Police Story (1985 film)

Police Story has some of the most brutal, fascinating, intricate, and satisfying action sequences of the 80s. It also has five minutes where the protagonist’s girlfriend and star witness metaphorically kick him in the dick, which is hilarious but also indicative of the big problem of tone, where there’s a disconnect between the film’s intensity, dramatic stakes, and comic sensibilities. This multifaceted disconnect is charming most of the time, but there’s just enough that doesn’t work that keeps it from being in the true upper echelon of all-timers. Strongly recommended otherwise and an easy candidate for Jackie Chan’s best work.

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