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Jackie Chan’s career took off significantly when he shifted to acting in Hollywood films, but his greatest work was actually done in Hong Kong during the 1980s. Today, recognized as an international megastar due to hits like “Rush Hour”, Chan was already a renowned filmmaker before he gained global fame. What set him apart from other action stars was his breathtaking stunt work and endearing screen presence. Jackie Chan’s films seamlessly blend thrilling action sequences with hilarious physical humor, which paved the way for a new wave in martial arts cinema.

Jackie Chan’s career progressed steadily within films, starting with performing stunt doubles in iconic martial arts movies like “Fist of Fury” and “Enter the Dragon”. Later, he stepped into the limelight for the 1978 film, “Drunken Master”, demonstrating his potential as a leading actor. Joining forces with the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, he took on greater creative responsibilities in his projects, constantly pushing boundaries. His ’80s work is renowned for producing some of the greatest action films, but one Jackie Chan movie stands out as his most notable achievement.

Why Police Story Is The Best Movie Jackie Chan Directed & Starred In

Police Story Is The Quintessential Jackie Chan Movie

By the 1980s, Jackie Chan had become a major star in his native land and was producing some of the finest work in his career, alongside the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. The film “Police Story,” released in 1985, featured Chan as an unlucky police officer involved in a significant operation against a formidable criminal mastermind. Unfortunately, the Senior Inspector gets falsely accused of murder and is forced to flee to establish his innocence. Despite being filled with typical cop movie tropes, “Police Story” stands out as Jackie Chan’s best film due to its showcase of his exceptional filmmaking skills.

In “Police Story,” Chan not only took charge as the director and co-writer, but tailored the film to showcase his team’s unique skills. As a result, the action sequences are among the greatest ever filmed and they challenge the limits of what was previously considered possible. The movie maintains its high pace even during moments that would typically be more reserved, making it an exceptional piece of cinema. For instance, the office phone call sequence, which could have been dull in many police movies, is given a fresh twist by Chan through his clever use of humor and physicality, setting it apart from others in its genre.

The movie, Police Story, truly embodies what made Jackie Chan a beloved figure worldwide. It has a universal charm that draws in any viewer. Unlike some other martial arts or action films that may get bogged down in details or veer into the ridiculous, this film masterfully strikes a balance between genre elements, ensuring it remains engaging even after four decades.

The Police Story series includes:

Movie Release Year Rotten Tomatoes Score
Police Story 1985 93%
Police Story 2 1988 84%
Police Story 3: Super Cop 1992 93%
Police Story 4: First Strike 1996 57%
New Police Story 2004 63%
Police Story 2013 2013 25%

How Police Story Holds Up 40 Years Later

It Has Never Been Topped All These Years Later

Predicting which movies will endure through the ages can be tricky, as many popular films eventually become forgotten. However, Police Story bucked that trend and it was evident from its release that this Jackie Chan film would remain a classic. One of the main reasons for its timeless appeal is the extraordinary stunt work displayed in the movie, which has yet to be surpassed by any other film. While some movies become outdated due to advancements in technology, Police Story remains unrivaled.

Jackie Chan considers “Police Story” one of his top five films due to its exceptional qualities. Not only does it showcase the best of what Jackie Chan and his Stunt Team have offered in cinema, but it also stands out as an excellent movie overall. The stunts are awe-inspiring, undoubtedly the highlight, but “Police Story” excels in other areas too, resulting in a memorable cinematic experience. In 1985’s classic, Chan demonstrated his directorial prowess, skillfully using the camera to portray the chaos on screen vividly.

In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, one key factor that has kept Police Story relevant over the years is its uncanny ability to avoid feeling outdated. Despite being produced in the mid-1980s, it never comes off as corny or outmoded. While it undeniably showcases typical ’80s aesthetics, its narrative resonates beyond the confines of time.

To put it simply, Jackie Chan’s performance in Police Story is unparalleled in his illustrious career. The film’s blend of excitement, humor, and emotional depth has yet to be surpassed by any of his subsequent works.

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2025-05-27 20:29

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