The story follows two Hong Kong police officers, Bo (played by Chow Yun-fat) and his partner, Rock (played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai), who are part of an elite squad tasked with taking down a powerful gang of criminals led by the ruthless Johnny Wong (played by Anthony Wong).
Bo and Rock are both highly skilled and dedicated officers, but they have different approaches to their work. Bo is a tough and resourceful cop who is willing to bend the rules to get results, while Rock is more cautious and by-the-book.
The conflict between the two officers comes to a head when they are assigned to infiltrate Johnny Wong’s gang and gather evidence to bring him to justice. As they delve deeper into the criminal underworld, they must navigate a dangerous web of betrayal, corruption, and violence.
The tension between Bo and Rock reaches its peak when Rock discovers that Bo has been secretly working with Johnny Wong to further his own agenda. Feeling betrayed by his partner, Rock must decide where his loyalties lie and whether he can trust Bo to do the right thing.
In the climactic showdown, Bo and Rock confront Johnny Wong and his henchmen in a thrilling and explosive battle. Despite their differences, Bo and Rock must work together to take down the ruthless gang and restore peace to the city.
In the end, Bo sacrifices himself to save Rock and ensure that Johnny Wong is brought to justice. Rock is deeply saddened by the loss of his partner but ultimately finds solace in knowing that Bo’s sacrifice was not in vain.
“Hak hap” is praised for its intense action sequences, complex characters, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. It is considered one of John Woo’s finest films and a classic of Hong Kong cinema.