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The plot of Cop on a Mission is hardly a new one. Cop goes undercover and gets seduced by the criminal lifestyle. It has been done a million times before but this still has something to offer.

Daniel Wu plays Mike, a cop who is becoming increasingly frustrated with his tiresome job with little benefits, whilst the criminals live a life of luxury. He is offered a undercover job to infiltrate a Triad gang led by Boss Tin (Eric Tsang). Mike slowly becomes engrossed in this world and in Tin's wife (Suki Kwan). The acting by these three actors is top notch, particularly the charismatic Eric Tsang who steals every scene he appears in. It is this acting that lifts the film from mediocrity. One of the major flaws in this film is the music. It features some syrupy ballads over the romantic moments which would seem more at home on Emmanuelle.

Cop on a Mission can't really compete with other similar Asian films like Infernal Affairs (also starring Tsang), but it is enjoyable and at times is reminiscent of such classic gangster films as The Untouchables and Goodfellas (although never really matching them). It also throws up some neat twists at the end, making this a worthwhile watch.