Police Story 4: First Strike (1996)

Police Story 4: First Strike Poster
Original Title: 警察故事4之簡單任務

Hong Kong cop Chan Ka-Kui returns, working with Interpol to track down and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Chan later realizes that things are not as simple as they appear and soon finds himself to be a pawn of an organization posing as Russian intelligence.

Film Summary

"Police Story 4: First Strike" is a 1996 Hong Kong action movie directed by Stanley Tong and featuring Jackie Chan as the protagonist. It is the 4th instalment in Jackie Chan's "Police Story" movie series where he reprises his function as the heroic police officer Chan Ka-Kui. The movie, known for its breathtaking stunts and high-paced action, showcases Chan's skill for integrating action with humor.

Plot
The film takes an international turn as the story is set across several nations including Hong Kong, Ukraine, Australia, and Russia. Jackie Chan, Inspector Ka-Kui, is designated by the CIA to tail a female, Natasha, associated with an illegal arms offer. The arms allegedly consist of a fatal nuclear warhead. Things get complicated when Natasha's bro, Tsui, part of the Russian mob, is revealed to be involved in the arms deal.

Action and Consequences
Chan follows the path to Brisbane, Australia, where he works with Interpol to find Tsui. After a series of complex and high-action series, consisting of a remarkable ski chase, Chan effectively apprehends Tsui. Nevertheless, it is exposed that Tsui is a double agent working for the CIA. The real culprits behind the arms offer are corrupt CIA agents led by Jackson Tsui, a highly regarded CIA operative. The true bad guys attempt to frame Chan for Tsui's murder, which leads to a worldwide arrest warrant for Chan.

Climax
Tsui is ultimately abducted by the corrupt CIA representatives, and they outline to sell the nuclear warhead to a global terrorist company. In a twist of events, Chan, who is in concealing, decides to save Tsui and prevent the arms sales. It results in a thrilling climax on a hovering helicopter, where Chan utilizes his special combating design and stunts to conserve the day.

Conclusion
In the end, Chan successfully clears his name, rescues Tsui, and avoids the prohibited arms offer. The movie concludes with a sequence that showcases signature Jackie Chan outtakes of stunts performed throughout shooting, providing an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes.

Review
"Police Story 4: First Strike" holds its own amongst Jackie Chan's filmography. It provides a more worldwide scope than the previous instalments, which enhances its interest international audiences. Jackie Chan's amazing physical prowess, comical timing, and charming persona are displayed remarkably through his character. The movie loads a punch with thrilling chase series, high-flying stunts, and traditional martial arts battles, making this a pleasurable expect action movie enthusiasts.

Top Cast

  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    Insp. Chan Ka Kui
  • Bill Tung (small)
    Bill Tung
    'Uncle' Bill Wong
  • Jackson Liu (small)
    Jackson Liu
    Jackson Tsui
  • Annie Wu (small)
    Annie Wu
    Annie Tsui
  • Ailen Sit Chun-Wai
    Allen
  • Yuri Petrov
    Col. Gregor Yegorov
  • Nonna Grishaeva (small)
    Nonna Grishaeva
    Natasha
  • John Eaves
    Mark
  • Terry Woo
    Uncle Seven
  • Kristopher Kazmarek
    Cmdr. Korda
  • Ken Lo (small)
    Ken Lo
    HK Police Officer