Drug War

Drug War

Year: 2013

Runtime: 107 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Johnnie To

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

A seasoned drug lord is given a stark choice by law enforcement: assist in dismantling his vast criminal network or face severe repercussions. As the deadline looms, he navigates a treacherous landscape of betrayals and alliances, struggling to protect himself and those he cares about while confronting the consequences of his past actions. The situation escalates into a desperate fight for survival, forcing him to make a decision with far-reaching implications.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Drug War (2013)

Trace every key event in Drug War (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Choi captured after restaurant crash

After fleeing an explosion at his drug facility, Timmy Choi's car crashes into a restaurant. He is revived and immediately captured by Captain Zhang Lei. Facing the death penalty, Choi bargains for information on his colleagues and introduces Zhang as 'Uncle Bill' to begin a potential drug supply link with Haha.

Immediately after the crash Restaurant crash site
2

Choi bargains for life; Zhang goes undercover as Uncle Bill to Haha

Choi negotiates his life by offering information on his operation. He has Captain Zhang Lei assume the identity of 'Uncle Bill' to pose as a supplier to Haha, who owns a port that could distribute drugs. This deception lays groundwork for the undercover operation that follows.

Shortly after capture Interrogation room
3

Factory surveillance: recording devices planted

Choi returns to his factory and meets his two mute brothers. He plants recording devices throughout the facility to monitor staff and operations. The plan aims to stage a meet between Haha and Uncle Bill using the captured identities.

Same day Factory
4

Mute brothers escape via hidden tunnel

An attempt to capture the mute brothers fails as they escape through a hidden tunnel beneath the factory. The escape undermines the operation and foreshadows more danger ahead.

Shortly after device planting Factory
5

Zhang confronts Choi over withheld exit information

Captain Zhang is livid with Choi for withholding knowledge of the secret exit, and the omission has cost several police lives. The rift deepens between captor and informant as mistrust grows.

The day after the tunnel escape Police command center
6

Choi reveals the seven gangsters; two are relatives

In interrogation, Choi reveals that seven major Hong Kong gangsters control operations. Two of them are his relatives: his brother and his godfather. The revelation makes the stakes personal for Choi and complicates any attempt to betray them.

Revelation moment Interrogation room
7

Next day: undercover meeting to start the deal

On the following day, Captain Zhang poses as Haha again and meets with the real Uncle Bill. They negotiate a deal to distribute drugs using Haha's port, while Choi identifies the seven gangsters' bosses.

The next day Port facility / meeting room
8

Nightclub negotiation; Uncle Bill scrutinized

Later, at a nightclub, they discuss terms of the deal, and Zhang (as Haha) accuses Uncle Bill of being a cop to test the ruse. The maneuver continues as a tense double act to entrap the gangsters.

Evening of the same day Nightclub
9

Parking garage confrontation; identities exposed

The seven gangsters confront Zhang and the fake Uncle Bill in a parking garage, openly revealing their identities and confirming their business relationship. The tension escalates as the ruse is drawn into the open.

Night Parking garage
10

Entourage diverted to a school during port plan

On the following day, Choi leads the seven and their entourage toward the port but diverts them in front of a primary school as parents and children arrive. The plot twist is designed to pressure authorities and force a response.

The following day Port vicinity / primary school
11

Choi reveals betrayal; cops swarm in

Choi removes his wires and reveals he has ratted them out, and the area is swarmed by police. A confrontation erupts as law enforcement closes in on the gangsters.

Immediately after diversion Port area
12

Shootout erupts; Choi escapes by school bus

A chaotic firefight claims the lives of many gangsters and several officers, while Choi escapes in a school bus. The city erupts into chaos as gunfire rages around the port vicinity.

During the firefight Port area
13

Bus collision with mute brothers; more fighting

Choi's bus escape collides with the escaping mute brothers, triggering another gunfight as Captain Zhang and other officers arrive wounded. The pursuit intensifies as both sides struggle to gain the upper hand.

Moments after the bus escape Road near the school
14

Final standoff: Zhang dies after handcuffing to Choi

Zhang, wounded, and his squad try to contain the mute brothers, but the brothers are killed while the officers are heavily wounded. Choi fatally shoots Zhang, who nonetheless manages to cuff himself to Choi's leg before dying.

Final confrontation Street / crime scene
15

Choi captured; executed by lethal injection

Choi is finally captured by SWAT reinforcements. He begs for another chance by offering more information, but is executed by lethal injection, bringing the saga to a brutal end.

After capture Prison facility

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:24

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Unlock the Full Story of Drug War

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Drug War Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Drug War, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Drug War Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Drug War

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Drug War

Drug War Spoiler-Free Summary

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