Bogus Cops

A take on the 1990 US film "Short Time", Karl Choi (Kar-yan) and Ching But-kam (Eric Tsang) are the laughingstocks of the Royal Hong Kong Police, and things get even worse when Choi's HIV test turns up as a false positive, leading him to believe he is dying of AIDS. Hoping to become a hero, Choi becomes bold and reckless, planning to be killed in the line of duty, thus receiving a ceremonial burial and a legendary reputation for bravery. In pursuit of this goal, Choi goes after a ruthless but bumbling group of terrorists hired by Saddam Hussein to bomb various strategic targets. While Choi is attempting to go out in a blaze of glory, Ching is falling in love with a beautiful prostitute (Veronica Yip) with a speech impediment and a surprising command of kung fu.

Directed by Bryan Leung, Bogus Cops leans on a strong ensemble — Eric Tsang Chi-Wai, Sophia Crawford, Veronica Yip Yuk-hing — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1993.