Triskel film season celebrates Jackie Chan's cop hits

Jackie Chan, born in Hong Kong in 1954, is one of cinema’s most electrifying and enduring action stars.

His name is synonymous with a unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and death-defying stunts.

Emerging from the shadow of Bruce Lee in the 1970s, Chan created his own niche by transforming the stoic martial hero into a lovable and relatable everyman.

Triskel Cinema is celebrating Chan’s work with its latest film season, Jackie Chan X3 Season, which begins on June 16.

Chris O’Neill, the head of cinema at Triskel, says that Chan’s work consistently evokes a sense of amazement.

“No-one made action movies like they did in Hong Kong in the ‘80s and ‘90s - the stunt work was incredible,” he said. 

“These films really make your jaw drop in amazement, even when seen now: ‘Am I really watching this?’”

Several years ago, Chan was asked about his death-defying stunt work, where he revealed that he was, in fact, worried about doing them.

“The ads all call me fearless, but that’s just publicity. Anyone who thinks I’m not scared out of my mind whenever I do one of my stunts is crazier than I am,” he said.

Despite his fear, Chan’s action work is extraordinary, as O’Neill explains.

“The action sequences were so elaborate, so dangerous and stunningly choreographed. And yet, as hair-raising as these movies were across the board, Jackie Chan’s films were in a league of their own!

“At this point of his career, he really was a master performer in the way he could use his body not only for daring stunts but also physical comedy.”

Chan frequently takes on the roles of writer, director, and choreographer in his films, which has led to comparisons with Buster Keaton, an actor he has acknowledged has influenced his career.

Chan achieved international fame in the 1990s with Hollywood successes like Rush Hour, but his work in Hong Kong is still considered his most significant.

His career is long and varied, and at 71, he shows no signs of slowing down. This is evident in Karate Kid: Legends, which is currently in cinemas and features plenty of fight scenes displaying Chan’s skills.

The most significant milestone in Chan’s career is the Police Story films, a seminal series in Hong Kong action cinema renowned for its groundbreaking stunts and compelling story-telling.

O’Neill says: “The first three Police Story films are a testament to his talent. The original movie, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is apparently Chan’s personal favourite action movie of his own work, and it’s easy to see why: it is the perfect balance of outrageous stunts, action, and comedy.”

Chan once commented on the popularity of Police Story. “Some people call it the greatest action film of all time, and while I have to be humble and say that I disagree, it’s definitely the favourite action film I’ve ever made.”

Released in 1985, Police Story stars Chan as Chan Ka Kui, a dedicated police officer in Hong Kong assigned to protect a witness who is being targeted by a drug lord.

The film is renowned for its intense action sequences, particularly a thrilling fight in a mall and a dangerous stunt featuring Chan, who slides down a pole surrounded by exploding lights.

The film was succeeded by two sequels that were just as good as the original, which is rare for sequels. O’Neill says there are several reasons why you should watch the films.

“The second and third Police Story are exceptional too, and it’s worth noting that other notable actors of Hong Kong cinema appear in this series: Maggie Cheung and Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.”

The film delves into Chan’s personal life, particularly his relationship with May (Cheung), while maintaining the high-octane action sequences the series is known for.

The film’s action scenes were meticulously choreographed to outdo its predecessor, highlighting Chan’s commitment to stunts.

The third instalment of the Police Story series, released in 1992, sees Chan team up with mainland Chinese officer Jessica Yang (Michelle Yeoh) to infiltrate a drug syndicate.

The film is notable for its international setting and the dynamic between Chan and Yeoh, who performs many of her own stunts.

Yeoh went on to star in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, becoming one of the most successful Asian actors to break into Hollywood, and won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once in 2022.

The Police Story series’ innovative action choreography and Chan’s dedication to performing his own stunts have influenced countless action movies and continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

O’Neill says that fans will get to see the original versions of the three films during the Triskel Season.

“When I recently learned which film company owned the rights to this series, I immediately got in contact and put this season together,” he said.

“All three films will be shown uncut. Hong Kong films were often edited down when exported to other countries, so these three will be presented with their original Cantonese soundtracks with English subtitles, rather than in their English-dubbed versions.”

Jackie Chan X3 Season begins on June 16.
See www.triskelartscentre.ie