synopsis
Kei is a pickpocket who works with three friends in the streets of Hong Kong. He leads a carefree life, and spends his free time riding a bicycle and taking photographs. All four of them are seduced by beautiful Chun Lei who asks them to steal a key for her. However, the task is much harder than it seemed at first because there are others who are interested in the same plunder.

about the director
Johnnie To was born in Hong Kong in 1955, and his film career began in 1974 when he started to work as an assistant in TV production. He started to produce and direct television films in 1977. From 1980s, he produced and/or directed more than fifty feature films. He is mostly known for his comedies and action films. Milkyway Image, his own production company, was founded in 1996, and from 1999 on his films participate in the program of the Forum Berlinale.

festivals and awards
A world premiere, Main Program Berlinale 2008

from the director's filmography
2008 Man jeuk (Sparrow)
2007 Tie saam gok (Triangle)
2007 Sun taam (Mad Detective)
2006 Fong juk (Exiled )
2006 Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai (Election 2)
2005 Hak se wui (Election)
2004 Daai si gin (Breaking News)
2003 PTU (PTU - Police Tactical Unit)
2003 Daai chek liu (Running on Karma)
2001 Sau san naam neui (Love on a Diet)
2000 Goo naam gwa neui (Needing You...)
1999 Am zin (Running Out of Time )
1999 Cheung fo (The Mission)
1999 Joi gin a long (Where a Good Man Goes)

about the film
Man jeuk (a sparrow) means a street pickpocket in the Hong Kong slang. It refers to both the necessary skill of drawing out the wallet from the victim’s pocket, as well ass the quick disappearance in case they are discovered during their work.