Hubbry Logo
Police Story 2Police Story 2Main
Open search
Police Story 2
Community hub
Police Story 2
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Police Story 2
Police Story 2
from Wikipedia

Police Story 2
Hong Kong film poster
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese警察故事續集
Simplified Chinese警察故事续集
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinJǐngchá Gùshì Xùjí
Yue: Cantonese
JyutpingGing2 Chaat3 Gu3 Si6 Zuk6 Zaap6
Directed byJackie Chan
Written by
  • Jackie Chan
  • Edward Tang
  • Masahiro Kakefuda
Produced byLeonard Ho
Starring
Cinematography
  • Cheung Yiu Cho
  • Danny Lee Yau Tong
Edited byPeter Cheung
Music by
  • Michael Lai
  • Tang Siu Lam
Production
company
Golden Way Films Ltd.
Distributed by
Release date
  • 20 August 1988 (1988-08-20)
Running time
105 minutes
CountryHong Kong
LanguagesCantonese
English
Box officeUS$11.5 million (est.)

Police Story 2 (Chinese: 警察故事續集; Jyutping: Ging2 caat3 gu3 si6 zuk6 zaap6 lit.'Police Story Sequel'), also known as Police Story Part 2, is a 1988 Hong Kong action film starring and directed by Jackie Chan, who also wrote the screenplay with Edward Tang. It is a sequel to the hit 1985 film Police Story, continuing the storyline of Chan's character "Kevin" Chan Ka-kui, and is the second installment of Police Story series. It also marks the last appearance in the series for Lam Kwok-Hung as Chief Inspector Raymond Li, Chor Yuen as Chu Tao, and Charlie Cho as John Ko.

Plot

[edit]

Sergeant Chan Ka-kui has been demoted to Constable of highway patrol as the result of his handling of his previous case, which involved the violent arrest of crime lord Chu Tao and heavy property damage. The new duty pleases his girlfriend, May, who is glad that her boyfriend is no longer taking difficult cases and has more time to see her.

However, the happy mood changes when Ka-Kui is greeted by Chu Tao and his bespectacled right-hand man John Ko. It seems Chu Tao is terminally ill with only three months left to live, so he has been released from prison, and while he is still alive he vows to make life difficult for Ka-Kui.

John Ko and some henchmen show up at Ka-Kui's apartment and intimidate him, baiting the policeman to attack. Later, May and her aunt are beaten by John Ko and his men. Ka-Kui can no longer hold back, and he lashes out against John Ko and his men at a restaurant.

Ashamed of his behavior, Ka-Kui resigns from the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. He plans to take a trip to Bali with May, but while he is at a travel agency in a shopping mall, some police officers see him and report that the mall is under a bomb threat.

Unable to resist the urge to get involved in police work, Ka-Kui tells the officers to sound the fire alarm and have the mall cleared, and agrees to take responsibility for the decision. A bomb does indeed explode, and the entire mall is leveled by the blast.

Ka-Kui is praised for his efforts, and he is reinstated and assigned to solve the case of the bombing. Ka-Kui plants a covert listening device in the mall property company's office to try to learn more about the bombers. This leads to a suspect who is a deaf-mute and is a fierce martial artist and explosives expert.

The bombing gang (four men consisting of the leader Tall Pau Hung aka The Polar Bear, Ken, and the two bomb experts, one of them being deaf-mute), also aware that the police are on to them, plan a simultaneous bombing of the property company and the police headquarters. They double their ransom demand to $20 million and kidnap May, luring Ka-Kui into a trap in which he is strapped with an explosive vest and forced to pick up the extortion money from the property company.

After picking up the money, Ka-Kui tells the gang that they are being followed and split up. Ka-kui, still holding the ransom, is able to drive his car into a tunnel so that the bomb he is wearing cannot be activated and he strips it off. He then goes to rescue May, who is being held tied up and gagged in a warehouse full of fireworks.

