Michelle Yeoh (credited as Michelle Khan) in one of her best early roles in the hard-bitten, play for keeps Royal Warriors. Director David Chung has created a movie that hits harder than any audience nowadays expects. This is the type of movie where the bad guys have no problem with killing a mother and her child. There is an edge to the film that many will be shocked by that do not remember the days of yore and the work of directors Tsui Hark, John Woo, and Ringo Lam.
The standout of the film is the second-act shootout in a nightclub. The go-for-broke action scene feels like the blueprint for Walter Hill’s delirious bar finale in Another 48 HRS with civilian causalities as high as the good guy and bad guy body count. Though not to be outdone the finale set at a Rock Quarry has an epic quality to it as they’re using real Earth Movers!
This isn’t just some middling programmer. Chung brings the style, bombast, and conviction to the entire film. Both Michael Wong and Hiroyuki Sanada are perfectly cast. Though it’s Sanada that’s the standout. Ultimately, the film rests on the shoulders of Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh is fantastic here bringing all the charm and charisma you expect – along with being saddled with some of the more frustrating plot points. Though the film does manage to make adroit choices with those clichés.
Yes, Madam!
What’s better than a Michelle Yeoh action film? A Michelle Yeoh action film where she teams up with Cynthia Rothrock. Yes, Madam! It’s the kind of take-name kick-ass potboiler of an action thriller that simmers until it explodes. Explodes it does in a gloriously awesome guaranteed to jack you up fashion.
Yeoh stars as Inspector Ng whose friend from Scottland Yard Westminster (David Graham) is assassinated for a piece of Micro Film that could indict the biggest drug dealer in Hong Kong Tin (James Tien). Ng would be found going it alone and avenging her friend’s death along with finding said microfilm, though she’s partnered up with Scotland Yard’s best of the best Carrie Morris (Rothrock). Complete opposites Ng and Morris bristle at each other from the beginning. It is only when they realize there is more to the story and the microfilm.
Part of the delight of the film is for two-thirds of its run time it plays out like a French Connection-style procedural. This allows us to get to know the players and the situation beyond Yeoh and Rothrock’s characters. The script by Barry Wong (who also would eventually write the equally complicated and intelligent Hardboiled for John Woo) is ace because it refuses to play out as a bang-bang shoot ‘em up.
As much a part of the success is Corey Yuen whose work here is lean, mean, and perfectly modulated in style and tone. The film never feels too comedic though the film does press that pressure valve often. The comedic moments are often cut by the impactful fast action that Yuen and the stunt teams create for the great set pieces. Like any good action film the finale, set in the drug dealer’s palatial estate, is a cliché setting but Yuen and Company imbue every bit of action with a brutality that one will forget any of that.
Bonus points for casting director Tsui Hark as a manic criminal fence that just wants to be left alone.
In the Line of Duty III
This is the dark horse of the series. In the Line of Duty III is as bloody as any heroic bloodshed film of the era. With every good and bad guy seemingly double clutching everything from 9mm’s to Uzi’s in this film it’s almost a shock to the system from the opening Robbery to the very last frame. In fact, the opening moment is so reminiscent of The Matrix icon lobby shootout that you’ll swear that Lana and Lily Wachowski owe royalties to D & B Films for their complete rip-off of the scene.
The film is the introduction of Cynthia Khan not only as the new lead protagonist, following Michelle Yeoh, but her debut as an actress. Khan acquits herself amazingly well especially considering it’s her debut feature film. There isn’t the megastar gravitas that Michelle Yeoh brings on screen but there are few actors in any country and venue that have the pull of Yeoh.
The story of a Bonny and Clyde-like criminal duo on a race against time is perfectly suited for the fast-moving series. In fact, the duo played by Stuart Ong and Michelle Nishiwaki are perfectly cast as the kinky couple that mixes business and pleasure. Khan is paired with screen legend Hiroshi Fujioka (of Kamen Rider fame) as the man after revenge when the Thieves kill his partner in cold blood.
