User reviews

In this apparent 'Police Story IV', Jackie plays, of all people, Jackie, a cop from Hong Kong working on a case with the CIA. Pretty soon he is off to Ukraine, and then to Australia for some reason. In Australia, he shares a hotel room with a Koala, and generally beats up very big Russian mobsters. Wow.

OK, I'll admit it isn't as awesome as it sounds, nor is it as bad as it may sound to others. The plot is standard spy-stuff, and accompanied by some very poor dialog. The bad guys are the stereotypical bad guys who know they can kill the hero straight away, but opt for something else, in this case, its "lets have fun with him" or "lets beat him". Ah, classic. Those very big Russian mobsters don't look or sound very intelligent anyway.

Sure, the plot might be trying to be too much like James Bond, the dialog bad, and some of the actors poor - but Jackie beats people up using a ladder. A LADDER! Some of the other action scenes are pretty cool too - ranging from Jackie snowboarding, to Jackie fighting on stilts, to Jackie jumping cars. Awesome.

7/10 - Only for fans of action or Jackie Chan

"First Strike" is at its worst when it tries to be a James Bond spoof and comes off as a cut-rate Bond imitation. It's at its best when it lets Jackie Chan do what he does best: performing awesome physical stunts and engaging in lightning-paced fight scenes. The plot is utterly disjointed, and I would go so far as to say that there are only two or three really good scenes here, but these are SO good they make the movie worth watching anyway. The "ladder scene", in particular, simply defies belief; Jackie Chan seems to be pushing the boundaries of what we consider "humanly possible". (**1/2)

If you've never seen a Jackie Chan film before, this is a good place to start. I speak from experience, for it is the first film of his that I saw. I must warn you, though: his films are not for everyone. The plots are often pedestrian and sometimes incoherent. They also are usually dubbed, making them seem cheesy. Sometimes I describe him to people as a guilty pleasure, but that may give the wrong impression. What Chan does well is sheer genius. Plot is besides the point. It's not what his films are about.

What, then, are they about? It's hard to put into words. You may have heard him described as a martial artist, a stuntman, and a slapstick comedian. None of those descriptions do him justice. I could add that he's something of an acrobat and gymnast, but even that doesn't sum it up. There is no actor he can be compared to, for his style is unique; it's like he's developed his own art form. These are not "fighting films" in a traditional sense. They're more like the types of acts you might see at a circus, involving props used in astonishing ways and depending on careful choreography and exquisite timing. For example, at one point in this film Chan flips and twirls a heavy stepladder like it was a baton, then sets it down and weaves his own body through the rungs, while fending off attacks from a group of men.

Typically in his films, the acts he performs get increasingly formidable as the film progresses, culminating in some large-scale stunt such as him leaping off a building. But even the little things he does are eye-popping. In this film he's constantly climbing walls with an agility reminiscent of Donald O'Connor. You never know what to expect, for he does different things in each film.

Well, at least that once was the case. Since "Rush Hour," his 1998 American blockbuster, his stunts have become less intricate, and he's begun repeating ideas. It may be that he's getting older, but it also may be that he's moved from Hong Kong to Hollywood. Undoubtedly the recent films have more polish and better production values, which has helped make them accessible to a wider audience. But his earlier work is so full of invention that I'm able to overlook formula plots, bad acting, and cheesy humor. I do have my limits. A few of his films--"The Protector" comes to mind--are so badly done that it doesn't matter that they have cool fight sequences. His films need some measure of competence to work. They are more than a series of routines strung together.

Part of what makes them charming is Chan himself. He is a pretty solid actor compared to some of the leading American action stars, capable of conveying a full range of emotions convincingly. He is particularly good at expressing panic. The character he plays is not your standard tough-guy. He is frequently an inferior fighter to those he confronts. When hit, he grimaces in pain. When faced with the opportunity, he runs. He survives by a mixture of quick wits and luck. He is far more a throwback to Keaton and Chaplin than a martial arts master.

Of course, I won't call this film or any other by Chan a masterpiece. Perhaps I'm too conventional. If the purpose of films is to entertain, his succeed brilliantly. Whether they appeal to you depends on your taste, but one thing you cannot do is claim he's untalented. It may not be a talent you're used to, but it's one that's likely to remain unparalleled.

The fourth installment in Jackie Chan's terrific Police Story films {although the western release obscured the connection,but more on that later}is basically Chan's take on James Bond. And it is tremendous fun,in many respects one of his best all-round movies. While having some incredible action,it also has a reasonably good plot and acting,two things which even the most die-hard Chan fan will probably admit his films don't often contain.

