) is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Directed by Raymond Yip Wai-Man, the film runs for 103 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Those Were the Days is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2000 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Those Were the Days worth watching?
Those Were the Days is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Those Were the Days parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Those Were the Days identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Those Were the Days (2000)?
The runtime of Those Were the Days (2000) is 103 minutes (approximately 1h 43m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Jordan Chan Siu-Chun
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Part of the Young and Dangerous Collection
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