Rush Hour movie Script:
FADE IN:
EXT. HONG KONG -- NIGHT
We're in a HELICOPTER POV flying over Hong Kong's dazzling skyline.
SUPER - HONG KONG - JUNE 30, 1997
FADE UP the sound of a RADIO NEWSCAST as we continue to fly over
luxury, high rise condos, gleaming corporate headquarters, and
busy freeways.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(British accent)
...and now, in something less than
three hours, what was once known as
the Asian pearl of the British Empire
will revert forever to The People's
Republic of China...
Suddenly, we break out of the lights of the city and FLY LOW over the
dark harbor. The newscaster's voice blends with the WHUMP WHUMP of the
chopper.
CUT TO:
INT. A WAREHOUSE-NIGHT
We're CLOSE on a huge gleaming DRAGON made of tin. The dragon seems to
float effortlessly across a concrete warehouse floor.
PULL BACK until we see that it's riding on a fork lift toward a SHIP
docked at the warehouse.
As the dragon moves, we see it pass PRICELESS CHINESE ART OBJECTS
including ceramics, glass paintings, and huge statues.
CHINESE MEN move quickly as they load this precious cargo into the hold
of the ship.
INT. THE HOLD-NIGHT
The dragon is now descending right on top of us as it's lowered by A
CRANE. A Chinese man carrying an AUTOMATIC WEAPON looks up at the
dragon as he walks by. We hold on the dragon.
Suddenly, A MAN'S FACE appears in the dragon's mouth. This is LEE,
dressed all in black. He dives head first out of the dragon and lands
silently on the deck.
EXT.THE SHIP-NIGHT
Another GUARD, cradling an M-16, walks around a railing and looks over
the side. Suddenly, A HAND reaches up and pulls him over the edge. He
disappears and a beat later we HEAR A SPLASH.
ON ANOTHER GUARD
He's coming up a LADDER, automatic weapon slung over his shoulder. He
HEARS something, turns on the ladder. Nothing. When he starts back up
WHACK! A foot kicks him off the ladder and the ship. SPLASH.
ON TWO GUARDS
Lee dispatches them with a FLURRY OF HANDS. SPLASH, SPLASH.
ON THE BOSS
A handsome Chinese man named SANG stands at the railing watching the
loading process. He SHOUTS in MANDARIN and people jump to his command.
Then something catches his eye.
CLOSE ON
The top of the warehouse. We see another man's FACE peer over the edge.
And then disappear again.
ON THE WAREHOUSE
Ten HONG KONG COPS, weapons at the ready, are spread out on the roof
watching the loading action.
ON SANG
He turns and sees A HELICOPTER in the distance bearing down on the
boat. Without showing any panic, Sang steps inside his ship office.
He runs to his desk and grabs a REBREATHER MASK from a drawer. He looks
up suddenly and sees Lee standing in the doorway.
Sang doesn't move a muscle as the two men stare at each other. Suddenly
AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE erupts everywhere as the raid beings.
Sang dives for a Berretta taped under his desk. He grabs it and starts
firing. Lee rolls across the office dodging bullets.
Sang runs out and down a flight of steps. Lee follows on his heels.
EXT. THE SHIP-NIGHT
A battle is in full progress as the Cops fire down on the bad guys. The
helicopter joins the fray. We see a machine gun spray the warehouse
from the chopper's open door.
INT. THE BOAT-NIGHT
Sang runs down another flight of steps, deeper in the bowels of the
ship. He stops for an instant and fits the REBREATHER MASK over his
face. Then he turns and fires four rounds at Lee who has to dive back
in another passageway.
ON LEE
He comes hurtling down the steps. He stops. We hear nothing except the
distant sound of GUNFIRE. Then faintly at first, we hear WATER
SLOSHING.
Lee walks down a dark passageway and stops. He looks down at a round
HOLE in the deck, just big enough for a man. Dark harbor water SLOSHES
in the hole.
EXT. DECK-NIGHT
Lee runs up on deck as the battle is ending. Police arrest dozens of
bad guys. But Lee looks out at the water where one bad guy got away.
CUT TO:
EXT. HAN'S RESIDENCE -- NIGHT
We're in a LARGE ORIENTAL GARDEN for a black tie dinner. Tuxedos and
gowns. An assortment of worldly players. HAN, a handsome charismatic
man is the focus of attention. He and his wife CHI-YING are at one of
the tables.
THOMAS GRIFFIN, 50, British, but warm and personable, has the floor.
He is at Han's table, holding up a glass of bubbly.
GRIFFIN
-- because in my heart, I look upon it
as a tragedy. Yes, ladies and
gentlemen, a tragedy.
(to Han)
Forgive me, my friend. But I believe
Hong Kong cannot afford to lose men of
your character. It's understandable
that China has envisioned a new role
for you in the United States. But
those of us here in law enforcement,
can only look upon your leave-taking
with sadness. And speaking personally,
I will sorely miss your unbridled
support of British Hong Kong Police.
So, for all us Brits who ever carried
a shield in Hong Kong...
(lifts his glass)
We will miss you, but we wish you
nothing but happiness in America.
The glasses clink. Lee, now dressed in a tuxedo, suddenly appears at
Han's side. He whispers something in his ear. Han stands, glass in
hand.
HAN
(to Griffin)
Tom, thank you. Very much.
(to the group)
I am pleased to be able to leave you
and Hong Kong with a gift tonight:
less than an hour ago, Detective Lee
and his special task force have once
and for all crushed the Juntao
Criminal Organization.
Shock and then applause all around the table.
HAN (cont'd)
This is the kind of legacy I have
dreamed about: to leave this city
safer than I found it. To Hong
Kong...forever.
Everyone drinks.
ON LEE
He's walking back up to the house when he senses someone behind him.
He turns and receives a fist to the stomach.
SOON YOUNG, Han's daughter is pissed.
SOON YOUNG
When were you going to tell me you
were not going with us?
LEE
I still have work to do here.
SOON YOUNG
I don't believe you. My father was
explaining to Mr. Griffin. That is
how I found out.
LEE
I was trying to find the right time.
SOON YOUNG
After I left?
And she throws another punch at him. But he catches her hand. And
holds it tightly, to keep from being hit again.
LEE
I am going to miss you very much, Soon
Young. If I ever have a daughter, I
hope she is like you.
Soon Young yanks her hand away from him. She glares at
him for a moment, then --
SOON YOUNG
I will not have friends in America.
LEE
Soon Young, don't worry. You will
have many friends very soon. You will
see. America is a very friendly
place.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A DINER-NIGHT
We're somewhere in DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA looking at a VINTAGE DINER with a
lot of glass windows all the way around it.
We see two women seated in a booth, looking out at us.
INT. THE DINER-NIGHT
One woman is SHIRLEY JOHNSON, beautiful, poised, generally not nervous
like she is now. The other woman, LOIS, is in her early 20's, nasty
looking, dangerous, and strung out.
Both women are looking out into the parking lot. After a beat, Johnson
gets up.
JOHNSON
I gotta pee.
She walks away. Lois watches her closely.
EXT. THE DINER PARKING LOT-NIGHT
We're on JAMES CARTER mid twenties, dressed to impress. It doesn't
appear to be working, however, because he has a GUN to his head.
MAN'S VOICE
You don't move, you understand?! You
don't move!
CARTER
Do I look like I'm movin'?! What
you're seeing here? This is not
movement. This is my "still".
The man who is holding the gun is HENRY LAFONTAINE, thirty, shaved
head, expensive clothes.
Lafontaine pushes Carter until he's leaning forward on a parked JAGUAR.
He starts patting Carter down. With his feet spread apart, hands
spread on the trunk, Carter looks like a suspect who is being arrested.
Lafontaine starts feeling around Carter's legs, moving higher up.
CARTER
Hey, hey, you start touching me there,
I'm gonna start movin'! Word up,
mother...
LAFONTAINE
(interrupting)
Shut up!
CARTER
You a cop or something?
LAFONTAINE
Or somethin'.
Lafontaine backs off, pulling the gun away from Carter's head.
LAFONTAINE
Okay.
Carter straightens himself.
CARTER
This is not a good way to start a
relationship, stickin' a gun to a
man's head, feelin' around his
personal equipment. Make him think
you don't trust him.
LAFONTAINE
I don't trust anybody. Especially
first time deals.
CARTER
I oughta pat your ass down. Make sure
you're not a cop.
LAFONTAINE
Nobody touches me.
CARTER
Shit, I ain't interested in puttin' my
hands on you. That does nothin' for
me. No. I don't need to be pattin' no
ass. All I'm sayin' is, how do I know
you're not a cop?
Lafontaine opens the trunk of the JAGUAR.
Inside are MANY SMALL WRAPPED PACKAGES with U.S. ARMY stenciled on
them.
LAFONTAINE
Because cops don't have the U.S.
Government's finest...at my prices.
Carter looks at the merchandise.
CARTER
Ooooh. That's pretty.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER BATHROOM-NIGHT
JOHNSON is sitting in a stall, headphones on, talking into a
transmitter.
JOHNSON
OK, Carter, gimme something here.
Start with the color of the packaging.
ON CARTER
He sticks a pinky in one ear and scratches.
INSERT
A TINY MICROPHONE is in Carter's ear.
CARTER
Yeah...beautiful. What would you call
that paper there? Kind of a...Robin
egg blue color?
ON JOHNSON
JOHNSON
(into the mike)
Good. That's standard military
packaging for plastique. Get a look
under it.
ON CARTER
He leans over the packages and slits one open.
CARTER
You know something? Every time I see
this stuff, it reminds me of...uh...a
double latte grande...
(still looking)
With two shots of non-fat milk.
LAFONTAINE
What are you talking about?
ON JOHNSON
JOHNSON
(into the mike)
That's it. High intensity C-4. We got
his ass.
CLICK. Carter looks up at a cute little silver plated .38 that Lois is
pointing down on her from the next stall.
LOIS
Step out slowly. Or I'll blow your
hair style into the toilet. Where it
belongs.
ON CARTER
He sees a wire coming out of one side of the package.
CARTER
(speaking loudly)
What's this little green wire coming
out one side of the package?
LAFONTAINE
I wouldn't touch that if I were you.
Lafontaine pulls a remote DETONATOR out of his pocket.
LAFONTAINE
I get the money, you get the
detonator.
(smiles)
First date's are always scary.
Lafontaine shuts the trunk. Hands the keys to Carter.
HESS
You cross the street, leave the money
on the sidewalk. I'll leave the
detonator on my side. Then we trade
places. Get the picture?
LOIS VO
Hey, honey...
Lafontaine turns to see Johnson, who's wearing a sexy short skirt,
walking toward them with Lois bringing up the rear.
LOIS
She talks to herself on the potty.
Lois shoves Johnson ahead, revealing the GUN in one hand and Johnson's
TRANSMITTER in the other.
LOIS (cont'd)
(to Lafontaine )
Let's kill her.
(cocking the .38)
I'll flip you for it.
Lafontaine turns to Carter, but Carter is already throwing a punch.
Connecting. Lafontaine falls.
The remote drops as Lois FIRES at Carter.
The bullet ricochets off the car. Lafontaine sees the remote, makes a
dive for it. But another hand gets there first.
Lois turns the gun on Johnson.
CARTER
No!
Carter is holding the detonator. Stand-off.
Carter grabs Lafontaine. Pulls him up. Lois grabs Johnson, pulls her
back by her hair, shoves the gun to her head. She's going to shoot
anyway.
LAFONTAINE
Lois, don't!
Lois has the look of a child who hates to be told she can't do
something. Johnson looks at Carter. She offers the best I'm sorry she
can muster with her eyes.
CARTER
Put the gun down.
LOIS
After you're dead. I promise.
Carter tightens his grip around Lafontaine's throat.
CARTER
Okay, look, we're gonna make a trade.
You cross the street, leave her on the
sidewalk. I will leave him on this
side. Then we trade places. You get
him, I get her. Get the picture,
Lois?
LAFONTAINE
(to Lois)
Do it!
EXT. DOWNEY BLVD-- NIGHT
Lois leads Johnson across the street. Gun to her side. When she gets
to the sidewalk, she turns, looks back at Carter. He's on the opposite
side, holding Lafontaine.
Lois starts back across the street. Dodging traffic. And Carter does
the same, detonator in hand. Carter and Lois cross toward each other.
HORNS HONK. But getting hit by a car is the least of their worries.
They stare at each other as they cross traffic. Lois wants to kill
Carter. She's got that look. Johnson and Lafontaine wait on opposite
sides. Then as Carter and Lois are almost opposite each other --
LAFONTAINE
Kill him!
Lafontaine starts running. Carter moves.
Lois starts shooting. Hitting cars, smashing windshields. Cars careen
into each other. Carter jumps over one, almost hit by another.
Lois is in the middle of the street, firing at Carter.
Another windshield hit. Car swerving. Carter falls, the detonator
skidding away. Across the lane.
Carter is in direct line of fire. And she takes aim as a TRUCK RUNS
OVER THE DETONATOR.
AN EXPLOSION roars in the parking lot. The Jaguar and SIX OTHER CARS go
up in a ball of fire. Lois is knocked into the street.
The diner windows ALL BLOW OUT AT ONCE.
Carter SEES Lafontaine running for a car stopped on the street.
Lafontaine pulls open the door, grabs the driver. Then Lafontaine
looks up and SEES --
Carter APPEARING THROUGH THE SMOKE. Running toward him.
Lafontaine drops the driver, swings at Carter, but Carter tackles him,
slamming him into the car. Lafontaine tries to throw a punch. But
Carter spins him around and shoves him into the car window, head first.
Window shattering.
Lafontaine is out. Carter pulls him out of the car. Lafontaine slumps.
Carter kneels next to him, pulling out his identification.
CARTER
Los Angeles Police. You are under
arrest. Anything you say may be used
to put your ass in jail, you piece of
shit.
Carter sits down next to Lafontaine. He's tired and hurting.
Johnson runs up, gun in hand.
JOHNSON
You okay?
Johnson kneels down next to him. Her short skirt hikes up her legs.
Carter looks at one of her thighs.
CARTER
Not anymore.
JOHNSON
Where'd you get it?
Carter looks at Johnson and points to his heart. She suddenly looks
pissed.
JOHNSON (cont'd)
Oh, give it up!
CUT TO:
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE -- MORNING
A large entrance to the Ambassador's Residence. Han is waiting by the
door, briefcase in hand, as Soon Young sweeps down the grand stairway,
backpack over one shoulder, lunch bag in hand. She stops at the bottom
of the stairs.
SOON YOUNG
I forgot --
(races back upstairs)
-- something.
Han starts to protest, but... what's the use? He looks at his watch.
Then up at Chi-Ying as she comes down the stairs.
HAN
Will somebody please tell our daughter
that I am the Ambassador?
Chi-Ying just shrugs. Nothing can be done about it.
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE, LOS ANGELES -- DAY
ESTABLISHING. FLAG of PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA hanging from a
standard. A MERCEDES waiting in front. DRIVER and BODY GUARD with the
car.
Han and Soon Young finally appear. Heading for the car. Soon Young
gets into the back seat. And just as Han is about to get in next to
her, Chi-Ying comes out after him.
CHI-YING
Telephone. China.
The Ambassador holds up his hands in exasperation. What's a guy to do?
He turns to the driver.
HAN
Drop her off, then come back.
(to Body Guard)
Go with them.
(to Soon Young)
I love you.
Han kisses Soon Young on the cheek, then gets out of the car and rushes
back into the house. Chi-Ying waves to Soon Young as the car pulls out
of the driveway.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE -- MORNING
Han puts down his briefcase, picks up the phone.
HAN
(into phone; in Chinese)
This is Han...
(in English)
Hello? Hello?
Nothing. Han replaces the phone with a troubled expression.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF BEVERLY HILLS -- MORNING
The MERCEDES makes its way down tree-lined streets. Houses, cars, very
few people -- this is a very affluent neighborhood.
It turns onto a bridge leading down into the Beverly Hills FLATS. A
WELCOME TO THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS sign flashes past.
INT. MERCEDES/REAR SEAT -- CONTINUOUS
Soon Young leans forward and inserts a CD into the deck. As the music
comes on she flips the dial to maximum -- total chaos. The sounds of
R&B/HIP HOP fill the car.
FRONT SEAT
The Bodyguard and driver look at one another -- what is that racket?
The bodyguard turns around and reaches through the partition lowering
the volume.
Soon Young turns the music back up. The bodyguard reaches through and
turns it down again.
She leans forward, pushing the bodyguard away and turns the music back
up. A staring contest. She slams the privacy glass shut in his face.
The bodyguard shakes his head turns back around.
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS FLATS -- CONTINUOUS
The Mercedes turns onto Wilshire Boulevard where cars are backed up at
least two blocks. Farther ahead, a PIGGY BACK OIL TRUCK has jack
knifed and turned over, blocking traffic in both directions. Cops mill
around trying to create order out of chaos.