Co-Directors Arthur Wong and Brandy Yuen bring a beautiful sense of style and economy to the film. There’s a leanness to the way they approach not only the story/plot but the action. The action is impactful, bloody, and mean but always so quickly and smoothly edited to within an inch of its life you’re never quite sure of how bloody and mean it is in the moment. In the Line of Duty III definitely feels like it’s the Don Siegel-inspired film of the series. Which that is one of the highest compliments that anyone could pay a Police Procedural action series entry. Especially one as late as it is in the series.
In the Line of Duty IV
Donnie Yen. You cannot understate how much Yen brings to any project he stars in. If we were talking about the best of the best in this Box Set, you’ve found it.
In the Line of Duty IV reteams Tiger Cage II team of director Yuen Woo-ping and Star Donnie Yen. Much like their collaboration on that other sequel, this film crackles with crisp hard-hitting action, great performances, and a heighten stylistic stunt work that’s unmatched. It isn’t just Yen that elevates this film. Cynthia Khan and Michael Wong both do elevated work here as well working with Woo-ping’s stunt team on some truly next-level action scenes.
The action scenes are matched by the script by Anthony Wong (no relation to Michael or the actor Anthony Wong), Cheung Chi-sing, and Kim Yip. The story of an Immigrant Seattle dock worker Luk Wan-ting (Yuen Yat-chor) accidentally gets involved with a drug bust gone bad. Forced to flee from Seattle back to Hong Kong as the cops Captain Yan (Donnie Yen), Captain Wong (Michael Wong), and Madam Rachel Yeung (Cynthia Khan) only see him as a chess piece on a bigger board. As they begin to realize Wan-ting is nothing more than an innocent bystander they begin a dangerous game with the HK Drug Dealers trying to get back evidence that could incriminate the highest corridors of power in the United States.
The film’s main attraction is the action set pieces done with the level of artistic perfection that one comes to know from Master Woo-ping. Here from a wild Ambulance Chase (courtesy of lunatic genius car stuntman Blackie Ko and Woo-ping stunt team) to other rooftop chase scenes to the finale that’s set in about every conceivable location imagined in, around, atop a building. There are so many breathless paced amazing feats of daring one will overlook even the slight fumble in logic. In the Line of Duty IV is a masterwork of action filmmaking in an era where master work action filmmaking was almost a usual consistent occurrence with the likes of John Woo, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Ringo Lam, and Tsui Hark all working at an elite level. Even when that’s taken into account, In the Line of Duty IV is special.
The Transfer(s)
The transfers for all four films are spectacular. The work done here is simply jaw-dropping. Researching the prior DVD editions of the titles leaves no comparison. The work here is literally night and day. The films look sharp without the expense of the grain structure, allowing them to retain the look of a 35mm print. The color reproduction is as close as one can get to the high dynamic range of a 4K without being 4K. 88 Films has gone above and beyond the line of duty to bring us these gorgeous transfers.
Note: yes, the pun was definitely 1000% intended.
The Packaging
88 Films have outdone themselves with the box set added value content. Here is a gallery of images showing you the artistry that went into making this set.
The Extras
They include the following;
ROYAL WARRIORS – SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng
Missing Aeroplane Inserts
Cantonese Trailer
English Trailer
English In the Line of Duty Titles
YES, MADAM! – SPECIAL FEATURES:
Hong Kong Cut
Export Version with classic English Dub
Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng (HK Version)
Interview with Cynthia Rothrock
Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng
Interview with Men Hoi
Archive Interview with Michelle Yeoh
Archive Battling Babes Featurette
Hong Kong Trailer
IN THE LINE OF DUTY III – SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng and Michael Worth
Interview with John Sham by Frederic Ambroisine
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailers
English Credits
IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV – SPECIAL FEATURES:
Hong Kong cut
Export Version of the film featuring the Classic English Dub
Audio Commentary with Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto (HK Cut)
Archive Interview with Donnie Yen
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailer
Disc One: Royal Warriors
The Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng begins with his bonafides and the various titles Royal Warriors went under around the world. Some of the details from the commentaries include how the In the Line of Dutyseries are not interconnected; the box office success of the film; Johnnie To was the second unit director on the film; after the success of Michelle Yeoh’s first film and how Magnificent Warriors was put into production – and how D&B Films signed her to an extended contract that included this and Yes Madam!; the work of actor Michael Wong; the work of actor Hiroyuki Sanada; a larger conversation about how actors were dubbed and what they spoke during the production; the work of screenwriter Sammy Tsang; a larger discussion of the career and life of Blackie Ko – who’s specialized in car stunts; the work of director David Chung; discussions throughout about the various action set pieces which there are many – including the various stunt crew and choreographers that were involved like Blackie Ko, Kar Lok Chin, Hoi mang, Siu Tak-foo; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how the differ from the other films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng’s commentary is another entertaining and thoroughly researched track.
