Knock Off

Knock Off

Year: 1998

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Hark Tsui

ActionThriller

Marcus Ray, a celebrated fashion designer, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy when he's suspected of dealing in counterfeit goods. To clear his name, he must evade relentless KGB agents, deceptive CIA operatives, and untrustworthy undercover agents. He soon discovers he's been manipulated and must navigate a complex world of deception and espionage to expose the truth and prove his innocence.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Knock Off yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Knock Off (1998)

Trace every key event in Knock Off (1998) 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

Underwater crate discovered; dolls explode

Russian agents searching underwater find a mysterious crate and surface with it as Hong Kong police close in. They accidentally open the crate, and baby dolls float up before detonating. Several Russian agents and a Hong Kong detective survive the blast.

Underwater
2

V-Six jeans fashion show planned

In Downtown, Tommy Hendricks stages a fashion show for V-Six Jeans while Marcus Ray inspects a warehouse of goods. He uncovers knock-offs, including the exploding dolls, being sold by the Hong Kong gangster Skinny.

Downtown
3

Rickshaw race and Eddie's body double

Marcus and Tommy participate in the annual rickshaw race and use a body double for Eddie to cheat and win. The ruse is exposed when the double is spotted, heightening the tension around the counterfeit operation.

Downtown
4

Body double kidnapped by Russian agents

The body double is kidnapped by Russian agents who are after Eddie. Marcus pursues through the city streets to recover him.

Downtown
5

Arrest and release after a mishap

At a restaurant, Tommy accidentally disrupts a plainclothes Hong Kong officer with a thrown can of food. The police arrest Marcus and Tommy, but release them without charges as the investigation continues.

Downtown
6

Karen Lee accuses them of counterfeit losses

Back at the V-Six office, Karen Lee accuses Marcus and Tommy of counterfeit shipments totaling over $5 million. She offers to drop the matter if they locate the warehouse that handled the fake jeans.

V-Six offices
7

Russians kill agents; Skinny tips them off

The Russian bosses murder the agents who failed to reclaim the dolls and learn from Skinny that V-Six and a Hong Kong detective are onto them. They tighten their operation and head toward the warehouse.

Russians' operation
8

Tommy kidnapped; CIA involvement revealed

That night, Tommy is kidnapped at a restaurant. Marcus follows and discovers that Tommy is a CIA asset tasked with exposing the counterfeiters who used Marcus as cover.

Restaurant
9

Nanobombs found in truck cargo; Buddha statue base

Before the warehouse raid, a truck bursts onto the scene and Marcus climbs aboard as it crashes. It is revealed to be packed with nanobombs hidden in the merchandise, with the base inside a Buddha statue.

Cargo road; Buddha statue base
10

Eddie killed; security footage secured

Eddie identifies Skinny as the counterfeiter; Skinny tries to dump the bombs in the ocean. Eddie opens a safe to provide proof, but it explodes, killing him. Tommy and Marcus escape, and Tommy obtains security footage on the way out.

Eddie's warehouse
11

Marcus captures Skinny; Karen's warehouse presence revealed

Marcus abducts Skinny and brings him to the CIA base near the Buddha statue. There, security footage reveals Karen was in the warehouse just before the raid, exposing her involvement.

CIA base by Buddha statue
12

Karen is revealed to be CIA; alliance forms

After Marcus's confrontation, Karen reveals she is also CIA, and the three team up. The Russians kidnap Karen and Tommy while Marcus discovers a bomb detector among Karen's belongings and checks the shipping manifest.

Office / CIA base
13

Cargo ship showdown with Harry the double agent

Marcus and the Hong Kong detective board the cargo ship to confront the Russians. Harry boards the ship and shoots several agents; he is revealed as a double agent planning to ransom companies by detonating nanobombs. Marcus and the detective fight through the remaining Russians and escape as Harry prepares to detonate.

Cargo ship
14

Final detonations and Tommy's misstep

Karen plants nanobombs on Harry's boat, which explodes. The detonator is recovered from the water. Two hours later, Tommy and Marcus are in a bar; in a distant room, Harry is seen planting nanobombs on a toy, and Tommy activates the detonator, destroying the distant building.

Two hours later Bar; distant room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:38

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Chaotic 90s Action Espionage Movies like Knock Off

High-energy thrillers where the spy game is a frantic mess of double-crosses.If you liked the frantic energy and convoluted spy plot of Knock Off, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar high-octane action thrillers from the same era, where heroes navigate a world of double agents and explosive set pieces. Find more movies with a pulpy, macho vibe and non-stop chase sequences.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows an ordinary person or specialist thrust into a dangerous conspiracy. They are pursued by multiple factions with shifting allegiances, leading to a series of frantic chases and close calls. The journey is less about meticulous spycraft and more about surviving a chaotic web of betrayal through sheer resilience and action.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared high-intensity, fast-paced execution and a specific brand of post-Cold War espionage anxiety. They prioritize energetic action and a constant state of paranoia over gritty realism, creating a uniquely entertaining and pulpy viewing experience.

Movies about Unwitting Pawns in a Conspiracy like Knock Off

An ordinary person must clear their name while unraveling a vast, dangerous plot.Fans of Knock Off, where Marcus Ray is framed and must expose a nanotech plot, will enjoy these movies. This list features thrillers and action films where the main character is an ordinary person forced to uncover a dangerous conspiracy to clear their name. Discover similar stories of high-stakes deception and explosive redemption.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc begins with a false accusation that immediately puts the protagonist in grave danger. They are pursued on all sides, forcing them to rely on their wits and latent skills. The journey is one of desperate investigation and survival, leading to a reveal of the true, often global, scale of the threat they've stumbled upon.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core narrative structure and emotional throughline: the visceral fear of being wrongly accused and the empowering journey of taking control. They blend the tension of a man-on-the-run thriller with the satisfaction of an underdog uncovering a complex plot.

Unlock the Full Story of Knock Off

Don't stop at just watching — explore Knock Off in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Knock Off is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Knock Off Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Knock Off, 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.

Knock Off Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Knock Off

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Knock Off. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Knock Off

Knock Off Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Knock Off that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Knock Off Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Knock Off

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Knock Off: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Knock Off

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