Project A (1984)



	Project A		Return to Review Archive - P
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	Team Supreme: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in Project A.
	Year:	1984
	Director:	Jackie Chan
	Producer:	Leonard Ho Koon-Cheung
	Cast:	Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Yuen Biao, Wong Man-Ying, Dick Wei, Kwan Hoi-San, Mars, Tai Bo, Lee Hoi-Sang, Lau Hak-Suen, John Cheung Ng-Long, Wu Ma
	The Skinny:	Jackie Chan's death defying, stunt-driven style of martial arts choreography gets an early showcase in the fun-filled eighties romp Project A.
	Review by Sanjuro:	It's turn of the century Hong Kong, and Jackie Chan stars as Dragon Ma, a courageous wiseacre working for the Coast Guard. Throughout the course of the movie, our hero eventually teams up with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao to take down a group of nefarious pirates led by Dick Wei, who seems to be the scariest-looking, yet altogether nicest pirate in cinema history. And that's pretty much all there is to know, or to tell for that matter, in terms of a plot synopsis for Project A, an early stunt extravaganza from actor-director Jackie Chan. As will become the norm for Chan, this movie's light on plot and high on action. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Though the film lacks depth, a healthy dose of that Jackie Chan magic is sprinkled throughout Project A to keep the viewer's attention. The film is a must-see for Jackie's fans, as some of his most famous stunts are featured in this film—the clock tower sequence being the standout. Though the weak script could have made the film a real drag, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao help keep Project A from sinking. Usually I wouldn't recommend a film that cared so little for plot, but a Jackie Chan movie is the exception that disproves the rule. (Sanjuro 2003)
	Notes:	• Jackie's clock tower stunt is a direct lift from Harold Lloyd's Safety Last. If you pay close attention, you can see that there is more than one take of that stunt. Two are shown in the scene (notice how Jackie's character falls differently each time). The third take appears during the credits. • In even some of the more famous sequences, Jackie Chan was doubled. Yes, you heard me right. Hit the pause button on your DVD remote and see for yourself. • Purchased by Disney and dubbed, but thankfully not re-titled Legend of Project A. Sadly, Disney's version lacks outtakes. • For a full report on any cuts and changes made to the US version of this film, as well as other Asian films purchased by Disney/Miramax, visit the Web Alliance for the Respectful Treatment of Asian Cinema.
	Awards:	4th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards • Winner - Best Action Design (Jackie Chan's Stuntmen Association) • Nomination - Best Actor (Jackie Chan)
	Availability:	DVD (Hong Kong) Region 0 NTSC Intercontinental Video Limited 16x9 Anamorphic Widescreen Cantonese and Mandarin Language Tracks Dolby Digital 5.1 / DTS 5.1 Removable English and Chinese Subtitles
		DVD (UK) Region 2 PAL HK Legends 2-Disc Set 16x9 Anamorphic Widescreen Cantonese and Mandarin Language Tracks English & Dutch Subtitles Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio commentary by HK Film Expert Bey Logan Interviews With Yuen Biao, Michael Lai, Dick Wei, Lee Hoi Sang, Mars, and more Wing Chun Demonstration, Triple Dragons Essay, Documentary, Trailers
	Also see:	Project A Part II (1987)
		image courtesy of Mega Star Video Distribution (HK), Ltd.
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