The film has been unfairly criticised for having little martial arts,but it has more than,say,Crime Story or The Tuxedo. This film aims at more diversity in it's action,and ranges from a ski-chase {ending with Chan jumping on to a helicopter than falling into ice-filled water with VERY little protection}to a running battle with a giant {this scene actually has Chan running on water!}to a warehouse fight where Chan uses a ladder with amazing skill. The film moves a little slower than you might expect but the story holds the attention and the last half-hour is incredible non-stop action,climaxing with a terrific car stunt. The centrepiece is an underwater fight with martial arts moves. It somewhat degenerates into clowning but is never less than terrific to watch. A shame that Chan injured himself and therefore {as with Rumble In The Bronx}could not have a final battle,but never mind.

Hugely enjoyable then,with Chan obviously aware of the Bondisms and having fun doing them his way {he even complains that he is missing the gorgeous girls at one point}. Sadly the Western cinema release is cut by around 20 minutes. The plot is harder to follow and ,worst of all,some of the action is cut,including some great moments from the underwater battle. The original Hong Kong version is superior in every way and it remains a great shame that New Line and Miramax see fit to chop up all the non-American Chan films they release. Seek out the full version.

The second 1990s Jackie Chan film made for a worldwide market. It seems the team has learned its lessons with Rumble in the Bronx, as First Strike is more on pace. Filmed in Hong Kong, Ukraine, Russia and Australia, spy intrigue is combined with kung-fu comedy as Chan gets involved in the illegal sale of weapons by the Russian Mafia (yes, another film with this premise). Thanks largely to the presence of Chan, the storyline is pulled off relatively successfully. The ski stunts are impressive and also humorous - but poor Jackie - he really is wearing a couple of layers' clothing! The Australian action sequences are well choreographed and have a sense of occasion. The action is better paced: it is not kung-fu for kung-fu's sake, although if you want realism in your stories, look elsewhere. As an individual Chan film, it works - but it does not deserve being part of the Police Story series, which it was in Hong Kong. The Chinese style is watered down in pursuit of the western markets - and the producers would have been better off creating a new character for Chan this time. Compared to the first and third instalments, it is lacking. This aside, it is entertaining and enjoyable, whether you see the original or dubbed version.

I'm pretty sure this was one of the first Jackie Chan movies I saw, and the point where I became a fan. After watching it again last night, I can see why I started to like Jackie so much after this film.

The film isn't perfect, far from it. As very common in these films, it takes ages to settle into any proper action or story, carries the trademark terrible dialogue in all talking scenes and has a whole host of continuity errors and goofs. But what this film does have, in my opinion, is possibly Chans best overall performance of his career so far.

This film shows how much of an athletic talent Jackie really is, from the fight scenes to all the ways Jackie climbs over obstacles and into windows during the movie. This movie really showed me what a leading man was capable in the way of stunts when I first saw it, and still shows what the human body can do in any situation.

I don't think it really needs any more praise on here, but the mid movie ladder fight (and all build up to it) really needs to be seen to be believed. The gag real at the end of the movie show how dangerous this really was as well.

I just love Jackie's acrobatic style in this film. I am so glad I still find movies like this entertaining after I was so disappointed by the much hyped drunken master and original police story. I still need to see a few more of Chan's early work, but for now, this is my fav.

Part 4 of the Police Story series sees Jackie Chan's agile Hong Kong police inspector Chan Ka Kui become embroiled in James Bond-style international espionage after he is given the seemingly simple task of following beautiful suspect Natasha to Ukraine. When Natasha is abducted at the airport, Chan sets off in hot pursuit only to discover that she is involved with international arms dealers and the sale of a nuclear warhead.

First Strike was made in the mid 90s, a transitional period for Jackie Chan, who was priming himself for his big move to the US. In order to broaden the star's appeal with the Western market, this one has a much more international flavour than many of his earlier films, with the action skipping round the globe, from Hong Kong to Ukraine to Russia and, finally, to Australia. The film is also less focused on pure martial arts mayhem, with more in the way of straight forward Hollywood style stunt-filled action, but when the kung fu does happen it is extremely well handled, with Jackie displaying his usual athleticism, impeccable timing, and flair for physical comedy.

The rather messy plot and occasionally slow pacing prevents First Strike from being a bona fide Chan classic, but there is still plenty of inventive stuff to make this one a whole lot of fun, best bits being a wonderful fight scene in which Chan uses a stepladder as a weapon, an exhilarating ski chase down a mountain, some underwater shenanigans with sharks, and a scrap with two Russian man-mountains that involves Chan making a vertiginous leap onto a narrow ledge of a high-rise building.

