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Flying Tiger 3

Flying Tiger 3 (Chinese: 飛虎3壯志英雄) is a action crime drama produced by Brothers Pictures International Limited, serving as the third installment in the Flying Tiger franchise that centers on the city's elite (SDU), colloquially known as the "." The 30-episode series, which premiered on the streaming platform on December 16, 2021, and concluded in early 2022, follows SDU Fan Shaofeng and his team as they confront the terrorist group "Waganbu," who infiltrate to seize chemical weapons and develop a super virus called DH2 for bioweapon purposes. The plot escalates from a botched biological weapon deal into a citywide crisis and , prompting the formation of a covert counter-terrorism unit (S Team) comprising police elites, with assistance from agent Xu Junfei to prevent the virus's spread and neutralize the threat. Starring as the strategic Xu Junfei, as the hot-headed Zhang Jiaxuan, as the loyal Gao Zile, and Joe Ma as the resolute Zhan Bowen, the series highlights intense action sequences, tactical operations, and themes of brotherhood among the SDU members amid high-stakes chases and confrontations. Produced with a focus on realistic stunts and ensemble dynamics, Flying Tiger 3 features guest appearances by prominent actors such as , , , and , drawing on Hong Kong's tradition of dramas while incorporating modern elements. The series received recognition for its production quality, earning a Silver Award at the 2022 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards in the Drama Series category, and emphasizes the ' motto of courage and honor in defending the city.

Background and development

Franchise overview

The Flying Tiger franchise is a prominent Hong Kong action-crime drama series that centers on the (SDU) of the , an elite tactical team nicknamed the "Flying Tigers" for their rapid response to high-risk operations against . Originating in 2018 with the inaugural series Flying Tiger, produced by and broadcast on and , the franchise draws inspiration from the real-life SDU's counter-terrorism and hostage rescue missions, portraying intense undercover infiltrations and tactical assaults on criminal syndicates. The 30-episode first season established the franchise's blend of and high-octane action, achieving over 2.1 billion views on Youku shortly after release and revitalizing interest in Hong Kong police-themed television. The second installment, , premiered in 2019 as a joint production between and , expanding the narrative to encompass international and threats that endanger 's security. Spanning 30 episodes, it featured returning cast members such as in a pivotal role as a heir entangled in global criminal networks, while maintaining core SDU dynamics from the original. The marked a commercial milestone, topping hot search lists across Chinese streaming platforms and garnering the highest weekly engagements in for a Hong Kong drama. Under Shaw Brothers Studio's continued stewardship, the evolved into a web-exclusive by its third season in , reinforcing its roots in action-drama while amplifying depictions of tactics, including advanced weaponry and strategic interventions that reflect Hong Kong's real-world challenges. This progression from traditional to digital platforms underscored the series' adaptability and cultural resonance, popularizing SDU operations among audiences and influencing perceptions of Hong Kong's counter-crime capabilities. The totals 90 episodes across its three 30-episode seasons.

Series development

Following the success of the second season, which achieved significant viewership on streaming platforms and later on , Shaw Brothers Holdings Limited announced plans to produce Flying Tiger 3 in its for the year ended December 31, 2019, highlighting the franchise's popularity as a key factor in greenlighting the sequel. Producer Virginia Lok, a veteran executive at Shaw Brothers with extensive experience in action dramas, oversaw the expansion of the storyline to incorporate international elements, including collaboration with agents and a central conflict involving by the fictional group Waganbu. The initial scripting emphasized rebuilding the elite (SDU) team, known as the , after the death of key operative Ka Lun during the terrorist showdown in the Flying Tiger 2 finale, convening a new generation of officers to combat the escalating threats. Budget considerations prioritized sustaining the series' high production values for sequences while opting to retain the established 30-episode format, enabling more in-depth exploration of character backstories and interpersonal dynamics compared to condensed formats in other recent installments.

Plot

Synopsis

The terrorist organization Waganbu infiltrates to acquire the DH2 super virus during a botched arms deal that escalates into . This incident results in the death of SDU Commander Fan Shaofeng (), prompting Superintendent Zhan Bowen (Joe Ma) to assume leadership and form the elite S Team by recruiting officers from various departments. Key members of the S Team include Support Team Leader Cheung Wai-wah (Eddie Cheung), along with Zhang Jiaxuan () and Gao Zile (). The central conflict unfolds through a series of high-stakes situations and tactical battles of wits against the Waganbu terrorists, who seek to deploy the DH2 as a bioweapon. The S Team collaborates closely with agent Xu Junfei () to track the terrorists' movements and dismantle their network, navigating betrayals and escalating threats across the city. The Special Duties Unit's role in countering such crises builds on its established mandate within the franchise to protect from organized crime and terrorism. In the resolution, the S Team orchestrates a climactic operation to thwart the terrorists' plan, preventing the virus's release and underscoring the ongoing vulnerabilities in Hong Kong's security landscape.

