The controversial film, Casino, based on the life of reputed Macau triad boss Wan Kuok-koi, had its premiere last night with star Simon Yam Tat-wah declaring he respected 'Broken Tooth' as a friend and a boss.
Yam, who plays Wan, along with co-stars Fong Chung-shun and Kwok Ho-ying, were swamped by press and television journalists, some from as far afield as Britain.
Wan's real-life wife, Leung Hoi-chung, said: 'He is innocent and soon everyone will know the truth about what has happened.' The opening of the $14 million production, paid for by Wan, comes just five days after the alleged 14K leader was arrested and held in Macau pending charges of criminal association.
Yam, whose brother Peter Yam Tat-wing is commandant of the Police Tactical Unit and a former head of the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, said: 'He is a good boss and I respect him as a friend. Films often exaggerate things.
'I spent time with him when we were filming and he is like a kid. Everyone in Macau respects him.' Director Billy Tang Yin-sing said: 'I never expected a reaction like this.
'In terms of the movie, the fact that he is in jail is half good and half bad,' he said.