POLICE STORY 2

Hong Kong, 1986, 101 minutes, Colour.
Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung.
Directed by Jackie Chan.

Police Story 2 is one of the many combinations of police episodes and martial arts made in Hong Kong for the Asian audience. It was written and directed by its star, the popular Jackie Chan. Chan appeared in such American films as The Big Brawl and The Protector.

Chan plays an enterprising policeman, with the unlikely name of Kevin. He becomes involved in investigations of swindling, embezzling and, blackmail. The various adventures are quite similar to American episodes, with the advantage of Hong Kong locations, martial arts techniques. There are the usual expected villains, both rich as well as ordinary men trying to blackmail the wealthy gangster.

Kevin is busy with his work and this upsets his girlfriend, Mae. Naturally, she is kidnapped by the gangsters, and this means Kevin to the rescue - again with a great deal of martial arts vigour.

The film is interesting as an example of the Hong Kong industry - uses the city locations well, relies on the conventions of the police drama. Chan is an agile hero, choreographs his fighting sequences very well, not without a touch of humour.