'A' gai wak

Plot synopsis:
Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) is part of the Hong Kong Marine Police's effort to suppress the pirates, who have been raiding ships for months. Members of the Hong Kong Police Force and the MP, who have a strong interservice rivalries, get into a fight in a bar. Shortly after this, Captain Chi (Kwan Hoi-san) releases all of the sailors to their commanding officer, and two of the MP's ships get blown up.
Gangsters Chiang and Mr. Chou meet at a VIP Club, and discuss fleeing to Vietnam. As soon as Chiang leaves, he meets one of the pirates and they laugh about sabotaging the Marine Police ships. In the course of the conversation, the pirate tells him that his boss, San-po (Dick Wei), wants 100 police rifles.
As they do not have enough ships, Dragon Ma and his squad are forced to become regular police officers. They have to undergo "hard training" with the police, under Captain Chi's nephew, Hong Tin-tsu (Yuen Biao). After the police learn that Chiang is at the VIP Club, and that the guests there are not to be disturbed, Dragon and Tin-tsu go to arrest Chiang, but a big fight breaks out. After tiring of the blatant corruption in the police force, Dragon drags Chiang out and tells Tin-tsu to take the credit. That is his last official act as an officer with the Hong Kong police.
Fei (Sammo Hung) finds Dragon in the street. They have a conversation, in which Fei reveals that someone from within the police force is selling rifles. Fei tells Dragon that all he wants are the guns, and Dragon can catch the traitor. At night, Dragon and Fei interrupt a gun deal between the Army and the police Captain. After pushing everyone into the water and making off with the guns, Fei hides the rifles inside a log and marks it with a red flag. He later tries to sell the guns to the gangsters and pirates, but Dragon has intervened by removing the red flag and putting flags on other logs.
After thwarting Fei's plan to sell the rifles to the pirates, Dragon has a conversation with the Admiral's daughter, Winnie. He learns that the Captain wasn't smuggling rifles for San-po, he was buying the riffles from the army to arm his men. On overhearing this, Fei gets into an argument with Dragon. The gangsters come after Fei, so he tells them that Dragon is to blame for the missing rifles. Dragon is forced to flee with Winnie. After teaming up with Fei, being tortured for information about the rifles, and falling from the face of a clock tower, the police track Dragon down for a third time, and help him get away as they arrest the gangsters.
As the pirates have lost the rifles they held everyone on board a ship hostage, including a Rear Admiral. The Colonel has a conversation with Mr. Chou, which Dragon overhears. Mr. Chou proposes an arms-for-hostages deal. He tells the Colonel that this will "greatly expedite matters," and the Colonel consents. After Mr. Chou leaves, Dragon confronts the Colonel and convinces him that the gangsters and the pirates will never fear the law if the police force are corrupt. After it is agreed that Dragon will assume all responsibility for the mission to save the hostages, the Colonel allows the Marine Police to be brought back into full force.
Mr. Chou is brought in by the police and beaten until he tells Dragon and Tin-tsu how to get to San-po. Dragon, posing as Mr. Chou, gets on board a ship that takes him to San-po's hideout, and they are followed by the rest of the squad. Fei sneaks aboard and poses as a pirate. After a lot of tricky undercover work, the cavalry arrives, and there is a final confrontation in the middle of the pirate's lair. Dragon, Tin-tsu, and Fei engage in a hand-to-hand battle with San-po, eventually killing him with a hand grenade when he's rolled into the carpet.

Tags: cult, violence

Review:
Project A(1983) is my favorite film of the Jackie Chan/Sammo Hung/Yuen Biao collaborations.
When it comes to stunt work, Jackie Chan is the best at taking chances in giving action scenes an ounce of authenticity.
One of the top films directed by Jackie Chan besides Police Story(1985), Armour of God 2(1991), and Project A part 2(1987).
The fighting scenes are top-notch, maybe not quite as good as the ones in Drunken Master II, which still remains my favorite Jackie Chan movie even though this one gets really close.
My personal favorite is the battle on the bicycles in the narrow back alleys.The one thing that has made Mr. Chan my favorite martial arts actor is the way his movies infuse humor and slapstick into serious fight scenes, and Project A, in my opinion, does that better than any of his other films.Highly recommended..
The humour translates well and three sequences stand out as some of the best action scenes ever put to film the three being Jackie's homage to 'Safety Last' by falling from the clock tower, the bonkers bike chase through increasingly narrow city streets, and the final showdown defeat of San Pao by Jackie, Yuen Biao and Samo (with a little help from Mars and some wayward grenades).