INT. MERCEDES/FRONT SEAT -- CONTINUOUS
The driver checks the rearview: Too late, more cars stacking behind
him. Up ahead an ASIAN traffic cop diverts cars onto Dayton Way. The
driver nudges the bodyguard, points at the wreck.
DRIVER
(in Mandarin)
LA drivers.
The car inches onto Dayton Way.
A SECOND TRAFFIC COP directs them onto Rodeo. As the Mercedes pulls
alongside him, the bodyguard notices he's Asian too.
EXT. RODEO DRIVE -- CONTINUOUS
A DELIVERY VAN waits as the Mercedes stops at the corner. The passenger
door opens and an Asian MAN slides out, traffic cop uniform, white
gloves, glasses, hat pulled low.
INT. REAR SEAT -- CONTINUOUS
Soon Young barely pays attention as she watches the cop knock on the
bodyguard's window.
EXT. MERCEDES -- CONTINUOUS
The bodyguard cautiously lowers the glass.
BODYGUARD
Yes, officer?
The Cop leans in as if to speak,
BOOM!
Blows him away. The bodyguard slumps forward. BOOM! The driver gets
it. We see now the cop is SANG.
IN THE REAR
Soon Young is shocked but she thinks fast, scoots across the seat as
Sang jerks the door open. She flies out the other door, he manages to
get a handful of backpack, she quickly wriggles free, slams the door
shut behind her and starts running.
EXT. MERCEDES/STREET
She turns around, sees Sang making his way OVER the car. She runs
through traffic towards a shopping structure, 2 Rodeo Dr.
Sang curses when he sees he can't reach her and heads back to the van.
EXT. STREET/2 RODEO DRIVE -- CONTINUOUS
Soon Young runs around the corner breathing hard. She hugs the edge of
the building. Peeks back around. Sees a van making a sharp U-turn,
headed her way. She starts across the cobblestones. BEHIND HER, a
MOTORCYCLE pulls out. She's in the middle of the street.
VAROOM!
The biker scoops her up under his left arm, pulls onto Rodeo.
THE DELIVERY VAN
Screeches up.
ON SANG
He jumps out and opens the back of the van. Soon Young takes a SWING AT
HIM. Sang grabs her arm easily and then viciously PUNCHES HER, sending
her flying back into the van.
Sang slams the doors. Trots to the front. They pull out.
LITTLE SANTA MONICA --
the van and motorcycle head off in separate directions.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE COMPOUND -- DAY
UNMARKED CARS roar down the road, racing up to the residence. TWO CARS
stay on the street outside.
SEVERAL MEN IN SUITS get out, head for the residence. Some lugging
equipment. In the lead is AGENT IN CHARGE, WARREN RUSS. The door
opens, they enter.
INT. AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE - DAY
Ambassador Han greets them. He has obviously been through great
strain, but maintains his composure.
RUSS
Ambassador, I'm Warren Russ, FBI Agent
in Charge. This is Agent Whitney.
DAN WHITNEY, thirty-eight, ex-football type, solid American, shakes
hands with the Ambassador.
RUSS (cont'd)
I know this is a difficult time but...
HAN
(interrupting)
You can set up in my office.
INT. OFFICE -- DAY
Office off the main entrance. Elegantly furnished. Chinese Flag.
Political photographs. The FBI is already setting up equipment.
Tapping phone lines.
Han watches them for a moment as his personal life is pushed aside and
the Feds take over. Then he approaches Russ.
HAN
I would like one of my people to help.
RUSS
Ambassador, let me assure you that the
FBI has made this a top priority. We
have plenty of manpower on the case.
HAN
He is very good.
RUSS
As I said, sir, we've got all the
people we need.
Russ turns away.
HAN
I am not an American, Mr. Russ. My
daughter is not an American.
RUSS
I understand, sir. But you are an
honored guest of the United States...
HAN
(interrupting)
He is already on the plane. I hope
you will treat him with the same
respect you have shown me.
Russ stares at Han, not sure how to handle this situation. Mr. Han
bows and exits. Leaving Russ at a loss. Whitney comes up behind him.
WHITNEY
What was that all about?
RUSS
He wants his own man.
WHITNEY
What?!
CUT TO:
EXT. LAPD-DAY
The entrance is UNDERGROUND and very busy. Carter and Johnson pull up
in the sedan.
INT. DETECTIVE DIVISION ROOM - L.A.P.D. -- DAY
Overloaded DETECTIVES at desks. Trying to solve too many crimes in a
city with too many bad people. Din of PHONES, KEYBOARDS, VOICES.
A pissed off Johnson enters in front of Carter.
CARTER
You're killin' me here.
JOHNSON
Carter, just because you saved my
butt, doesn't mean it's yours.
CARTER
Oh, baby, you cruel...
Johnson enters a small office right across from Carter's desk where he
now plops down.
TWO DETECTIVES walk up.
FIRST DETECTIVE
Heard about what happened over there
at the diner. Nice work.
SECOND DETECTIVE
(laughing)
Not everybody gets to blow up a city
block.
FIRST DETECTIVE
Don't worry about it. Nobody liked
the food there anyway.
SECOND DETECTIVE
Probably give you a medal. For urban
renewal.
Both Detectives slap hands and laugh.
CARTER
That's good. What did you two do? Work
that up in the men's room while you
were playing with each other?
The cops stop laughing. They walk away when Carter's phone rings.
CARTER
Carter... Yeah... uh-huh...now? Okay.
He hangs up and looks at Johnson in her office.
CARTER (cont'd)
Captain wants to see me.
JOHNSON
(melting)
Last night's as much my fault as
yours. If he's gonna put the blame on
anybody --
CARTER
Hey, I was senior. It's OK. This is
why I get the big bucks.
Carter gets up and crosses toward the CAPTAIN'S OFFICE in the corner of
the room. A brave man facing the Lion's den. Even Johnson can't help
but admire his courage.
INT. CAPT. DIEL'S OFFICE -- DAY
WILLIAM DIEL is behind his desk. Diel is fifty, professional, doesn't
smile a lot. He's not smiling now. Carter enters.
DIEL
I don't know what went wrong last
night, but this department could've
lost one detective and our only
explosives expert.
CARTER
Sir, I can explain.
DIEL
What you did was dangerous and
completely outside policy.
CARTER
I know, but --
DIEL
That's probably the only reason
Johnson's still alive.
This takes Carter a little by surprise.
DIEL
Good job.
CARTER
Hey, sir, it was a pleasure to
preserve Johnson's ass.
(pause)
Well...you know what I mean.
DIEL
I got a call from the F.B.I. The
daughter of the Chinese Ambassador has
been kidnapped and they asked for
help. You're it.
Carter straightens his posture a bit.
CARTER
Feds asked for me?
DIEL
They asked for the best street man I
had.
Carter tries to be humble, but... damn, that's hard.
CARTER
And that, of course, would be me.
DIEL
Don't push it. You better watch your
ass with these Fed types. If there's a
screw-up, they won't think twice about
burnin' it.
INT. DETECTIVE DIVISION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Carter exits Diel's office, crosses back through the desks to his own.
A lot of eyes on him.
Johnson comes out of her office.
JOHNSON
What happened?
Carter just packs up his stuff.
JOHNSON
Did he fire you? He can't fire you!
Carter puts a hand on her shoulder.
CARTER
Hey, baby, it's cool. Captain just
reassigned me to the Feds.
JOHNSON
The Feds?!
CARTER
FBI needs a taste of the street.
And I'm it.
Carter returns to packing up his stuff.
CARTER
Way he put it, I was the only one he
thought could handle it. But you know
what the worst thing is?
JOHNSON
(caught up in it)
No...what?
CARTER
I could get promoted right out of
here.
JOHNSON
What's wrong with that?
CARTER
I wouldn't be close to you.
(sniffing)
What is that perfume, girl?
Johnson comes back to reality.
JOHNSON
No matter how many times you go
undercover, you still come out an
asshole.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -- DAY
Unmarked car pulls up in front of the Chinese Consulate. Carter sticks
his badge out the window to FBI Agents. Carter is wearing shades.
Playing it cool.
CARTER
Detective James Carter. L.A.P.Deee.
One of the Agents relays the information via his radio. Then they open
the gates. Carter drives in.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE -- DAY
Carter enters. The place is under FBI control. But everything's gonna
be okay now. Carter's here. Carter is the only one not in a dark
suit.
Interviews of all staff being conducted in one room - we get a glimpse
as a door opens and an AGENT with an EAR PLUG exits. Carter gives the
Agent a knowing nod.
CARTER
(re: ear plug)
Oh yeah, gotta get me one a those.
Sees ANOTHER FBI AGENT with a high-powered rifle move past.
CARTER
Ooo, there's a chill. Love that.
WHITNEY
Carter.
Carter sees Whitney motioning him into the office.
INT. HAN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Carter enters. Lots of activity. All electronic equipment is up and
running. AGENTS are testing the PHONE TAPE.
Russ is on the phone as Carter walks up.
RUSS
(into phone)
...yes, sir, I understand. I'll do my
best...but there is a question of
authority, sir... yes, sir, okay.
Russ hangs up. Turns to Carter. Carter nods. Confident that Russ
knows he's the man for the job.
RUSS
Carter. I'm Russ. Agent in charge.
Carter eyes him. The suit, the hair, the shine on the shoes. Russ
holds out his hand. They shake.
CARTER
Any demands yet?
RUSS
At this point we don't have much.
CARTER
How much they want?
RUSS
(ignoring him)
You come highly recommended, Carter.
And your particular assignment
requires a special talent.
CARTER
Interrogation is one a my specialties,
but undercover work is my forte.
Everything about Carter changes; posture, language, attitude, as he
morphs into a gang drug supplier.
CARTER
Yo, bro, y'cruisin' fo da go-dee on da
hi, u be comin' to da ri-man, say
what. [or something to this effect]
Russ stares at Carter for a moment. Carter quickly changes back to
himself.
CARTER
Never knew I was a man in blue.
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE -- DAY
Russ and Carter exit.
RUSS
... the director considers this top
priority, considering he is a Chinese
National and here under difficult
circumstances. His name is Lee. And
he is to be shown every courtesy.
Within reason.
CARTER
Sir, he's just gonna get in my way.
If I'm gonna handle this situation...
RUSS
(interrupting)
He is the situation.
Carter stops walking.
CARTER
I'm talking about the girl.
RUSS
Don't worry about the kidnapping,
Carter, the F.B.I. will handle that.
Your assignment is Lee.
Carter hesitates a moment, trying to sort this thing out.
CARTER
What kind of assignment is that?
RUSS
Bottom line: I don't want some Chung
King Cop getting his head blown off
and turning this operation into a
international incident.
CARTER
(getting hot)
Why don't you assign one of your own
men to this?
RUSS
Because with your special talents, I'm
sure you'll do a better job.
CARTER
What the hell am I supposed to do with
him? Take him to the zoo?
RUSS
Just make him think you're following
leads. Interview some suspects, look
at fingerprints, do detective shit. I
don't care. I just don't want to see
him- or you, for that matter- until
this is resolved.
(hands Carter a file)
Now, we want to make a good
impression, don't we? His plane lands
in an hour. Don't be late.
End of conversation. Russ returns to the house. Carter sizzles.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
Carter's unmarked car pulls into one of the POLICE ZONES.
INT. CARTERS UNMARKED CAR - PARKED -- CONTINUOUS
Carter looks at his watch. His mobile phone rings.
CARTER
Yeah.
INTERCUT WITH JOHNSON
She's at her desk.
JOHNSON
So how'd it go?
Carter perks up when he hears Johnson's voice.
CARTER
How'd what go?
JOHNSON
With the FBI. What do you think I'm
talking about?
Carter puts on some exuberance.
CARTER
Oh, you're not gonna believe what they
put me in charge of. They sent for
the Ambassador's personal Chinese
Investigator type. He is like the
baddest Asian shield they got. And I,
let me repeat that, I am the man who
is on the case with him. Just the two
of us, alone, workin' the whole deal
as a team.
JOHNSON
They put you in charge?
CARTER
In Charge. Just me'n him. No
interference. They don't even want to
hear from us until we're done. I love
the F.B.I. I love the F.B.I.
JOHNSON
Well...listen, if you need any help,
you know, back up, call me, OK?
CARTER
Oh baby, don't worry, I'll call you.
You can count on it.
JOHNSON
OK. Well...make us proud. And be
careful.
That takes a little of the wind out of Carter's sails. We can see it in
his face, but he tries his best not to let her hear it over the phone.
CARTER
Yeah, thanks.
He hangs up and mutters to himself.
CARTER (cont'd)
Yeah, gotta be careful. Might get run
over by a Sky Cap.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAX -- AFTERNOON
The CHINESE AIRLINES JET lands.
INT. LAX TERMINAL -- AFTERNOON
Carter is waiting at the GATE, the only one who could bypass Customs.
He's watching a parade of ASIAN PASSENGERS deplane, heading for
Customs.
CARTER
Mr. Lee. Is there a Mr. Lee on the
plane?
(no response)
Does anybody know Mr. Lee?
(no response)
Mr. Lee from China.
Carter is losing his patience. Passengers continue to deplane. But
their ranks are thinning.
CARTER
Mr. Lee.
Finally the last of the last. An ELDERLY ASIAN MAN AND WOMAN.
CARTER
Mr. and Mrs. Lee?
They look at him, smile, but continue past.
CARTER
I don't believe this! First I get
stuck with this --
LEE moves down the ramp and stops as he HEARS CARTER'S VOICE --
CARTER'S VOICE
-- lame ass assignment, now the
sonuvabitch doesn't even show up.
This is bullshit! Ain't my fault if
this limpdick can't make his plane.
Carter is about to leave when Lee exits the ramp. Looking at Carter.
And Carter looks at him.
CARTER
Mr. Lee?
Lee smiles and bows politely.
CARTER
You got bags?
No response from Lee. Carter assumes he can't speak English.
CARTER (cont'd)
Oh shit, you gotta be kiddin'.
Carter holds out his FBI IDENTIFICATION.
CARTER
You speaky Eng-lish?
Lee looks at Carter for a moment, then smiles and nods.
CARTER
Yeah, right, sure, uh-huh.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR -- AFTERNOON
Unmarked FBI sedan. Carter drives. Lee is looking out the window.
This is his first time to America. And despite the reason, he can't
help but look.
CARTER
First thing I gotta do is check you
in. So we have to go to L.A.P.D. H.Q.
(checking Lee )
You understand what I'm saying?
A beat, then Lee says:
LEE
(slowly)
You talk very fast.
CARTER
Okay, I'll slow down.
(just as fast)
So we go downtown and we ask you a few
questions... you know, like what's
your name? How old are you? You ever
expose yourself in public...shit like
that.
Carter waits to see if he's getting through. Lee just nods. Carter is
convinced he's just talking to himself.
CARTER
Yeah, good, we also will ask if you
have ever worn pink frilly
underwear...and what the hell is the
attraction of Karaoke to Asian
Peoples?
Lee nods as if he understands everything. Carter sighs. It's gonna be
a long assignment. Lee points to the RADIO.
CARTER
You want the radio? RAY-DEE-OHHH.
Lee nods.
CARTER
Why not? Beats talking shit to myself.
Lee smiles, nods. Carter turns on the radio. A BEACH BOYS SONG comes
on.
CARTER
Oh no...
Carter reaches for the radio, but Lee holds out his hand.
LEE
Beach Boy.
CARTER
You're shittin' me. You know the
Beach Boys?!
LEE
Beach Boy America.
(starts singing)
Help me Rhonda, help me get her out of
my --
Carter listens to Lee sing along for a moment, then --
CARTER
Beach Boy America my ass. You don't
look like a Beach Boy, you don't sound
like a Beach Boy. And your singin'
ability is only gonna make me do
something that I could get the death
penalty for. You want America, here's
America.
Carter changes the station. RAP MUSIC. Carter drums along with the
bass line. Moving his body to the beat, to make sure he shows the
effect of the rhythm.
CARTER
Tell me you can do this to the Beach
Boys.
Lee listens, trying hard to get it. He doesn't. He pushes the other
button back to HELP ME RHONDA.
LEE
(smiles)
Help me Rhonda.
CARTER
(incensed)
Let me give you a piece of advice:
never touch another man's radio. You
do it again, nobody, not Rhonda, not
Yolanda, gonna save your ass.
Carter pushes the button back to Rap.
CARTER
That is America, got it? That is
America.
CUT TO:
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Han is reviewing PHOTOGRAPHS with Whitney and Russ.
RUSS
-- operating out of San Francisco, has
been associated with one of the
Triads. This group was identified as
having entered the United States two
months ago --
The PHONE RINGS. Attention turns to the desk. Russ stands.
RUSS
This could be it.
