Police Story (1985)

Police Story (1985) 2018

Directed by

Chi-Hwa Chen

Chi-Hwa Chen

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Police Story (1985) (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The Royal Hong Kong Police Force is on the brink of executing a significant undercover operation aimed at apprehending crime lord Chu Tao. Among the team, Inspector Chan Ka Kui (or Kevin Chan in certain versions), portrayed by Jackie Chan, plays a crucial role. As the operation unfolds, tensions rise when the criminals spot the police, leading to a dramatic car chase through the hillside shanty town where Ka-Kui bravely pursues them on foot, determined to stop the drug lord, who attempts a getaway in a double-decker bus. Displaying his boldness, Ka-Kui manages to halt the vehicle by threatening the driver with his service revolver.

Although he later faces reprimand from Supt. Raymond Li for the chaos that ensued, he is subsequently paraded before the media as a hero of the police force. His next assignment is to safeguard Selina Fong, who is Chu Tao’s secretary. In a clever move, Superintendent Li grants bail exclusively to Selina, insisting she speak with him privately, away from Chu’s legal counsel. This maneuver aims to create the illusion that she is willing to cooperate with the police in exchange for dropping the charges against her.

Initially reluctant to accept protection, Selina’s stance shifts when Ka-Kui stages a brazen act where a fellow officer breaks into her home disguised as an assassin. As fear sets in, she begins to cooperate with the police. However, the situation grows dire as Chu’s lawyer persuades him to hire a hitman to eliminate Selina.

As fate would have it, the storyline takes a twist when Ka-Kui returns home to find his girlfriend May celebrating his birthday with friends. Tension escalates when May walks in on Selina clad only in lingerie and Ka-Kui’s jacket, leading to a misunderstanding that angers her. Despite Ka-Kui’s attempts to explain the situation, Selina’s presence causes great embarrassment, prompting May to storm out, only to appear at Chu Tao’s trial the following day.

In a surprising turn, Selina uncovers the truth behind the so-called attack on her apartment; it was all staged. Seizing the opportunity, she decides to erase her earlier confession regarding her ties to Chu Tao while Ka-Kui sleeps. This betrayal leads to her absence from the trial, resulting in a serious setback for the prosecution as they fail to secure a conviction due to her tampering.

With Chu Tao secured on bail and thirsting for revenge against Ka-Kui, he kidnaps Selina, threatening her life to ensure her silence. Unwilling to stand by, Ka-Kui launches a rescue mission, but he soon finds himself facing numerous henchmen. The plot thickens when Inspector Man reveals he’s been working with Chu, aiming to frame Ka-Kui for murder by having him kill Man with his own weapon. Now labeled a fugitive cop killer, Ka-Kui must navigate this treacherous path to uncover the truth and exonerate himself, even taking his superior hostage momentarily to evade capture.

As the climax approaches, Selina makes a bold move by infiltrating Chu Tao’s office at a shopping mall with plans to download incriminating evidence from his computer. Unbeknownst to her, Chu and his thugs catch wind of her actions and rush to intercept. Meanwhile, Ka-Kui and May, who are surveilling Chu’s movements, find themselves embroiled in the ensuing chaos. In a spectacular display of skill, Ka-Kui disposes of Chu’s henchmen and wreaks havoc within the mall. In a dramatic showdown, the briefcase containing vital evidence slips to the ground floor, and although Chu attempts to reclaim it following an attack on May, Ka-Kui shrinks the distance, descending a pole adorned with light bulbs to confront him.

However, as the police arrive in droves, Ka-Kui is restrained from further action. In a tense moment, Selina courageously steps forward, asserting that it was Danny who murdered Inspector Man and attesting to the evidence contained in the briefcase. The arrival of Chu’s defense attorney stirs further tensions, leading to a barrage of physical confrontations as an exasperated Ka-Kui confronts both the attorney and Chu in a dramatic, albeit chaotic, culmination of this electrifying tale.

Timeline

Track the key events of Police Story (1985) (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Undercover Operation Begins

The Royal Hong Kong Police Force gears up for a major undercover operation aimed at capturing crime lord Chu Tao. Inspector Chan Ka Kui, played by Jackie Chan, is crucial to this operation as tensions rise within the team.

Hong Kong

Dramatic Car Chase

The operation takes a turn when criminals spot the police, igniting a thrilling car chase through a hillside shanty town. Ka Kui impressively pursues the fleeing criminals on foot, determined to prevent Chu Tao's escape.

Hillside Shanty Town, Hong Kong

Catch the Bus

Ka Kui showcases his bravery by stopping a double-decker bus that is attempting to flee. He draws his service revolver, effectively halting the vehicle to secure the escapee criminals.

Hillside Shanty Town, Hong Kong

Media Spotlight

Following the chaotic events of the chase, Ka Kui faces criticism from Superintendent Raymond Li. However, he is later celebrated in the media as a hero of the police force, shining a light on his successes despite the disorder.

Hong Kong

Protection Assignment

Ka Kui's next task is to protect Selina Fong, who is revealed to be Chu Tao's secretary. Superintendent Li strategically arranges for Selina to be released on bail, aiming to mislead Chu into thinking she will cooperate with the police.

Hong Kong Police Headquarters

Fear Leads to Cooperation

Initially hesitant, Selina eventually agrees to cooperate with the police after Ka Kui stages a situation where a colleague poses as an assassin in her home. This act of intimidation convinces her to accept protection.

