Hong Kong is often regarded as the most secure city in Asia. However, on this particular night, a police van has been seized, along with its weapons, equipment, and five officers, one of whom is the son of police deputy commissioner M.B. Lee. With the chief commissioner attending a conference abroad, the determined Lee takes charge of the rescue mission, dubbed “Cold War.” The kidnappers, however, seem to have insider knowledge of police tactics, giving them an upper hand. Disagreeing with Lee’s aggressive yet ineffective approach, fellow deputy commissioner Sean Lau steps in to manage the crisis. Despite Lau’s strategic attempt to negotiate, the plan fails disastrously, resulting in the loss of a $50 million ransom and the death of his lieutenant. Meanwhile, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) launches an investigation into Lau and Lee, suspecting they may have undisclosed connections to the kidnappers.