(to Han)
Remember: try and keep him on the
phone as long as you can. Ask to
speak with your daughter. Ask how she
is... anything.
They cross to the desk. Han hesitates. Nervous. FOURTH RING. He
picks up the phone.
HAN
Hello.
MAN'S VOICE
Han?
HAN
Yes.
MAN'S VOICE
It's Griffin.
HAN
Griffin? Where are you.
Han turns to Russ. Russ mouths ³Do you know him?² Han nods.
GRIFFIN
Still in Hong Kong. But I'm afraid
this is not a social call. I have
just learned some disturbing
information. There is going to be an
attempt to kidnap you or a member of
your family. I don't know when. And
I'm not sure by whom. But I trust my
sources. You should contact the
F.B.I. immediately. They'll know what
to do.
HAN
I am afraid your source was very good.
They have Soon-Young.
GRIFFIN
Oh God, no. I'm so sorry, my friend.
Russ picks up the phone.
RUSS
This is Special Agent Russ, Federal
Bureau of Investigation. Would you
please identify yourself?
INT. HONG KONG APARTMENT - BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Overlooking downtown Hong Kong. Griffin is next to the window, phone
in hand, looking out at the lights of the city.
GRIFFIN
Yes, of course. My name is Thomas Ian
Griffin, former commander of British
Hong Kong police. The Ambassador and
I are old and close friends. He will
confirm this. But the information I
have just relayed to you is sensitive.
I'm sure you understand that I cannot
provide details over a telephone. But
in lieu of Soon Young's...situation,
I'll be on the next flight to Los
Angeles.
CUT TO:
INT. L.A.P.D. BUILDING -- AFTERNOON
Carter leads Lee toward the FRONT DESK. Holds up ID and motions to
Lee.
CARTER
He's with me.
Lee looks at the OFFICER, offering a short bow and a polite smile. The
Officer isn't used to such polite behavior. Can't help a smile back.
Carter sees the exchange. Makes him wanna puke. He leads Lee to the
ELEVATOR. They get in.
INT. ELEVATOR -- AFTERNOON
Carter and Lee enter. Doors close. They're alone.
CARTER
You carry a gun?
Lee looks at Carter as if questioning. Carter has no patience.
CARTER
A gun, a gun!
Carter reaches for his weapon, but suddenly Lee's hands move with
lightening speed - and Carter is suddenly staring at HIS OWN GUN IN
LEE'S HANDS.
CARTER
What're you doing?! I wasn't gonna
shoot you! I was trying to explain --
ah shit, give me the god damn gun.
Lee hesitates, then smiles and gives the gun back. Carter fumes. Holds
up his gun.
CARTER
You have one of these?
LEE
No.
CARTER
(holstering the gun)
Yeah, well you're in American now.
Everybody's got guns. That tricky
shit with your hands is gonna get your
ass shot to hell.
Lee smiles. Carter turns away. They ride in silence. Suddenly Carter
goes for his gun again.
And Lee's hands fly into action. And once again -- Carter is staring
at HIS OWN GUN IN LEE'S HANDS. Now Carter is really pissed. But Lee
smiles and hands the gun back.
Carter forces a smile. Takes the gun.
CARTER
You try that shit on me one more time,
I'll kick your ass. You understand
that? You know what kick your ass
means?
Lee smiles, nods.
CARTER
I'll bet you do.
The ELEVATOR STOPS. Doors open. Carter motions politely for Lee to
exit first and which direction to go.
INT. HALLWAY -- AFTERNOON
Lee exits. Carter comes out behind him. Takes a couple of steps.
Passing OTHER DETECTIVES getting onto the elevators. Carter follows
Lee, a step behind. Then he goes for his gun again.
Lee, as if he has eyes in the back of his head, spins, kicks.
And Carter is on his back, staring at the ceiling. Looking at his gun
in Lee's hands. Lee holds out his hand to help Carter up. Suddenly we
HEAR --
MAN'S VOICE
Put the gun down now!
Carter and Lee turn. A DETECTIVE has his gun leveled at Lee from ten
feet away - obviously mistaking the situation.
THE DETECTIVE
Put it down!
CARTER
It's alright. He's with me.
THE DETECTIVE
With you? He's pointing a goddamn gun
at you. You call that with you?
And now it's Lee's turn to speak - in perfect English.
LEE
He was just showing me how to take a
gun away from a suspect.
Carter looks at Lee in disbelief. Lee flips the gun around and hands
it back to Carter, butt first. Carter takes the gun, anger building.
Then Lee grabs Carter by the hand and pulls him off the floor.
THE DETECTIVE
You must be a helluva teacher.
LEE
Oh yes, he's very good.
THE DETECTIVE
(to Carter)
Just don't do that shit in the
hallway. I could've killed him.
CARTER
Oh yeah, maybe next time you will.
Lee smiles at the Detective and bows as they move past. The Detective
can't help but return the smile. Carter is pissed.
INT. MEN'S ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Carter bursts into the men's room. Lee follows him in.
CARTER
You speak English!
LEE
A little.
CARTER
Bullshit a little. You lied to me.
LEE
I didn't say I didn't. You assumed I
didn't.
CARTER
It's the same thing!
LEE
I am not responsible for your
assumptions.
CARTER
You're full of shit. Do you
understand what I'm saying to you?
Full of shit?
LEE
Not being able to speak is not the
same as not speaking. You seemed as
if you liked to talk. I like to let
people talk who like to talk. It
makes it easier to find out how full
of shit they are.
CARTER
Okay, fine, you're full a shit, I'm
full a shit.
LEE
(smiles)
We are both full of shit.
CARTER
Yeah, that's right. Now that we
understand each other... show me how
you did that.
Carter pantomimes Lee's fast hands. Whipping them around in a frenzy
of activity. Lee just watches Carter's pathetic attempt to mimic him
for a moment, then:
LEE
You should keep your gun.
CUT TO:
INT. AT CARTER'S DESK -- AFTERNOON
Carter is sitting on one side, Lee on the other. Carter is handing him
a bunch of brochures and information.
CARTER
... and there's a copy of our
insurance packages.
Carter hands another folder to Lee. Lee stares at the material. But
it's obvious he's losing patience himself.
LEE
I am afraid I don't understand the
importance of this information.
CARTER
Look, you want to work in this
country, you gotta know this crap.
Okay? We're gonna be in some deep
shit here. Working the danger zone.
And you need insurance. Cause, you
know, you might be starting some riots
and shit.
But Carter sees Johnson coming toward him. And he quickly puts on the
positive.
CARTER
So, my plan is, we hit the scene, walk
it --
Lee doesn't know what the hell Carter is talking about. Johnson glances
at Lee, then Carter.
CARTER
-- and get the feel for how it went
down. Then hit the witnesses --
Carter sees Johnson, smiles, waves. Lee turns to look, but Carter goes
quickly back to talking, as if what he has to say is too important to
interrupt.
CARTER
-- see who remembers what and how the
action went down.
Johnson watches for a moment, then she moves past. Realizing the
conversation is too important to interrupt. But she smiles at Lee.
CARTER
Because we gotta dig up the --
And Lee smiles at Johnson.
CARTER
-- what the hell is that?
LEE
What?
CARTER
That silly-ass look on your face.
LEE
I was being polite.
CARTER
Well don't do that. Polite don't work
here. You do that polite shit here in
America, they'll sue your ass for
harassment.
Lee just stares at Carter. America, according to Carter, is not what
he expected. But now that Johnson is safely past:
CARTER
Where were we?
LEE
Witnesses.
CARTER
Wait. You hungry? You gotta be
hungry, you just flew in from China.
And what'd they feed you, Chinese
food, right? Then you gotta be
hungry. Hell, it doesn't matter, I'm
hungry. We'll get some food on the
way to the Consulate.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATRE -- AFTERNOON
A HOT DOG STAND out in front. Carter is handed TWO HOT DOGS by the
COOK. Gives one to Lee.
CARTER
It's not really dog. Just called a
dog. Not like in Vietnam where if
they made one a these it'd be dog.
It's just made from... well, I'm not
sure what, but there ain't no dog in
it.
They move down the street and Carter gestures to the wild quasi-Chinese
architecture of the old Grauman Theatre.
CARTER
Just like home, huh? I never been to
China, but...
(looks at Lee)
... I guess this must be pretty much
it, huh? Dragons and shit.
Lee just stares at the garish design. He is not happy.
LEE
I thought you were taking me to the
consulate.
CARTER
Oh yeah, but this is on the way. And
you gotta see John Wayne's footprints.
Everybody does. It's almost like a
law. You can't believe how small his
feet were for a dude that big. Tiny
god damn feet!
Carter leads Lee to the foot prints in cement.
But a BUS LOAD OF ASIAN TOURISTS starts to move in, swirling around.
Carter looks at the foot prints for a beat, really getting tired of
this job. Then he turns to Lee and... is CONFRONTED BY THE BUS LOAD OF
ASIANS. Lee is no where to be seen.
CARTER
Lee?
(no Lee)
Lee!
A COUPLE of the ASIAN TOURISTS turn to him. Carter starts searching
through the tourists. Trying to pick him out.
Lee moves quickly through the Asians, smiling and commenting on the
concrete memorials, just like he's a tourist. And Carter can't pick
him out.
CARTER
Lee!
Carter suddenly sees him. His back to us. Grabs him from behind and
spins him around.
CARTER
Hey, I was callin' --
Then he realizes it's not Lee.
CARTER
Shit! Where'd he go?! LEE!
As Carter turns and confronts more ASIAN FACES, we SEE LEE slip past
him in the b.g.
CARTER
This ain't funny, man. I know you're
in there!
Carter turns, SEES ANOTHER BUS LOAD OF ASIAN PEOPLE unloading.
CARTER
Oh no, man, no!
Carter pushes through the tourists. And finally SEES Lee across the
street, hailing a cab. Carter can't believe it.
CARTER
Hey! What're you doin'?!
Lee turns, sees Carter. The cab is still too far away to get into. So
Lee goes running after it.
CARTER
Hey! Hey!
Carter takes off after him.
EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD -- AFTERNOON
Lee darts right across traffic - gymnastically moving through the flow
of traffic. HORNS HONK. A car skids to a stop, almost hitting him,
but Lee vaults over it.
Carter sees the maneuver, can't believe it. Continues after him,
trying not to get flattened.
CARTER
Come back here!
Lee grabs onto the back of a MOVING BUS, climbs up on top.
FROM ATOP THE BUS
Lee looks back at Carter. Carter is pouring on the speed, catching up
to the bus. He's going to catch Lee. Lee looks off the side at ANOTHER
BUS COMING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
CARTER
lunges at the bus, grabbing hold.
CARTER
Don't do this! You're gonna get hurt!
We're going to the Consulate, right
now, I swear --
Carter climbs up just in time to see --
LEE
-- leap from the bus to the OTHER BUS moving in the opposite direction.
He lands hard, grabbing hold.
CARTER
He watches in disbelief as Lee is now moving down the street in the
opposite direction. Carter starts back down the bus as fast as he can,
jumping the last four feet, right into the path of a CAR, which swerves
to avoid hitting him, into the path of ANOTHER CAR. HORNS HONK. CARS
SWERVE.
Carter runs down Hollywood Blvd. toward La Brea as we SEE --
LEE
-- JUMP ONTO THE TOP OF A MOVING VAN which is next to the Bus. Then
jumps from the VAN to a GARBAGE TRUCK just making the turn down La
Brea. Disappearing around the corner.
EXT. STREET - HOLLYWOOD AND LA BREA-- AFTERNOON
Carter reaches the corner in time to watch the Garbage Truck heading
toward Sunset Blvd. But he can't give up. What would he tell Russ? He
lost his assignment?
He starts running after the Garbage Truck. And as Carter runs past
CAMERA CRANES ACROSS TO ANOTHER DELIVERY TRUCK moving the opposite
direction.
And ON TOP OF THE DELIVERY TRUCK is Lee, staying low, watching Carter
run his poor tired ass off in the wrong direction.
Lee looks around quickly. A YELLOW CAB is moving down the cross
street.
INT. YELLOW CAB -- AFTERNOON
The DRIVER is cruising when a MAN seems to DROP from the sky right in
front of him. The Driver slams on the brakes and skids to a stop at a
smiling Lee.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE -- NIGHT
The taxi pulls up in front and Lee exits. Heads for the entrance. TWO
FBI AGENTS (WILLIS and GEIGER) watching. One speaks into a HEADPHONE.
FBI AGENT WILLIS
(into headset)
We have a man in a taxi. License
plate 2NRB 998. About five ten.
Asian.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Whitney gets the call. Turns to Russ. Coffee cups and take out food
spread around.
WHITNEY
Got someone dropped off by a cab.
Asian.
Everyone perks up.
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE ENTRANCE -- CONTINUOUS
FBI Agent Geiger stops Lee.
FBI AGENT GEIGER
Can I help you?
LEE
Help. Yes. I must see the Ambassador.
FBI AGENT GEIGER
About what?
LEE
May I please see him? It is very
important.
FBI Agent Willis walks up.
FBI AGENT WILLIS
Why don't you tell us why you need to
see the Ambassador? We'll decide if
it's important.
LEE
It is about his daughter, Soon Young.
That's the magic word. Things happen fast.
FBI AGENT GEIGER
Hands on top of your head!
FBI AGENT WILLIS
(into head set)
He asked about the Ambassador's
daughter.
FBI Agent Geiger reaches for his gun. And Lee reacts.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
WHITNEY
He asked about the daughter.
RUSS
Get Œem!
BACK TO LEE AND THE TWO AGENTS
Both agents are on the ground looking up at Lee who is holding their
guns. Wondering what happened. And sure they are about to die.
FBI AGENT GEIGER
(into head set)
Code nine, code nine!
The agents are frozen, fear on their faces. It looks like Lee is going
to kill them. But suddenly he throws their guns into the bushes.
LEE
You just don't understand. I was
invited.
Lee moves toward the entrance and SEES SIX MORE AGENTS coming at him.
Lee can't believe it. What is going on?!
WHITNEY
There he is!
Lee darts across the driveway and around the corner of the house.
ON LEE
He runs across a patio. Suddenly, a side door on the house opens and
TWO AGENTS run into his path. WITHOUT BREAKING STRIDE, he twirls and
takes one of them out with a kick.
The second throws one punch, two and hits AIR. Lee chops four times and
the guy ends up in a hedge.
Whitney, Geiger and Williams come around a corner.
The agent lying on the patio points.
PATIO AGENT
He went up!
They look up at a WALL on the side of the house. Beyond it is the
Consulate Compound.
AGENT WHITNEY
(into mike)
Secure the area!
EXT. THE COMPOUND-NIGHT
Lee is below the wall, in the bushes, silently making his way into the
large back yard area.
He hears someone coming. He hops up onto one of the Jacaranda Trees and
starts climbing.
INT. RESIDENCE -- NIGHT
The Agents run into the house, head for the doors. Whitney runs up the
stairs. Other agents behind.
INT. AMBASSADOR'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
The Ambassador is pacing. Chi-Ying is sitting. She has been crying.
The commotion outside finally reaches them. We HEAR MEN YELLING. The
door bursts open. Whitney enters.
WHITNEY
I'm sorry, sir, we have an
unauthorized entry. Please get away
from the windows!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ROOF-NIGHT
Lee crawls along the steeply pitched roof looking for a way in.
He gets to a GABLE with a WINDOW. But before he can look inside, an
AGENT sticks his head out the window and looks around.
The agent turns to his left. Nothing. He turns to his right and there's
Lee, smiling at him. POW. Lee connects with a right and the agent
ACCIDENTALLY FALLS out the window.
Lee freaks and DIVES for the guy as he slides down the roof.
ON TWO AGENTS
They're walking in the back yard, guns drawn. Something makes one of
them look up.
AGENTS POV
The guy from the window, still out cold, is dangling off the edge of
the house.
ON LEE
He's out of sight, still on the roof, holding the guy's collar and
keeping him from falling over the edge. He peaks down at the agents and
then lets the guy go.
He lands on the two agents like a bomb, knocking both of them down.
Lee jumps off the roof and starts running across the huge lawn.
Three agents come out of the POOL HOUSE and try to cut him off.
Lee KICKS one of them into the pool. He faces off with the other two as
more agents come across the yard.
Lee swings and kicks his way around the pool. Two more AGENTS get into
the fray. Lee pops one into the other and pushes both of them into the
pool.
Suddenly the odds are too great as more agents close in. Lee DIVES into
the pool and swims under water to the other end.
He comes up in time to PUNCH two of the guys he threw in. Then he jumps
out of the pool.
Six agents chase him back across the lawn. Lee runs up an outside
staircase at the back of the house.
He disappears in a door just as one of the agents FIRES.
CUT TO:
INT. THE AMBASSADORS BEDROOM
We HEAR the shot ring out.
WHITNEY
Down stairs, sir! Now!
