Kei is the experienced leader of a team of pickpockets — also known as "Sparrows" in HK slang. He enjoys a carefree lifestyle taking photos. One day a dashing beauty, Chun-Lei, suddenly appears in Kei's viewfinder. Kei is mesmerized. But behind Chun-Lei's attractive facade lies a mysterious past and a mission to set herself free.
Cinematography
Every frame looks like a Wong Kar-wai fever dream.
Direction
Johnnie To turns pickpocketing into synchronized swimming.
Score
Music becomes another character entirely.
Director
Johnnie To
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Johnnie To shot this between two Election films, treating it as a 'vacation' movie with no script — just locations, music, and actors improvising.
The 'sparrow' slang for pickpockets references the bird's quick, darting movements — and in Chinese culture, sparrows symbolize joy and freedom, the film's central tension.
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