Chan and his co-stars, Samo Hung and Yuen Biao are really fun to watch, and the stunts are excellent (the bicycle chase scene, the scene in the clock tower,...).
Project A combines a complex, twisting plot, a nice historical period setting, typical Chan humour, and of course, many breathtaking fight and stunt sequences.
The stunts are incredible and the fight scenes are breath-taking!Anyone who loves films for sets & scenery will have a field day here!Just one thing....Get the Hong Kong Legends UK 2 DVD pack with AAALLLLLLL those gorgeous extras, interviews, documentaries and everything else!
It's all done pretty well, with the obvious quirks that make Hong Kong movie acting what it is: strained facial expressions, a lot of pointing, and a lot of laughing that is laughable itself.Sound - not very good, but when you consider that all the sound had to be re-dubbed, it makes sense, and allow for more leniency.The plot is not wafer-thin, as has happened in earlier Chan movies, but this isn't Pi. To be honest, it's about as complicated as a Jackie Chan movie is ever going to get, and if the only reason for watching a kung-fu movie is plot, you're an idiot, anyway.Right, then - action - and boy oh boy, this film is full of incredible action.
You get to see Jackie, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biu fighting each other, and the bad guys in such a fast, furious, and creative way that this is an action movie you'll never forget.
Dick Wei is muscular and mean as the head of the pirates, and is a formidable foe, who forces the three brothers to come together to dispose of him.As usual, the stunts would not have been allowed in Britain or America, but hey, this is Kong Kong, so let's blow these guys up, and watch them flip and fly across the set for our own satisfaction.Overall, this is a top notch film, with wonderfully edited fights, excellent creativity, and superb Chanesque humour along the way.
The story continues as Jackie hunts down pirates with his friends Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, and anytime you get the three of these action stars together, you can be sure you are going to get plenty of action, humor and fun.
Unlike the insurance-run Hollywood, the Jackie Chan Stunt Team wasn't afraid of taking risks or getting hurt at the sake of entertainment, and this beat-em-up' underrated classic overpowers any modern-day action film that Hollywood could muster.
Project A is silly but viciously raw; and thanks to clever direction and choreography, its one of the better martial arts movies out there.Project A is about (Yes guys, there is a plot) a group of sailors, Navy-like men trying to stop Chinese pirates from wreaking havoc in the coastline.
Project A is easily one of the best choreographed films of all-time in terms of the action; some of the fights are just flat-out unbelievable.
Plus, just like Chan's best comedic work, there has to be at least one humorous fight thrown in, and Project A delivers in this category as well.Chan's direction does two things: allows for the action to remain intense, and showcases just how elaborate everyone's movements are.
Sammo Hung gives the best performance of the film as the thief that thwarts Chan's quest for justice and at the same time helps him.Bottom Line: While perfection or masterpiece isn't achieved here, Project A delivers everything you could possibly want in a martial arts film: amazing stunts, great fights, decent story, good acting, worthy adversary, explosive finale, and a tang of humor.
Well-directed and written by the master himself, Project A remains one of Jackie Chan's best work and another example of how his foreign films are far superior to that of his work in America.
Project A: Jackie Chan fighting pirates; it's too good to be true.
This is when Jacky is at his peak, so you can expect to see death-defying stunts, great fight scenes, and hilarious comedy.In Project A, Jacky plays Sergeant Ma Yu-Long, a Hong Kong coast guard officer during the colonial times.
Thumbs up on: 1) the fight scene in the bar between the police and the coast guards 2) the fight scene in the gentlemen club 3) the escape and ensuing bicycle case/fight on the narrow alleys which ended with Jacky's death defying fall from the clock tower 4) the covert operation on Pirate Lo's islandI strongly recommend Project A to anyone who is interested in Jacky's 80s movies (please note you will enjoy it even more if you understand Cantonese).
From cycling through the cramped streets of Hong Kong to grenade training in the police academy, you bound to sometimes be in a state of awe - or at least chuckle a few times.It's amazing some of the stunts Jackie pulled off, including falling from a very high clocktower.
Project A is Jackie Chan's tribute to the silent film stars like Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.
The presence of his opera brothers, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, made this much better than the sequel although some people prefer the action of Project A II.If you must, avoid the US release of the movie.