Whitney shoves the Ambassador and Chi-Ying out of the bedroom. Then he
charges out onto a balcony, gun drawn.
CUT TO:
INT. AN UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Lee comes down the hall, dripping wet. He moves quickly and quietly. He
passes a doorway and immediately RUSS comes out the door, behind Lee,
quietly getting ready to pounce.
Ahead of Lee, Whitney comes out of the bedroom gun drawn.
Suddenly, Lee takes out Russ behind him with an elbow and does his
quick hands routine with Whitney's pistol. Both Whitney and Russ end up
on their backs.
CUT TO:
INT. THE FOYER-DAY
Han and His wife are surrounded by agents in the large open foyer below
the staircase. Suddenly, Lee drops down from the stairway above and
lands right in front of Han.
SIX FBI PISTOLS all point at Lee.
HAN
Lee?
LEE
Sorry I'm late, sir.
Lee bows, offers a smile of regret. Then he looks down at his feet
where he's now dripping water.
Russ and Lee appear on the landing above the foyer. Han looks up and
sees them.
HAN
Mr. Russ, I think there has been a
misunderstanding.
Both Russ and Lee are looking embarrassed.
HAN
I would like you to meet, Mr. Lee.
Lee looks up and bows to them both.
LEE
Excuse me very much.
Agents slowly lower their guns. Lee holds up TWO REVOLVERS.
LEE
(to Russ and Whitney)
Oh yes, your guns.
Russ fumes.
RUSS
Where the hell is --
CUT TO:
INT. CARTER'S SEDAN -- NIGHT
Pulling up to the Consulate Compound. Holding out his I.D. and passing
FBI AGENT WILLIS.
FBI AGENT WILLIS
Good job, Detective. Real nice piece
Œa work.
Carter gives him a look. No idea what he's talking' about. But he must
have done something good.
CARTER
OK. Yeah. Thanks.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE RESIDENCE -- CONTINUOUS
Carter enters, heads for the office when the door opens and Han and Lee
come out. Carter stops, floored.
CARTER
Hey!
Lee smiles. Turns to the Ambassador.
LEE
This is the agent I was telling you
about. Mr. Carter.
Han looks at Carter. But Carter just stares at Lee.
LEE
I'm sure Mr. Carter was only concerned
with my best interests. He did not
understand the importance of my
getting here quickly.
Russ exits the office, staring at Carter. Carter realizes he's in some
shit, unless he can do a little fast bullshitting. Carter suddenly
smiles at Lee.
CARTER
Sorry I'm late. Guess the directions
were okay.
Carter looks at Lee's wet clothes.
CARTER (cont'd)
I see you came via Malibu.
HAN
(to Lee)
Come on. Let's get you some dry
clothes.
RUSS
Carter, can I have a moment?
CARTER
Of course, sir. All the time you
want.
Carter smiles at Lee as he moves past and enters the Lion's den. The
door closes.
INT. HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Russ faces off with Carter.
RUSS
What do you mean you lost him?! How
could you lose him?!
CARTER
Try a bus load of - no, make that two
bus loads of Chinese --
The PHONE RINGS. Russ turns to the phone.
CARTER
You want me to take care of this, you
gotta use me.
Russ ignores him. Han enters, moving quickly to the desk.
CARTER
You understand what I'm sayin'?
RUSS
Carter, shut up!
Lee steps into the room. All attention on Han. Russ nods to him. Han
answers. The ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT CLICKS INTO ACTION -
recording, tracking. The phone conversation is in Mandarin.
HAN
Hello.
SANG'S VOICE
Ambassador Han.
HAN
Yes.
SANG'S VOICE
Even if you deny the FBI is there, I
will assume you are lying.
Han looks at Russ. Russ hesitates, then nods.
HAN
My daughter.
SANG'S VOICE
She's fine.
HAN
Can I speak with her?
INTERCUT WITH SANG - INT. 620 SOUTH MAIN
Sang speaks on the phone, seated at an empty table .
SANG
Not yet.
Sang looks at his watch, in no hurry.
INT. HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Whitney is watching the clock. They need a few more moments to make
the trace.
RUSS
(whisper)
Keep him talking.
Phone conversation continues in Mandarin.
HAN
How do I know she is alive?
SANG
Have to take my word for it.
HAN
What do you want?
SANG
I want you to think for a moment...
what is a daughter worth?
Whitney motions to keep talking. They're close. Very close to making
the trace.
HAN
Everything.
SANG
Good. I'd hate to think less.
Whitney signals. They've got the trace.
SANG
But we've talked enough for now. I'll
call later, after you've had a chance
to think about... the mistakes you've
made.
The phone line goes dead. Whitney holds up the paper.
WHITNEY
620 South Main. Downtown.
Russ, Whitney and Agents immediately head for the door, past Lee and
Carter.
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE -- NIGHT
Russ, Whitney, other Agents exit, moving to cars. Lee hurries up
behind Russ.
LEE
Mr. Russ --
Russ stops, turns to Lee.
RUSS
Mr. Lee, Detective Carter has been
assigned to help you. He is the very
best at...
(pause)
...what he does. Excuse me.
A car pulls up. Russ gets in. Car pulls away. Followed by others.
Lee watches, anger building, but trying not to show it. Carter comes
up behind him.
Both of them watch the FBI cars peel out. Then they turn and look at
each other. Not exactly a match made in heaven.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -- NIGHT
THREE UNMARKED FBI CARS pull out of the Consulate Compound. Move
quickly down the street. Carter's sedan pulls out a few moments later.
INT. SEDAN -- NIGHT
Carter behind the wheel. Lee next to him. Both are quiet for a
moment, then --
CARTER
You're a regular god damn acrobat,
aren't you? Bet you feel real good
makin' me look like an asshole.
LEE
It was not my intent --
CARTER
Right....
LEE
Mr. Carter, I appreciate your desire
to show me a good time, but that is
not the reason I am here.
CARTER
Let me just clarify a few things. I
don't care what kind of cop you are in
China, you have no jurisdiction in
America. Without me you are just
another tourist.
Carter and Lee exchange a look.
CARTER
So don't pull that shit again.
Carter suddenly turns the sedan in another direction from the FBI cars
they're following.
LEE
What about them?
CARTER
I know a shortcut.
LEE
Shortcut?
CARTER
You don't know what a shortcut is?
Lee shakes his head.
CARTER (cont'd)
(to himself)
Lame ass country.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Carter is repeatedly hitting the speed dial on his CELL PHONE while he
drives. We hear that HEE HAW sound you get when you're in cell phone
hell.
CARTER
(tossing the phone)
Piece Œa shit.
Carter starts looking for a phone booth. Lee, meanwhile, picks up the
cell phone and expertly RIPS it open.
He starts studying the inner workings of the phone.
LEE
Accessory board probably burnt out.
Carter looks over at his phone and freaks.
CARTER
Hey! What did you do to my phone,
man!? You people can't keep your hands
off electronics, can you?!
ON THE SEDAN
He pulls across the street from a MINI-MART. We see EMPTY PHONE BOOTHS
out front.
CARTER (cont'd)
Wait here.
Carter shuts the door. Starts away. Stops. Then returns to the car,
reaches in and quickly snaps a hand cuff on Lee's arm and another on
the steering wheel.
CARTER
Relax. This is somethin' we do in L.A.
Always cuff a friend or a wife or a
kid to the steering' wheel so
nobody'll steal the car. It's like a
human anti-theft device.
(big smile)
Be right back.
Carter crosses to the Mini Mart. Lee watches him, then looks at his
wrist cuffed to the steering wheel.
EXT. MINI-MART -- NIGHT
Carter is HOLDING on the pay phone when a GUY IN A TURBAN comes out of
the store.
CARTER
Nice hat.
(on the phone)
Hey, Johnson! It's Carter. Listen,
meet me at 620 S. Main. Some Federal
type action is gonna be going down
there.
INTERCUT WITH JOHNSON
She's at her desk.
JOHNSON
Well.. I wouldn't want to be in the
way.
CARTER
No way in the way! I'm talkin' back
up, Johnson. I'm in charge! And I need
you, baby.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SEDAN-NIGHT
Carter comes back across the street and gets in the car.
CARTER
OK, now I'm gonna show you what a
shortcut is...
Carter reaches down to start the car and finds that his steering wheel
is gone. Along with Lee.
CARTER (cont'd)
Sonuvabitch!
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET DOWNTOWN -- NIGHT
UNMARKED CARS pulling up. FBI SPECIAL TACTICS TEAMS arriving and
deploying. The target: the OLD OFFICE BUILDING across the street. A
TEAM OF BLACK CLAD FBI moves into the ground floor.
A TAXI pulls up. Lee exits, carrying Carter's steering wheel because
he's still attached to it. Whitney sees him first and does a double
take.
WHITNEY
Jesus H...
Lee moves toward Whitney.
WHITNEY (cont'd)
Where's Carter?
LEE
Lost I think. Which building?
Russ walks up.
RUSS
Mr. Lee, this is an FBI operation.
LEE
I was brought here to help.
RUSS
Please stay back.
Two AGENTS walk up ready to restrain him.
LEE
She is very important to me. You must
let me --
RUSS
Mr. Lee, the very fact that you know
her compromises your judgement.
Whitney comes up behind Russ, interrupting --
WHITNEY
Area secured. Teams ready.
Another TAXI pulls up. Carter jumps out. Storming toward Lee.
CARTER
He stole my wheel!
WHITNEY
This is pathetic.
CARTER
I'm gonna arrest the sonuvabitch!
(turns to Lee)
Your ass is goin' to jail!
Carter WHISPERS to the two restraining agents:
CARTER (cont'd)
Hold me back.
(yelling)
After I kick it first!
The TWO AGENTS PULL Carter away from Lee. Russ has had enough.
RUSS
(to OTHER AGENTS)
Get them the hell out of here!
(on the radio)
You are cleared to go.
ON THE BUILDING
We can see FLASHLIGHTS moving in the windows as the team moves to the
top floor.
INT. OLD BUILDING - OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
The DOOR is KICKED OPEN. AGENTS BURST INTO THE ROOM, Drop to
positions, ready to fire. They move quickly through the office,
checking every corner. But the office is empty.
Except for the table, chair and phone.
LEAD AGENT TACTICAL TEAM
(into radio)
Area secured. The room is empty.
INTERCUT WITH RUSS ON THE STREET as he gets the message.
RUSS
Dammit!
LEAD AGENT TACTICAL TEAM
A table, chair and phone.
THE PHONE RINGS. The Lead Agent turns to the phone. First ring, second
ring.
LEAD AGENT TACTICAL TEAM
And it's ringing.
(Third ring)
What do you want me to do?
Russ hesitates. Then starts running for the building.
RUSS
I'm on my way.
FOURTH RING. FIFTH RING. Finally he takes off his helmet, picks up
the receiver.
EXT. OLD BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
The TOP FLOOR OF THE BUILDING SUDDENLY BLOWS UP in a huge fireball.
Russ and Agents are knocked down. Lee and Carter take cover from the
debris. CLOUD OF DUST AND SMOKE roll over them.
When Lee gets up, he's facing away from the building. He sees
something.
P.O.V. OF A MAN -- CONTINUOUS
Standing in a doorway as the FLASH FROM THE EXPLOSION LIGHTS up his
face for a moment. And we recognize him. It's Sang.
EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Lee is stunned. He gets up quickly, starts running after Sang who
disappears down an alley into darkness.
Carter sees Lee.
CARTER
Hey!
(to himself)
Not this time...
Carter goes after him.
EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Lee runs after Sang into the alley.
EXT. ALLEY INTERSECTION -- CONTINUOUS
Sang is running hard when he turns and sees Lee.
Sang jumps onto a DUMPSTER in the alley, grabs a FIRE ESCAPE LADDER and
starts climbing.
Lee leaps onto the dumpster, grabs the ladder and goes up.
Sang climbs two stories, smashes a WINDOW and climbs into the building.
ON CARTER
He rounds the corner and sees Lee going up the building.
CARTER
What are you doing, god damn it!?
Carter runs for the dumpster and the fire escape.
INT. BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
We're in an ABANDONED ATRIUM moving down an open, dirty hallway. Lee
moves quickly and quietly. He peaks over the edge of the atrium:
LEE'S POV
Two floors below we see a TUNNEL filled with trash.
Lee passes SCAFFOLDING that's been abandoned. He stops and listens.
Suddenly, we hear SOMEONE RUNNING. Lee takes off.
ON CARTER
He climbs through the window and takes off down the open hallway.
ON SANG
He explodes around a corner and runs over a BRIDGE connecting both
sides of the atrium. A sign on the bridge says DANGER-UNDER
CONSTRUCTION.
The bridge CREAKS and moves. Sang STUMBLES and drops something. But
Sang doesn't stop and he makes it over the bridge.
Lee runs up right behind Sang but he slows when he sees the bridge and
the sign. He starts over slowly and picks up WHAT SANG DROPPED.
CLOSE ON
A DETONATOR
The bridge CREAKS Loudly. But Lee scampers across.
Carter is right on his heels. He doesn't even see the sign and
accelerates as he runs over the bridge. We hear a massive CRACK!
CARTER
Oh shiiiiit!
The bridge gives way and Carter drops like a brick.
He falls two stories and hits the tunnel floor on top of a huge mass of
debris.
Dust swirls for a moment. Carter doesn't move and then:
CARTER
...ahhh.
ON LEE
He's across the atrium when he sees Carter fall. Lee grabs a PIPE and
quickly swings himself down to the floor of the tunnel.
He finds Carter covered in dust and debris.
CARTER
Am I dead?
Suddenly we HEAR SCREECHING TIRES. Both men turn. A CAR IS SCREAMING
DOWN THE TUNNEL toward them.
Lee looks around. No where to go.
At the last instant, he grabs Carter and they roll out of the way.
The car ROARS by and goes out the other end of the tunnel.
CARTER
You make the plate?
LEE
What plate?
CARTER
The license! You get it?!
LEE
No.
CARTER
What the hell kinda cop are you?!
LEE
Did you make the plate?!
CARTER
It was my ass that almost got trashed!
LEE
He was trying to kill me, not you.
CARTER
Yeah, sure, you got lots a enemies in
L.A. after what? Six hours?
LEE
It was a man I was after in Hong Kong.
CARTER
Bullshit! You were trying' to lose my
ass again.
LEE AND CARTER
I might have...
(pause)
It does not matter now.
Lee starts walking down the tunnel.
CARTER
Hey, wait a second!
Lee keeps walking.
CARTER
You tryin' to make this out to be my
fault? Like it was me who got in the
way of you?! You gotta not be
serious.
(nothing from Lee)
That what you're thinking'?! Come on,
say it if you think it. SAY IT!
Lee stops, turns back.
LEE
When a man steps in dung, it is
obvious. There is no need to rub it
in his face. The smell is the same.
CARTER
What is that, some kind of Chinese
proverb?
LEE
No. I just made it up.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE OLD BUILDING -- NIGHT
Ambulances taking the injured away. FIRE FIGHTERS battle the burning
building. Russ and Whitney stand grimly watching the carnage.
JOHNSON walks up to them.
JOHNSON
(to Russ)
Excuse me. I'm looking for Detective
Carter...
RUSS
Who are you?
Johnson pulls her badge.
JOHNSON
LAPD. Explosives Division.
Russ suddenly gets angry.
RUSS
Did Carter send for you?
JOHNSON
Yes sir.
RUSS
Explosives Division?! Well, you're
too god damn late!
Lee and Carter walk up.
CARTER
Yo, Johnson...
RUSS
(interrupting)
You think this is funny, Carter? You
send for someone from Explosives!?
Four men just died in there!
CARTER
Hey, man, you can use her. She's an
expert!
RUSS
That's what you were supposed to be!
Johnson is starting to back away.
JOHNSON
Look, I don't know what's goin' on
here, but I'm history.
She starts to walk back to her car.
CARTER
No, wait!
He runs after Johnson and catches her as she gets into her car.
JOHNSON
Hey, I don't need that. You just got
your last back-up from me.
She squeals away from the scene.
Carter looks beat up and defeated.
We HEAR a PHONE START TO RING. Once, twice. Carter turns.
A PAY PHONE is ringing next to a building. Three, four, five. Carter,
annoyed, finally crosses to the booth, answers --
CARTER
You're calling a phone booth, asshole.
Hangs up. He gets five steps away when it starts to RING AGAIN. He
stops, turns back. Answers.
CARTER
You know what a phone booth is?!
MAN'S VOICE
The bomb was meant as a demonstration
of our sincerity. If you want the
Ambassador's daughter back alive,
listen and do not talk.
Carter realizes now who he's got on the other end of the line. He
covers the receiver.
CARTER
Lee! It's him!
MAN'S VOICE
The first drop will be made tomorrow.
At twelve o'clock. The amount will be
fifty million.
