Today’s quick review: Project A. In 19th-century Hong Kong, Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) leads a squad of sailors tasked with hunting down the pirates who have been terrorizing the surrounding waters, along with their leader San-Po (Dick Wei). But after a high-profile failure, Dragon and his men are placed under the command of Police Inspector Chi (Yuen Biao). To finish his mission, Dragon enlists the help of a thief named Fei (Sammo Hung).
Project A is a martial arts action comedy starring Jackie Chan and his collaborators Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung. The trio forms the core of a sprawling period piece that pits two rival law enforcement agencies—Hong Kong’s coast guard and police—against a pirate menace. Project A has an elaborate plot that can be hard to keep track of, but the investment is well worth it for the film’s likable characters, light humor, and skillful stunt work.
Project A has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to its action. The highlight of the film is the tightly synchronized choreography between the film’s three stars, but all of the fights bring something unique to the table. Massive brawls, frantic chases, improvised weapons, and some impressive acrobatics work make Project A an exciting watch from start to finish. The film’s solid plot and flashes of humor also balance out the action nicely.
Fans of martial arts action won’t want to miss Project A. The stunt work is among Chan’s best, his co-stars are just as skilled, and the plot is unusually robust for one of Chan’s films. The movie has a little less humor than some viewers may be used to, but what’s there is still enjoyable. Overall, Project A is a well-rounded movie that will appeal to a broad range of action fans.
For a Jackie Chan movie of similar quality that has even more comedy, try The Legend of Drunken Master. For a more dramatic period piece starring him, try Little Big Soldier.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for excellent stunts and a satisfying story.