Missing Aeroplane Inserts (0:29) – the various inserts of a very fake-looking miniature model.
Cantonese Trailer (4:38) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles
English Trailer (3:49)
English In the Line of Duty Titles (2:57) – the same credit sequence from the Cantonese version with English Language Credits for both Beginning and Ending Credits.
Disc 2: Yes, Madam!
The Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng on the HK Version continues the critic’s great deep dive into the world of In the Line of Duty. Some of the details include the Literal Translation of the Cantonese title and the various titles; the releases and the box office success of the film; the strange release of this and Royal Warriors outside HK and how that effected the title; the different versions of the film and what was and wasn’t cut; a larger discussion about Michelle Yeoh and where she was in her career when she made Yes, Madam!; a larger discussion about Tsui Hark – his personal life and beyond his acting career but his career as a director and producer; the screenplay by Barry Wong – and its interesting story structure, the comedy of the piece, his work Stephen Chow, Sammo Hung, and more; the issue with non-native speakers and sync sound; discussions about the various action set pieces – including talking points about Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and others; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how the film is tonally different from the other films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng’s commentary is another entertaining and well-researched track for the sequel.
A Team Player – Cynthia Rothrock on Yes, Madam! (17:50) – the all-new interview with the star begins with how she, as a teenager, got into martial arts. Some of the other details include how she was cast by Corey Yuen – the reasons why; her experience making Yes, Madam! – including some great anecdotes about the production; how through her seven films how she never received a script; working with Corey Yuen and Mon Hoi as directors and their differences; working relationship and friendship with Michelle Yeoh; a great but very scary story about Dick Wei; and much more.
Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng [Airport Scene] – the actress and critic discuss the production of the introduction of Rothrock’s character and the action scene itself. The duo gives us a great relaxed micro-commentary track that includes some great production anecdotes like the entire scene was essentially unscripted/improvised; the heavy amount of rehearsal and much more.
Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng [Final Fight] – the actress and critic do another micro-commentary on her final fight and the final set piece. The duo continues their relaxed micro-commentary track that includes being on set during the entire production of the finale which took over 30 days to shoot; the hours and hours it takes to do certain setup/camera shots; her use of weapons during the scene – including a crazy anecdote about her staying on the wall during a specific shot; and much more.
Ladies First – Interview with Men Hoi (13:46) – in this all-new interview with the actor/stunt choreographer begins with his origins at the Peking Opera School including making his first film at seven years old. Some of the other details include how he was cast in his first film and continued to work and eventually left school to peruse acting at 16; working with Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Jackie Chan, and others; working on Yes, Madam! – and how Sammo was originally set to direct but eventually Corey Yuen was set; the development of the script; how Cynthia Rothrock was cast in the film – a larger discussion of how good she was; how they accomplished the action-filled finale – including some crazy anecdotes; and much more. In Cantonese with English Subtitles.
An Interview with Michelle Yeoh (15:05) – in this archival featurette Yeoh discusses not just Yes, Madam! which is the focus but her career up until the time she recorded the interview. Title prompts the various topics of the interview like Early Cinematic Influences, ‘Commerical’ Success in Hong Kong – meaning TV Commericals, working with Jackie Chan, training for Yes, Madam!, Painful Memories of ‘Ah Kam – Stuntwoman’, Pushing the envelope on Supercop, being cast in Yes, Madam!, Taking her break from the Industry, and much more.