CARTER
Fifty million! Are we talkin' United
States dollars?
MAN'S VOICE
In used currency. Nothing bigger than
a fifty.
CARTER
That's some serious poundage in
dollars.
Carter covers the phone and tries to get the attention of the FBI.
CARTER
Hey, it's him. On the phone.
(back to phone)
Where do you think an Ambassador's
gonna come up with that kinda cash? I
mean, how much can a guy like that
take home, after taxes? And in China.
(covers phone again)
It's him! Get your asses over here!
Lee finally turns and hears him.
CARTER (cont'd)
(back to phone)
I mean I don't think he even gets paid
in dollars. They probably pay in yang
or yin or...rice, whatever it is they
got there.
Lee walks over. Carter holds the phone so Lee can hear.
MAN'S VOICE
What is your name?
CARTER
That's cool. We're gettin' to know
each other. This is a good thing. I'm
Carter.
MAN'S VOICE
Carter. I just want to be able to
tell the Ambassador who was
responsible for the death of his
daughter because he talked too much.
CARTER
Hey, that's whacked! I thought we was
gettin' on here!
MAN'S VOICE
Shut up!
CARTER
OK. Say what it is.
MAN'S VOICE
The Ambassador will receive
instructions for the drop, half an
hour before it is to be made. If it
is successful, there will be more.
Thank you, Agent Carter.
The phone goes dead. Carter exchanges a look with Lee.
EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Russ is on his car phone --
RUSS
(into phone)
-- as soon as we get a team in
place...yes, sir. I'll make sure it
happens.
Russ hangs up as Carter approaches.
CARTER
Fifty million --
Russ turns angrily.
RUSS
I don't think you need to be here!
Russ turns away. Whitney gives Carter a look, then follows.
CARTER
That's what the man wants for the
girl. Just called on the pay phone
across the street. With the
instructions for the first drop. Just
thought you might be interested. It's
what they call a ransom demand.
Carter turns and starts walking away.
RUSS
Carter!
Carter turns slowly.
CARTER
Hmmmm?
RUSS
Don't play bullshit games with me.
CARTER
Eleven thirty tomorrow the Ambassador
will receive a phone call telling him
where the drop is. He said the bomb
was a demonstration of their
sincerity.
Carter turns to go, then stops, turns back.
CARTER
Oh yeah. The caller was a man.
Confident. Had an accent. My guess,
Asian. Anything else I can do for the
FBI, sir?
RUSS
Why don't you try the assignment. Or
should I call and ask for somebody who
can handle it?
CARTER
No, sir. I'm as good as it gets.
Carter offers a smile, then starts back toward Lee. The smile
disappears as he turns his back on Russ.
CARTER (cont'd)
(to himself)
Prick.
CUT TO:
EXT. CARTER'S APARTMENT- NIGHT
We watch Carter and Lee get out of a cab in the Los Felis district.
Over this we HEAR:
CARTER VO
I thought you said you'd never been to
America before. How the hell did you
know where you were goin' if you never
been here before? Huh?
LEE VO
(pissed off)
You had map in car. Chinese can read
maps, too. Where will you take me now,
Disneyland?
CARTER VO
Hey, I was just doin' my job.
(pause)
We're goin' to my crib.
LEE VO
Crib? What crib?
CARTER VO
My home, man, my home!
CUT TO:
INT. CARTER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT
Carter and Lee come through the door into a dark leather living room
set up for one thing: pussy.
Carter hits a series of switches. Subdued lights come on, a stereo
starts with nasty rap, a gas fireplace pops on, and SOFT PORN starts
playing on the VCR.
Carter sees Lee's reaction to the setting.
CARTER
I can't help it. I'm a hopeless
romantic.
Carter disappears into a bedroom.
Lee wanders over to a shelf with a collection of LOVE OILS.
Carter sticks his head out of the bedroom as he slips on a clean shirt.
CARTER
Hey, don't drop that shit. It's
imported.
He goes back in the bedroom and talks from there.
CARTER VO
Look, none of this has gone down
right. Too many big heads thinkin'
they don't need nothin' from nobody.
Forgettin' a man's daughter is gone.
He comes back out buttoning up a clean pair of pants.
CARTER
I know I been part of it so... I'm
sorry.
Lee looks at Carter for a beat.
LEE
I worked with Ambassador Han and his
family for ten years. He wanted me to
come with them to America. If I had,
this might not have happened.
CARTER
Don't go there...
LEE
I could not come. I had other
responsibilities.
CARTER
Hey, stop. We're just gonna wind up
in some bar, drinking' to forget all
the things we shoulda done and then
you'll start singin' Beach Boy songs
again. Then I'll really get depressed.
LEE
I also did not come because I think I
would not fit in America.
CARTER
Hey, everybody fits in here. Look at
L.A., man. Nobody's from here. My
momma's from Detroit, my dad's from
Atlanta, they met in Texas, got
married in Vegas and I was born in
Alabama. So where the hell am I from?
Kenya?
Carter looks at Lee and makes a decision.
CARTER
Alright, listen, no bullshit just tell
me straight: did you really know the
guy you were chasin'?
LEE
Yes. He was part of the Juntao crime
family. He may be Juntao himself.
(reaches into pocket)
And he dropped this.
Lee retrieves a small BLACK CYLINDER. Carter glances at it. Then
recognizes the DETONATOR.
CARTER
Looks like a clue to me, Detective
Lee.
Carter smiles at Lee. Lee slowly smiles back at Carter.
CARTER (cont'd)
Let's go see a friend of mine.
CUT TO:
EXT. CARTER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT
Lee and Carter come out a back door. Carter points below them on the
street where a HUGE 1971 WHITE ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE sits gleaming under
the street lights.
CARTER
(proudly)
The Carter ride.
Lee takes in the car as they walk up to it.
LEE
(in awe)
This is bigger than my apartment in
Hong Kong.
They get in.
CARTER
Welcome to the wide open spaces of
America!
ON THE CADILLAC
It PURRS away from the curb and FLOATS down the road.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. POOL HALL-NIGHT
The Caddy pulls up to a pool hall in a semi sleazy area.
CARTER
When we go inside, you let me handle
everything, you hear? This is my man,
you dig? My informant. You know what
an informant is?
LEE
Stooly.
CARTER
What?
LEE
Stool pigeon.
CARTER
Yeah, somethin' like that.
(talking very fast)
OK, now this is a nasty ass place.
When you go into a place like this,
the most important thing is control.
You got to maintain control. You
following me? You lose it, you get
hurt. Now, you're my responsibility
and I don't want you hurt. You
understand? OK, let's go.
Carter gets out of the car and walks away. Lee doesn't move.
After a beat, Carter comes back.
CARTER (cont'd)
What?
LEE
You talk too fast.
CARTER
Come on!
CUT TO:
INT. POOL HALL-NIGHT
The boys walk into a smoky hall patronized mostly by black people.
Carter leads Lee past pool tables as they work their way to the very
back of the room. Carter makes his presence known as he walks.
He passes a guy taking a hit off a JOINT. He stops.
CARTER
(to the guy)
That better not be what I think it is.
Gimme that.
Carter swipes the joint out of the guy's hand. He takes a big hit. He
holds it and tastes it for a beat.
Lee is looking at Carter in disbelief.
CARTER (cont'd)
Wait a minute.
He takes ANOTHER HIT. Gives the joint back.
CARTER (cont'd)
Don't leave town. I'm watching you.
Carter keeps moving. He walks by a luscious looking girl with tight
stuff on.
CARTER (cont'd)
You see my ride, baby? You'd look good
in that. Go outside. Take a look.
He walks by a guy who gives him a dirty look.
CARTER (cont'd)
What are you lookin' at, dickhead?
They end up in the back of the room where FOUR GUYS play nine ball,
three more wait and four nasty looking BITCHES watch the action.
One of the players looks nervous when he sees Carter. This is OSCAR.
OSCAR
What's up, man?
CARTER
Let's take a walk, Oscar. You got
something Œa mine.
(to Lee)
Stay here.
Carter takes Oscar's arm and starts moving him out the side door. Two
BIG BLACK DUDES in the foursome start to move to Oscar's aid. But he
holds up his hands.
OSCAR
It's cool.
Oscar and Carter go out the back door. Lee sits down against the wall.
One of the nasty bitches watching the game is ASIAN. She gives Lee a
little smile. He smiles back. One of the BIG BLACK DUDES notices.
CUT TO:
EXT. AN ALLEY-NIGHT
Carter and Oscar are arguing.
OSCAR
...never, never come here! I told you
that, god damn it! And who the hell is
that little gook you brought with you!
CARTER
Shut up, Oscar! I don't take shit
from you! I give out the shit. That
is the basis of our relationship. I
give you shit and you take it!
CUT TO:
INT. THE POOL HALL-NIGHT
We're on the POV of one of the BIG BLACK DUDES who is lining up a shot.
RACK FOCUS to Lee's face who is in perfect line for the shot.
BIG DUDE
(still lining up)
What are you smiling at, rice bowl?
LEE
Who, me?
BIG DUDE
You making slant eyes at my girl
friend?
Lee looks again at the Asian girl and inadvertently smiles. He catches
himself and forces a frown.
WHACK! Big dude hits the object ball so hard, it hops the table and
heads right for Lee's head. Lee catches it like a baseball line drive,
right in front of his nose.
Nobody moves for a beat, mainly because everyone is impressed with
Lee's catch.
LEE
My friend does not want me to get
hurt.
Big Dude WHIPS the cue stick like a bat at Lee's head. Lee ducks and it
SHATTERS against his chair. BIG DUDE #2 lunges for Lee who BOPS him
with the pool ball he caught.
And they're off! Two other guys jump on Lee and start pounding the shit
out of Œem. Lee flips one onto the table and elbows the other. The two
Big Dudes grab fresh cues.
CUT TO:
EXT. AN ALLEY-NIGHT
Oscar is turning the detonator over in his hand.
OSCAR
I ain't the man to be telling you
about this.
CARTER
Then who is?
OSCAR
Shit, you already busted his ass.
Lafontaine. The dude who blew up the
diner. He's your leverage.
(holding up the detonator)
He knows where this shit come from.
CUT TO:
INT. THE POOL HALL-NIGHT
WHAM! Lee is thrown against the back wall. The nasty girls all run
past him and retreat to the ladies room.
Lee grabs a cue and comes out swinging. He backs three guys away and
then stops.
BIG DUDE #1 is swinging his own cue. Lee paries like a fencer. He puts
one hand behind his back and continues to parry and thrust. Finally, he
pokes Big Dude in the forehead with his tip leaving a blue chalk spot.
Then he turns the cue around and belts the guy on the spot.
Lee turns and BREAKS his cue over two guys simultaneously, ducks a cue
shot to his own head, and kicks one guy over a table and drops another
with a flurry of hands.
Lee looks around. The girls are hiding in the john. The hall has
emptied. The guys he fought are all knocked out and UNDER tables.
Carter comes in the back door.
CARTER
(to Lee)
Let's go.
(he looks around)
Everybody take off?
LEE
Took off. Yes. They took off.
Lee catches up with Carter.
CARTER
You see what I'm sayin'? You control
the space.
LEE
Thank you. I learn a great deal.
CARTER
It happens.
Carter spots one of the fighters ON THE FLOOR as they walk out. It's
the same guy who was smoking the joint. The guy moans as they go past.
CARTER (cont'd)
(to the doper/fighter)
Hey, lightweight, I told you to lay
off that shit.
(over his shoulder)
Get an education!
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTY JAIL -- NIGHT
ESTABLISHING the PRISON. The Cadillac SCREECHES to a stop.
INT. COUNTY JAIL -- CONTINUOUS
Carter is talking to the OFFICER (BOBBY) behind the GLASS BOOTH.
OFFICER
It's eleven o'clock at night, Carter!
They're all locked down, lights out.
CARTER
Yeah, but they're criminals, Bobby.
Who gives a shit if they lose some
sleep? Come on: wake his ass up.
BOBBY shakes his head but he picks up the phone.
INT. JAIL INTERVIEW ROOM -- LATER
Lee and Carter are waiting. Door opens. Bobby leads Lafontaine into
the room. Lafontaine is pissed off, especially when he sees Carter.
LAFONTAINE
I got nothing to say to you.
Carter motions for the guard to exit.
CARTER
Give us five minutes, Bobby.
The guard departs.
CARTER
Sit down.
Lafontaine sits. Carter puts the detonator on the table. Pushes it
across to him. Lafontaine picks it up, looks at Carter with a sick
smile and PRESSES THE BUTTON.
LAFONTAINE
Boom.
Lafontaine shoves the detonator back at Carter. Carter picks it up
with a HANDKERCHIEF.
CARTER
You got a boy friend in here yet?
ŒCause you're gonna need somebody to
kiss your ass goodbye.
LAFONTAINE
What are you talking about?
CARTER
You're movin' to death row. See, your
fingerprints are now on the murder
weapon of Four FBI Agents. And when I
turn this into the lab, they're gonna
find Lafontaine all over it. And we
already know...
(holding up detonator)
...this is your MO.
LAFONTAINE
How did I do this?! Maybe you didn't
notice but I'm in jail!
CARTER
All I gotta do is implicate. The Feds
can do a lot with a good implication.
Even if you don't get Sparky, I'll bet
you get ten to twenty more. Plenty of
time to find a nice fella.
Lafontaine looks at Carter and Lee for a moment, then --
LAFONTAINE
You sonuvabitch.
CARTER
I'm waitin' here for a name.
Nothing from Lafontaine for a beat. Carter stands, starts for the door.
Lee following.
LAFONTAINE
I've never seen him.
Carter ignores him. Starts to knock for the Guard.
LAFONTAINE
Juntao.
Carter and Lee exchange glances.
CARTER
Where do we find him?
LAFONTAINE
You don't. He finds you. Through his
people.
Carter and Lee wait for more.
LAFONTAINE (cont'd)
(quietly)
Fang Shan. A restaurant. China Town.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE COMPOUND -- NIGHT
The FBI cars are parked in front. Lights burning in Han's office.
ARMED GUARDS now in front.
INT. HAN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Han has just received the news from Russ. The mood in the room is grim.
HAN
I am so sorry about your men.
RUSS
Yes sir, me too. The State Department
has authorized release of the funds.
We'll have to make the first drop at
7. As soon as they pick up the money,
we've got Œem.
HAN
And Mr. Lee? Where is he?
RUSS
Don't worry, he's with Carter.
EXT. CARTER'S CAR(MOVING)-NIGHT
Lee is explaining as Carter drives.
LEE
Juntao was one of the worst crime
bosses in Hong Kong. When China
regained control, he was forced out.
By Ambassador Han.
Carter flips his cell phone open.
CARTER
Let's get us a photo and description.
We'll have an APB out while we stake
out the restaurant.
LEE
That is a problem. There is no
description of Juntao. No known
photograph.
CARTER
Are you tellin' me nobody knows what
he looks like? Come on, there must be
witnesses somewhere.
LEE
Juntao's standing orders were to kill
everyone. There were never witnesses.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CHINA TOWN -- NIGHT
The architecture. The signs. It's a different world. The Cadillac
cruises down the street. It's late. Most things are closed.
EXT. CHINATOWN -- LATER
The Cadillac is parked on the side street.
INT. CAR-- CONTINUOUS
Carter and Lee are watching Fang Shan restaurant, eating from cartons
of Chinese food.
LEE
You like it?
CARTER
Yeah, it's good.
LEE
That one is my favorite. Chicken puff
with shark fin.
Carter starts chewing a little slower.
LEE
And the Eel is very good, too. But I
have had better Camel's Hump.
Carter has trouble swallowing. Puts down his food.
LEE
You want more?
CARTER
No, no. I'm full. Too much fin and
hump, you know, gives me gas.
(belches)
Œscuse me.
Silence for a moment, then Lee motions to the radio.
LEE
Music?
A beat, then Carter nods. Lee reaches for the radio.
CARTER
No! This time I pick.
Carter turns on the radio. Dials around until he finds WAR.
CARTER
Now, that's American music.
LEE
Yes, I know this song.
CARTER
You know War?
LEE
Who does not know War?
(starts)
³War, hhh, Wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh. What
is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Good-God, you all.²
Carter just stares at Lee for a moment in disbelief.
CARTER
That's not how it goes.
LEE
Yes, I think so.
CARTER
No, no. It's not good-God you all!
It's Good-God, ya'll. Ya'll!
LEE
Yee-aww.
Carter turns off the radio.
CARTER
Not yee-aw, Ya'll. And it's gotta be
angry. Like you're pissed off.
LEE
Good God, ya'll!
CARTER
No! You hate me. Look, I'm gonna do
it one time. That's it.
MONTAGE BEGINS
Carter gets out of the car. Lee follows. Carter limbers up for a
moment, then starts a dance move to get him into the beat.
CARTER
War! huuuuhh! wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh!
what's it good for? absolutely
nuthin' good-gawd ya'll!
