Running Out of Time 2


Running Out of Time 2 is a 2001 Hong Kong crime caper film co-directed by Johnnie To and Law Wing-cheung. It is a sequel to To's 1999 film Running Out of Time, with Lau Ching-wan returning as Inspector Ho Sheung-sang, who this time has to go after an elusive thief played by Ekin Cheng.

Synopsis

The film brings back Inspector Ho Sheung-sang, this time to contend with another clever thief.
The story begins when the mysterious thief targets Teresa, a wealthy businesswoman who becomes the center of an elaborate extortion scheme. Unlike the terminally ill mastermind from the first film, this new adversary is motivated purely by the thrill of the challenge and financial gain. The nameless thief demonstrates his cunning by orchestrating a series of seemingly impossible heists and puzzles that baffle the Hong Kong police force.
Inspector Ho Sheung-sang finds himself once again matched against an intellectual equal who delights in creating intricate cat-and-mouse games. The thief's methods are theatrical and precise, designed not only to achieve his criminal objectives but to engage Ho in a battle of wits that tests both men's limits. As the stakes escalate, the thief's schemes become increasingly elaborate, incorporating elements of misdirection, technology, and psychological manipulation.
The film explores themes of obsession and professional pride as Ho becomes personally invested in capturing this elusive criminal. Meanwhile, Teresa finds herself caught between the two men's dangerous game, her safety hanging in the balance as the thief uses her as both target and bait. The narrative builds tension through a series of cleverly orchestrated set pieces that showcase the thief's ingenuity and Ho's determination to match his opponent's every move.
As the final confrontation approaches, both the thief and Ho must confront the personal costs of their obsessive pursuit of victory, leading to a climax that tests not only their intellectual abilities but their fundamental understanding of justice and morality.

Cast

Golden Horse Film Festival
Hong Kong [Film Critics Society Awards]
  • Won: Film of Merit Award