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Plot Summary


In the heart of Hong Kong, a nefarious terrorist group known as Vendetta, led by Ma Sai-kwan (codename Maverick) and an enigmatic figure referred to as Blizzard, ignites a wave of chaos by launching a catastrophic attack on the region’s education bureau. In the wake of this upheaval, the police struggle to regain control with Poon Sing-fung, a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer turned mercenary, emerging as a key suspect. Once a celebrated member of the Hong Kong Police, Poon’s career was tragically derailed when his superiors sidelined him out of fear of public backlash due to his prosthetic limb. Bearing a heavy heart filled with anger and a thirst for vengeance, he chooses to join forces with Vendetta.

Months later, Poon is spotted igniting a bomb inside a hotel, resulting in a devastating explosion that leaves him critically injured and slipping into unconsciousness. Upon awakening in a hospital bed, he struggles with amnesia about the harrowing events. During a police interrogation, he seizes an opportunity to escape. Meanwhile, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit’s Chief Inspector Pong Ling and CID Chief Inspector Lee Yiu-sing work diligently to piece together the puzzle of the bombings and identify the elusive Blizzard, who seems to be in league with a shadowy figure known as Davy. Vendetta’s agents attempt to capture Poon at the hospital but fall victim to Lee’s counterattack.

As the investigation deepens, Pong confronts Poon, unveiling disturbing truths from his past—his impressive trajectory within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EODB), the disintegration of his rapport with his superiors, and a harsh critique that marred the police force’s public image. In a shocking twist, Pong reveals that Poon himself is Blizzard, the mastermind behind Vendetta’s attacks. Reeling from this revelation, Poon finds himself ensnared in Pong’s intricate scheme, which she claims is a covert operation aimed at reinstating Poon’s tarnished name. She shares this information with Tung Cheuk-man, another EOD officer and Poon’s closest ally, who finds himself torn between allegiance to Poon and moral indignation over Pong’s controversial tactics. Amid rising tensions, Pong argues that her means are justified to secure leniency for Poon from the Hong Kong Supreme Court, in light of his role in the bombings.

As Poon receives a cryptic message from Al-Qaeda, cleverly concealed within an inspirational magazine, he convenes with Ma Sai-kwan and the Vendetta members—codenamed Money, Slave, Sniper, and Rhino—to strategize their next brutal strike. Under Ma’s guidance, Sniper is tasked with placing a bomb aimed at rupturing gas pipelines in downtown Hong Kong, threatening extensive destruction. Meanwhile, Inspector Lee, Tung, Pong, and Poon’s former EODB colleagues, Lun Ting-pong and Chan King-to, rush to the imminent danger.

Upon arrival, Sniper takes vengeance by severely injuring Chan, who ultimately succumbs despite desperate rescue efforts. Fortunately, Tung survives clad in armor. While Pong’s team attempts to neutralize Sniper from a distance, they face formidable resistance from his skills. In a last-ditch effort to outsmart their foe, they adopt guerrilla warfare tactics and ultimately take Sniper down. Tragically, Chan’s life slips away, adding to the weight of their mission.

Poon’s covert meetings with Pong become evident, provoking Vendetta to ensnare him in a psychological game called Mastermind. Ma seeks to extract Poon’s true identity before deciding his fate. As Pong and Tung rush to rescue Poon, they initially stumble due to the intricately devised trap. However, as Poon’s memories resurface, he recalls the crucial combination needed to escape. With mere seconds left, Tung frees Poon, revealing the harrowing news: Vendetta plans to detonate a 10-20 ton nuclear warhead, dubbed Davy, at the International Finance Centre (IFC) and Hong Kong Airport.

The stakes escalate dramatically as Ma coordinates a simulcast attack on the IFC, Hong Kong MTR, and Airport Express train, commandeering a train packed with explosives and hostages. Meanwhile, Fat Sze and Lun manage to disarm the treacherous van in the IFC parking area, eliminating Money and Slave in the process.