Battling Babes Featurette (10:23) –this archival featurette looks at the various women in the Stunt world and their various experiences getting started and work done. It features some great footage of these various women in the films they’ve been featured in. Interviews with Actor Cynthia Rothrock, Stunt Woman Sophie Crawford (who doubled Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy), Stunt Woman Michiko Nishikawa (who featured prominently in Lucky Stars), Stunt Woman Yukari Oshima, Stunt Woman Moony Lee (who featured in Mr. Vampire), and Stunt Woman Kathy Long.
Hong Kong Trailer (4:22) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles.
Disc 3: In the Line of Duty III
The third Audio Commentary Frank Djeng is joined by Michael Worth which begins with a great introduction to Worth and setting the table including discussing the first film in the series to use In the Line of Duty title. Some of the details include the many titles that the film goes by; the releases and the box office success of the film; a larger discussion of the life and career of Cynthia Khan – including a fascinating note about her once she got this part and having to get signed off by her parent in order to work; a discussion of the various injuries that she incurred during the production – which lead to her eventually a huge career in Yoga; a discussion of co-star Hiroshi Fujioka his career in Japan as the first Kamen Rider and more; Djeng’s preference of this film over everyone’s favorite Part IV; the continual use of the HK Airport and even the some of the same locations from Yes, Madam!; the work of co-director Arthur Wong – who is primarily known as a cinematographer; how Lethal Weapon influenced this and other films in HK at the time; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how they’re harder hitting as compared the first two films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng has added backup which is fitting for this buddy cop action film. The track is entertaining and informative.
Interview with John Sham by Frederic Ambroisine (25:41) – opens with actor Sham discussing he’s been in the industry for the last 40 years and where he is currently as an investor now after being a producer and actor in the early part of his career. The charming and delightful Sham deep dives into his varied, interesting career; his immigration to Hong Kong in 1978; how he formed D&B films with Sammo Hung; discovering Michelle Yeoh and eventually getting her to start in Yes, Madam!; and much more.
Hong Kong Trailer (3:12) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles.
English Trailer 1 (3:10)
English Trailer 2 (3:37)
English Credits (2:20) – the same credit sequence from the Cantonese version with English Language Credits for both Beginning and Ending Credits.
Disc 4: In the Line of Duty IV
The final Audio Commentary Frank Djeng is joined by Michael Worth again on the track to discuss the HK Cut of the film opening with the alternate titles. Some of the other details include the discussion of Yuen Woo-ping directing this entry; the various screenwriters that worked on the film; the releases and the box office success of the film; a larger discussion of the various locations – Seattle, Vancouver, HK and more; the difference between the extended version of the film; the influence of Western Pop culture in this film and other films – and a larger discussion how that has changed to Korean and Japanese Pop culture; the emergence of MMA in this film – and a larger discussion of MMA and how it came fully into HK Action films after this film; a larger discussion about “voice actors” and how many of the more famous ones dubbed specific actors; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how Woo-ping and his stunt crew along with Donnie Yen changed the in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more.
The film is so good they have a second commentary track on it! The very last Audio Commentary track is an archival one with critic Stefan Hammond and actor Michael Wong beginning with introductions and Wong’s admission about having not seen this film in decades. Some of the details also include how he got involved with Sammo Hung’s film company D & B Films; working with Donnie Yen; working with Cynthia Khan; the ‘80s style, production design, and costumes throughout the film; a detailed account of the In the Line of Duty series; a larger discussion about the action and his involvement with it; and more. Hammond and Wong have a relaxed commentary track that’s informative and entertaining.
Archive Interview with Donnie Yen (20:29) – the archival interview with the star begins with a discussion of why HK Action Films are so “dangerous”. Some of the other details include a discussion of some of the realities of making an action film in HK; a discussion of the history of Martial Arts films; details about the stunt work done on In the Line of Duty IV – how it was some of the most dangerous looking stunts accomplished; and much more.
Hong Kong Trailer (4:26) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles
English Trailer (5:30) – there are about 60 seconds of production logos, then another 60 seconds of recap before the trailer starts properly which accounts for the epic trailer run time.
The Final Thought
88 Film have outdone themselves with the In the Line of Duty I – IV box set. This loaded box set is vital for any cinema fan not just ones of the Action Genre. Highest Possible Recommendations!!!
