Short review: It’s total crap.

Long review: Lots of swearing and pointless nudity. One good move in the whole film. There is a Hong Kong version, and it’s a little less crap.

The plot synopsis from the back of the Universe DVD is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this film. I quote: “Super action star Jackie Chan being the Director and actor this time in “The Protector”, co-starring Sally Yip and other action actress [maybe they forgot Moon Lee’s name?]. New York policeman Billy Wong (Jackie Chan) chase after the gangsters who killed his partner on the ground, on the ramparts and in the air [sounds like he was REALLY unlucky to be killed three times!]. He investigates a kidnapped case and chase to Hong Kong and discovers Mr. Big is the leader of the gangsters [NO! Surely it’s Mr. Henchman??! They’ve spoilt the surprise now!]. Finally, a big fireball lights up the beautiful harbour of Hong Kong.” Priceless, and a damn sight more entertaining than the film itself.

I read an amusing interview with director James Glickenhaus back in the early 90’s talking about this film. The interviewer asked what he thought about Jackie re-shooting some of the scenes for the Asian market. Glickenhaus replied that Jackie only re-edited the film and didn’t add or re-shoot any of it. The reviewer apologised and said he’d seen the Asian print, and he definitely re-shot some of the footage, to which Glickenhaus, somewhat miffed, replied “well, he had no right to do that”. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Jackie’s version is now considered the definitive version, and dispenses with the pointless nudity altogether, adds a little humour and tones down the swearing.

Thankfully, when Jackie went back to Hong Kong he made Police Story, and the world became a better place again.