Chinese Triads
A deadly debt in Shanghai: Lao Che hires Indy, then tries to kill him.
In the opening sequence of *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*, set in 1935, American archaeologist Indiana Jones faces a lethal threat from Shanghai Triad crime boss Lao Che. After hiring Indy to retrieve the remains of Nurhaci, Lao Che attempts to murder him when a debt or dispute arises. The confrontation takes place in Club Obi-Wan, where Lao Che employs his sons, Chen and Kao Kan, to eliminate the archaeologist. This encounter forces Indy to flee the city with his young sidekick Short Round and nightclub singer Willie Scott, unaware that the plane they board is owned by Lao Che, setting the stage for a chaotic escape.
- Type
- Organized Crime Syndicate (Minor Antagonists)
- Primary Region
- Shanghai
- Role in Franchise
- One-off Antagonistic Force
- Notable Connection
- Lao Che serves as the leader of the Shanghai gang, engaging directly with Indian
Lore & Background
Unlike the Thuggee cult encountered later in India, this group's role is confined entirely to the film's beginning. Their primary interaction involves hiring Indy to recover cremated ashes of an ancestor, which are described as the remains of Nurhaci. When the deal goes sour, Lao Che does not hesitate to order his sons, Chen (played by Chua Kah Joo) and Kao Kan (played by Ric Young), to carry out a murder attempt. The conflict is personal and immediate, driving Indy, Willie, and Short Round to escape Shanghai on a plane that belongs to the gang itself.
In Their Own Story
The narrative begins in 1935 with Indiana Jones surviving a direct assassination attempt orchestrated by Lao Che inside Club Obi-Wan. After retrieving the remains of Nurhaci as requested, Indy finds himself targeted by the crime boss. The scene escalates quickly; Lao Che's sons are present to ensure the job is done, forcing Indy to flee the city accompanied by Short Round and Willie Scott. They board an aircraft they believe will take them to safety, only to discover it is owned by Lao Che. The pilots, likely under gang orders, dump the fuel and parachute away, leaving the trio to escape via an inflatable raft just before the plane crashes into the Himalayas.
Reader's Guide
For fans analyzing the Shanghai Triad's role in *Temple of Doom*, note that their function is strictly limited to the opening act. They serve as the catalyst for the journey to India but do not appear again after the plane crash. Key figures include Lao Che, the leader; his sons Chen and Kao Kan; and Wu Han (played by David Yip), a friend of Indy who works at Club Obi-Wan and is killed during the chaos. The club itself is named 'Club Obi-Wan,' a nod to *Star Wars*. The gang's involvement ends once they lose control of the plane, shifting the focus immediately to the Thuggee cult in Mayapore.
Did You Know?
- Lao Che hired Indy specifically to retrieve the cremated ashes of the ancestor Nurhaci.
- The plane used by Lao Che's men to transport Indy, Willie, and Short Round was owned by Lao Che himself.
- David Yip made his film debut in this movie as Wu Han, a friend of Indy who is killed at Club Obi-Wan.
- Lao Che's sons, Chen and Kao Kan, were directly involved in the murder attempt against Indiana Jones.
- The nightclub where the opening sequence takes place is named 'Club Obi-Wan' as a nod to Star Wars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Chinese Triads?
They are an ancient network of secret societies that operate as organized crime syndicates across Asia. Unlike political armies, they focus on controlling smuggling rings and illicit trade routes.
What is their primary function in the lore?
These groups act as background antagonists who facilitate the movement of stolen artifacts out of China. They sell history to the highest bidder through black markets rather than seeking ideological power.
Do they appear as main villains in the films?
No, they do not serve as the primary antagonists within the main movie series. Their influence is instead felt through the broader pulp-adventure landscape where Indy operates.
Why are they considered a threat to archaeologists?
They represent a quieter, older danger compared to groups like the Nazis or Soviet agents. Their control over trade routes makes recovering stolen relics significantly more difficult for heroes.
Is there a definitive conclusion to their story?
There is no specific ending provided for this faction in the core canon narrative. As a shadowy network, they continue to exist beyond individual conflicts or defeats.
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