After defeating other gang members, Ka-Kui again faces the deaf-mute man, who throws large bang snaps at him. Ka-Kui is unable to beat him hand-to-hand, but then gains the upper hand by using his own bang snaps against him, and throwing him off a third story catwalk onto a pile of plastic drums below. Ka-Kui then rescues May and departs the warehouse, just as it explodes in a huge ball of fire.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jackie Chan as Sergeant "Kevin" Chan Ka-kui a.k.a. Jackie Chan (New Line Cinema & Fortune Star Media dubs)
  • Maggie Cheung as May
  • Bill Tung as "Uncle" Bill Wong / Inspector Chou
  • Lisa Chiao Chiao as Aunt
  • Kenny Ho as Cops
  • Lam Kwok-Hung as Chief Inspector Raymond Li
  • Chor Yuen as Chu Tu a.k.a. Tom Koo (New Line Cinema English dub)
  • Charlie Cho as John Ko a.k.a. John Chow (New Line Cinema English dub)
  • Benny Lai as Dummy / Deaf Criminal / Gabby (New Line Cinema dub)
  • Mars as Inspector Kim
  • Johnny Cheung as Cheung
  • Ben Lam as Tall Pau Hung / The Polar Bear
  • Chi Fai Chan as Ngor
  • Shan Kwan as President Fung
  • Isabella Wong as Miss Wong, Secretary of President Fung
  • Ann Mui as Karen

Release

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Police Story 2 was released in Hong Kong on 20 August 1988, grossing HK$34,151,609 (US$4,375,046) at the Hong Kong box office.[1] In Taiwan, it grossed NT$16,688,260[2] (US$593,255).[3] In Japan, it earned ¥700 million (US$5.46 million) at the box office.[4] In South Korea, the film sold 191,739 tickets in the capital city of Seoul,[5] equivalent to an estimated 766,956,000[6] (US$1,049,000). This adds up to a combined US$11,477,301 (equivalent to $31,000,000 in 2025) grossed in East Asia.

The film was released in Malaysia by Golden Communications and became the country's highest-grossing film of 1988.[7]

4K restorations of Police Story 2 and its predecessor received a limited North American theatrical release from Janus Films beginning on 1 February 2019.[8]

Home media

[edit]

The Hong Kong version is 105 minutes long, while the Japanese release is 122 minutes long. Golden Harvest's export version of the film, released in the UK and European territories, runs 95 minutes.[9] The IVL Police Story Trilogy DVD boxed set version is the Japanese cut with Hong Kong blooper footage. Hong Kong-based company Kam & Ronson Enterprise released the first three Police Story films on Blu-ray Disc in June 2009.

New Line Cinema acquired the rights to distribute the export version of Police Story 2 on VHS & Laserdisc on 15 June 1999, with a recycled soundtrack score from J. Peter Robinson. In 2007, Dragon Dynasty released the Japanese cut on DVD. Shout! Factory released Police Story and Police Story 2 as a double feature on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on 16 April 2013.[10]

The Criterion Collection released both Police Story and its sequel on Blu-ray on 30 April 2019. Unlike Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release, Criterion's release used 4K restorations of both of the films, as well as the Hong Kong-release version of Police Story 2. It also includes bonus features on Jackie Chan himself, such as new programs on his screen persona and action-filmmaking techniques, a stunt reel, and archival interviews with him and stuntman Benny Lai, as well as a 1964 TV program about Peking-opera training that was akin to the education Chan received as a child.[11]

Television

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, the film (released as Jackie Chan's Police Story 2) was watched by 700,000 viewers on Channel 5 in 2007, making it the year's most-watched foreign-language film on Channel 5.[12]

Reception

[edit]

