Drug War poster

Drug War

"HIGH RISK HIGH RETURN."

Movie R 2012 1h 47m 6.9 /10
Directed by Johnnie To

During a major drug raid a feared cartel boss is seized by police and finds himself pulled into a high stakes arrangement. Under pressure from the authorities he agrees to provide information that could dismantle his former network, hoping for leniency or leverage. As the undercover operation... Read more

Watch Now

Where to Watch "Drug War"

Rent or Buy

Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
Max
Hulu
Paramount+
Peacock
Apple TV+

Streaming availability last verified: January 21, 2026

About Drug War

During a major drug raid a feared cartel boss is seized by police and finds himself pulled into a high stakes arrangement. Under pressure from the authorities he agrees to provide information that could dismantle his former network, hoping for leniency or leverage. As the undercover operation tightens its grip the lines between loyalty and survival blur and the man who profited from chaos must weigh his own safety against the risk to those who once shared his fortune. The story unfolds with a cool procedural focus that keeps the danger close while avoiding easy moral judgments.

Directed by Johnnie To Drug War is built from an original screenplay by Wai Ka Fai Ryker Chan and Yau Nai Hoi. The Hong Kong crime drama released in 2012 marks another entry in To and Milkyway Image's sharp street level storytelling.

Worldwide box office gross reached 24 676 341 dollars.

The film stands out for its lean procedural approach to crime and its restrained mood. It contributed to a wave of gritty urban thrillers in Hong Kong cinema and reinforced Johnnie Tos reputation for tough grounded storytelling.

Critics noted the brisk pace tough performances especially Louis Koo as Timmy Choi. The movie probes loyalty betrayal and the human cost of the drug trade presenting a moral landscape that favors realism over bravado

Details

Release Date
November 15, 2012
Runtime
1h 47m
Rating
R
User Ratings
299 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Action, Drama, Crime
Country
Hong Kong
Studio
Milkyway Image
Box Office
$24,676,341
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Louis Koo

Louis Koo

Timmy Choi

Sun Honglei

Sun Honglei

Captain Zhang Lei

Crystal Huang Yi

Crystal Huang Yi

Yang Xiaobei

Michelle Ye Xuan

Michelle Ye Xuan

Sal

Lam Suet

Lam Suet

Fatso

Gao Yunxiang

Gao Yunxiang

Xu Guoxiang

Wang Ziyi

Wang Ziyi

Lin

Wallace Chung

Wallace Chung

Guo Weiju

Li Guangjie

Li Guangjie

Chen Shixiong

Yin Zhusheng

Yin Zhusheng

Snake Head

Director: Johnnie To

Written by: Wai Ka-Fai, Ryker Chan, Yau Nai-Hoi

Frequently Asked Questions

Drug War is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 6.9/10 from 299 viewers, Drug War is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

During a major drug raid a feared cartel boss is seized by police and finds himself pulled into a high stakes arrangement. Under pressure from the authorities he agrees to provide information that could dismantle his former network, hoping for leniency or leverage. As the undercover operation tig...

Drug War stars Louis Koo, Sun Honglei, Crystal Huang Yi, Michelle Ye Xuan, and Lam Suet.

Drug War was directed by Johnnie To.

Drug War was released on November 15, 2012.

Drug War is a Action, Drama, and Crime film.

Louis Koo plays Timmy Choi in Drug War. Timmy Choi is a central character involved in the undercover operation at the heart of the plot.

Sun Honglei plays Captain Zhang Lei in Drug War. He is one of the film's primary officers pursuing the drug cartel.

Michelle Ye Xuan plays Sal in Drug War. Her character is part of the core ensemble in the movie's crime drama.

Drug War is rated R. The rating indicates it contains mature themes typical of action crime dramas.