A seasoned but volatile New York City police captain, Stanley White, is transferred to Chinatown to tackle escalating gang violence. With a history marked by his service in the Vietnam War and a profound sense of duty, White brings an unrelenting approach to his new assignment, aiming to dismantle the triad's grip on the community. He quickly sets his sights on Joey Tai, a young, ambitious crime lord determined to expand his influence and challenge the old ways of the gang hierarchy. As White delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he finds himself navigating not only the complexities of organized crime but also the racial and cultural tensions inherent in the neighborhood.

While White's determination yields some early successes, his methods and obsession trigger conflict both within his department and among the gang members. His relentless pursuit of justice alienates him from those closest to him, including his wife and a local journalist named Tracy Tzu, with whom he develops a complicated relationship. The film explores themes of duty, power, and identity, as White's battle against Tai escalates into a personal vendetta with far-reaching consequences. As the stakes grow higher, White is forced to confront his own demons and the blurred line between right and wrong in his quest to bring order to Chinatown.