With a budget of 200 million Hong Kong dollars for the film's production, lead actors Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse were insured for a total of 150 million, and 20 bodyguards were hired for their protection. The producers were given access to military equipment — including aircraft and tanks — from the Air Force for use in the film's scenes. Filming took place in various locations around the world: Hong Kong, Xi'an, the Middle East, and Malaysia, with about 80% of the footage shot in Kuala Lumpur. Some scenes were filmed on the grounds of the International Medical University, as well as at an abandoned construction site in the city. The traffic jam episode, for example, was filmed on Jalan Raja Chulan during public holidays when the city was less congested.

Filming Locations:

Petronas Twin Towers

In the Movie

Scene where John takes control of the helicopter and flies away with Yeung and Rachel. They head to the coordinates given by Sean. But upon arrival, it becomes clear it's a trap: they are met by Mark, Sean's man. He wounds Yeung and kidnaps Rachel before they can react.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Petronas Twin Towers — one of the most recognizable symbols of Kuala Lumpur and modern Malaysia. These 88-story steel-and-glass skyscrapers are connected by a sky bridge and rise in the center of the capital's business district.

Hospital

In the Movie

Scene where during a failed mission, Ice dies, and John is hit by a bullet in the head that cannot be removed without risking his life. Doctors give him two weeks before complete paralysis sets in, and he tries to use this time to deal with everything left unfinished.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the International Medical University (IMU) — a modern campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This private university, with English as the medium of instruction, specializes in medicine and related disciplines. The location provided the production with clean, sterile interiors typical of medical educational institutions.

Police Station

In the Movie

Scene where Man Yeung is accused of numerous violent crimes he committed. During escort to prison, he attacks police officers and makes a successful escape, disarming the officers and jumping from the building's balcony.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur — one of the central police stations of the Malaysian capital. The building is located in a busy part of the city, surrounded by roads, administrative offices, and shops. The architecture is strict and functional: concrete facade, national symbols, guarded entrance, and parking for official vehicles.

Street

In the Movie

Scene where on a street TV screen — an emergency news broadcast: the anchor reports the escape of a particularly dangerous criminal, Man Yeung. Among the crowd is a little girl. She stops in front of a store window where the TV is installed and watches intently, listening to every word.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the center of Kuala Lumpur — a bustling part of the city where modern skyscrapers coexist with historic colonial architecture. The streets feature heavy traffic, shopping malls, street markets, and cafes serving local cuisine.