City on Fire

An undercover cop, Chan Kam-wah, is killed by three attackers while pursuing a jewelry-thief gang. His death triggers a new investigation and prompts a shift in leadership. The loss raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Inspector Lau assigns Ko Chow to take over the operation and continue following the gang. Chow hesitates, haunted by a past undercover betrayal that makes him cautious about betraying a friend again.

The thieves attempt to rob a jewelry factory, but the police intervene before they can complete the heist. The raid ends with one robber killing a police officer, raising the pressure on the investigators. The incident shows the gang’s willingness to escalate violence.

A task force led by Inspector John Chan is formed to pursue the gang and coordinate response. The new unit creates a rivalry with Lau, complicating the pursuit and clouding loyalties within the police.

Chow arranges to sell weapons to the gang through Tai Song, while Chan's team trails the meeting. The surveillance signals Chow’s growing desperation and the risk of exposure.

Chow secretly plants a recording device on himself and schedules a second encounter with the gang. The device is meant to capture their plans and secure his undercover cover.

Chow’s girlfriend Hung plans to leave Hong Kong with Tso for Canada. Chow tries to stop her and offers marriage, but Hung challenges him to prove his sincerity by meeting at the registry office the next day.

Chow is unable to reach Hung because of tailing by Chan’s men, and is rescued by Fu, a gang member, who takes him to the weapons deal with the gang. The rescue deepens Chow’s bond with Fu and advances the gang’s plans.

Nam, the gang leader, invites Chow to join the forthcoming jewelry heist. Chow agrees to participate, maintaining his undercover cover within the crew.

Chow is arrested by Chan’s team at the airport over the weapons deal. Lau intervenes and suggests that Chow instead participate in the gang’s planned robbery, intending to trap them in the act with police on standby.

The police remain uncertain about which jewel store the gang will strike, but multiple teams are on standby. Chow continues to spend time with the gang before the heist, growing closer to Fu as plans unfold.

During the raid, Bill and Joe are killed in the ensuing shootout. Chow discovers that Fu killed the officer at the jewelry factory, deepening the breach between them. Chow, Fu, Skinny, and Big Song flee to a harbor hideout, where Chow is mortally wounded.

Nam accuses Chow of being an informant, but Fu defends him, triggering a tense standoff. Police arrive, Big Song is killed, and Nam is slain by Fu and Chow before they can hurt them.

Chow confesses to Fu that he was an undercover cop and asks for a quick death, but Fu cannot bring himself to do it. The police breach the hideout, Chow dies from his wounds, and Fu is arrested.

Inspector Lau is devastated by Chow’s death and retaliates by striking Inspector Chan across the head with a brick for arrogance and actions.