Third Most Wanted, First in Ambition: The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon Review

This The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon review starts with the film's boldest idea: a killer who is insulted at being only third on the most-wanted list. Wong Ching-Po writes and directs this Taiwanese crime drama, and he treats the idea as a dark joke with real consequences. It is violent and often grim, but also oddly thoughtful.

The film arrived in Taiwan on 6 October 2023 and runs 134 minutes in Mandarin. Its original title is 周處除三害.

The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The plot begins with Chen Kui-lin (Ethan Juan), an arrogant criminal who learns he ranks third on Taiwan's most-wanted list. Pride drives him to a plan: remove the two men ahead of him and crown himself the country's top fugitive before he dies. The tagline sums up the theme: to hunt evil is to face the evil within.

That setup sounds like a pulpy revenge thriller, and the first act delivers plenty of tension. Yet the story is less about the hunt than about why a man would want infamy so badly. Wong keeps that question hanging over every scene.

Some marketing calls the film a black comedy. Viewers should be cautious. There are sharp, ironic touches, but this is mostly a hard-edged crime story with a bleak sense of humor.

What Works in The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon

The premise is the film's greatest strength. A "be careful what you wish for" lesson runs underneath the carnage, and it gives the violence a purpose beyond shock. The idea that crime brings harm and futility is never lectured at you, but it is always present.

Wong also balances tones with confidence. Brutal set pieces sit beside quiet, character-driven stretches, and the shifts feel deliberate rather than messy. The film earns its long running time more often than not.

Style and atmosphere

The look is gritty, and the action is staged to hurt rather than dazzle. Fans of Wong Ching-Po's earlier work will recognize his taste for moody, stylized storytelling. Even in a blunt genre piece, the film feels crafted.

The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon Cast and Performances

Ethan Juan carries the film as Chen Kui-lin, and he gives the role a restless, volatile energy. He makes the man's vanity believable while hinting at something emptier underneath. It is a commanding lead turn, and the movie rests on it.

The supporting cast adds texture:

• Gingle Wang plays Cheng Hsiao-mei.

• Lee Lee-zen appears as Chen Hui.

• Cherry Hsieh plays Chang Kuei-ching.

• Ben Yuen Foo-wah plays Hsu Wei-chiang, known as Hongkie.

• Chen Yi-wen plays Lin Lu-ho, known as Bullhead.

Audience reviews describe the film as well acted, and that matches what shows on screen. The villains feel menacing, and the quieter roles give the story a human pulse.

Where The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon Stumbles

At 134 minutes, the film can drag. A few stretches repeat ideas we already understand, and tighter editing would sharpen the momentum. The pace dips just when the tension should be rising.

The violence is also heavy. Some viewers will find it gruesome, and the black-comedy label can set the wrong expectations. If you go in expecting laughs, the tone may feel off.

Finally, the moral message is clear enough that it can feel a little tidy. The film trusts its theme, but it occasionally underlines it more than necessary.

Is The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon Worth Watching?

Yes, if you like intense, thoughtful crime stories and can handle strong violence. It has a memorable hook, a magnetic lead and a point of view, which together put it above many routine thrillers.

It is not flawless, and the length will test patience. Still, the strongest scenes stay with you, and the ending question of what fame is worth lingers. Audiences on TMDB rate it 7.3 out of 10, and that feels fair. For more in the same vein, browse our Action movie reviews or our Drama movie reviews. You can also read more about the film on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon

• Fans of violent Asian crime thrillers with a moral core.

• Viewers who like anti-hero character studies carried by a strong lead.

• Anyone curious about Wong Ching-Po's work or recent Taiwanese cinema.