I liked the characters a lot. It's smart, and sometimes funny with cool action.

Despite an absolutely cheesy soundtrack, I had a good time with this. Some fun and/or original developments in a typical 'smart guy trying to outsmart another smart guy' story, though you shouldn't watch it for its sense of realism.

Fun Hong Kong action, albeit a little slight.

On the one hand, it's an incredible caper movie to rival "The Sting" itself, with phenomenal performances by Andy Lau and Ching Wan Lau, and crazy scenarios and stand-offs. At the same time, it has a real emotional edge with the subplot of a dying man falling in love with a woman, who he must reject. Throughout, Johnnie To does a masterful job directing. A true all-time classic.