Running Out of Time 1999
"Let the games begin."
Hong Kong crime thriller *Running Out of Time* (1999), helmed by director Johnnie To, plunges viewers into a high-stakes 72-hour game where justice and vengeance collide.
Director: Johnnie To
Cast
Sean Lau Ching-wan
Insp. Ho Sheung-Sang
Andy Lau
Mr. Cheung
Yoyo Mung Ka-Wai
Leung Yuen Ting
Benz Hui Siu-Hung
Chief Inspector Wong Kai Fai
Lam Suet
Suet
Waise Lee Chi-Hung
Mr. Chen
Hung Wai-Leung
Mr. Lee
Oscar Lam Wai-Kin
Mr. Hau
Ruby Wong Cheuk-Ling
Head of Interpol
Jimmy Wong
Office Building Security Guard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Running Out of Time (1999) about?
A skilled hostage negotiator becomes entangled in a deadly 72-hour contest orchestrated by a cancer-stricken criminal seeking payback against organized crime in Hong Kong. As the clock ticks down, Ho Sheung-Sang must use every trick in his arsenal to stay one step ahead—or become the next victim.
Who directed Running Out of Time?
The film was directed by Johnnie To, a maestro of Hong Kong cinema known for his mastery of crime thrillers and stylish action sequences.
Who stars in Running Out of Time?
The film features Sean Lau Ching-wan, Andy Lau, Yoyo Mung Ka-Wai, Benz Hui Siu-Hung, and Lam Suet in pivotal roles.
Is Running Out of Time (1999) worth watching?
With its tightly wound plot and stellar performances, *Running Out of Time* is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers. Though unrated on IMDb, its blend of suspense, moral complexity, and sharp direction makes it a standout choice for anyone craving a Hong Kong crime drama with depth.
How long is Running Out of Time?
The film runs for 93 minutes, delivering a compact yet intense cinematic experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Running Out of Time (1999) — A gripping Hong Kong thriller of vengeance and high-stakes negotiations
Hong Kong crime thriller *Running Out of Time* (1999), helmed by director Johnnie To, plunges viewers into a high-stakes 72-hour game where justice and vengeance collide. When seasoned hostage negotiator Ho Sheung-Sang—a police inspector with nerves of steel—finds himself outmaneuvered by a terminally ill criminal seeking retribution against citywide crime syndicates, the line between cop and player blurs. Blending taut suspense with gritty realism, the film delivers a claustrophobic atmosphere where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Sean Lau and Andy Lau lead a stellar cast, anchoring a story that balances explosive action with sharp moral dilemmas, all set against the neon-drenched backdrop of Hong Kong's criminal underworld.
Fueled by adrenaline and desperation, *Running Out of Time* is less about shootouts and more about psychological warfare, testing the limits of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. The director's signature precision choreographs tense confrontations and quiet standoffs, while the criminal's terminal diagnosis adds a haunting layer of urgency. It's a film where the city itself feels like a character—its shadows hiding both allies and enemies alike.