Key themes

Flying Tiger 3 explores the pervasive threat of international terrorism and its profound effects on local . The series depicts the (SDU), an elite anti-terrorism squad, confronting a global terrorist network smuggling biological weapons. Central to the narrative are themes of and unwavering loyalty within the high-stakes of units. The SDU members repeatedly face life-threatening missions that demand personal sacrifices, such as characters enduring severe injuries or moral quandaries to protect colleagues, exemplified by instances where members risk infection from the DH2 to neutralize threats. These elements emphasize the forged in adversity, with rebuilds after losses reinforcing the unit's and collective commitment, portraying not just as but as a familial bond that sustains the amid escalating dangers. The series delves into the moral complexities surrounding chemical and , questioning the ethical boundaries in counter- efforts. Through the antagonist's development of the DH2 —a mutagenic capable of turning victims into violent aggressors—the plot examines the blurred lines between defensive measures and potential escalation to prohibited weapons, forcing protagonists to confront dilemmas like authorizing risky interventions that could harm innocents. This thematic focus critiques the human cost of such technologies, illustrating how the pursuit of security can erode moral imperatives in the fight against .

Cast and characters

Main cast

portrays Xu Junfei, an agent who coordinates international efforts with the Hong Kong police to dismantle the terrorist network behind the biological weapon threat. stars as Zhang Jiaxuan, the hot-headed captain of the (SDU)'s Flying Tiger A team, whose determination drives his involvement in the elite S Team against the terrorists. Ron Ng plays Gao Zile, a seasoned SDU field expert specializing in tactical operations and , providing critical support in raids against the terrorists. Joe Ma depicts Zhan Bowen, the determined who assembles and leads the elite S Team in response to escalating attacks, overseeing strategy and team dynamics amid the conspiracy. reprises his role as Fan Shaofeng, the SDU commander from previous installments in the Flying Tiger franchise, whose tragic death during a botched operation serves as the inciting incident that propels the team's mission forward.

Supporting cast

Eddie Cheung portrays Zhang Weihua, the strategic advisor and support team leader for the SDU's S Team, who grapples with internal team conflicts while coordinating high-stakes operations against the terrorist threat. His character provides crucial logistical oversight and navigates tensions within during the pursuit of chemical weapons. Roger Kwok plays Du Wenbin, a key antagonist as the leader figure driving the terrorists' pursuit of chemical weapons, leveraging his expertise as a microbiologist to advance the plot's central conflict. His role intensifies the narrative through manipulative schemes tied to the biological threat. Oscar Leung appears as Xu Sen, a biologist and member of the terrorist organization Infinity, who assists in the DH2 virus development while harboring a secret agenda. Edwin Siu depicts Cai Shaohui, a homeless scientist possessing crucial knowledge of the DH2 virus formula, who becomes entangled in the conspiracy. Elaine Yiu embodies Du Yiying, the sister of antagonist Du Wenbin, whose interactions add emotional depth and personal stakes to the protagonists' professional dilemmas. is cast as He Jiabao, a colleague from the OCTB recruited into the SDU, bringing layers of relational tension and support that humanize the main ensemble. The series features notable guest appearances that enhance world-building, such as Jai Day as Leo Argunbia in scenes depicting hostage negotiations and illicit deals, underscoring the terrorists' infiltration without revealing resolutions. Other guests, including Joey Law and , appear in brief but pivotal roles tied to subplots around investigations and alliances.

Production

Casting process

The casting process for Flying Tiger 3 emphasized by retaining key performers from prior installments in the franchise, including , , , Joe Ma, Eddie Cheung, and , who had portrayed SDU officers or related roles in seasons 1 and 2. This decision leveraged their established on-screen chemistry and familiarity with action-oriented characters to streamline production and appeal to returning audiences. To introduce fresh dynamics and international elements, producers recruited for his Interpol special agent role, building on his veteran status while highlighting cross-border intrigue; his involvement was confirmed alongside other returnees by early 2020. Bosco Wong's retention was particularly valued for his demonstrated action proficiency from SDU depictions in previous seasons, ensuring seamless integration into high-stakes sequences without extensive retraining. New additions, such as in a pivotal role and as the female lead—a high-ranking OCTB —were announced in mid-2020 interviews, marking a deliberate shift that replaced the entire female ensemble to refresh narrative perspectives. The process faced logistical hurdles from the , which delayed filming from an initial March 2020 start to July, complicating actor availability and requiring adjustments to balance returning stars' schedules with newcomers amid health protocols and quarantines. Joe Ma, for instance, joined after resolving prior mainland commitments, underscoring the need for flexible recruitment amid these disruptions.