The mad scientists at 88 Films continue to impress and make it a banner 2023 for the Label in the US. Case in point the In the Line of Duty I – IV Blu-Ray Box Set is everything you want and more for this HK Action Classic Series.
The Film(s)
Royal Warriors
Michelle Yeoh (credited as Michelle Khan) in one of her best early roles in the hard-bitten, play for keeps Royal Warriors. Director David Chung has created a movie that hits harder than any audience nowadays expects. This is the type of movie where the bad guys have no problem with killing a mother and her child. There is an edge to the film that many will be shocked by that do not remember the days of yore and the work of directors Tsui Hark, John Woo, and Ringo Lam.
The standout of the film is the second-act shootout in a nightclub. The go-for-broke action scene feels like the blueprint for Walter Hill’s delirious bar finale in Another 48 HRS with civilian causalities as high as the good guy and bad guy body count. Though not to be outdone the finale set at a Rock Quarry has an epic quality to it as they’re using real Earth Movers!
This isn’t just some middling programmer. Chung brings the style, bombast, and conviction to the entire film. Both Michael Wong and Hiroyuki Sanada are perfectly cast. Though it’s Sanada that’s the standout. Ultimately, the film rests on the shoulders of Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh is fantastic here bringing all the charm and charisma you expect – along with being saddled with some of the more frustrating plot points. Though the film does manage to make adroit choices with those clichés.
Yes, Madam!
What’s better than a Michelle Yeoh action film? A Michelle Yeoh action film where she teams up with Cynthia Rothrock. Yes, Madam! It’s the kind of take-name kick-ass potboiler of an action thriller that simmers until it explodes. Explodes it does in a gloriously awesome guaranteed to jack you up fashion.
Yeoh stars as Inspector Ng whose friend from Scottland Yard Westminster (David Graham) is assassinated for a piece of Micro Film that could indict the biggest drug dealer in Hong Kong Tin (James Tien). Ng would be found going it alone and avenging her friend’s death along with finding said microfilm, though she’s partnered up with Scotland Yard’s best of the best Carrie Morris (Rothrock). Complete opposites Ng and Morris bristle at each other from the beginning. It is only when they realize there is more to the story and the microfilm.
Part of the delight of the film is for two-thirds of its run time it plays out like a French Connection-style procedural. This allows us to get to know the players and the situation beyond Yeoh and Rothrock’s characters. The script by Barry Wong (who also would eventually write the equally complicated and intelligent Hardboiled for John Woo) is ace because it refuses to play out as a bang-bang shoot ‘em up.
As much a part of the success is Corey Yuen whose work here is lean, mean, and perfectly modulated in style and tone. The film never feels too comedic though the film does press that pressure valve often. The comedic moments are often cut by the impactful fast action that Yuen and the stunt teams create for the great set pieces. Like any good action film the finale, set in the drug dealer’s palatial estate, is a cliché setting but Yuen and Company imbue every bit of action with a brutality that one will forget any of that.
Bonus points for casting director Tsui Hark as a manic criminal fence that just wants to be left alone.
In the Line of Duty III
This is the dark horse of the series. In the Line of Duty III is as bloody as any heroic bloodshed film of the era. With every good and bad guy seemingly double clutching everything from 9mm’s to Uzi’s in this film it’s almost a shock to the system from the opening Robbery to the very last frame. In fact, the opening moment is so reminiscent of The Matrix icon lobby shootout that you’ll swear that Lana and Lily Wachowski owe royalties to D & B Films for their complete rip-off of the scene.
The film is the introduction of Cynthia Khan not only as the new lead protagonist, following Michelle Yeoh, but her debut as an actress. Khan acquits herself amazingly well especially considering it’s her debut feature film. There isn’t the megastar gravitas that Michelle Yeoh brings on screen but there are few actors in any country and venue that have the pull of Yeoh.
