In the early 1990s, a Chinese tractor mechanic nicknames Nick (Jackie Chan) enters Japan illegally in search for his fiance Xiu Xiu (Xu Jing Lei). Nick has made the journey on a freighter that sinks before reaching the harbor. He manages to reach dry land, avoiding the Japanese police as he tracks down his brother Joe (Daniel Wu) and asks for help. Joe provides food and shelter while Nick looks for a job and searches for his lost love in this strange new city. Joe introduces Nick to some fellow Chinese immigrants and each of them help the newcomer by showing him how the black market and other underworld activities can help him survive. The menial jobs available to them are difficult and pay very little. Nick considers the possibility, but he's not a criminal yet.