The film received a rating of 84% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.[13] Marc Savlov of The Austin Chronicle rated it 3/5 stars and called it "a fine introduction to the Jackie Chan phenomenon" that is less emotionally charged than the first film and less outlandish than its sequel (Supercop).[14] The film holds a score of 68 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 7 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[15] TV Guide rated it 4/5 stars and wrote that the film makes up for its lack of story and eye-opening stunts with better pacing and more action. They concluded that this film "remains among Chan's best".[16] In a review of the Shout! Factory double-bill, Calum Marsh of Slant Magazine rated it 3.5/5 stars and wrote: "This isn't so much exemplary filmmaking as it is bravura stunt work, but Police Story is a veritable case study in the value of the latter".[17] On reviewing the Police Story series, Kim Newman wrote in Sight & Sound that "a rare instance of a sequel that takes criticism of the original into account, but not to the benefit of the series" as Chan "actually does tone down the destruction, making for an oddly action-light action movie with the amiable Chan out of his depth as the story tries to turn serious".[18]

In 2014, Time Out polled several film critics, directors, actors and stunt actors to list their top action films.[19] Police Story 2 was listed at 61st place on this list.[20]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Police Story 2 (Chinese: 警察故事續集) is a 1988 action film directed by and starring , serving as the direct sequel to the 1985 blockbuster Police Story. The film follows Chan's character, Inspector Kevin Chan Ka-kui, who has been demoted to traffic duty after the chaotic events of the first movie, only to get drawn into a new crisis involving a criminal syndicate making bomb threats to extort money from the government. Co-starring as Chan's girlfriend May, Bill Tung as his superior Superintendent Pang, and as the villain John Ko, the movie blends high-octane action sequences, choreography, and comedic elements typical of Chan's style. Released on 20 August 1988 by Golden Harvest, Police Story 2 runs for 104 minutes and was written by and Edward Tang. It is renowned for its elaborate stunts, including Chan's signature death-defying feats like hanging from a moving bus and explosive set pieces, all performed by the actor himself without extensive use of stunt doubles. The film's plot escalates as Ka-kui teams up with his girlfriend May () to thwart the bombers while dealing with revenge from escaped criminals from the original film, highlighting themes of police integrity and personal sacrifice. Police Story 2 achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Hong Kong films of 1988 and surpassing its predecessor at the box office, solidifying Chan's status as a global action star. Critically, it received praise for its inventive action design, earning a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb from over 25,000 users (as of 2025) and an 84% approval on Rotten Tomatoes based on 19 reviews. At the 25th Golden Horse Awards in 1988, the film won Best Art Direction for Oliver Wong and was nominated for Best Feature Film. Additionally, it secured the Best Action Choreography award at the 8th Hong Kong Film Awards in 1989, recognizing the contributions of action director Jackie Chan and his team. The sequel's influence extends to inspiring modern action cinema, with its practical effects and kinetic energy continuing to be celebrated in restorations and retrospectives.

Production

Development

Following the monumental success of the 1985 film Police Story, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and established as a leading action star, Golden Harvest quickly greenlit a sequel to capitalize on the franchise's momentum. The decision to produce Police Story 2 was driven by the original's innovative blend of high-octane stunts, comedy, and elements, which resonated strongly with audiences in and beyond, prompting producers and to continue the storyline directly from where the first film ended. Chan, who had directed the original, was brought back to helm the project, reflecting his growing creative control at Golden Harvest after years of building his reputation through stunt-driven action comedies. In , Chan and screenwriter Edward Tang co-developed the , structuring it around meticulously planned action set pieces that would serve as the narrative backbone, a hallmark of Chan's filmmaking approach. Unlike the first film's episodic of standalone sequences, the sequel aimed for a more cohesive crime thriller tone, with Chan's character, Chan Ka-kui, demoted and investigating a bombing ring targeting building owners. This shift emphasized dramatic tension and character development, allowing comedy and action to emerge organically from the plot rather than dominating as isolated spectacles. The script retained core elements from the original, such as Chan's rebellious cop persona and his relationship with May (), while introducing new antagonists to heighten the stakes, subtly reflected in the themes of authority and justice. Key development decisions focused on balancing spectacle with substance, as Chan sought to evolve the series beyond pure showcases into a commentary on police bureaucracy and personal redemption. The project was fast-tracked in line with cinema's rapid production cycle, with emphasizing collaboration between Chan and his Sing Ga Ban team to conceptualize elaborate sequences like the explosive warehouse finale. This approach ensured the film would maintain the franchise's signature authenticity while addressing criticisms of the original's intensity by incorporating more interpersonal dynamics.