The story of a Bonny and Clyde-like criminal duo on a race against time is perfectly suited for the fast-moving series. In fact, the duo played by Stuart Ong and Michelle Nishiwaki are perfectly cast as the kinky couple that mixes business and pleasure. Khan is paired with screen legend Hiroshi Fujioka (of Kamen Rider fame) as the man after revenge when the Thieves kill his partner in cold blood.
Co-Directors Arthur Wong and Brandy Yuen bring a beautiful sense of style and economy to the film. There’s a leanness to the way they approach not only the story/plot but the action. The action is impactful, bloody, and mean but always so quickly and smoothly edited to within an inch of its life you’re never quite sure of how bloody and mean it is in the moment. In the Line of Duty III definitely feels like it’s the Don Siegel-inspired film of the series. Which that is one of the highest compliments that anyone could pay a Police Procedural action series entry. Especially one as late as it is in the series.
In the Line of Duty IV
Donnie Yen. You cannot understate how much Yen brings to any project he stars in. If we were talking about the best of the best in this Box Set, you’ve found it.
In the Line of Duty IV reteams Tiger Cage II team of director Yuen Woo-ping and Star Donnie Yen. Much like their collaboration on that other sequel, this film crackles with crisp hard-hitting action, great performances, and a heighten stylistic stunt work that’s unmatched. It isn’t just Yen that elevates this film. Cynthia Khan and Michael Wong both do elevated work here as well working with Woo-ping’s stunt team on some truly next-level action scenes.
The action scenes are matched by the script by Anthony Wong (no relation to Michael or the actor Anthony Wong), Cheung Chi-sing, and Kim Yip. The story of an Immigrant Seattle dock worker Luk Wan-ting (Yuen Yat-chor) accidentally gets involved with a drug bust gone bad. Forced to flee from Seattle back to Hong Kong as the cops Captain Yan (Donnie Yen), Captain Wong (Michael Wong), and Madam Rachel Yeung (Cynthia Khan) only see him as a chess piece on a bigger board. As they begin to realize Wan-ting is nothing more than an innocent bystander they begin a dangerous game with the HK Drug Dealers trying to get back evidence that could incriminate the highest corridors of power in the United States.
The film’s main attraction is the action set pieces done with the level of artistic perfection that one comes to know from Master Woo-ping. Here from a wild Ambulance Chase (courtesy of lunatic genius car stuntman Blackie Ko and Woo-ping stunt team) to other rooftop chase scenes to the finale that’s set in about every conceivable location imagined in, around, atop a building. There are so many breathless paced amazing feats of daring one will overlook even the slight fumble in logic. In the Line of Duty IV is a masterwork of action filmmaking in an era where master work action filmmaking was almost a usual consistent occurrence with the likes of John Woo, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Ringo Lam, and Tsui Hark all working at an elite level. Even when that’s taken into account, In the Line of Duty IV is special.
The Transfer(s)
The transfers for all four films are spectacular. The work done here is simply jaw-dropping. Researching the prior DVD editions of the titles leaves no comparison. The work here is literally night and day. The films look sharp without the expense of the grain structure, allowing them to retain the look of a 35mm print. The color reproduction is as close as one can get to the high dynamic range of a 4K without being 4K. 88 Films has gone above and beyond the line of duty to bring us these gorgeous transfers.
Note: yes, the pun was definitely 1000% intended.
The Packaging
88 Films have outdone themselves with the box set added value content. Here is a gallery of images showing you the artistry that went into making this set.
The Extras
They include the following;
ROYAL WARRIORS – SPECIAL FEATURES:
YES, MADAM! – SPECIAL FEATURES:
IN THE LINE OF DUTY III – SPECIAL FEATURES:
IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV – SPECIAL FEATURES:
Disc One: Royal Warriors
The Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng begins with his bonafides and the various titles Royal Warriors went under around the world. Some of the details from the commentaries include how the In the Line of Dutyseries are not interconnected; the box office success of the film; Johnnie To was the second unit director on the film; after the success of Michelle Yeoh’s first film and how Magnificent Warriors was put into production – and how D&B Films signed her to an extended contract that included this and Yes Madam!; the work of actor Michael Wong; the work of actor Hiroyuki Sanada; a larger conversation about how actors were dubbed and what they spoke during the production; the work of screenwriter Sammy Tsang; a larger discussion of the career and life of Blackie Ko – who’s specialized in car stunts; the work of director David Chung; discussions throughout about the various action set pieces which there are many – including the various stunt crew and choreographers that were involved like Blackie Ko, Kar Lok Chin, Hoi mang, Siu Tak-foo; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how the differ from the other films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng’s commentary is another entertaining and thoroughly researched track.