Lee gives it his best shot, trying to mimic Carter's dance move. But
it's more martial arts than dance.
LEE AND CARTER
War! huuuuhh! wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh!
what's it good for? absolutely
nuthin' good-gawd ya'll
Lee tries to get into the rhythm with Carter, undulating his body to
Carter's motion. But Carter watches Lee's martial arts interpretation
and he starts to alter his moves to Lee.
LEE AND CARTER
War! huuuuhh! wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh!
what's it good for? absolutely
nuthin' good-gawd ya'll!
Both of them are moving side by side, in step as they sing. Totally
involved. Rocking out.
LEE AND CARTER
War! huuuuhh! wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh!
what's it good for? absolutely
nuthin' good-gawd ya'll!
They both turn and face each other. As they dance, Lee BEGINS TO TEACH
CARTER his quick move for taking someone's gun away.
EXT. LONG SHOT - STREET -- CONTINUOUS
A FEW NIGHT PEOPLE have stopped to listen. Staring at the Cadillac
parked on the street. With Carter singing at the top of his lungs and
Lee teaching him the quick moves to the music.
CARTER
War! huuuuhh! wo-ooh-wo-ooh-wo-oh!
what's it good for? absolutely
nuthin' good-gawd ya'll!
CUT TO:
EXT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- NIGHT TO MORNING
SAME SHOT FADES to the next morning.
INT. CADILLAC- CHINA TOWN -- MORNING
Lee and Carter are asleep in the car. Carter's head is slumped against
the window. A BUS ROARS past. They wake up. Carter groans.
LEE
Are you OK?
CARTER
I got to stop that dancing in the
street Œtill all hours.
Carter stretches as Lee hops out HUMMING WAR, and opens the door for
Carter.
CUT TO:
EXT. FIRST BANK OF HONG KONG -- MORNING
THREE CARS pull up in front of the bank. Ambassador Han gets out of
one. Followed by Russ, Whitney, and others. Security is high.
CUT TO:
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT -- MORNING
Carter and Lee are at a table. Carter is having coffee. Lee is eating
breakfast - rice and fish - with chopsticks. All the patrons are
Asian. Carter is staring at Lee's food. Lee notices.
LEE
Want some?
CARTER
No, fish is a PM food.
LEE
Excuse me?
CARTER
Nobody in America eats fish in the AM.
We're talking strictly an after twelve
noon food type.
Lee turns and looks out the window.
LEE'S P.O.V.
He sees Sang entering the Fang Shan restaurant.
BACK AT THE TABLE
Lee stands suddenly.
CARTER
What?!
LEE
It's him.
Carter looks out the window. But the street is already full of ASIAN
PEOPLE.
CARTER
Which one?
LEE
Going into the restaurant.
Carter throws some money onto the table.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Carter and Lee exit the restaurant, moving down the street.
LEE
This is my territory now. You are my
responsibility.
CARTER
(pointing down)
This concrete? This is still America.
LEE
What do you hear?
They listen. CHINESE MUSIC filters out from one of the shops. SEVERAL
CONVERSATIONS are in Chinese. There is nothing that would suggest this
is America.
CARTER
Walk two more blocks and neither of us
will understand the language. Look,
we can't take a chance on him
recognizing you. Especially if he's
Juntao. I'll go in, you back me up.
That's the way it's gonna be.
CUT TO:
INT. FIRST BANK OF HONG KONG -- MORNING
In a private room, TEN MILLION DOLLARS is running though a money
counting machine. Ambassador Han watches with Russ, Whitney and
SEVERAL ASIAN BANK OFFICIALS.
CUT TO:
EXT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT - BACK ALLEY -- MORNING
The Asian man who drove the van (Chung) lifts the top of a DUMPSTER,
throws a BLACK GARBAGE BAG inside.
FROM UNDERNEATH THE DUMPSTER
A sewer grate is REMOVED. Shu, one of the other men involved in the
kidnapping, reaches up, opens a hidden door in the bottom of the
Dumpster and pulls out the black trash bag. He drops down into the
sewer. The sewer grate comes down on top as if nothing is out of
place.
INT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT - BASEMENT
A trap door opens and Shu crawls into the room. SEVERAL ASIAN MEN are
waiting for him. Among them, Sang. Shu holds up the black garbage
bag. Sang nods.
CUT TO:
EXT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- DAY
Open for business. Lee and Carter cross the street.
CARTER
OK, when you go in, just act like
you're from outa town.
LEE
I am from outa town.
CARTER
No, like a tourist. You know, things
to see, money to burn, interested in
stupid shit.
LEE
Ah. Like this.
Lee looks around a lot and smiles.
CARTER
Yeah, yeah, good. You're havin' fun.
Lookin' for a good time. You know,
watch the women, look at their legs
and shit. Like that's all you can
think about. Gettin' some. Like her.
Carter motions at AN ATTRACTIVE ASIAN WOMAN moving toward them. Lee
watches her walk past. He smiles politely. Carter watches him for a
beat, then --
CARTER
That ain't gonna get it. Watch this.
Carter screws up his face as if he's really enjoying watching the woman
- like she's the best thing he's ever seen. A complete politically
incorrect slob of a man. The only thing missing is the drool.
CARTER
Like that.
LEE
I am sorry, but I have too much
respect for women.
Carter stares at him blankly, then puts an arm around him.
CARTER
This is nothin' personal with women.
We are undercover. It's okay to be a
player when you're undercover. Okay?
Lee hesitates, then nods. Carter takes out his i.d.
CARTER
You've got no jurisdiction here so I'm
gonna give you my i.d. If we get into
some shit, you're L.A.P.D.
Carter opens his i.d. - Carter is black, Lee is Asian - that's one
difference.
CARTER
Hold it like this, flip it open, flip
it closed. It's the attitude that
says who you are, not the i.d.
Carter flips the i.d. with authority, partially covering his photo with
his hand. We hardly even see the photo. Carter hands the i.d. back to
Lee.
CARTER
You got to make people think this is
you.
(re: Carter's photo)
You gotta believe that face is your
face.
Lee tries the flip.
CARTER
More wrist. It's gotta snap. Can't
be limp. You do limp, they look at the
photo, we're dead.
Carter points to his face. Lee tries the flip with more wrist.
Snapping it open.
CARTER
Good. Gimme a couple minutes, then
come in. And take this.
Carter slips Lee his gun.
LEE
No, please, I don't --
CARTER
It ain't your ass, it's my ass you're
backin' up. Take the damn gun.
Lee hesitates, then takes the gun and puts it into his pocket.
CUT TO:
INT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- DAY
Carter enters the restaurant. Moves to the HOSTESS, a pretty young
Chinese woman.
HOSTESS
For one?
CARTER
No. Two. Tell Juntao I'll buy him
some eel and shark fin for lunch.
HOSTESS
I'm sorry, sir, but I don't know --
Carter puts on his best Johnny Cochran.
CARTER
Tell Mister Juntao Johnny Cochran's
little brother...Joey is here. Joey
Cochran. I am the legal advisor of
record for Mister Henry Lafontaine. I
need to discuss some legal
ramifications with him.
Carter takes the menu from her.
CARTER
I'll seat myself. I like that dress
you're wearin'. Silk, right?
Carter smiles, moves to a table. Leaving the Hostess staring at him.
CUT TO:
INT. HAN'S OFFICE - CHINESE CONSULATE -- CONTINUOUS
An open suitcase is filled with stacks of U.S. CURRENCY. The suitcase
is shut. Han is in the room with Russ, Whitney, and other agents.
It's almost eleven thirty. Whitney is explaining an electronic device
to Han.
WHITNEY
... one will be inserted into the
suitcase, the other will be on you.
After you make the drop --
The phone rings. Han picks up.
HAN
Yes.
MAN'S VOICE
You have what I asked for?
HAN
I do.
MAN'S VOICE
Pack it into black garbage bags.
Throw the bags into a garbage dump in
the alley behind the Fang Shan
Restaurant in China Town. You have
twenty-nine minutes left.
The phone clicks dead. Russ stands.
RUSS
Let's go.
CUT TO:
A MAN - INT. OFFICE - FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
hangs up the phone. Back to us. A DOZEN MEN in the room, among them
Sang and Chung. A knock. Sang opens the door. It's the HOSTESS.
She whispers something to Sang.
He then crosses to ANOTHER MAN at a desk.
SANG
Someone has asked for Juntao.
The man turns now and we see it is Griffin.
CUT TO:
FBI - SHOTS -- CONTINUOUS
moving into action. SPECIAL TACTICS TEAM loading up. Cars pulling out
of the Chinese Consulate Compound. The AMBASSADOR'S JAGUAR leads the
way. Russ in the seat next to him. Whitney in the back.
CUT TO:
VIDEO MONITORS - INT. FANG SHAN OFFICE -- DAY
Six video monitors keep tabs on the restaurant. On one monitor, Carter
is sitting at his table, studying a menu. He orders something from an
ATTRACTIVE ASIAN WAITRESS. She moves away and Carter's eyes follow her
figure.
Griffin and Sang watch him.
SANG
Maybe I have seen him. I'm not sure.
GRIFFIN
Bring him up.
Sang heads for the door when ANOTHER MONITOR catches Griffin's
attention. The MONITOR reveals the Hostess seating a MAN at a table.
It's Lee.
GRIFFIN
Wait!
Sang turns at the door. Griffin is staring at the screen.
GRIFFIN
Get the girl.
EXT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT - BACK ALLEY -- DAY
PANEL VAN waiting. Back doors are open. Shu exits the restaurant,
large sack (Soon Young inside) over his shoulder. He puts the sack
into the Van.
INT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT - MENS ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Carter is at the urinal when he HEARS the VAN DOORS CLOSE from a
partially open window. Then SOMEONE SPEAKING IN MANDARIN. Sounds
urgent. He moves to the window, climbs up onto the sink.
CARTER'S POV
He can see SHU talking with the DRIVER OF THE VAN, Chung. Then another
man exits the restaurant and we just get a glimpse of him before he
gets into the van. It's Griffin. The only non-Asian Carter has seen
in awhile. And the only British accent he's heard.
GRIFFIN
Make sure they do not leave.
Griffin pulls the van door shut and the Van moves quickly down the
alley. CALIFORNIA LICENSE - LIK.
CARTER - INT. MENS ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
He notes the LIK, until the bathroom door opens behind him. ANOTHER
MAN enters, giving Carter a look as he's still on the sink, looking out
the window. Carter takes a deep breath.
CARTER
Ooo, man, what died! Whew! That
wasn't me! Your own don't do that to
you. AIR! Jesus....!
Carter exits. Man gives him a look.
INT. KITCHEN - FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
The attractive waitress pours a white powder into a pot of tea. She
puts the pot onto her tray with a cup.
INT. FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
The restaurant is now full of PEOPLE eating lunch and ordering. Carter
waits at the table. Sees Sang with two men behind him crossing toward
him.
Lee is sitting across the room. Half hidden behind a menu. He watches
Sang approach Carter. The waitress delivers the tea to Lee. He smiles
politely.
ATTRACTIVE WAITRESS
(in Mandarin)
Have you decided yet?
Lee, not wanting to take the menu down, shakes his head. The waitress
departs. Lee's attention goes back to Carter. But he takes a sip of
the tea.
Sang stops at Carter's table.
CARTER
Are you Juntao?
Sang eyes him.
CARTER
We have to talk. Or my client? He's
gonna talk and save himself.
SANG
Upstairs.
Carter goes with Sang and the two men following.
Lee waits until they are in the hallway, then he gets up and goes after
them.
INT. HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS
Lee sees the men take Carter up the stairway. TWO WAITERS come out of
the kitchen. Lee enters the MENS ROOM.
INT. MENS ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Empty except for Lee. Lee waits, giving the waiters time to pass.
Then reopens the door. Stairway clear. Lee moves quickly up the
stairs. But stops partway up. Has to steady himself just for a
second. He's definitely light headed.
INT. OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Door opens. Sang enters, followed by Carter and two men.
CARTER
Alright, if the shoe don't fit, you
can't convict, you know what I'm
sayin' here?
WHACK! Sang spins and throws a FOOT into Carter's face. He slams to the
floor.
SANG
(in Mandarin)
Search him.
The two men pick up a dazed Carter and Shu starts searching him.
CUT TO:
FBI - SHOTS -- CONTINUOUS
Converging on Chinatown. Russ looks at his watch.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS
Lee moves up the stairs to the SECOND FLOOR. The door to the office is
partially open. He sees CARTER GET SHOVED AGAINST a wall.
Someone is coming out of the office. Lee quickly goes back down the
stairs. Almost hits another waiter as he goes back into the MENS ROOM.
INT. MENS ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Lee waits. Thinks. He opens the door, sees another waiter moving past.
LEE
Excuse me.
The waiter turns. Lee smiles.
INT. STAIRWAY -- CONTINUOUS
A waiter moves up the stairs, tray of food held high. Not until he gets
to the SECOND FLOOR and looks up from the tray do we see it's Lee. He
moves to the office. Stops again. Bit of dizziness. But he's okay in
a second.
INT. OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Carter is shoved back against the wall again.
CARTER
Hey, I'm a lawyer! You can't do this
to a lawyer. You get in some deep
shit for this kinda treatment.
Carter watches as the men go through his wallet. Sang looks at his
watch. Says something in Chinese to the men. Two of them move to
Carter.
They pick him up. Drag him to the door. A knock. Everyone stops. One
of the men opens it. Tray of food. Sang turns away. Lee enters,
glances at Carter. And Carter suddenly pulls his arms away from the
men.
CARTER
I'm tellin' you, when I sue, I win!
Carter's outburst draws Sang's attention. And Lee takes advantage -
swinging the tray of food at him. The metal tray smashes into Sang's
head, food flying.
The men charge Lee. Lee swings the tray, smacking the first two in the
heads, blocking a punch from a third, then flinging it like a frisbee
at Shu, catching him in the forehead.
CARTER (cont'd)
(shocked)
Damn, you're good!
Carter gets immediately decked by two guys who run into the room.
LEE
L.A.P.D. Nobody move!
Lee snaps open Carter's i.d. with so much attitude that it flies out of
his hand, across the room. Hitting one of the men in the face.
LEE
Oh no...
Carter gets up and turns on his two. Punching one in the gut, hitting
the other in the chin.
CARTER
Use the gun! USE THE GUN!
Carter gets hit, goes down again. Lee pulls the gun just as one of the
men hits him. The GUN is knocked from his hand, breaks THROUGH THE
WINDOW - gone.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - CHINATOWN -- CONTINUOUS
The Ambassador's Jaguar pulls to the curb.
INT. AMBASSADOR'S JAGUAR -- CONTINUOUS
Russ checks his watch. Then picks up a radio.
RUSS
(into radio)
This is Agent Russ. We have five
minutes. Take your positions.
FBI CARS move past.
CUT TO:
LEE AND CARTER - INT. OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Each hitting an opponent - Lee a jab and elbow - Carter throws one to
the gut, one to the jaw. Two different styles. Then they both get
hit. And both slam back into the wall next to each other. Exchanging
a quick look --
CARTER
Where's my gun!
Before Lee can answer, Sang wakes up and pulls a gun.
Lee dives, rolls, comes up kicking. Hitting Sang's hand as he FIRES,
sending THE GUN across the room as THE BULLET takes out a CHUNK OF WALL
PLASTER right next to Carter's head.
INT. RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
The SOUND OF THE GUNSHOT stops everyone from eating. And all heads
look up. MORE OF SANG'S MEN start for the stairs.
INT. SECOND FLOOR -- CONTINUOUS
The office door crashes open and another man slams to the floor. Lee
and Carter run out, right over the top of him. As GUN FIRE ERUPTS
behind them, CHEWING UP THE WALL.
Carter and Lee race down the stairs. Slamming into more WAITERS.
SCREAMS from the dining room. PATRONS head for the door.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Lee and Carter burst in. Swinging doors hitting another waiter. His
tray goes flying. He slams back into a chef who loses control of a pan
of frying shrimp.
The kitchen panics. Chefs and waiters try to get out of the way.
Carter and Lee head for the back door. And then it really hits Lee.
He staggers. Stops. Carter turns.
CARTER
Come on, let's go!
Lee weaves as he tries not to fall.
CARTER
What're you doin'?!
The door slams opens behind them. Nailing the poor chef again.
Lee spins around, falls back into Carter's arms.
CARTER
No, no, don't do this! This is not
the time!
Carter pushes him up as the men charge into the kitchen. Lee takes a
swing, but his hand accidentally hooks a pot of boiling Won Ton soup
off the stove, flinging it back at the men as the charge in. They duck
the shower of scalding broth.
Then Carter starts grabbing every pot off the stove and flinging the
hot food at the men. Lee joins in, throwing a barrage of hot chicken,
fish, ribs, bok choi, chow mein, and fried rice at the men. Lee
staggers to keep from falling.