Selina's Home, Hong Kong

Danger from Chu's Lawyer

As the stakes rise, Chu's lawyer urges him to take drastic action by hiring a hitman to eliminate Selina. This development heightens the urgency for Ka Kui and the police to keep her safe.

Hong Kong

Birthday Tension

Ka Kui returns home to celebrate his birthday, only to find his girlfriend May infuriated upon discovering Selina in his jacket. The misunderstanding escalates, leading May to storm out, intensifying the tension between the characters.

Ka Kui's Home, Hong Kong

Selina's Betrayal

In a twist of fate, Selina realizes the assassination attempt was faked and decides to retract her earlier confession about her ties to Chu Tao. This betrayal proves damaging to the police's case during Chu's trial.

Night before the trial

Kidnapping and Confrontation

Chu Tao, now free on bail, kidnaps Selina to ensure her silence, prompting Ka Kui to mount a rescue. This mission leads to confrontations with Chu's henchmen, and he finds himself framed for murder.

Chu Tao's Hideout, Hong Kong

The Mall Showdown

Selina, determined to help the police, infiltrates Chu Tao's office in a shopping mall to obtain evidence. However, she finds herself in grave danger as Chu and his goons attempt to thwart her mission.

Shopping Mall, Hong Kong

Ka Kui's Heroics

As chaos erupts in the mall, Ka Kui collaborates with May to combat Chu's thugs. His martial arts skills come into play as he battles through the henchmen to protect Selina and secure vital incriminating evidence.

Shopping Mall, Hong Kong

Final Confrontation

In a climactic moment, the evidence briefcase slips to the ground floor during a confrontation with Chu. While Ka Kui tries to retrieve it, he faces further challenges from both the police and Chu's defense attorney.

Shopping Mall, Hong Kong

Selina Speaks Up

Just as Ka Kui seems cornered, Selina bravely steps forward, revealing crucial information about Inspector Man's murder. Her testimony changes the tide of the confrontation, providing hope for Ka Kui's exoneration.

Shopping Mall, Hong Kong

Chaotic Climax

As the police flood the mall, tensions peak in the chaotic confrontation involving Ka Kui, Chu, and the attorney. The movie concludes with unanswered questions, showcasing the high-stakes drama that unfolded.

Shopping Mall, Hong Kong

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Police Story (1985) (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Inspector Chan Ka Kui (Jackie Chan)

Inspector Chan Ka Kui is a brave and dedicated officer of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, known for his exceptional martial arts skills and instinct for justice. Despite facing vast pressures and misunderstandings in his personal life, he consistently pursues his mission with unwavering determination. Ka Kui's charm and resilience make him a relatable hero even amidst chaos.

👮‍♂️ Hero 💪 Strength ❤️ Loyalty

Selina Fong (Brigitte Lin)

As Chu Tao's secretary, Selina Fong is initially seen as a victim but emerges as a complex character with conflicting loyalties. Her manipulation of the situation leads to significant plot twists, showcasing her adaptability and resourcefulness. Selina's transformation throughout the film highlights her vulnerability alongside her resolve to navigate treacherous circumstances.

🔄 Transformation 🚨 Danger 💔 Conflict

May (Maggie Cheung)

May is Ka Kui's girlfriend, who finds herself caught in the web of misunderstandings created by Ka Kui's involvement with Selina. Her character encapsulates vulnerability and emotional turmoil, often expressing feelings of jealousy and insecurity. May's reactions to the unfolding events add emotional depth, resonating with the audience.

❤️ Love 😡 Jealousy 😟 Vulnerability

Supt. Raymond Li (Kwok-Hung Lam)

Superintendent Raymond Li is a seasoned officer who serves as both mentor and supervisor to Ka Kui. His strategic thinking and sometimes ruthless tactics play a pivotal role in the undercover operation, illustrating the moral complexities faced by law enforcement leaders. While he emphasizes caution, his decisions can lead to significant repercussions for his team.

👔 Authority ⚖️ Ethics 🧠 Strategy

Setting

Uncover the settings of Police Story (1985) (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflective of the 1980s in Hong Kong. This period is marked by socio-political transitions and an increase in urban crime, which serves as a backdrop for the film's narrative and the struggles faced by law enforcement.

Location

Hong Kong, hillside shanty town, shopping mall

Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling streets and rich cultural heritage. The hillside shanty town offers a unique glimpse into the juxtaposition of urban life and poverty, further intensifying the film's action sequences. The shopping mall serves as a modern setting where critical confrontations occur, highlighting the blend of tradition and contemporary life in the city.

🏙️ City 🏘️ Community 🛍️ Shopping

Themes

Explore the core themes of Police Story (1985) (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


👮‍♂️

Justice

The pursuit of justice is central to the film, embodied by Inspector Chan Ka Kui's relentless dedication to catching crime lord Chu Tao. Throughout the story, Ka Kui faces numerous challenges and moral dilemmas, reflecting the complexities of achieving justice in a corrupt system. The disparity between law enforcement ideals and the harsh realities of crime emphasizes this recurring theme.

❤️

Love

Romantic love is intricately woven into the plot, showcasing the tensions between Ka Kui's professional and personal life. His relationship with May is tested by misunderstandings and jealousy, while his protective instincts towards Selina highlight the emotional stakes involved. The film explores how affection can both motivate and complicate one's decisions, especially in dangerous circumstances.

🎭

Betrayal

Betrayal plays a critical role in the story, significantly impacting the narrative's direction. Selina's deceit in retracting her confession leads to devastating consequences for Ka Kui and the police force. This theme exposes how trust can be manipulated, showcasing the vulnerabilities present in both personal relationships and the criminal justice system.

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