COLD WAR (寒战) (2012)

Genre: Action/Thriller
Director: Sunny Luk, Longman Leung
Cast: Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Eddie Peng, Aarif Rahman, Charlie Yeung, Chin Kar Lok, Lam Ka Tung, Andy On, Terence Yin, Ma Yili, Michael Wong, Tony Ho, Byron Mann, Grace Huang, Andy Lau
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Coarse Language)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures & Encore Films
Official Website: http://www.encorefilms.com/coldwar

Opening Day: 15 November 2012

Synopsis: In Asia's safest city, the police have long been untouchable. Approaching midnight in Hong Kong, police headquarters receives an anonymous call: a fully-loaded police van carrying the forces, most advance equipment and five highly trained officers has disappeared off the grid. The hijackers possess direct knowledge of police procedures. They're already steps ahead. The police must meet a list of demands to ensure the hostage's release, including the delivery of a large ransom. Any delay will cost lives.

Movie Review:

An explosion in the heart of Hong Kong and the mysterious disappearance of an EU van carrying five armed police officers set off a chain of events that threatens not only innocent civilians but also the cohesion of the police force itself.

Aaron Kwok stars as Lau, the Deputy Commissioner for Administrative Services, while Tony Leung Ka-fai plays Lee, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations. With the Commissioner (Michael Wong) away at a conference in Copenhagen, Lee assumes command and authorizes an immediate rescue mission—codenamed Cold War—to recover the kidnapped officers. However, Lau questions Lee’s authority, sparking a tense power struggle. With time running out and Lee’s son Joe (Eddie Peng) among the hostages, the operation proceeds despite internal conflict.

Co-directed by first-time filmmakers Sunny Luk and Longman Leung, Cold War is an intense crime thriller that packs an impressive amount into its roughly 100-minute runtime. The ensemble cast alone makes it worth watching. Notably, the summary above covers only the first half of the film. Viewers are treated to electrifying confrontations between Lau and Lee, as well as a long-awaited reunion featuring Andy Lau sharing the screen again after Lee Rock II. One standout sequence involves Lau delivering a bag of ransom money to the kidnappers, culminating in a tense gunfight on a busy road.

And to reiterate—this all happens in just the first half.

Luk and Leung bring a refreshing take on the crime genre, breathing new life into it. Rather than delivering a straightforward action film like EU Strike Force, they craft a layered police drama more in line with Infernal Affairs. The story also serves as a tribute to Hong Kong’s identity, emphasizing its legal system, freedom of speech, and institutional accountability, elements that contrast with mainland China.

In the second half, the narrative expands with the introduction of ICAC rookie Cheung (Aarif Rahman), who investigates Lau’s alleged involvement in missing ransom funds, raising the possibility of a mole within the force. However, the film is not without flaws. In its eagerness to deliver twists, it occasionally overreaches, with multiple false endings and a CGI-heavy finale slightly diminishing the overall impact.

After criticism for his performances in Murderer and City Under Siege, Kwok delivers a surprisingly restrained and convincing performance as the composed and confident Lau. Leung, as expected, is excellent, though his character deserves even more screen time. The supporting cast is equally strong: Gordon Lam plays a role that feels second nature to him, while Chin Ka-lok appears as Lau’s subordinate. Charlie Yeung makes a welcome appearance as Head of Public Relations, and Andy Lau delivers an extended cameo as the Secretary for Security. Eddie Peng may have limited screen time, but he shows clear potential as a rising star.

Even without financial backing from mainland investors, Cold War stands as an impressive achievement for two relatively new directors. Its polished production values and striking aerial cinematography are particularly noteworthy. While it may not offer relentless action like The Viral Factor, it remains a highly recommended watch—proof that the Hong Kong crime genre is still very much alive.

Movie Rating:

(Taut and smartly-paced, "Cold War" warrants a sequel)

Review by Linus Tee