As the boy grows up he finds he has a protector who seems to be a triad member.  This protector (Jordan Chan) appears at different and opportune times when the young boy, nicknamed Cola (Terence Yin) seems to need help the most.  The protector is, of course, the son of his father's friend, the gangster.  And Cola not only vows revenge upon his father's killer, but becomes a cop of some notoriety, just like his father.  The real test comes when Cola is promoted to Huang's Special Crimes Unit.  Suddenly the young man finds himself in an odd and confusing situation, especially since Huang appears to be anything but the vile and evil killer the boy has imagined all his life.  Adding to his confusion is the introduction of an attractive young woman who is the daughter of a retired mobster he and the team must protect.

Terence Yin is likeable enough and he does a fine job as the vengeful youth.  But it is Anthony Wong who shines as the ambiguously good Inspector Huang.  Wong's performance is so good you're never sure whether his character is a complete fabrication or if he's the real deal.  Wong is so good in this film that he is worth watching all by himself.

There there is Jordan Chan as the son of mobster Francis Ng.  Chan can do more acting business with a stern look than any 10 film stars in any country.  With an actor of Chan's ability in a supporting role, any film's quality is bound to improve.  However, it amplifies the weakness of a lesser actor in a starring role, such is the case with Yin.

Lau Ching-wan and Francis Ng are old pros and work exceptionally well together here as they have in the past.  Like Chan, their presence enriches the most mundane roles.

A quality film with a solid script and excellent characterization, The Colour of the Truth is one of the better Hong Kong police dramas in some time.  I recommend it highly.