There Dragon Ma , a honest coast guard officer ,Jackie Chan , fighting against pirates in "old Hong Kong".
Jackie Chan is top notch as one army man fighting a group of heinous pirates and as always he makes his own stunts like is well showed .
Spotlights movie include a spectacular brawl at a bar , Jackie jumping down a building , impressive and interminable fights with Chan dangling and downing , a breathtaking final struggle and other extraordinary action sequences in overwhelming style .
Of course , his biggest hits were ¨The Police story¨ series that won the Golden Horse Award, a Chinese version of the Oscar , the first was titled ¨Police story(1985)¨ directed by the same Chan , it 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.
There was very witty dialog, a great story-line (who can't excited when pirates are involved!), and unparalleled action sequences with not only the movie in general, but add to that the scene with Martial Law's Mr. Hung and the bicycle chase scene about half way through the most just adds even more to the fact why I think this movie is definitely up there in the top 5 Jackie movies of all times.Overall rating 6 out of 5, you won't be disappointed with Jackie Starring and Directing in this one, as he most often does, and does well!.
He directed, starred, co-written and even hired two "brothers" in Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao (they had grown up together in the same opera troupe and performed as the Seven Little Fortunes amongst others; Sammo was already an established success at this time and certainly is a prodigious presence in this movie) in the first film where they all had decent acting time -- kudos to those who can name the first film they acted in together.Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) is a sergeant in the Hong Kong Water Police where pirates are problematic on the coastline (they would remain an issue even past WWII), his department is poorly financed, there are interdepartmental squabbles with the landlubber police and their haughty commander Captain Chi (Kwan Hoi-San) and his nephew Inspector Hong Tin Chi (Yuen Biao: Knockabout) and they just had their remaining ships blown up real good (nice model sets in that scene).
But you look at how high he is from the concrete floor below and realize that if he messes this stunt it could be much worse than the fall through the awnings.The comedic fighting in this film is also quite adroit and amazing in its action direction led by Jackie and Sammo.
Add in several other fight scenes and a fantastic finale with the three brothers and the antagonist and you have quite a satisfying film.Project A was a hit in Hong Kong (19M HK dollars box office) and found critical support there as well.
It helped push action movies into modern day locales and away from the Qing era and before dominated themes (though this film is considered a period film since it takes place in early 20th century).While the film may not know what to do with female characters like Wong Man-Ying and the plot is not the most sublimely cohesive -- there is a grenade scene early in the film which seemed a bit excessive, not that funny and did not seem to fit -- this film is consistently fun and beautifully directed (cinematographer Cheung Yiu-Jo does not get enough credit for the work he has done with Jackie Chan).
I was very young then about 8 or 9 and to this day I even track the film down and brought it from the Hong Kong Legends label that includes special features.One of my favourites with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao showcasing their incredible and some funny action choreography.All three should make films again as their on screen work together combined show they are talanted geniuses at martial arts, stunts and action films.I recommend this to all Jackie Chan fans who haven't seen it, including action fans too.
I love Jackie Chan films and this one has to be my favorite because of the superb stuntwork, the bike chase scene and the the first super-stunt in a chinese film, the clock tower fall stand up to the modern day wire stunts and end up looking just as impressive usually stunts in a film this old look dated but they are as amazing nowadays as they were when this film was made, this is easily some of chan's best work.
Jackie Chan's best martial arts movie.
Jackie Chan's Project A is one of the best martial arts movie ever made.
Entertaining, Stylish, and Fun. It seems that for the most part, Jackie Chan movies are the most entertaining with a historical setting and especially when Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao along.
This film, following a man named Dragon's exploits as he tracks down and defeats a group of pirates who have been screwing with the Hong Kong Coast Guard and are smuggling weapons, is one of the best offerings of Chan's early career.Much like the majority of his films, this one is full of good comedy and slapstick.
The other fight scenes are exceptionally choreographed and some of the stunts are death defying.As a Jackie Chan film, this is a good offering.
Project A is in my opinion the three brothers best work(Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao).
Whenever I think of Chan; "Police Story" and "Project A" always shoot to mind as these benchmark films truly captured the talent of their star by effortlessly blending the goofy psychical humour and martial arts with amazing fight (watch the many uses of a bicycle) and stunt sequences (like 'Clock-tower fall').