Inspector Lee swiftly arrives, neutralizing Vendetta operatives and establishing control of the scene. As Lun hatches a daring plan to intercept the bomb-laden train, his strategy involves ramming it into the water, thus destroying the Tsing Ma Bridge to limit damage.

Pong and her CTRU teams execute a successful raid on the control station, taking down Rhino’s men but not without a last desperate act from Rhino, who chooses to end his life. As tensions subside, Poon’s colleagues have thwarted another Vendetta plot, though questions linger about the toll it has taken.

The fateful day sees Poon and Tung devise a meticulous plan, positioning a rigged van with strategic precision. Tung escapes in a helicopter, leaving Poon behind, who seeks redemption for his involvement in past terror attacks. In a heart-wrenching farewell to Pong, Poon willingly embraces his fate to obliterate the bridge and avert disaster for Hong Kong’s shores. As Ma’s train collides with the severed bridge, it tumbles into the depths, culminating in a spectacular explosion that claims the lives of both Poon and Ma, sending reverberations through the city’s underwater currents and ultimately safeguarding it from a catastrophic aftermath.

As Tung and Lun mourn their fallen comrade, Pong grapples with the profound cost of Poon’s sacrifice, her tears mingling with uncertainty about whether their endeavors justified the ultimate price paid. In the poignant aftermath, Pong begs a neurologist to erase all memories of Poon’s involvement from her mind except for one defining moment. She recalls their serendipitous meeting during a police dinner, when Poon intentionally spilled red wine on her uniform to catch her attention, a fleeting scene that resonates as a lasting reminder of his profound impact on her life.

Timeline


Vendetta's Attack on Education Bureau

In a shocking display of terror, the group known as Vendetta launches a catastrophic attack on Hong Kong's education bureau. This devastating event marks the beginning of chaos in the region, instilling fear among citizens and prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Hong Kong

Poon's Past and Fallout

Poon Sing-fung, a former member of the Hong Kong Police's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, faces significant backlash after being sidelined due to his prosthetic limb. This professional and personal disillusionment drives him towards Vendetta, as he grapples with feelings of anger and betrayal.

Bombing at the Hotel

Months later, Poon is implicated in a devastating hotel bombing where he ignites a bomb, resulting in significant destruction and leaving him critically injured. This incident not only deepens the investigation into his activities but also complicates his own quest for identity and redemption.

Hong Kong

Poon Awakens in Hospital

After slipping into unconsciousness from his injuries, Poon awakens in a hospital, struggling with amnesia regarding the events leading up to his bombing. The police take this opportunity to interrogate him, but he cleverly seizes a moment to escape, evading capture.

Hospital, Hong Kong

Pong and Lee's Investigation

Chief Inspector Pong Ling and CID Chief Inspector Lee Yiu-sing dive into the investigation to uncover the truth behind the bombings and the identity of 'Blizzard,' a key figure associated with Vendetta. Their relentless pursuit reveals complex connections and hints at a larger conspiracy.

Pong Reveals Poon's Identity

In a dramatic confrontation, Pong unveils that Poon himself is the enigmatic 'Blizzard,' the mastermind behind the attacks. This revelation shatters Poon's perception of his role in Vendetta and engulfs him in a web of betrayal and manipulation.

Strategizing with Vendetta

Poon's loyalty is challenged as he meets with Ma Sai-kwan and other members of Vendetta to plan their next violent operation. The group devises a strategy for an attack aimed at critical infrastructure in Hong Kong, escalating the stakes and the potential for disaster.

The Attack on Gas Pipelines

As Vendetta executes their next plan, Sniper, one of their operatives, sets up a bomb targeting gas pipelines in downtown Hong Kong. The ensuing chaos results in a tragic injury to Chan King-to, one of Poon's former colleagues, who ultimately succumbs to his wounds despite desperate medical efforts.

Downtown Hong Kong

The Psychological Game of Mastermind

Poon finds himself entangled in a psychological game orchestrated by Ma, who seeks to extract information about their operations. He faces mental and emotional challenges while trying to remember critical details from his past, raising questions about loyalty and identity.