Then Lee grabs two WHOLE CATFISH on a cutting board as Carter starts
throwing boxes of fortune cookies at the men.
Lee attacks with the two fish. Hits one in the head, blocks a punch
with another. The fish thud and SMACK with each blow.
Lee swings the FISH together, slapping one man on both sides of his
head. Two Catfish have never been more deadly.
Another man comes up from behind, but Lee swings the Catfish under his
legs and CATCHES THE MAN BEHIND HIM in the groin -CATFISH MOUTH WIDE
OPEN. Then Lee spins around and slams his hands against the Catfish's
mouth. The jaws clamp tight. The man SCREAMS and buckles.
A fifth man dives at Lee, but he staggers, grabbing the man and shoving
him headfirst into a ROW OF HANGING POTS. HEAD SMACKING into each one.
A sixth man hits Carter from behind. Carter spins around, punches the
man, knocking him into the hot stove, his hands going down ONTO THE HOT
GRIDDLE. The man screams and turns quickly at Carter who nails him
with a huge soup ladle.
Lee turns, slipping, but kicking behind, catching another man and
sending him crashing into a sink - pile of DIRTY DISHES CASCADING DOWN
ON TOP OF HIM.
Lee swings wildly. Another man ducks, comes back up, pulling a gun,
but Lee is still spinning uncontrollably and hits the man the second
time around. The gun flies out of his hand and clanks onto the stove -
open flame heating the metal.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - FANG SHAN RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
The FBI now in position. Watching the restaurant. People coming out in
a panic. And among them - Sang. He blends into the crowd and moves
down the street.
INT. AMBASSADOR'S JAGUAR -- CONTINUOUS
Han, Russ, Whitney are watching.
WHITNEY
Something's not right.
Russ checks his watch.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Lee slips, grabbing hold of a refrigerator door to keep from falling.
Pulling it open. Door slamming into the head of number seven, face
first. Then Lee grabs a tray full of knives, slips backward,
accidentally flinging them over his head, back at them.
Everyone hits the floor as the KNIVES impale the wall.
But one man manages to throw a bottle at Carter. Carter ducks and the
bottle crashes into the stove. FLAMES ERUPT as the OIL falls onto the
gas flames.
The oil soaked wall BURSTS INTO FLAME. And the OVERHEATED BULLETS in
the gun on the stove start to EXPLODE.
Carter kicks open the back door as THE KITCHEN starts to FILL WITH
BLACK OILY SMOKE.
EXT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Carter and Lee jump into the alley as the KITCHEN IGNITES. GAS MAIN
BLOWING. WINDOWS SHATTER. FLAMES BLOW INTO THE ALLEY. Lee and Carter
are knocked down.
And they get up slowly. Both are covered in kitchen crap. Food, oil,
dirt. Now, they move quickly down the alley.
Then Carter sees his GUN on the ground. He picks it up.
CARTER
Oh man, I don't even wanna know how it
got out here!
Lee staggers. Carter grabs him.
A POLICE CAR roars up in front of them. POLICE are out, guns drawn,
pointing at Carter and Lee.
POLICE OFFICER
Drop the gun!
CARTER
I'm L.A.P.D.
SECOND POLICE OFFICER
Drop the gun now!
CARTER
(reaching for his pocket)
I've got my i.d.
POLICE OFFICER
No!
The police crouch, GUNS POINTED AT CARTER. Carter freezes, hand in
pocket. Then Carter realizes he doesn't have it.
CARTER
No, wait. I don't have it.
(to Lee)
You have it.
LEE
Oh yes.
Lee, staggering, reaches for his pocket. The Police IMMEDIATELY TURN
their guns on Lee.
SECOND POLICE OFFICER
Nobody move!
But Lee suddenly realizes --
LEE
Oh no, I dropped it.
CARTER
You drop my gun and you lose my i.d.?
LEE
I'm sorry.
POLICE OFFICER
You lent him your i.d.?
Lee is completely leaning against Carter to keep from falling over.
Carter hangs on, leaning back against him.
CARTER
(angry)
Yeah, I lent him my i.d. You got a
problem with that?
SECOND POLICE OFFICER
No, I can see the resemblance. GET
YOUR HANDS ON TOP OF YOUR HEADS!
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE -- DAY
THREE FEDERAL UNMARKED CARS screech to a stop in front. Doors open.
Lee and Carter are escorted by a BEVY OF FBI AGENTS.
Both Lee and Carter are still covered with the mess from the kitchen
fight. Carter still partially carries Lee.
CARTER
(to Lee)
Don't worry. We're gonna make a full
report. Bring these boys up to date.
Carter looks confidently at the bureau boys surrounding him. They all
look straight ahead, no expression, no comment.
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Carter is split off from Lee by the AGENTS. Carter is lead into the
office. Lee is escorted up the stairs.
CARTER
Hey, wait a minute, he's with me.
AGENT
Shut up.
They push Carter into the office. Pulling the door shut. Lee is lead
across the room.
INT. HAN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Russ is seated behind the desk, on the phone.
RUSS
... yes, he's here. Uh-huh...
Absolutely.
Russ hangs up, stands to face Carter.
CARTER
Okay, let me start from the top. A
few days ago I was on this munitions
dealer named Lafontaine. Now, after
the shit blew up last night...
RUSS
(interrupting)
I'm not interested, Carter. You're no
longer on this assignment.
CARTER
What?!
RUSS
And your buddy, Mr. Lee, is on his way
back to China. Now, get out. Before I
file obstruction of justice charges
against you.
Carter is stunned. TWO AGENTS open the door behind him. Carter
hesitates. He's angry. But this is not the time or the place. He
exits.
INT. ANOTHER ROOM - CHINESE CONSULATE -- DAY
Han is pacing. Lee is leaning against a wall to keep from falling
over. Ashamed. Conversation in MANDARIN.
LEE
I have disappointed you.
HAN
My disappointment is not what matters.
Lee tries to take a step toward Han, but his knees start to get weak
and he leans back against the wall.
Han turns away from Lee. He can't stand to look at him in his
³condition².
HAN
I have no say in it now. I must rely
upon the FBI to get Soon-Young back.
They will escort you to the airport.
LEE
It was Juntao.
Han turns.
HAN
Juntao?
Lee nods. The door suddenly opens and Carter enters with TWO AGENTS
trying to keep him from doing so. Carter pulls away from them.
CARTER
Mr. Ambassador, I just want you to
know that whatever you think Lee did,
he didn't. It was my fault.
AGENT
(to Han)
Sorry, sir.
Carter straightens out his dirty coat. Trying to find some dignity in
his filthy appearance.
CARTER
I never intended to risk your
daughter's life...
The PHONE RINGS.
Russ and three agents enter quickly.
RUSS
We've got a call.
(to agents)
Get them out!
The Agents move to Lee and Carter. Escorting them out of the room.
The door closes.
RUSS
Okay, pick it up.
Han picks up a phone at the same time Russ picks up a second phone.
Russ listens in.
HAN
(into phone)
Yes.
SANG'S VOICE
You have run out of time. The amount
now is two hundred million. I will
call later with instructions. You
will either deliver the money or pick
up the body of your daughter.
HAN
Please, you must understand, what
happened today was not --
SOON YOUNG'S VOICE
Dad, are you okay?
HAN
(stunned)
Soon Young!
INT. VAN -- CONTINUOUS
Sang is holding the phone to Soon Young. The black mask has been
pulled up so she can talk.
SOON YOUNG
Please, do what they ask or they will
kill me.
BACK TO HAN
HAN
Soon Young, tell them I will do --
The phone goes dead. End of conversation. Han looks at Russ, then
turns away, trying to maintain his composure.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHINESE CONSULATE -- CONTINUOUS
Lee and Carter are waiting outside the consulate. Agents flanking
them. CARS are driving in through the gates.
CARTER
I'm sorry, Lee.
LEE
Be sorry for Soon Young. She has no
chance now.
The first car pulls up. Agents opens the back door. Lee gets in. Car
pulls away.
Second car pulls up. It's Carter's Cadillac. Agent gets out, leaves
the car running. Waits by the door.
CARTER
Nice job.
Carter hands a DOLLAR to the Agent as he gets into the car. He tears
out of the drive as the Agent crumples the bill and throws it after
him.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE -- CONTINUOUS
Russ, Han, Whitney. Han is seated, head in hands.
Whitney gets a call over his radio ear phone.
WHITNEY
Excuse me, sir. Mr. Griffin has
arrived.
Han looks up. Russ nods to Whitney, who crosses to the door, opens it.
Han's face brightens when he sees GRIFFIN. Griffin smiles. New hope
has arrived.
GRIFFIN
I'm sorry, my friend. I could not sit
back and do nothing.
Griffin bows to Han.
CUT TO:
EXT. FREEWAY -- DAY
A SEDAN moves past in traffic.
INT. SEDAN -- CONTINUOUS
Evans is behind the wheel. Monroe next to him. Lee is in the back
seat. He looks out the window at Los Angeles moving past. A SIGN
READS: LAX.
Lee is feeling very much alone.
INT. CARTER'S CADILLAC-- CONTINUOUS
He changes lanes as he follows Lee's car off the freeway. He dials his
cell phone one handed.
CARTER
(on the phone)
Don't hang up. Please.
INTERCUT
With Johnson at home. She just got out of the SHOWER.
JOHNSON
You got a lot of guts calling me.
CARTER
Yes I do. That's all I got. Guts and
you, Johnson. There's no one else I
can trust.
JOHNSON
You made a fool out of me! In front of
the FBI!
CARTER
Listen, this ain't about us! It's
about a thirteen year old girl. She's
not gonna make it. Unless we do
something.
That works on Johnson.
JOHNSON
Jesus...what do you want?
CARTER
This whole thing is goin' down
tonight. I need to know where the
Ambassador is gonna be. The Feds will
be keepin' a lid on everything. You
thing you can do that?
JOHNSON
This is my city. I'm a cop. I'll find
Œem.
CARTER
Alright, Johnson, thank you.
(pause)
So...what are you wearing?
CLICK.
CUT TO:
INT. LAX INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL -- DAY
Carter moves quickly through the terminal. Keeping his distance from
Evans and Monroe as they escort Lee toward the gate.
CUT TO:
INT. CHINA AIRLINES GATE -- CONTINUOUS
Evans and Monroe exit the plane.
Lee is sitting in First Class. Staring out the window. Completely
depressed. Going home in disgrace.
INT. TERMINAL -- CONTINUOUS
Evans and Monroe turn from the window and start walking away from the
gate.
We stay with what WOULD HAVE BEEN their POV of the 747. After a beat, a
FOOD CART rises up to the 747 door. Carter is leaning against the cart,
enjoying the ride.
INT. 747 -- CONTINUOUS
Everyone seated. Lee sits quietly. Lee looks up. Carter is standing
at his seat.
We HEAR the plane door close in preparation for taxi.
LEE
What are you doing here?
CARTER
Well, I ain't goin' to China.
(whispering)
And neither are you.
Carter moves up the aisle to a FLIGHT ATTENDANT. He takes a
handkerchief out of his pocket and puts it over his face.
CARTER (cont'd)
Excuse me. I'm declaring a medical
emergency.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
What? Are you sick?
CARTER
No, no, not me.
(points at Lee)
My patient.
Lee HEARS that he's the sick man.
CARTER
I am Doctor...Dwight Gooden. Center
for Disease Control. And I have to get
him off this airplane. Now.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
What's wrong with him?
Lee looks at Carter. He'd like to know what's wrong with him too.
Carter WHISPERS VERY LOUDLY so the whole first class compartment can
hear.
CARTER
He escaped from our clinic. He's got
the Eboola...Moola virus. Very deadly.
It's transmitted by the breath.
A collective GASP goes up from the first class passengers.
CARTER (cont'd)
Especially bad breath.
Lee immediately starts MOANING. Carter suddenly goes into FAKE CHINESE,
directed at Lee.
Lee looks at him for a beat and then ANSWERS IN REAL MANDARIN.
CARTER
Oh God, we're in trouble. He's already
started the chills...
Lee starts SHAKING like he has a fever.
CARTER (cont'd)
And diarrhea.
Lee looks at him like, ³how am I supposed to do that?²
CARTER (cont'd)
I mean gas?
Lee looks over at a middle aged woman, and COUGHS at her. The woman
SCREAMS.
CARTER (cont'd)
Open the door!
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
I can't open the door! We're ready to
taxi.
CARTER
Open the door now!
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
But I --
Lee turns to a BANK PRESIDENT sitting next to him. He coughs at him.
The guy SCREAMS and covers his face with his WALL STREET JOURNAL.
Carter pulls Lee out of the seat.
CARTER
Open the door, open the door!
Carter goes into another burst of FAKE CHINESE.
Lee HOWLS and MOANS.
CARTER
Hurry! The projectile vomiting is
about to begin!
The Flight Attendant rushes to the door, opens it.
And Lee runs for it, continuing to HOWL with Carter clinging to him.
CUT TO:
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Russ, Han, Whitney and other Agents. Griffin has the floor.
GRIFFIN
For fifteen years, Juntao has been the
most powerful crime lord in southeast
Asia, until the Chinese government
regained control of Hong Kong. The
British Government tried to bring down
his operation, but failed.
RUSS
But why the Ambassador's daughter?
HAN
One of the last efforts between the
British and the Chinese Governments
was to raid every known asset of
Juntao's operation. We confiscated
over five hundred million dollars in
weapons, drugs and a collection of
Chinese art unsurpassed in the world.
GRIFFIN
But Juntao disappeared once again.
Without witnesses.
WHITNEY
Will he kill the girl?
GRIFFIN
I don't know. According to our
informant, Juntao is seeking
restitution. My advise is... pay the
money.
CUT TO:
INT. CHINESE CONSULATE - HAN'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
The phone rings. Machines go into action. All FBI Agents in the room
are looking tired, worn out by the ordeal. Han, now dressed in a tux,
enters quickly, moving to the phone. Answers.
HAN
Hello.
SANG'S VOICE
Take the money with you tonight. Pack
it in six dragons. You will be
contacted again.
HAN
I want to speak with my daughter!
The phone clicks dead.
CUT TO:
EXT. JOHNSON'S APARTMENT-NIGHT
The door opens revealing Johnson dressed in an elegant sequined evening
gown. She looks gorgeous.
CARTER
Oh my god...what happened to you?
JOHNSON
It's called a dress.
CARTER
It's called you're gonna kill me.
What're you doin' with that on?
Johnson crosses the room. Picks up TWO TUXEDOS hanging on a door.
JOHNSON
The Ambassador is hosting the closing
night of Chinese Expo at the
Convention Center. It's black tie.
Carter is trying not to look at Johnson's cleavage.
CARTER
Well...OK. Good job.
Johnson hands one tux to Carter, the other to Lee.
JOHNSON
(to Lee)
I'm Johnson. I had to guess at your
size.
LEE
Thank you. You look very beautiful.
Johnson smiles.
CARTER
(to Lee)
Hey, stop that. We're workin' here! I
can't believe you be talkin' that
shit. That's totally unprofessional!
Carter grabs his tux and storms into the bathroom.
CUT TO:
EXT. HELICOPTER-NIGHT
It lifts off from Van Nuys and swoops over our heads.
INT.HELICOPTER-NIGHT
The PILOT is Asian. TWO MEN are in the back. We recognize them from
the fight at the restaurant. They each carry automatic weapons.
CUT TO:
EXT. JOHNSON'S APARTMENT-NIGHT
Lee and Carter walk up to the Cadillac dressed in their tuxedos.
Johnson stops dead when she sees the car.
JOHNSON
Wait a minute. I'm not riding in that.
CARTER
What?! This is a class ride, Johnson.
JOHNSON
Yeah, if you're Superfly.
CARTER
That's it! You can attack me, but when
you attack my car, I cannot forgive!
You in the back, girl!
Lee gallantly opens the door for Johnson who reluctantly gets in the
back seat. Lee starts to get back there with her.
CARTER (cont'd)
(to Lee)
Where the hell are you goin'?!
Lee gets up front.
CUT TO:
EXT. CONVENTION CENTER-- NIGHT
CHINESE FLAGS flutter over the event. Lots of sparkle. MEN in tuxedos
and WOMEN in gowns are arriving. Over the entrance we see a huge banner
- CHINESE EXPO.
INT.SOUTH HALL (CONVENTION CENTER) -- CONTINUOUS
Escalators move down to a huge room filled with art of all kinds,
including huge sculptures, Chinese screens, glass and ceramic vases in
large DISPLAY CASES. In fact, we may recognize some of the art from the
opening bust in Hong Kong.
Dominating the center of the room is a LARGE BUDDHA standing on the
edge of a HUGE POOL filled with water.
A REFRESHMENT STAND is doing brisk business.
