There is a time before you watch Police Story and a time after you watch it. And once you are introduced to this 80s Hong Kong gem your life will feel a better place for it. As the narrative follows a police officer as he tries to bring down a drug lord, and the complexities this has for both his public and private life, the film mores from a surprisingly tense opening sting that gives way to a bus chase down a winding hill through to a finale complete with a remarkable stunt (I shan’t ruin it here but the film knows its onto something as it shows us this moment three times from different angles).
You will probably be most familiar with Jackie Chan’s star persona from his output in Western cinema, particularly in the likes of Rush Hour, Kung Fu Panda and the Shanghai films. But you won’t have seen the performer as he is here, a remarkable creative force who seems to be propelling the film forward. As well as taking on the lead role, Chan directs, writes, acts as stunt coordinator, even sings the film’s theme.
Police Story seamlessly shifts in tone, comedy sitting alongside more dramatic exchanges. This work is, arguably, all of cinema at once, and is brilliant for it. There is a sprawl to this work as well as intimacy as we see aspects of Chan Ka Kui’s life outside of the force. Chan has never been more charming then he is here, but he is also deftly supported by the likes of Maggie Chan, Bridgett Lin, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung and Ken Tong.
Police Story is a masterpiece, cinematic perfection that will lift and elate any film fan. A remarkable achievement of the 80s, with action sequences that push what can be endured by its cast, it should immediately go onto your pile of works that show the best of what the decade can do. Plus there are multiple sequels that will allow you to keep exploring the Jackie Chan that existed before he arrived in Hollywood.
You will probably be most familiar with Jackie Chan’s star persona from his output in Western cinema, particularly in the likes of Rush Hour, Kung Fu Panda and the Shanghai films. But you won’t have seen the performer as he is here, a remarkable creative force who seems to be propelling the film forward. As well as taking on the lead role, Chan directs, writes, acts as stunt coordinator, even sings the film’s theme.
Police Story seamlessly shifts in tone, comedy sitting alongside more dramatic exchanges. This work is, arguably, all of cinema at once, and is brilliant for it. There is a sprawl to this work as well as intimacy as we see aspects of Chan Ka Kui’s life outside of the force. Chan has never been more charming then he is here, but he is also deftly supported by the likes of Maggie Chan, Bridgett Lin, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung and Ken Tong.
Police Story is a masterpiece, cinematic perfection that will lift and elate any film fan. A remarkable achievement of the 80s, with action sequences that push what can be endured by its cast, it should immediately go onto your pile of works that show the best of what the decade can do. Plus there are multiple sequels that will allow you to keep exploring the Jackie Chan that existed before he arrived in Hollywood.