The Moon Thieves

The Moon Thieves

Year: 2024

Runtime: 108 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Steve Yuen Kim-Wai

CrimeThrillerAction

A daring heist unfolds when a renowned watch boutique in Hong Kong is revealed to be the hub for stolen timepieces. Led by the formidable Uncle, a skilled crew comes together, including a bold thief, an explosives expert, a lock-picking prodigy, and a watch enthusiast. Their ambitious target is Tokyo, where they intend to steal three exceptionally rare and luxurious watches.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Moon Thieves (2024)

Trace every key event in The Moon Thieves (2024) 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

Vincent sells a frankenwatch at his father's shop

Vincent completes a sale of a frankenwatch, pieced from vintage parts, at his father's watch shop. The unusual piece draws quiet attention and hints at his rare talent. This moment sets him on a path that will intersect with the underworld.

Opening scene Father's watch shop
2

Uncle recruits Vincent as a master for a heist

Uncle recognizes Vincent's skill and wants him to join as the watchmaker for a planned heist. He warns that exposing him to customers could destroy his livelihood, so Vincent reluctantly agrees. The setup tightens the noose around him and ties his fate to a criminal crew.

Shortly after the sale Watch shop / backroom
3

Assembly of the crew

Uncle introduces Vincent to Chief and orders Chief to assemble Mario and Ms. Hong for the mission. They plan to target three Picasso watches in Tokyo, with Yoh volunteering for the trip to help his mother. Mario reluctantly joins; Ms. Hong declines in anger.

Soon after Backroom / recruitment meeting
4

The target is located in Tokyo

The crew locates the Picasso watches at a renowned Tokyo store and begins shaping a plan. They scout security, routes, and the ambition to pull off a flawless heist during a crowded moment.

Pre-heist Renowned watch store, Tokyo
5

Infiltration begins: disguises and plan

Vincent and Yoh pose as affluent buyers to gain access to the VIP room, with Chief and Mario playing buyers in the same scene. They intend to steal the three watches, while Vincent's attention drifts toward the Moonwatch inside the vault. This distraction foreshadows complications to come.

During the VIP access Tokyo store VIP room
6

The vault is breached but a distraction threatens success

The crew enters the vault and Vincent guides Yoh to use dried wax on the buttons to unlock it, allowing them to retrieve the three Picasso watches. The entry occurs during a fireworks show that masks their movements, but a drunk pedestrian triggers the store alarm and forces a retreat. Tension rises as the team realizes the plan is at risk.

During the heist, fireworks show VIP room vault, Tokyo store
7

Picasso watches secured; alarm interrupts escape

The crew has secured the three Picasso watches, but the alarm disrupts their escape. They withdraw quickly, dealing with the immediate consequence of the guard and alarm system. The moment heightens the danger and forces a rapid regroup.

Escape moment VIP room / store entrance
8

Moonwatch theft complicates the escape

Mario, driven by greed, steals the Moonwatch during their getaway, complicating the crew's risk. Vincent later learns about the Moonwatch's backstory and its significance, which foreshadows further trouble.

During escape Escape route, Tokyo store
9

Fallout: exposing Uncle to the underground market

After the job, Mario reveals the Moonwatch backstory and uses Vincent's phone to reveal Uncle's ties to the underground watch dealing market. Chairman Kato orders the Moonwatch's retrieval, escalating the chase.

After heist Safe house and underground market
10

Plan to revolt against Uncle

Chief confronts Mario about an additional watch; Mario shows the Moonwatch and proposes revolting against Uncle to safeguard their circle. The crew contemplates exposing Uncle and securing their safety.

Post-exposure plan Safe house
11

Yoh's betrayal and capture

Yoh pretends to betray the crew by revealing their hideout to Uncle, who captures the crew and brings them to Hong Kong. Vincent intervenes, claiming he is the only one who knows the location of the hidden Picasso watches.

Soon after Hideout in Hong Kong
12

Post office mission to retrieve hidden watches

Uncle sends Vincent and Yoh to the post office to recover the watches mailed back to Hong Kong, facing various complications. They set up a trap in the truck to force Uncle's hand and ensure the crew's release.

Mid-mission Post office, Hong Kong
13

The trap yields a standoff with Japanese hitmen

Vincent and Yoh rig a trap in the truck and threaten to destroy the watches unless Uncle releases Chief and Mario. Uncle reluctantly agrees and orders the releases, but Japanese hitmen arrive as Yoh tosses the watches to Uncle. Uncle's men are killed while the hitmen seize the Moonwatch, leaving Uncle with the Picasso watches.

Climax Truck / street, Hong Kong
14

Escape to safety through underground pipes

The crew escapes through a trap door into underground pipes, seeking refuge at Tung's house. Vincent discovers the missing parcel had been mailed back to Japan, adding another twist to the pursuit.

Post-escape Underground pipes, Tung's house
15

Mid-credits reveal and Uncle's downfall

In the mid-credits scene, Vincent reveals that the three Picasso watches given to Uncle were frankenwatches, while showing the crew the real watches. Uncle, unaware, tries to sell the frankenwatches to a Russian crime lord, who quickly notices their fakery. Uncle's henchman abandons him, leaving him at gunpoint.

Mid-credits scene Safe house / Russian deal

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:22

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Heist Thrillers like The Moon Thieves

Skilled crews pull off impossible crimes while facing relentless danger.If you enjoyed the high-tension, team-based crime plot of The Moon Thieves, explore more movies about daring heist crews. These films feature skilled professionals, meticulous plans, and heart-pounding execution sequences where every second counts and loyalties are tested.

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These stories typically follow a 'one last job' or 'ambitious score' structure, moving from meticulous recruitment and planning to a tense, step-by-step execution. The central conflict often involves external threats like law enforcement or rival criminals, as well as internal struggles of trust, greed, and conflicting agendas among the crew members.

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These films are grouped by their focus on the mechanics and psychology of a major crime. They share a core narrative structure, a tense and calculated mood, and the appeal of watching experts operate under extreme pressure, often with a 'found family' dynamic that is central to the plot.

Movies where clever criminals win like The Moon Thieves

Protagonists who use wit and skill to beat a powerful adversary.Fans of The Moon Thieves who enjoyed seeing the crew outsmart their powerful boss will love these stories of cunning outlaws. These films feature protagonists who use intelligence, skill, and elaborate schemes to achieve a happy ending against formidable antagonists.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist or group who, despite being in a position of lesser power, uses their superior intellect, specialized skills, or elaborate deception to gain the upper hand. The conflict is a battle of wits, and the resolution typically sees the cunning hero achieving their goal and escaping consequences, often leaving a more powerful antagonist thwarted.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on a shared cathartic emotional journey: the triumph of cleverness over brute force or established power. They provide a specific kind of satisfying, 'happy' ending where intelligence and planning are rewarded, creating a vibe of victorious cunning.

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The Moon Thieves Summary

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The Moon Thieves Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Moon Thieves

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Moon Thieves

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More About The Moon Thieves

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