In order to foster good international cooperation, "Inspector Chan Ka Kui" (Jackie Chan) is temporarily loaned out to the C.I.A. to monitor a suspect on a flight to Ukraine. When the flight lands, he touches base with his point-of-contact and is supposedly finished with his assignment. However, he just happens to notice something peculiar and out of instinct follows the same suspect to an isolated location. When he calls in he is asked to continue surveillance. Things then take an immediate turn for the worse after this. Now rather than reveal anything else, I will just say that this particular film was neither better nor worse than the other three "Police Story" movies. If anything I suppose that the humor was probably more noticeable but the action wasn't quite as intense. Still, Jackie Chan was as sensational as ever and he once again demonstrates that he is in a class of his own. In any case, while I didn't think this movie was the best in the series I certainly think it's worth a watch for those who might enjoy an action-comedy of this type. Slightly above average.

In "Jing cha gu shi IV: Jian dan ren wu" (called "Jackie Chan's First Strike" in the US), Jackie Chan has to find a missing nuclear warhead. Of course, if you pay too much attention to the plot, you'll miss the rest of the movie. Like any of Chan's movies, the point is to have him kick ass in various and sundry ways. The snowboarding sequence in my opinion should get registered alongside Gene Kelly singing in the rain as one of the great cinematic moments. And the ladder? I DON'T KNOW HOW HE DOES IT, BUT HE DOES IT!!!!!!!! So just have fun watching this (and I guarantee that you will). You could be deaf and still get a kick out of it.

This is the fourth installment of Jackie Chan's Police story series.

The movie is separated into two parts. The first part is in Russia and the second part is in Australia. Jackie is after an ex-CIA agent Tsui who've stolen a nuclear bomb. Another group of terrorists are after the bomb too. Jackie gets between the terrorists and Tsui, and the terrorists tries to kill him too. Tsui's sister Annie and Jackie gets together, and tries to recover the case hidden in the aquarium.

This movie was made during the period Jackie Chan was making movies in international locations. The story and the comedy is especially well done, perhaps it's because the screen play was written by four people. The fight sequences at the high rise hotel and the aquarium are one of Jackie's best.

Good movie that will give you lots of laughs and action.

FIRST STRIKE packs a violent confrontation between Jackie and double agents from CIA and KGB . This exciting story about the cop named Chang Wing of the Hong Kong precinct is well played by Jackie Chan. Chang participates in a sting operation against an international spy-ring that is smuggling nuclear weapons from Ukraine. But when one of them (Tsui) escapes , Jackie is ordered to capture him . This leads Jackie all over the globe beginning with Tsui's sister (Annie Wu) at Australia . The story follows him as he attempts to stay alive and chase the villain. When his police buddies are deceived by a wicked criminal band , Wing turns into an unfortunate spy when he is also double-crossed . A young woman helps him to track down and apprehend the gang commanded by a double agent. Then Chan looks for vengeance against the ominous villains at a cat and mouse game.

This exciting movie is crammed of action-packed, overwhelming stunt-work and lots of violence but with humor. Jackie Chan is top notch as one army man fighting a group of heinous criminals and as always he makes his own stunts like is showed on the final fake-shots . Awesome ,incredible stunts and brief comic touches , as usual ; the picture is better constructed than its predecessor . The lighting-paced storyline slows down at times , but frantic action sequences make up for it . Spotlights movie include a stirring pursuit on the snow and underwater fights surrounded by sharks in James Bond style , among others . This is a phenomenal action movie distinguished by nicely cinematography of the spectacular sequences , and contains agreeable sense of humor such as previous entries . However while the former outings Jackie teamed up to prestigious actresses and fine action stars in their own right , like Maggie Cheung and Michelle Khan , at this film his parternaire is unknown . Thrilling and moving musical score fitting to action by J. Peter Robinson . The picture is lavishly produced by the great Asian producers Raymond Chow and Golden Harvest production and efficiently directed by Stanley Tong . The first version titled ¨Police story(1985)¨ directed by the same Jackie Chan was a perfect action film for enthusiastic of the genre ; the following was ¨Police story 2(1988)¨ also pretty violent and with abundant humor touches . It's followed by ¨Police story V : Crime story¨ and finally ¨New Police story¨ by Benny Chan . Rating : Accepatable and passable, the picture has its sensational moments here and there , mostly provided by its agile star, the super Jackie Chan .

This is my favorite Jackie Chan movie. The script and acting is not that great. But the action sequences are really fun to watch. That's why people watch Jackie Chan movies, right?

The fifth instalment in the Police Story film series. Here, Inspector Chan is dealing with the terrorists who are into nuclear weapons. There are so many reference to the James Bond franchise, including the Ski scenes. Even Inspector Chan speaks about James Bond and 007. There are lot of fun filled adventure action scenes in the movie, including ski and underwater fights. Sit back and enjoy.

