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Blog Post #1: An Intro to Hong Kong Action Films

Hong Kong action films have influenced the 21st century and global filmmaking. This film movement has a unique style that created breathtaking choreography and unforgettable characters. The fascinating world of Hong Kong cinema originated in the early 1900s, primarily taking place in China, and has left a mark on the industry. Some of the earlier films favored the wuxia style and set the stage for Wuxia films which emphasized mysticism and swordplay. However, this trend was politically suppressed in the 1930s and made way for more down-to-earth kung fu films. The 1960s-1970s showcased more flashy martial arts action films, leading into the gained popularity for the gritty gangster movies of the 1990s-2000s. The Hong Kong New Wave emerged in the 1980s which evolved the kung fu genre into urban action, challenging industry norms. The films identifying themselves in the movement of Hong Kong action are high-octane with action sequences that often feature martial arts, gunfights, and stunts. These action sequences are intricate and visually stunning, proving to be a hallmark of Hong Kong action films.

Additional hallmarks of the movement include the aesthetics of violence, unique film techniques, the use of cityscapes and locations, story and themes, in addition to the influence and legacy the movement makes an effect on. The aesthetics of violence used draws the audience into how amazing and entertaining these films can be. I personally like a lot of action, so the inclusion of these sequences greatly improves my ability to enjoy the film. The film technique of single tracking shots can be seen in many films and the use of atmospheric music often enhancing the intensity and emotional impact of the action. The vivid city landscapes used in Hong Kong films often showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and energy. Locations are creatively utilized to create memorable action scenes, commonly portrayed by filmmaker, John Woo. The complex stories explore themes beyond the action that can create an emotional depth. Themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity dive into human emotions and relationships. Overall, this movement has much influence and legacy to share with other filmmakers and the industry. Hollywood and other industries took multiple points of influence from Hong Kong action films, but the use of martial arts and action were the primary influence.

This series of blog posts aims to inform and celebrate the movement of Hong Kong action films. There will be a discussion of the 2010 film, “The Karate Kid” by Harald Zwart in addition to an analysis of the influence of Hong Kong cinema. I want to share my love for the movement as it grows through research and analysis. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that celebrate the world of Hong Kong action films.

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Blog Post #5: Critical Reception

To create a critical reception for the Hong Kong action film genre, a critical reception of Police Story by Jackie Chan would set the tone. Personally, I really enjoyed the film and would recommend it to others. As director and the main star of the film, Jackie Chan, did an amazing and moving job that showcases why this movie is well known and continues to be viewed today with high praise. The action is high octane and extremely entertaining to watch. The main character is likeable and as a viewer, you root for him all throughout the movie. Despite having my own opinions about the movie, there are both positive and negative reviews that dissect the film. Together, we’re going to deep die into the world of Jackie Chan’s 1985 Police Story and how it takes place in the genre of Hong Kong action films.

                  When the film first debuted in 1985, it immediately stood out for its unique approach to the action genre. Police Story relied on meticulously choreographed stunts and physical intensity that can only be delivered by the one and only, Jackie Chan. At the time, this film stood out from the other action films of Hollywood because the other films were relying on shootouts and special effects. This different take on action films was recognized as a game changer to many critics. It not only showed what an action film could look like but also how it could be performed. Police Story signaled its impact both critically and commercially by winning the Best Film award at the 1986 Hong Kong Film Awards (Imdb, 2025). The plot of the film follows inspector Chan Ka-Kui, played by Chan, a cop who takes down a drug lord and becomes the target of retaliation. While the storyline is not super outstanding, the execution of it is. There is a balance between high-stakes action and comedic timing, which is a specialty for Jackie Chan. Chan adds another level of authenticity to the film by performing nearly all of his own stunts rather than using stunt doubles or CGI, often putting him at great personal risk (Raymond, 2020).

                  As with every movie, there are mixed opinions and many points of criticism to be given. To start, the film received a lot of positive attention, particularly for its genre hybridity and national cinema. Scholar David Bordwell examined how Hong Kong cinema blurred the lines between genres, especially in the 1980s. The film mixes martial arts with slapstick comedy, and crime drama into a thrilling and cohesive bundle (Bordwell, 2010). Some have expressed feelings that label Police Story as both a cultural hallmark of Hong Kong filmmaking and a strategic move to appeal local and international audiences. However, some critics have not been entirely uncritical. There have been observations that clocked the secondary characters’ lack of depth in Police Story. Some feminist critics have also made an acknowledgement for female characters falling into traditional roles and tropes with a lack of agency. Despite these critiques, the film is almost universally praised for its sheer physically cinematic inventiveness.

                  From a technical standpoint, the cinematography and mise-en-scene used in Police Story have received high acclaim. Chan uses wide-angle shots, long takes, and minimal editing to highlight the physical stunt work of action scenes. This stands contrast to many of the rapid cut action sequences seen in a handful of contemporary films. For example, the final fight scene in the shopping mall is iconic for its dynamic use of space, lighting, and glass. It turns a consumer space into a battleground and adds a symbolic depth to the action. Jackie Chan has often spoke of his intentions for Police Story and his frustrations with working in Hollywood. Chan felt as though he could create as he wanted to, leaving him feeling constrained. He wasn’t allowed to direct the action in the way he wanted to and he wasn’t permitted to act upon creative freedom to mix the comedy and martial arts as he did in Hong Kong (Zhuang Qing and LiYueming, 2020). Chan wanted to create something that was uniquely his when he set out to create Police Story, and something that could not be replicated by Hollywood. In various interviews, he acknowledges that the plot may not be very complex, but the focus was showing the audience something they had never seen before. Overall, Chan’s response to critics is rooted in a performance-driven philosophy of filmmaking; He wanted to express that the narrative is important but the action that he uses as language to speak to his audience.                   Having watched Police Story, I find myself in agreement with the positive critical reception it has received. As much as I appreciate the complexity of the stunt work, I love the sincerity behind it. Chan’s character is very real, which makes him more enjoyable. His character is a flawed hero that makes mistakes and shows vulnerability. That creates emotional openness, adding a layer to Police Story that is more than just action. I understand it’s critiques regarding its narrative simplicity and although I think they are important to acknowledge, these limitations are still contextual. In conclusion, Police Story by Jackie Chan remains one of the most influential action films ever made, with a great impact on the Hong Kong action film genre and cinema. Chan’s creative vision and physical dedication to the project should be praised, despite the critiques it may receive. The film is inspiring to filmmakers and audiences worldwide, making a statement of passion, innovation, and the power of doing things your way, even when it hurts.

Citations:

“Bond vs. Chan: Jackie Shows How It’s Done.” Observations on Film Art, www.davidbordwell.net/blog/2010/09/15/bond-vs-chan-jackie-shows-how-its-done/. Accessed 05 May 2025.

“Police Story.” IMDb, IMDb.Com, www.imdb.com/title/tt0089374/awards/. Accessed 05 May 2025.

Raymond, Charles Nicholas. “Police Story: The Stunt That Almost Killed Jackie Chan.” ScreenRant, 12 Dec. 2020, screenrant.com/police-story-jackie-chan-stunt-dangerous-pole-lights/. Accessed 05 May 2025.

Zhuang Qing, Li Yueming. The Transforming Cultural Identity of Hong Kong as Reflected in Jackie Chan’s Police Story Series. English Language, Literature & Culture. Vol. 5, No. 4, 2020, pp. 159-164. doi: 10.11648/j.ellc.20200504.16

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