Police Story 4: First Strike
Plot
In "Police Story 4: First Strike", Inspector Chan Ka-Kui (Jackie Chan) is back in action, this time partnering with Interpol to take down a notorious arms dealer known only as "Piedra" (Eric Steinberg). The investigation leads them to Europe, where they must navigate complex international politics and corruption to bring Piedra to justice. As Chan delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a web of deceit that threatens to compromise his mission. He soon finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with Piedra's loyal henchmen, including the cunning and deadly Madame Mariane (Gabrielle Lust). The action unfolds at breakneck pace, with Chan showcasing his trademark blend of martial arts mastery and comedic flair. From high-speed chases through European cities to intense hand-to-hand combat in cramped alleyways, Chan's exploits are as thrilling as they are unpredictable. As the stakes escalate, Chan must rely on his quick wit, lightning-quick reflexes, and deep understanding of human psychology to outsmart Piedra's minions and stay one step ahead. Along the way, he also finds time for some lighthearted moments with his trusted sidekick, Detective Thomas Griffin (Branford Jones), and a charming French police officer, Inspector Isabelle Laurent (Yan Ni). In the end, Chan's determination and expertise prove to be more than a match for Piedra's nefarious plans. With its non-stop action, humor, and heart, "Police Story 4: First Strike" is a thrilling addition to the beloved Police Story franchise.
Reviews
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.