Filming and stunts

for Police Story 2 took place primarily in , capturing the city's dense urban environment to heighten the realism of its action sequences. Directed by and starring , the production emphasized practical effects and to integrate stunts seamlessly into the narrative. The film's action was choreographed by Chan's longtime collaborator, the , known for their precise coordination and willingness to perform high-risk maneuvers without extensive use of doubles for the lead. One of the film's standout stunts occurs early in the story, where Chan's character leaps from the roof of a moving into a two-story building window while evading overhead street signs and pursuing antagonists. This sequence exemplifies Chan's approach to action, blending precise timing, physical , and minimal rigging to create visceral tension. Performed on actual streets, the stunt required multiple takes to perfect the synchronization between vehicles and performers, underscoring the logistical challenges of filming in live traffic environments. The climactic confrontation in an abandoned fireworks factory represents the production's most ambitious set piece, merging , acrobatic flips, and vehicular chaos within confined spaces. Here, Chan and his stunt team incorporated indoor pursuits, where riders navigated narrow aisles and ramps amid exploding props and collapsing structures. These elements were executed with real and breakaway sets, prioritizing authenticity over digital enhancement—a signature of cinema. Behind-the-scenes footage from the era reveals the physical toll, including minor injuries from falls and impacts, though Chan has noted in interviews that team preparation in stunt workshops minimized major incidents. Overall, the stunts in Police Story 2 advanced Chan's reputation for innovative, performer-driven action, influencing global filmmakers by demonstrating how everyday objects and urban settings could be transformed into dynamic arenas. The production's commitment to real-time execution, rather than trickery, contributed to the film's enduring appeal, with outtakes often showcasing the unscripted mishaps that added to the raw energy.

Plot

After causing significant during the arrest of crime lord Chu Tao in the previous , police inspector Chan Ka-kui () is demoted to traffic duty. His girlfriend, May (), is pleased with the safer job. However, Chu Tao, who has been released from prison due to terminal cancer, seeks revenge against Ka-kui. Tao's henchman, John Ko (), harasses Ka-kui and later attacks May and her aunt at a , leading Ka-kui to fight back. Ashamed of his actions, Ka-kui resigns from the force. Soon after, a explodes in a shopping mall, killing several people. Ka-kui rushes to the scene and helps evacuate civilians, saving many lives. Impressed by his heroism, Superintendent Pang (Bill Tung) reinstates Ka-kui and assigns him to a special to investigate the bombings, which are being used by a criminal syndicate to extort money from the government. The discovers that the bombers are led by John Ko, who is working with a group including the massive "" (Yuen Biao) and a explosives expert (Benny Lai). The gang demands HK$20 million in . They kidnap May to force Ka-kui's compliance and strap him with an explosive vest rigged to detonate if he deviates from their instructions. Ka-kui is tasked with collecting and delivering the money. Ka-kui manages to outmaneuver the criminals during the delivery, escaping the vest in a bus by using a clever distraction. He tracks the gang to an abandoned where May is . In a climactic confrontation, Ka-kui fights off the henchmen, defeats the bomber by using and to disorient him, and rescues May just as the explodes.