Jackie Chan plays a cop who chases a criminal from Russia to Australia.I don't bother telling more about the plot because it's really not important in this kind of movie.This is like a James Bond movie.But there's Chan, Jackie Chan in this one.The fighting sequences are unbelievable in this movie and there is a lot of action in it.Jackie hangs from a helicopter, skis with one ski, uses ladder for fighting and then there's under water action in the movie.It is also very funny.Jing cha gu shi IV: Jian dan ren wu which is also known as Jackie Chan's First Strike from 1996 was Jackie's first movie for American people to see.Jackie Chan is unbelievable in his moves.He is like new Bruce Lee but with his own style of course.He does his own stunts like Buster Keaton did.It is nice to watch the bloopers during credits.If you like martial arts or Jackie Chan this is a movie for you to enjoy.

This movie is clearly a James Bond inspired flick. It has all the Jackie Chan stuff you love, the humor, the fight choreography and set pieces. However the movie feels like there was a bunch of stuff cut from it. The intro scene to the plot of the movie is like one minute long and Jackie just gets thrown into the fire. It rapid fires from one scene to the next to the next. The movie has no subplots at all, there is zero character growth, no emotional hooks, no relationships developed. What you see is exactly what you get. Like how it begins the ending is like one minute long as well.

It is a simple, fun and short movie that feels like an episode in a tv series.

First Strike is not a bad movie, its just not Jackie Chan's best. The plot of this film is sometimes hard to follow because it really doesn't make much sense. However, what this film lacks in plot it more than makes up for in action.

When it comes to action Chan does it better than anyone else in the world. Jackie Chan made classic pure martial arts films in his youth and moved on to action films as he got older. First Strike, like Super Cop or Operation Condor is more of an "action" movie than a pure martial arts movie. First Strike is heavy on stunts and shootouts and explosions and light on martial arts. There are only a few scenes with real Jackie Chan fight sequences, which are outstanding. In First Strike you see Jackie ski, swim with sharks, climb walls, walk on stilts, ramp cars... It is all well done and fun to watch and puts American "action stars" to shame. There are plenty of comical moments in the movie which Jackie always does well.

If you're looking for a great Jackie Chan pure martial arts film, this is not one of them, though it does serve as a good introduction to the world of Chan. If you are a big fan of action and adventure films or you are a die hard Jackie fan, you will enjoy First Strike. If your looking for a classic Chan film, check out Drunken Master, The Legend of Drunken Master, Project A, Police Story or Snake in the Eagle's Shadow. First Strike is a fun and entertaining action film but is light on the ground breaking fight scenes that made Chan a superstar.

Action Rating 9/10

Martial Arts Rating 5/10

Over All Movie Rating 6.5/10

How does he do it?! Jackie is a martial arts/action king! Forget about the other Police Story's and just focus on how good this movie really is. It is filled with spectacular action, and fantastic fighting scenes. Jackie is too good in this one! The fighting scenes were phenomenal! It was great. I loved it!

"First Strike" is not perhaps the best of Jackie Chan's films, but it is quite modern and has plenty of special effects. The plot is pretty stupid, so the film is for action film buffs only. Lots and lots of stuff blows up.

Don't normally like martial arts films? Me neither. Too much anger and foreign strangeness about ungrateful sons and fathers. But Jackie Chan is quite different and if you're new to the genre I suggest you give it a shot. Jackie Chan films have lots of comedy and they're quite accessible. But try "SuperCop" or "Rush Hour" first.

Who should see this film:

-- Action film buffs only, even if like me you prefer an

intelligent plot. The comedy and action makes up for it.

I'll give "First Strike" an 8 out of 10.

This movie has some of the best action sequences in movies. I just love the scene with the ladder. Other great ones are the fight in the shark tank, the chase scene on the snowboard, and the fight at the funeral.

I hadn't seen it before so I put this on for some background noise and couldn't stop watching. The film makes no secret about being a Bond spoof. Chan even mentions it himself in the dialogue. But it really is a fun movie with some good laughs and comedy that are actually interwoven into the plot. The plot gets a lot of crap from other reviewers, but for an 80s/90s style martial arts film the script actually has more cohesion than you might expect.

There are classic Bond-style double-, maybe even triple-crosses that are a sufficient foundation for some of the best Jackie Chan style movie martial arts of the genre. He fights marine life! He defends himself against an Australian China Town's best with a ladder! He kicks in the bad guys' faces on stilts!

If you aren't having fun by the 20 min mark, this film and genre probably aren't for you. But who can resist a martial arts legend snowmobiling wearing a polar bear hat?

First of all, i should point out that I saw a dubbed version of this movie - which made it very hard to follow. the plot is something to do with stolen nuclear warheads, and double crosses between various bad guys, which Jackie Chan gets caught up in. This Bond-wannabe action movie jumps from glamorous location to glamorous location (Hong Kong, Ukraine, Australia), without really explaining why. The action scene's for which Jackie is famous are limited, with a dramatic fight in building being renovated at the top of the pile, and some well choreographed underwater action second.

Overall, the story isn't strong enough to fill in the gaps between the occasionally badly-shot action.