We see Ambassador Han and his wife circulating, shaking hands, talking.
Trying their best not to show their tension and fear.
Griffin is with them. Glass of wine in hand. Shaking hands and
chatting.
Whitney moves through the crowd of people. Keeping watch on Han. He
glances across the room at Monroe. Monroe is also alert. But they are
both in tuxes. And unless you knew they were FBI, you couldn't tell.
INT. FBI SURVEILLANCE VAN -- NIGHT
AGENTS monitor the event with video monitors and listening devices.
ON ONE OF THE MONITORS
We see the Cadillac pull up with Carter, Johnson and Lee.
AGENT
California License. Three people
inside. African American male. Asian
male.
A CAMERA ZOOMS in on the plate.
AGENT
Running plate.
INT. UNDERCOVER CAR -- NIGHT
Evans and Monroe, parked back from the entrance. Connected to the van
by radio. Monroe perks up at the description.
MONROE
African American male with Asian male?
Monroe looks at Evans.
EVANS
It can't be.
Monroe picks up his binoculars --
MONROE
Oh shit.
EXT. CONVENTION CENTER-NIGHT
Carter, Lee and Johnson move over a red carpet and enter the Convention
Center.
INT. A ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR
SIX CERAMIC DRAGONS are being loaded with 200 million dollars in U.S.
CASH. Russ watches as he gets the call.
EVANS VOICE
Sir, we just identified Carter and
Lee.
RUSS
What?
EVANS VOICE
They've just arrived. With a woman.
We don't have an i.d. on her.
RUSS
I want them picked up. NOW!
ON THE HELICOPTER
It banks over a freeway, heading for downtown.
INT. SOUTH HALL -- CONTINUOUS
Griffin looks at his watch. Glances across the room at ONE OF THE
SECURITY GUARDS standing in the b.g.
We see it's Sang.
Griffin glances at TWO MORE SECURITY GUARDS. Shu and Chung.
ON HAN
A SOCIALITE crosses to him.
SOCIALITE
The exhibit is extraordinary, Mr.
Ambassador. I hope this is just the
beginning of more cultural exchanges
between our two countries.
Han forces a smile.
INT. SOUTH LOBBY
Carter, Lee and Johnson come down the escalator into the hall.
ON WHITNEY
He gets some disturbing news over his ear phone.
WHITNEY
(into radio)
How the hell did they get here?
Whitney turns quickly, scanning the crowd. But the place is packed.
Black ties and gowns everywhere.
ON CARTER, JOHNSON, LEE
They're walking past the exhibits.
LEE
Oh no.
CARTER
What?
LEE
The art.
JOHNSON
(to Lee)
You don't like it?
CARTER
It's okay. For restaurants.
LEE
No, it is China, my country, my
history. If any of it gets damaged...
CARTER
Hey, don't worry. Nothing's gonna
happen to it.
Carter turns and sees Griffin through the crowd.
CARTER
Wait. That guy. I saw him outside the
restaurant.
Carter points through the crowd at Griffin. Lee is shocked.
LEE
Oh my god. Griffin.
CARTER
You know him?
But Lee is already moving toward Griffin.
ON GRIFFIN
He's talking with someone when he happens to catch Lee moving towards
him. He never loses his smile. Until he sees Lee mouth the word:
LEE
Juntao.
Griffin looks around and sees Carter moving in from another direction.
Griffin quickly excuses himself and heads for the escalator.
ON WHITNEY
He spots Carter and Johnson moving towards the escalator as they follow
Griffin.
WHITNEY
(into RADIO)
Wait. I see Carter. Request assistance
immediately.
Suddenly, Johnson appears at Whitney's side. She flashes her LAPD badge
and says:
JOHNSON
I got to talk to you. Now.
ON GRIFFIN
He moves to a PODIUM WITH A MICROPHONE that overlooks the room below.
GRIFFIN
Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your
attention please?
The crowd hushes.
GRIFFIN (cont'd)
Welcome to Chinese Expo. The exhibit
you see before you represents over a
thousand years of Chinese art. Up
until several months ago, most of this
exhibit was in the hands of one
private collector.
(pause)
Me. So, I should say more correctly,
welcome to my exhibit.
ON HAN
He looks up with a puzzled expression at his friend.
ON WHITNEY
He looks up at Griffin too as Johnson keeps filling him in.
GRIFFIN (cont'd)
Great collectors are born, not made.
It took most of my life to find and
catalog the priceless pieces you see.
And then, in one fell swoop, they were
taken from me. But tonight, I will be
paid in full.
Griffin holds up a DETONATOR.
GRIFFIN (cont'd)
A bomb is wired to Ambassador Han's
daughter in a car outside.
AUDIBLE GASPS from the floor.
Carter immediately ducks down in the crowd and runs bent over for the
exit.
ON WHITNEY
He turns to his lapel mike. It's immediately ripped off his collar by
Sang.
Other agents on the floor are quickly stopped from communicating by
Griffin's men.
GRIFFIN (cont'd)
No one moves!
Lee stares up at Griffin trying to figure out what to do.
GRIFFIN (cont'd)
She will die if I push this button.
But if you are all patient, my
transportation will be here shortly
and you can continue to enjoy my
collection. Everyone just stay calm.
(to Han)
You just picked on the wrong guy, my
friend.
INT.THE SECOND FLOOR ROOM
Russ, unaware of the situation on the exhibit floor, continues to
monitor the loading of the dragons.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -- NIGHT
Shu is leaning against the van in the parking lot.
MAN'S VOICE
You're parked in a red zone.
Shu turns quickly at the sound of the voice. Suddenly
facing Carter who has his gun out, pointed at him.
CARTER
It's not red now, but you try
anything, and it's gonna be blood red.
Carter moves up to him, keeping the gun leveled.
CARTER
Only one problem. I forgot my cuffs.
He grabs Shu's head and slams it into the side of the van. Shu drops.
Out cold.
Carter pulls keys from Shu's pocket.
CARTER
You have the right to remain silent
alllll night.
Carter moves to the back of the van. Looks at the LICENSE.
CALIFORNIA. LIK.
Unlocks the back door. Stands back, ready to shoot, as he opens the
door. Looks in.
ON SOON YOUNG
She's in the back of the van. Black hood over her face. She's wearing
a BULKY VEST that is covered with plastic explosive.
Carter pulls the hood off.
CARTER
Hi. Detective Carter, LAPD. Let's get
this thing off you.
SOON YOUNG
(near tears)
NO! Don't touch it! I heard them say
it will explode.
Carter hesitates.
CUT TO:
INT.CONVENTION CENTER
Griffin stands at the podium, still holding the detonator high so
everyone can see it.
He speaks quietly into his lapel mike.
GRIFFIN
Where are you?
INT. HELICOPTER-NIGHT
The pilot keys his mike.
PILOT
Three minutes.
INT.CONVENTION CENTER
Griffin nods to Sang down on the floor. Sang starts moving up the
escalator.
GRIFFIN
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We'll
be calling this an evening.
Suddenly we HEAR a CLATTER AND RUMBLE. Low at first, but building
LOUDER and LOUDER. Everyone turns.
THROUGH THE PLATE GLASS WINDOW we can SEE THE VAN tearing up the museum
steps. Right toward the window.
And it's not stopping.
ON THE VAN
It crashes RIGHT INTO THE WINDOW. Everyone scatters. The Van roars
into the hall. It knocks over a huge DISPLAY CASE scattering glass
everywhere. Finally, it RAMS the refreshment booth and stops in the
middle of the room.
The BACK DOORS OPEN and Carter steps out with Soon Young who is still
wearing the bomb.
CARTER
(to Griffin)
Okay, asshole, here's your bomb. You
wanna blow somebody up, go ahead.
Push the button. Let's blow everybody
up.
Everyone who didn't panic before, does now. People start running.
HAN
Soon Young!
An FBI AGENT grabs Han and his wife and pushes them down on the floor.
Lee and Johnson run to Soon Young's side.
ON GRIFFIN
For the first time, he looks scared. He turns away from the podium and
runs.
Sang turns on the escalator, pulls a MAC 10 and sprays the room.
FBI agents on the floor take cover behind the priceless art work, pull
guns and start firing.
Griffin's men return fire as the last of the black tie crowd hit the
deck.
Johnson grabs Soon Young and ducks back in the van with Lee.
Carter fires several times as he follows them.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SECOND FLOOR ROOM
The last of the money is being loaded from one remaining suitcase and
put into the dragons by two agents. Russ watches.
Suddenly, Griffin runs into the room and opens fire with a nine
millimeter.
He hits the two agents doing the packing. Russ, totally taken by
surprise, reaches for his weapon, but Russ cuts him down.
Griffin grabs the last full suitcase and runs out.
CUT TO:
INT. THE VAN
Johnson is studying the bomb. Soon Young continues to whimper.
JOHNSON
(to Soon Young)
It's gonna be OK.
The battle RAGES outside. Occasionally, the van is hit by gun fire.
CARTER
Can you get it off?
Johnson doesn't answer. Instead, she pulls a SWISS ARMY KNIFE out of
her dainty purse, flips out the tiny scissors and cuts TWO WIRES
leading to one of the CLASPS on the vest.
JOHNSON
OK.
Lee helps her take the vest off. Johnson hands it to Lee.
JOHNSON (cont'd)
Get rid of it. The detonator can still
set it off. And this...
She points to a SWITCH on the front of the vest.
JOHNSON (cont'd)
Don't touch. It's a back up. Short
fuse. Five...maybe ten seconds.
CARTER
I'll cover you.
At that moment, the van is hit hard with automatic fire. Johnson throws
herself over Soon Young as Carter and Lee dive out the back door.
INT.THE HALL
Carter and Lee jump behind the Buddha. Gunfire erupts from all
quarters.
CARTER
(to Lee)
Go!
Lee takes off for the escalator. He runs half way up when Russ appears
at the top. He's bleeding badly and staggering.
RUSS
(to Lee)
Griffin...the elevator.
Russ collapses. Lee looks up. A hundred and fifty feet above him, we
see a catwalk below the skylights that make up the roof. The catwalk
leads to AN OPEN ROOF DOOR.
Lee scans the ceiling and spots an ENCLOSED LADDER that leads all the
way up to the catwalk. He takes off.
CUT TO:
INT. AN ELEVATOR
Griffin keys his mike.
GRIFFIN
(into radio)
Plan B. Meet me on the roof.
INT. THE HELICOPTER
The pilot is just getting ready to set the chopper down in the parking
lot. He aborts and pulls full power.
The chopper starts to rise.
INT. THE HALL
Lee reaches the ladder, PUTS THE BOMB JACKET ON and starts climbing.
ON CARTER
He runs up the escalator and bends down to Russ. He's alive but hurt
bad. Carter turns and sees SANG running and firing BELOW HIM.
Carter leaps off the escalator and lands on Sang.
INT. THE ELEVATOR
Griffin looks down at the detonator in his hand. For a second he looks
like he's going to push the button. But he hesitates.
INT. THE LADDER
Lee is flying up it at superhuman speed. When the inside ladder proves
too slow, he switches to the outside GUARD CAGE and climbs that.
ON SANG AND CARTER
Sang is kicking the shit out of Carter. Carter gets in one punch and
Sang hits him three times and sweeps his feet out from under him.
EXT. THE ELEVATOR
The doors open and Griffin walks out onto the catwalk that runs just
below the ceiling. He looks down.
GRIFFIN'S POV
Below him, the battle still rages, but FBI agents are getting the upper
hand.
Griffin holds up the detonator. His thumb covers the button.
LEE'S VOICE
Looking for this?
Griffin looks up and sees Lee, breathing hard, on the other side of the
catwalk. He's pointing to the bomb that he's wearing.
Griffin fires two shots at Lee that ricochet off the catwalk railing.
Lee hits the floor of the catwalk.
INT. THE HALL
Two of Griffin's men are cut down by Whitney as they try to escape up
the escalator.
ON SANG AND CARTER
Sang KICKS Carter in the face and he goes down. Sang practically
stumbles over Carter's gun and picks it up. Carter staggers to his
feet.
Sang points the gun at Carter and cocks it.
CARTER
That's my gun, mother fucker.
Carter's hands fly, doing Lee's routine. Suddenly, the gun ends up in
Carter's hands.
Sang leaps for the gun. Carter drills him in the forehead.
INT. THE CATWALK
Griffin fires at Lee as he tries to make his way around to the roof
door. Lee CRAWLS. Suddenly, a ROAR starts a second before we see the
CHOPPER rise into a hover.
Griffin runs around the catwalk for the door.
Lee looks up and sees a ROPE AND PULLEY hanging over the abyss. He
leaps for the railing and dives out into space.
He catches the rope and starts riding it to the other side of the
catwalk.
Griffin sees him coming and fires on the run. He misses. Clicks. The
gun is empty. He throws his gun and hits Lee in the HEAD with it. Lee
almost falls and then:
WHAM! Lee runs right into Griffin. They crumple on the catwalk.
INT.THE HALL
Things are under the control of the FBI.
Carter is holstering his gun when he hears Griffin's shot. And then a
second later, the gun smashes into the marble floor.
He looks up and sees them fighting on the catwalk.
INT. THE CATWALK
Griffin tries to push a groggy Lee off him but he won't let go of his
legs. Griffin starts beating Lee over the head with the suitcase. It
POPS open and ten million dollars flutters out like confetti.
Lee pushes through the money, stands up and grabs Griffin. Griffin
tries to get away and HITS THE SWITCH ON THE JACKET.
They both stop and look at each other in panic. Then Griffin HEAD BUTTS
Lee. Lee starts to go down, but instead, he HEAD BUTTS Griffin back.
Griffin crumples.
Lee holds him, wriggles out of the vest and PUTS IT ON GRIFFIN. Then he
looks down, tips them both over the railing and THEY FALL.
WHACK! Lee grabs THE BOTTOM OF THE CATWALK as he goes by.
Unfortunately, Griffin woke up and is holding onto Lee's foot. Lee
kicks once. Twice. The third is a charm.
Griffin falls backwards toward THE BUDDHA POOL. He falls and falls, all
the while looking back up at Lee. He hits with a huge splash.
CLOSE ON
Griffin's face under water. He's still alive. KABOOM!
INT. THE HALL
A SHOWER OF WATER falls over the hall. Everybody gets wet.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MUSEUM -- LATER
The FBI is escorting the bad guys out of the building. Sang is escorted
out by the CORONER. Han approaches Lee. Extends his hand.
HAN
I owe you everything.
LEE
Only your friendship.
Lee looks around at all the BROKEN ART.
LEE (cont'd)
It is so sad. So much beauty ruined.
So much of our culture gone.
HAN
Yes. But...
(pointing)
Life goes on.
He's pointing to Soon Young who is in the arms of her mother. Lee
smiles.
ON CARTER
He's standing next to Whitney at the top of the escalator. Both Carter
and Whitney are SOAKING WET from the water explosion.
Whitney is just hanging up a cellular.
WHITNEY
(to Carter)
He'll be OK. Russ is a tough son of a
bitch.
CARTER
Tell me about it.
WHITNEY
He was just doing his job.
CARTER
So was I.
LEE VO
And me too.
Lee is standing behind Whitney. Whitney looks a little embarrassed now.
WHITNEY
(mumbling)
And the FBI appreciates it.
Whitney walks away.
CARTER
Prick.
Carter looks at Lee and points up to the ladder that leads to the
catwalk.
CARTER (cont'd)
You got circus blood in you?
LEE
Shortcut.
Carter laughs and looks down the escalator.
ON JOHNSON
She's sitting on the last step. She's SOAKING WET too. Her hair and
dress are ruined. She looks depressed.
Carter walks down to her.
CARTER
You OK?
JOHNSON
We saved the girl and got the bad
guys, didn't we?
CARTER
Yeah. So why you look do down?
JOHNSON
Look at me! My dress is ruined. I look
like shit.
CARTER
Not to me. Never to me.
Johnson stares at him for a long beat.
JOHNSON
How about a lift home?
CARTER
Absolutely. I'll even let you ride in
the front seat.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. 747 -- NIGHT
Lee is seated, eyes closed, listening to MUSIC over his headphones.
Carter walks down the aisle and takes the seat next to him.
CARTER
Yo, what's up?
Lee opens his eyes. Smiles.
LEE
What a surprise!
CARTER
FBI calls up my ass, says they need
help in Tokyo. Like I'm supposed to
drop everything.
LEE
It's Hong Kong, not Tokyo. My country
asked for the best. I told them that
was you. Now I will show you around
my Œhood.
CARTER
No shark fin, no camel hump.
(re: CD player)
What you listenin' to?
LEE
Oh, I think you like this very much.
Carter puts on the head phones. We HEAR the first few bars of HELP ME
RHONDA. Carter's face freezes.
THE 747 -- CONTINUOUS
glides toward Hong Kong to the All-American music of the Beach Boys.
FADE OUT:
