Police Story 4: Erstschlag
Handlung
In „Police Story 4: First Strike“ ist Inspektor Chan Ka-Kui (Jackie Chan) wieder im Einsatz und arbeitet diesmal mit Interpol zusammen, um einen berüchtigten Waffenhändler namens „Piedra“ (Eric Steinberg) auszuschalten. Die Ermittlungen führen sie nach Europa, wo sie sich in komplexen internationalen politischen Verhältnissen und Korruption zurechtfinden müssen, um Piedra der Gerechtigkeit zuzuführen. Als Chan tiefer in den Fall eintaucht, beginnt er, ein Netz aus Täuschung aufzudecken, das seine Mission zu gefährden droht. Er gerät bald in ein Katz-und-Maus-Spiel mit Piedras loyalen Handlangern, darunter die gerissene und tödliche Madame Mariane (Gabrielle Lust). Die Action entfaltet sich in halsbrecherischem Tempo, wobei Chan seine typische Mischung aus Kampfkunst und komödiantischem Flair zur Schau stellt. Von High-Speed-Verfolgungsjagden durch europäische Städte bis hin zu intensiven Nahkämpfen in engen Gassen sind Chans Heldentaten ebenso aufregend wie unberechenbar. Als der Einsatz steigt, muss Chan sich auf seinen schnellen Verstand, seine blitzartigen Reflexe und sein tiefes Verständnis der menschlichen Psychologie verlassen, um Piedras Schergen zu überlisten und immer einen Schritt voraus zu sein. Auf seinem Weg findet er auch Zeit für unbeschwerte Momente mit seinem treuen Kumpel, Detective Thomas Griffin (Branford Jones), und einer charmanten französischen Polizistin, Inspektorin Isabelle Laurent (Yan Ni). Am Ende erweisen sich Chans Entschlossenheit und Expertise als mehr als ebenbürtig für Piedras ruchlose Pläne. Mit seiner Non-Stop-Action, seinem Humor und seinem Herz ist „Police Story 4: First Strike“ eine spannende Ergänzung der beliebten Police Story-Reihe.
Kritiken
Jordan
The US version is such a mess... Tony Tong and Jackie Chan were a perfect match during that period. Their collaborations laid a solid foundation for Jackie Chan's eventual breakthrough into Hollywood. This film, for example, has excellent pacing, style, and story. Plus, the homages and parodies of 007 are quite well done.
Emersyn
"Police Story" seemingly takes a pause here. Watching the outtakes at the end still fills me with emotion. There are so few performers willing to put in this level of dedication. Many films feature scenes where characters investigate in sub-zero temperatures wearing only a thin shirt and jacket. They don't tumble and crawl through the snow on a sled, or fall into icy water. Knowing it's a genuine performance only makes me feel more for him. After witnessing Jackie Chan's action, everything else in other films pales in comparison.
Ana
8.0/10. Rewatched on February 15, 2018. Like the third installment, this one came out four years later. Maggie Cheung is gone. The new "Dragon Lady," Wu Chen-chun, has a great figure... The US Blu-ray version is not only shorter but also has terrible picture quality... Rewatched on December 4, 2024, GER German Blu-ray. Runtime 01:47:16. The German version is very clearly restored and is also the uncut version, which is excellent. Many small details are great, such as the falling ladder that scares the opponent about to leave. And the underwater fight, and so on... The German version has a Cantonese audio track, but it's labeled by the Germans as...
Gabriella
It's a shame Maggie Cheung didn't return. This film continues the Jackie Chan action-comedy style, with the backdrop extending to Russia and Ukraine. It's arguably the biggest and most ambitious entry in the Police Story series in terms of investment and scale. Jackie Chan's die-hard performance is as admirable as ever, but at the same time, the film's emphasis on individual heroism reaches its peak.
Emma
Jackie Chan was my absolute benchmark for movies growing up. If it had Jackie Chan, it was guaranteed to be good.
Jace
The film paints a vivid picture of a world where the pursuit of justice often becomes a labyrinth of its own, blurring the lines between good and evil. Chan Ka-Kui's journey is not just about catching the bad guys—it's about confronting the intricate dance of power and betrayal that defines his reality. A gripping narrative that leaves you pondering the true cost of heroism in a world where the truth is always just out of reach.
Talia
"First Strike" sees Jackie Chan reprising his iconic role as Inspector Chan Ka-Kui in this action-packed installment of the Police Story series. With its gripping plot twists and high-octane stunts, this film delivers thrilling fight scenes and impressive set pieces. Chan's trademark blend of humor and physicality shines, making this an entertaining watch. The movie's Cold War-era backdrop adds an interesting layer of complexity, but ultimately, it's Chan's charisma that drives the film forward. A fun, if somewhat formulaic, addition to the franchise.