Missing Aeroplane Inserts (0:29) – the various inserts of a very fake-looking miniature model.
Cantonese Trailer (4:38) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles
English Trailer (3:49)
English In the Line of Duty Titles (2:57) – the same credit sequence from the Cantonese version with English Language Credits for both Beginning and Ending Credits.
Disc 2: Yes, Madam!
The Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng on the HK Version continues the critic’s great deep dive into the world of In the Line of Duty. Some of the details include the Literal Translation of the Cantonese title and the various titles; the releases and the box office success of the film; the strange release of this and Royal Warriors outside HK and how that effected the title; the different versions of the film and what was and wasn’t cut; a larger discussion about Michelle Yeoh and where she was in her career when she made Yes, Madam!; a larger discussion about Tsui Hark – his personal life and beyond his acting career but his career as a director and producer; the screenplay by Barry Wong – and its interesting story structure, the comedy of the piece, his work Stephen Chow, Sammo Hung, and more; the issue with non-native speakers and sync sound; discussions about the various action set pieces – including talking points about Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and others; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how the film is tonally different from the other films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng’s commentary is another entertaining and well-researched track for the sequel.
A Team Player – Cynthia Rothrock on Yes, Madam! (17:50) – the all-new interview with the star begins with how she, as a teenager, got into martial arts. Some of the other details include how she was cast by Corey Yuen – the reasons why; her experience making Yes, Madam! – including some great anecdotes about the production; how through her seven films how she never received a script; working with Corey Yuen and Mon Hoi as directors and their differences; working relationship and friendship with Michelle Yeoh; a great but very scary story about Dick Wei; and much more.
Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng [Airport Scene] – the actress and critic discuss the production of the introduction of Rothrock’s character and the action scene itself. The duo gives us a great relaxed micro-commentary track that includes some great production anecdotes like the entire scene was essentially unscripted/improvised; the heavy amount of rehearsal and much more.
Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng [Final Fight] – the actress and critic do another micro-commentary on her final fight and the final set piece. The duo continues their relaxed micro-commentary track that includes being on set during the entire production of the finale which took over 30 days to shoot; the hours and hours it takes to do certain setup/camera shots; her use of weapons during the scene – including a crazy anecdote about her staying on the wall during a specific shot; and much more.
Ladies First – Interview with Men Hoi (13:46) – in this all-new interview with the actor/stunt choreographer begins with his origins at the Peking Opera School including making his first film at seven years old. Some of the other details include how he was cast in his first film and continued to work and eventually left school to peruse acting at 16; working with Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Jackie Chan, and others; working on Yes, Madam! – and how Sammo was originally set to direct but eventually Corey Yuen was set; the development of the script; how Cynthia Rothrock was cast in the film – a larger discussion of how good she was; how they accomplished the action-filled finale – including some crazy anecdotes; and much more. In Cantonese with English Subtitles.
An Interview with Michelle Yeoh (15:05) – in this archival featurette Yeoh discusses not just Yes, Madam! which is the focus but her career up until the time she recorded the interview. Title prompts the various topics of the interview like Early Cinematic Influences, ‘Commerical’ Success in Hong Kong – meaning TV Commericals, working with Jackie Chan, training for Yes, Madam!, Painful Memories of ‘Ah Kam – Stuntwoman’, Pushing the envelope on Supercop, being cast in Yes, Madam!, Taking her break from the Industry, and much more.
Battling Babes Featurette (10:23) –this archival featurette looks at the various women in the Stunt world and their various experiences getting started and work done. It features some great footage of these various women in the films they’ve been featured in. Interviews with Actor Cynthia Rothrock, Stunt Woman Sophie Crawford (who doubled Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy), Stunt Woman Michiko Nishikawa (who featured prominently in Lucky Stars), Stunt Woman Yukari Oshima, Stunt Woman Moony Lee (who featured in Mr. Vampire), and Stunt Woman Kathy Long.