Cast and characters

ActorRole
Sergeant Chan Ka-Kui
May
Bill TungInspector "Uncle" Bill
Superintendent Raymond Li
John Ko
MarsKim
Benny Lai Keung-KuenDeaf Criminal
Yuen ChorMr. Chu

Soundtrack

The music for Police Story 2 was composed by Michael Lai and Tang Siu-lam. The film's theme song, "Hero Story" (英雄故事), features music by Michael Lai, lyrics by James Wong, and is performed by . An additional track, "Jalopy" performed by Daisyhaze, appears only in the American New Line version of the film. No official soundtrack album was released.

Release

Theatrical release and box office

Police Story 2 was theatrically released in on August 20, 1988, following a midnight screening on August 13, 1988. Distributed by D&B Films, the film premiered during a period when local cinema was experiencing a boom, with action comedies like this sequel capitalizing on the success of its predecessor. It quickly became a major attraction, running in theaters until September 22, 1988, and drawing audiences eager for Jackie Chan's signature blend of high-stakes stunts and humor. Internationally, the film saw releases in several Asian markets shortly after its debut, including on August 13, 1988, and on October 22, 1988. In the , it received a on October 13, 1988, introducing Chan's work to Western audiences amid growing interest in action films. followed with a release on December 31, 1988, further expanding its regional footprint. At the , Police Story 2 grossed HK$34,151,609 (approximately at the time), marking it as the second highest-grossing film of 1988, behind only Johnnie To's comedy The Eighth Happiness. This figure surpassed the original Police Story's earnings of HK$26,626,760 from 1985, underscoring the sequel's enhanced commercial appeal and Chan's rising stardom. The success was attributed to its escalated action sequences and broader appeal, contributing to the dominance of local productions that year, which captured about 75% of 's total revenue.

Home media and distribution

Police Story 2 was initially released on in VHS format in various international markets shortly after its 1988 theatrical debut. In , Roadshow's Home Video distributed a VHS edition around 1990. In the , a VHS version became available by December 1998. For the , New Line Home Video released an English-dubbed VHS on June 15, 1999, marking a key entry into the North American home market. In , the film appeared on VCD format in the mid-1990s, with licensed two-disc editions produced by local distributors. DVD releases followed in the early 2000s, improving accessibility with enhanced audio and extras. A notable UK edition came from Hong Kong Legends on March 25, 2002, in Region 2, featuring a sharp anamorphic transfer in 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, audio commentary by critics Jude Poyer and Miles Wood, interviews with cast and crew including and , an outtakes montage, and trailers. In and select Asian markets, DVDs were issued by labels such as Media Asia through Mega Star around 2001, alongside versions from Megastar and Deltamac that preserved the original Cantonese audio and theatrical cut. High-definition home media arrived with Blu-ray editions in the . Shout! Factory released a U.S. double-feature Blu-ray of Police Story and Police Story 2 in April 2013, combining both films with restored visuals and audio. Eureka Entertainment issued a Region B Blu-ray set in 2019, sourced from 4K restorations by Fortune Star Media, including the original theatrical versions, an alternate English-dubbed cut from the VHS era, interviews, and booklets with essays. The followed with a U.S. Region A Blu-ray in May 2019, presenting 4K restorations of the original negatives, a 2K transfer of an alternate print, 5.1 in , new interviews with and cinematographer , and an essay by critic Travis Crawford. A 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of the Criterion set was later available in the U.S. market. Digital distribution expanded the film's reach through streaming platforms. As of 2024, Police Story 2 is available for subscription viewing on Max, the Criterion Channel, and Prime Video in the United States, with rental and purchase options on platforms like and . Internationally, similar digital access is provided via regional services, supporting ongoing home viewing beyond .

