The Tigers

The Tigers

Year: 1991

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Cantonese

CrimeActionDramaThriller

Cops find their careers and their lives in jeopardy when they spend a gangster’s bribe money after releasing him from custody during a drug bust.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Tigers 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 – The Tigers (1991)

Trace every key event in The Tigers (1991) 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

Raid at the shipyard and the Sha-pei tip

Lam Fong-tin leads a CID raid at the shipyard to bust firearms smuggler Sha-pei. Sha-pei provides a crucial lead about a forthcoming drug deal between Wai and Chiuchow Ping. The operation proceeds and Wai is arrested, setting the stage for a web of corruption.

shipyard
2

Tin learns Tung’s betrayal and the cash is buried

Tin is shocked to discover his brother-in-law Tung is working for Wai. Tung pleads for Wai's release and leaves Tin a briefcase with HK$10 million before jumping into the water to flee. Meanwhile Thief and Dandruff stash the money instead of reporting it, while Pong refuses any share.

shipyard aftermath
3

False testimonies to free Wai

Tung pressures Tin; Tin and the squad persuade Pong, who arrested Wai, to give false testimonials in court to secure Wai's release. Pong reluctantly agrees, compromising his integrity. The corruption within the team begins to take hold.

police station / court
4

Collusion and a new tip to topple Wai

Tin and the squad are forced to collude with Tung; he refuses to return the money and threatens ICAC if they don't cooperate. Tung tips the police to a new Wai–Ping deal in hopes of toppling Wai. The squad arrests Ping but lets him go free to turn him against Wai.

police operation base
5

Disco bar confrontation and a double murder

Ping arrives at a disco bar to settle scores with Wai, unaware that Tung tipped off the police. Thief and Dandruff lie in wait to arrest them, but Tung shoots Wai and Ping and flees to the parking lot. In the pursuit, Dandruff drops his pistol, which Tung picks up, and Thief arrives to exchange fire before Tung escapes.

disco bar and parking lot
6

Tung exposes Tin to the ICAC

Tung calls CID superintendent Cho and reveals the squad's corruption. Cho chooses to shield his underlings, while Tung threatens to report them to ICAC if they do not cooperate. The cycle of cover-ups continues to feed the downfall of the unit.

CID headquarters
7

ICAC traps and witness protection

The ICAC sets a trap to arrest Tung, but Tung counters and manages to get Pong arrested by ICAC. Tin, Thief and Wah are detained by ICAC, while Pong is released without charge. Tung becomes a protected ICAC witness.

within 48 hours ICAC offices
8

Testimony, beating, and an assassination attempt

Tung is summoned to testify about murder allegations at the police station and is beaten by Pong. ICAC escorts him out, but Thief, armed with a blade, makes an unsuccessful attempt on his life and flees with the help of a colleague.

police station
9

Tin's release and reconciliation

Pong bails Tin out briefly after Tin reconciles with his estranged daughter Shirley, but Tin is detained again as the ICAC investigation continues. The personal and professional lines blur as the case drags on.

police station
10

Tin sacrifices himself

To shield his squad from ruin, Tin decides to bear full responsibility for the corruption and hangs himself in his jail cell. His death shocks the remaining officers and shifts the power dynamics of the case. The ICAC presses on with the investigation.

jail cell
11

Volvo Hotel show-down and Tung’s escape

With Tin dead, Thief, Pong and Wah head to Volvo Hotel where Tung is staying under ICAC protection to settle scores. ICAC captain Tam announces the case is closed and will hand Tung over for Dandruff's murder. Tung escapes by killing two ICAC officers guarding him, triggering a tense pursuit and confrontation.

Volvo Hotel
12

Final duel: Tung dead, Thief and himself

Thief, Pong and Wah corner Tung as the SDU arrives. Thief shoots Tung dead and then shoots himself in front of the police, fulfilling his vow to bear all responsibility. Tung dies, and the survivors must live with the consequences of the case.

Volvo Hotel, in front of police

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Tigers

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Tigers 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 The Tigers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Tigers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Tigers, 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.

The Tigers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Tigers

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Tigers

More About The Tigers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Tigers: 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 The Tigers

Similar Movies to The Tigers

Discover movies like The Tigers that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.