“First Strike” (1996) is the fourth film in Jackie Chan’s Police Story series, blending high-stakes action with comedic elements that showcase Chan’s iconic martial arts skills and inventive stunt work. Directed by Stanley Tong, the film takes Chan Ka-kui (Jackie Chan), a Hong Kong cop, into an international espionage mission involving nuclear weapons, global conspiracies, and relentless enemies.
Chan Ka-kui, working with the Hong Kong Police Force, is seconded to the CIA to assist in a sting operation. His mission is to track Natasha, a woman connected to a dangerous nuclear weapons smuggler. The investigation takes him from snowy Russia to sunny Australia. In Russia, Chan becomes embroiled in a chaotic pursuit when Natasha escapes with a vital suitcase tied to a nuclear warhead.
The story intensifies as Chan’s role shifts from an observer to a primary target for both international criminals and law enforcement. He travels to Australia, where he faces betrayal, uncovers the larger plot involving nuclear terrorism, and combats a series of adversaries in dynamic action sequences. One of the standout moments includes an underwater fight in a shark tank, illustrating Chan’s physical daring and inventive choreography.
Key Features:
- Action & Stunts: The movie is filled with Jackie Chan’s trademark stunts, including a fight with a ladder and large-scale chase scenes. The choreography blends slapstick humor with intense martial arts combat.
- Global Scope: The film moves across international locations, from icy Russian landscapes to bustling Australian cities, enhancing its sense of adventure.
- Tone: While maintaining the humor typical of Chanโs films, First Strike leans into a spy-thriller atmosphere, reflecting influences from James Bond-style narratives.
First Strike was praised for its thrilling action and Chan’s commitment to performing stunts without doubles, which are integral to the film’s appeal. Critics lauded its visual spectacle but noted that its plot was secondary to its physical set pieces. The movie was a commercial success, especially in international markets, solidifying Jackie Chan’s reputation as a global action star.