Reception

Critical response

Police Story 2 received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences and Jackie Chan's stunt work while noting some weaknesses compared to the original film. On , the film holds an 84% approval rating based on 19 critic reviews, with the consensus highlighting Chan's central role and the film's entertaining action. Similarly, assigns it a score of 68 out of 100 from seven reviews, indicating generally favorable reception focused on its high-energy stunts. Critics frequently lauded the film's stunt choreography and Chan's directorial efforts, which elevated the sequel's action set pieces. Marc Savlov of awarded it three out of five stars, describing it as "a fine addition to the canon" that overflows "with Chan’s patented stuntwork and comic high jinks," particularly in its spectacular fight scenes and warehouse melees that leave audiences breathless. Calum Marsh of emphasized the pleasure of watching Chan and his stunt team, noting their acrobatic feats as "jumping, contorting and throwing the human form around in ways that simply don’t seem possible." A review in echoed this, stating the sequel is "a bit thin on plot, but who cares when is at his daredevil best?" Some reviewers pointed out the film's more subdued tone and convoluted story as drawbacks, though these did not overshadow its strengths. In a feature on the franchise, Simon Abrams on the site described Police Story 2 as a "low-key " with less intensity than the first but still featuring the series' best stuntwork under Chan's direction, coming alive in its explosive warehouse finale involving and barrels. Overall, the film was seen as a solid follow-up that solidified Chan's reputation for blending , romance, and daring action in cinema.

Audience and cultural impact

Police Story 2 garnered strong audience approval upon its release, particularly in and across , where it resonated with viewers through its blend of high-octane , and relatable portrayal of police work. On , the film holds an audience score of 77% based on over 5,000 ratings, reflecting enduring appreciation for its stunt choreography and Jackie Chan's charismatic performance as Inspector Chan Ka-kui. Many fans praised the sequel's escalation of practical effects and emotional depth compared to the original, with user reviews highlighting sequences like the finale as highlights that maintained the franchise's appeal despite a more formulaic plot. The film's cultural significance lies in its embodiment of Hong Kong's hybrid identity during the late 1980s, a period marked by ambivalence toward the impending to . It portrays Chan Ka-kui as a heroic figure navigating colonial influences and local , symbolizing the city's "double marginality" between British rule and . This resonated with Hong Kong audiences grappling with political uncertainty, reinforcing themes of justice and resilience in local cinema. Globally, Police Story 2 contributed to the internationalization of action films, solidifying Jackie Chan's reputation as a stunt innovator whose work influenced Western and Asian filmmakers alike. Its emphasis on practical, high-risk s—performed by Chan himself—set a benchmark for authenticity in the genre, inspiring elaborate fight scenes in later productions like the series and The Raid. The film's inclusion in in 2019 further cemented its cult status, introducing it to new generations and underscoring its role in elevating cinema's global profile during a transformative era.

Awards and nominations

Police Story 2 received the following awards and nominations:

25th Golden Horse Awards (1988)

  • Best : Nominated
  • Best Art Direction: Won (Oliver Wong)

8th Hong Kong Film Awards (1989)

  • Best Action Choreography: Won (Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association)

Legacy and influence

Police Story 2 further solidified the Police Story series' reputation for revolutionizing , emphasizing practical stunts and performer-driven choreography that influenced global filmmakers. The film's high-energy sequences, including explosive set pieces and acrobatic fights, set a benchmark for kinetic action design, inspiring directors such as and , who have cited the series for its blend of humor, , and environmental improvisation. It played a pivotal role in elevating Jackie Chan's international profile during Hong Kong cinema's golden age, showcasing his multifaceted talents as director, writer, and stunt performer. The sequel's success contributed to the franchise's longevity, spawning additional entries like (1992) and , which continued to explore themes of police heroism and personal risk. In , Police Story 2 received a 4K restoration by Fortune Star Media and was released on Blu-ray/DVD by , renewing appreciation for its practical effects amid the rise of CGI-dominated action films. This restoration highlighted the film's enduring appeal, with critics praising its "go-for-broke" energy as a to modern . The movie's cultural impact extends to reflecting 1980s Hong Kong's vibrant action tradition, influencing and Western homages in films like the series. As of , retrospectives continue to celebrate its role in Chan's legacy, underscoring the value of authentic stunt work.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.