Watch Crime Story

In the early 1990s, Jackie Chan starred in a number of movies that were considerably darker than his earlier comedic roles. One such film was "Crime Story," a thriller that explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and redemption in the context of a high-stakes kidnap case. The film opens with a harrowing car chase, during which a kidnapper drives recklessly through the crowded streets of Hong Kong in a desperate bid to escape the police. After crashing his car and killing several innocent bystanders, the kidnapper releases his young hostage and disappears into the night.

The case is assigned to Inspector Eddie Chan (played by Jackie Chan), a no-nonsense cop who is tasked with bringing the kidnapper to justice. As Eddie begins his investigation, he quickly realizes that nothing about this case is straightforward. The victim's wealthy family is involved in shady business deals, and their behavior raises suspicion about their motives for involving the police. Meanwhile, Eddie's own colleagues are starting to doubt his ability to run the case, and he finds himself under constant pressure to deliver results.

As the investigation heats up, Eddie becomes increasingly embroiled in the case, putting his own life in danger in order to crack the kidnapper's code. Along the way, he develops an unexpected rapport with the victim, a traumatized young girl who Elie helps as she tries to come to terms with her ordeal. Eddie's commitment to the case is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty, but as the stakes get higher, he finds himself wondering if he's really on the right side of the law.

One of the strengths of "Crime Story" is its complex characterizations. Jackie Chan's portrayal of Eddie is particularly compelling, as he balances his reputation as a tough cop with a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Eddie's relationships with the victim and with his colleagues are nuanced and realistic, showing the complicated dynamics that can arise in any high-pressure situation.

The supporting cast in "Crime Story" is also excellent. Kent Cheng plays Inspector Hung, Eddie's longtime friend and mentor who is beginning to show signs of corruption. Hung is a complex character who raises thought-provoking questions about the limits of loyalty and the potential for moral compromise. Meanwhile, Christine Ng delivers a powerful performance as the victim's mother, a woman whose grief slowly transforms into a steely determination to do whatever it takes to protect her family.

Visually, "Crime Story" is stunning. The film's action sequences are tense and well-choreographed, with Chan's trademark physicality on full display. The cinematography captures the gritty, neon-lit streets of Hong Kong with a dark beauty that underscores the film's themes of crime and corruption.

Overall, "Crime Story" is a tense and thought-provoking thriller that showcases Jackie Chan's versatility as an actor. The film's exploration of loyalty and corruption in the context of a high-stakes crime case feels relevant today, and the strong performances from the cast make it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Crime Story is a 1993 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.