Nuclear Threat Uncovered

Poon receives a covert message indicating that Vendetta plans to detonate a massive nuclear warhead dubbed 'Davy' at iconic locations like the International Finance Centre (IFC) and Hong Kong Airport. This revelation sets off alarm bells, pushing law enforcement into a race against time.

Simulcast Attack Coordinated

As the situation escalates, Ma Sai-kwan coordinates a complex, simultaneous attack on major hubs in Hong Kong, including the IFC and MTR. The urgency of the situation intensifies as teams from the Counter Terrorism Response Unit scramble to prevent a disaster.

Hong Kong

Desperate Measures Taken

Inspector Lee and his team formulate a daring strategy to intercept a train packed with explosives aiming to crash it into the Tsing Ma Bridge. This drastic measure, if successful, could potentially limit widespread destruction and save countless lives.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Poon's Sacrificial Decision

In a heart-wrenching moment of valor, Poon chooses to sacrifice himself in a final attempt to thwart the impending disaster. As he overrides the rigged van's ignition and engineers a clash with Vendetta's train, he embraces his fate and seeks redemption for his dark past.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

The Explosive Conclusion

Poon’s courageous plan culminates in a massive explosion as Ma’s train collides with the severed bridge. Both he and Ma meet their tragic ends, exchanging reverberations of chaos and sacrifice that reshape the narrative of loyalty and heroism in Hong Kong.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Aftermath and Remembrance

In the days following the devastation, Pong and Tung reflect on the sacrifices made and the cost of their endeavors. As they mourn their lost comrade Poon, questions linger about the morality of their choices and the lasting impact of grief on their lives.

Characters


Poon Sing-fung

Once a prominent officer in the Hong Kong Police's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Poon's life spirals after being sidelined due to his prosthetic limb. His journey is marked by anger and a desire for vengeance, which leads him to betray his values. Ultimately, Poon’s character embodies the struggle between his past and his path to redemption.

👮‍♂️ Protagonist 😔 Tragic Hero 🔥 Vengeance

Pong Ling

As the Chief Inspector of the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, Pong is driven and complex. Her decisions often blur the lines of right and wrong, reflecting her desperation to restore Poon's reputation amidst chaos. Pong's determination and emotional conflict reveal the personal cost of her pursuit of justice.

👮‍♀️ Inspector 🌪️ Determined ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Ma Sai-kwan

The leader of the terrorist group Vendetta, Ma is cunning and relentless in his pursuit of chaos. His ability to manipulate situations and people makes him a formidable antagonist. Ma’s vision aligns with a twisted sense of justice, contrasting sharply with Poon's struggle for redemption.

💀 Antagonist 🔥 Charismatic 🗡️ Manipulative

Setting


Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, amidst ongoing urban challenges related to security and terrorism. The story tackles modern issues such as the consequences of violence and the struggle for redemption in a chaotic world.

Location

Hong Kong, International Finance Centre, Hong Kong Airport

Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline and bustling harbor. The International Finance Centre stands as a hallmark of modern architecture, serving as a hub for finance and commerce. The region is characterized by a mix of cultural influences, making it a melting pot of traditions and innovations.

🏙️ City 🌍 Landmark

Themes


💥

Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice plays a crucial role as characters confront their pasts and grapple with the moral complexities of their actions. Poon’s ultimate act of selflessness serves the greater good, emphasizing the costs associated with saving others. This theme resonates throughout the plot, reflecting the inner struggles and commitments faced by all involved.

🔍

Redemption

Throughout the film, the quest for redemption is a driving force for Poon, who seeks to atone for his involvement in Vendetta’s crimes. His journey is marked by self-discovery and forgiveness as he navigates between his past and the possibility of a new future. The characters are continually tested, leading them to confront their own roles in a larger narrative of justice.

⚖️

Justice

Justice emerges as a central theme, entwined with the characters’ motivations and the unfolding events. The struggle between law enforcement and terrorist ideologies raises questions about the efficacy and morality of their respective actions. As characters like Pong and Tung wrestle with their choices, the narrative prompts viewers to consider the cost of achieving justice in an imperiled society.

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