The stunts are of course very dangerous and no Hollywood actor would do them, Jackie, Sammo and Yuen makes the stunts look like elegant ballet dances and I almost always get tears in my eyes while watching the movie of sheer joy!The humor is just so good and I always get a smile on my face when I remember one of them.
Long before Rush Hour Jackie was making classics like this , great fights , amazing sets , Hong Kong Classic .
Before there was the first Police Story, there was Project A and in it Jackie manages to pull off his trademark fast-paced signature choreograph action scenes that would define 80s Hong Kong action films.
Directed by and starring Jackie Chan, Project A is a martial arts classic, a lavish late-19th century adventure featuring some of the most incredible fight action and death defying stunts imaginable.
Chan plays Navy recruit Dragon Ma Yue Lung, who teams up with police captain Tzu (Yuen Baio) and lovable thief Fei (Sammo Hung) to try and bring to justice the pirates (led by Lor Sam Pau, played by Dick Wei) who have been marauding the Hong Kong seas.Even though the film's plot is slight and contains plenty of the broad slapstick comedy that I often struggle with, the quantity and quality of the action still qualifies the film as unmissable, its three stars, Chan, Baio and Hung, at the top of their game (causing plenty of pain for the poor stuntmen extras).
Chan and his crew are old hong Kong coast guards mixed in a dull formula of military style training and arguing with loudmouth police who is lead by then Biro who is Chan's opponent yet become pirate fighters , Samoa hung is funny in this as a caring thief who adds to the films dullness the 3 do some martial arts and with objects which is inventive yet that the story loses its fights and fun and goes into a police , crime story with the same things seen in films such as police story.
Project A is a 1983 Hong Kong Action Film directed by "Sammo" Hung Kam-Bo. The film stars Jackie Chan (Dragons Forever), Sammo Hung (Winners and Sinners), Yuen Baio (The Iceman Cometh) and Lora Forner (Wheels on Meals).This film may have awful acting and horrible dubbing (even in it's original language) but the film is soon rescued when Jackie Chan deserts his role as a policeman to fight with a gang of pirates.
Dated it may be, it still is a fun movie to watch, especially if you're a fan of Jackie Chan.
Anyway, I've never really been a big fan of Jackie Chans comedic movies but his fighting styles have always amazed me.
Anyway, it's not the best Jackie Chan movie that I have seen but it's definitely one worth having if your a Kung Fu fan.I recommend this movie to people who are into their martial arts/action/comedy movies about a coast guard/policeman who is fighting against Pirates and corruption in the police force.
Another completely over the top Jackie Chan adventure but fairly enjoyable if you are into this sort of thing.Jackie and his brothers fight pirates (!) off the coast of Hong Kong.
I had heard that this was the best movie with the "Three Brothers" (Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung), so I was looking forward to seeing it.
Many people will disagree with me, but this isn't one of Jackie Chan's best films.
im not going to talk about the story, this is a jackie chan film remember, but as for the action, it still remains some of chan's best, the fight scenes are his best yet, and the stunts remain a joy to watch, the two highlights bieng his bicycle chase, and clock tower fall.
Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung Kam-Bo have awesome chemistry together, and the film has plenty of funny moments, plus the stunt where Jackie falls off the clock tower was absolutely incredible!.
This is an excellent Jackie Chan film, with awesome character, incredible stunts and magnificent fight scenes and i say it's a must see for everyone!.
This is an excellent Jackie Chan film, with awesome character, incredible stunts and magnificent fight scenes and i say it's a must see for everyone!.
This is an excellent Jackie Chan film, with awesome character, incredible stunts and magnificent fight scenes and i say it's a must see for everyone!.
Project A is regarded by many film buffs as the most important movie of Jackie Chan's career.
Well there isn't much to describe in the way of plots and themes in a Jackie Chan movie but that is not why you watch them.
When most people come to Jackie Chan they think of comedy, fighting, and cool stunts.
There are other great action scenes; most notably a brilliant bicycle chase through narrow alleyways and one where Jackie Chan, as Dragon, falls about sixty feet from a clock tower slowed only by a couple of fairly flimsy looking awnings.
Jackie Chan is on great form as Dragon, making this film a must see for his fans.
Also starring Biao Yuen as Captain Hung Tin Tzu. Chan is fantastically skilled in the action sequences, filled with great Kung Fu moves and surprising stunts, all real and the most memorable being the fall from the clock tower which you see his face after doing, I may not have understood the story, but for the fights and comedy, this was a fun martial arts adventure.