Hong Kong Trailer (4:22) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles.
Disc 3: In the Line of Duty III
The third Audio Commentary Frank Djeng is joined by Michael Worth which begins with a great introduction to Worth and setting the table including discussing the first film in the series to use In the Line of Duty title. Some of the details include the many titles that the film goes by; the releases and the box office success of the film; a larger discussion of the life and career of Cynthia Khan – including a fascinating note about her once she got this part and having to get signed off by her parent in order to work; a discussion of the various injuries that she incurred during the production – which lead to her eventually a huge career in Yoga; a discussion of co-star Hiroshi Fujioka his career in Japan as the first Kamen Rider and more; Djeng’s preference of this film over everyone’s favorite Part IV; the continual use of the HK Airport and even the some of the same locations from Yes, Madam!; the work of co-director Arthur Wong – who is primarily known as a cinematographer; how Lethal Weapon influenced this and other films in HK at the time; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how they’re harder hitting as compared the first two films in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more. Djeng has added backup which is fitting for this buddy cop action film. The track is entertaining and informative.
Interview with John Sham by Frederic Ambroisine (25:41) – opens with actor Sham discussing he’s been in the industry for the last 40 years and where he is currently as an investor now after being a producer and actor in the early part of his career. The charming and delightful Sham deep dives into his varied, interesting career; his immigration to Hong Kong in 1978; how he formed D&B films with Sammo Hung; discovering Michelle Yeoh and eventually getting her to start in Yes, Madam!; and much more.
Hong Kong Trailer (3:12) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles.
English Trailer 1 (3:10)
English Trailer 2 (3:37)
English Credits (2:20) – the same credit sequence from the Cantonese version with English Language Credits for both Beginning and Ending Credits.
Disc 4: In the Line of Duty IV
The final Audio Commentary Frank Djeng is joined by Michael Worth again on the track to discuss the HK Cut of the film opening with the alternate titles. Some of the other details include the discussion of Yuen Woo-ping directing this entry; the various screenwriters that worked on the film; the releases and the box office success of the film; a larger discussion of the various locations – Seattle, Vancouver, HK and more; the difference between the extended version of the film; the influence of Western Pop culture in this film and other films – and a larger discussion how that has changed to Korean and Japanese Pop culture; the emergence of MMA in this film – and a larger discussion of MMA and how it came fully into HK Action films after this film; a larger discussion about “voice actors” and how many of the more famous ones dubbed specific actors; a larger discussion about the action scenes and how Woo-ping and his stunt crew along with Donnie Yen changed the in the series; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more.
The film is so good they have a second commentary track on it! The very last Audio Commentary track is an archival one with critic Stefan Hammond and actor Michael Wong beginning with introductions and Wong’s admission about having not seen this film in decades. Some of the details also include how he got involved with Sammo Hung’s film company D & B Films; working with Donnie Yen; working with Cynthia Khan; the ‘80s style, production design, and costumes throughout the film; a detailed account of the In the Line of Duty series; a larger discussion about the action and his involvement with it; and more. Hammond and Wong have a relaxed commentary track that’s informative and entertaining.
Archive Interview with Donnie Yen (20:29) – the archival interview with the star begins with a discussion of why HK Action Films are so “dangerous”. Some of the other details include a discussion of some of the realities of making an action film in HK; a discussion of the history of Martial Arts films; details about the stunt work done on In the Line of Duty IV – how it was some of the most dangerous looking stunts accomplished; and much more.
Hong Kong Trailer (4:26) – in Cantonese with English Subtitles
English Trailer (5:30) – there are about 60 seconds of production logos, then another 60 seconds of recap before the trailer starts properly which accounts for the epic trailer run time.
The Final Thought
88 Film have outdone themselves with the In the Line of Duty I – IV box set. This loaded box set is vital for any cinema fan not just ones of the Action Genre. Highest Possible Recommendations!!!
88 Films’ Blu-Ray Box set In the Line of Duty I – IV is out now
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