Running Out of Time (; literal title: Hidden War) is a 1999 Hong Kong action thriller film produced and directed by Johnnie To and starring Andy Lau as a cancer-ridden criminal who challenges a police negotiator, played by Sean Lau, to a 72-hour battle of wits and courage. Andy Lau won his first Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor in 2000 for his performance in the film. The film was followed by a sequel, Running Out of Time 2, which was released in 2001.

Plot

Inspector Ho Sheung-sang (Sean Lau) is a talented police negotiator who often goes unrecognized. He meets Cheung Wah (Andy Lau), a man with only weeks to live, who sets up an elaborate game to challenge Ho. Cheung first appears during a fake robbery at a finance company, using fake bullets and a mock bomb to pull Ho into a three-day contest. Cheung keeps outsmarting the police, escaping with clever disguises and careful planning. As the game progresses, Ho becomes increasingly determined to find out why Cheung chose him and what the game's real purpose is.