The first concerns the complications of a workplace romance and marriage between a dedicated policewoman “Mina Kao” (Joyce Godenzi) and her supervisor “Huang Tsung-pao” (Tony Leung).

Another policewoman, Mina's future sister-in-law “Chia Ling” (Carina Lau) is especially critical of apparent favoritism, and even makes a remark about her being Eurasian (this is not unique – a comparable epithet being made by Oshima's character to her guy opponent in “Close Escape”).

The third axis provides a resolution as a gang of Vietnamese led by Yuan Hua (Yuen Wah) attempts a violent and risky robbery.

This paves the way for a relatively straightforward vengeance sub-plot in which Mina and Chia Ling track the gang to a freighter in the harbor.

In advance of reinforcements, they board the vessel to fight a life or death duel against gang members and crew wielding pistols, hatchets, knives or tools.