Filming and production challenges

The production of Flying Tiger 3 encountered major logistical hurdles due to the , which disrupted the entertainment industry in . Principal photography, originally slated to begin in March 2020, was postponed until July amid strict government restrictions, mandates, and health safety protocols to protect the cast and crew. Filming commenced in early July 2020 but faced immediate interruptions, including a seven-day suspension later that month to sanitize sets, reduce on-site personnel, and reorganize schedules in response to a surge in local cases. These measures included providing hygiene equipment and postponing intimate scenes, such as kissing sequences, to minimize risks. The prioritized , with cast members like and expressing support for the delays while adhering to personal precautions like frequent sanitization and avoiding gatherings. Principal photography took place primarily in urban locations across , utilizing city streets, buildings, and facilities to authentically depict scenarios involving the (SDU) headquarters, chemical plants, and high-stakes hostage situations central to the plot. These real-world sites allowed for immersive on-location shooting that captured the series' intense, Hong Kong-based environment. The action sequences were choreographed by industry specialists, emphasizing practical effects to heighten realism in gunfights and explosions, aligning with the franchise's reputation for high-octane police thriller elements. This approach involved coordinated stunts and on-set to simulate the tactical operations of the SDU against terrorists. Post-production extended into late 2021, wrapping shortly before the series' premiere on in December 2021, with significant enhancements in to visualize the chemical threat posed by the Waganbu. These digital effects integrated seamlessly with the practical footage to depict explosive set pieces and hazardous scenarios.

Release

Broadcast

Flying Tiger 3 premiered on the streaming platform on December 16, 2021, airing daily until the finale on January 11, 2022, comprising 30 episodes in total. In , the drama began its linear television run on starting February 21, 2022, occupying the 9:30 p.m. time slot on weekdays. Each episode ran approximately 45 minutes, allowing for a complete broadcast over several weeks. The production wrapped filming prior to these airings, enabling a swift transition to distribution across platforms. Regional variations existed in the broadcast versions, particularly for and .

Home media and streaming

Following its initial premiere on , Flying Tiger 3 expanded to international streaming platforms for broader accessibility. In 2022, released a complete DVD set comprising all 30 episodes, featuring English subtitles, in PAL format and all-region compatibility for worldwide playback. From 2023 onward, the series has been offered on ad-supported streaming services such as , providing free access to viewers, as well as on for purchase or rental options. As of November 2025, Flying Tiger 3 remains available on without any major remasters or updated editions announced.

Reception

Viewership and ratings

Upon its premiere on on December 16, 2021, Flying Tiger 3 marked strong initial streaming engagement for the franchise. The series aired on from February 21 to April 1, 2022, in the 9:30 PM slot, recording an average rating of 21.5 across its run. This figure represented a solid performance for an action drama amid competitive scheduling, though it fell short of the franchise's earlier peaks, such as the 31.7 premiere for season 2. Internationally, Flying Tiger 3 received a 7.4/10 average user rating on MyDramaList, based on 1 review from 347 watchers, placing it at #17261 in global popularity rankings (as of November 2025). In comparison to prior installments, season 3 outperformed season 2's later episodes—where ratings had declined from its strong premiere—by sustaining consistent streaming momentum on and revitalizing franchise interest through enhanced values and broader .

Critical and audience response

Flying Tiger 3 received generally positive feedback from critics for its elevated action sequences and production values, marking an improvement over the perceived shortcomings of the second season in maintaining high-stakes and visual . Reviewers highlighted the series' well-choreographed stunts and finale, which effectively capped the trilogy with intense, visually impactful confrontations that showcased the ensemble's capabilities. The chemistry between leads and , portraying contrasting yet complementary personalities in their brotherhood dynamic, was frequently praised as a standout element that added emotional depth to the procedural narrative. However, some critiques pointed to clichéd elements in the terrorist plotlines and uneven pacing, particularly in mid-season episodes that felt like fillers to extend the , leading to repetitive motifs around themes of and duty. The overall franchise holds an average rating of 6.9/10 on , reflecting a solid but not exceptional reception across its installments. Audience responses were mixed, with viewers appreciating the high-octane and biological threat storyline for delivering thrilling, no-dull-moments , while others expressed frustration over predictable character arcs and underdeveloped supporting roles that diminished the suspense. The series earned minor international recognition, including a Silver Award in the Entertainment Program: Drama category at the 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, underscoring its technical achievements in -oriented storytelling. No major awards were won at Hong Kong drama ceremonies.

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