General OverviewProject A, a 1983 Hong Kong action funny movie, was amongst the milestone productions that strengthened Jackie Chan's reputation as an international star. The film, co-written, directed by and starring Jackie Chan himself, also stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. This film brilliantly integrates aspects of terrific funny and martial arts while paying homage to traditional Hollywood action-comedy and pirates' movies. Significantly, Project A stands as an example of Chan's early work that defined his signature design-- a mix of intricate, hectic action choreography, physical funny, and harmful stunts.
Plot SummarySet in the late 19th century in Hong Kong, Project A follows the story of Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan), a dedicated member of the Hong Kong Marine Police determined to fight widespread piracy. Nevertheless, main corruption and lack of resources make his task hard, resulting in the disbanding of the Marine Police.
Dragon, together with his loose-cannon law enforcement officer pal Fei (Sammo Hung) and competing Captain Tzu (Yuen Biao), discover themselves in an unwilling alliance in the face of rampant piracy threatening Hong Kong's waters. As the story progresses, they focus on the Pirate King, San Po (Dick Wei), and a corrupt cops superintendent, played by Lee Hoi San.
Action Sequences and ComedyThe movie is renowned for its action sequences and comedic aspects. One popular series includes Dragon getting away from the cops by bicycle through the narrow alleyways of Hong Kong after being framed by the corrupt superintendent. Nevertheless, the film's most legendary stunt comes throughout a climactic scene in a clock tower where Chan admires Harold Lloyd's quiet timeless "Safety Last!"-- Dragon hangs from the hands of a clock prior to falling through 2 awnings to the ground, a stunt that Jackie Chan performed himself, risking his life.
Reception and LegacyProject A was favored at the time of release, catapulting Chan's profession even further in the worldwide movie theater arena. With its unique blend of extreme action, slapstick comedy, and awesome stunts, it's thought about a timeless in Jackie Chan's filmography and a definitive entry in Hong Kong cinema. The movie achieved success enough to generate a 1987 follow up, 'Project A Part II', once again directed by and starring Jackie Chan.
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