Is Police Story 4: First Strike Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Police Story 4: First Strike is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Police Story 4: First Strike Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1996, Police Story 4: First Strike enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on Hong Kong cop Chan Ka-Kui returns, working with Interpol to track down and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Under the direction of Stanley Tong Gwai-Lai, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Jackie Chan, Jackson Liu, Annie Wu. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Police Story 4: First Strike offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Police Story 4: First Strike resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Police Story 4: First Strike is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Police Story 4: First Strike centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. Hong Kong cop Chan Ka-Kui returns, working with Interpol to track down and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Chan later realizes that things are not as simple as they appear and soon finds himself to be a pawn of an organization posing as Russian intelligence. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1996 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Police Story 4: First Strike has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Police Story 4: First Strike sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Police Story 4: First Strike (1996): with an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a recommended for fans of Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Police Story 4: First Strike Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,500,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $53,168,876 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Police Story 4: First Strike Budget
The estimated production budget for Police Story 4: First Strike is $1,500,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Police Story 4: First Strike is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Police Story 4: First Strike stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Police Story 4: First Strike movie hit or flop?
Police Story 4: First Strike has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Police Story 4: First Strike worth watching?
Police Story 4: First Strike is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Adventure, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Police Story 4: First Strike?
Police Story 4: First Strike is a Action, Adventure, Comedy movie that Hong Kong cop Chan Ka-Kui returns, working with Interpol to track down and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Chan later realizes that things are not a...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Police Story 4: First Strike movie hit or flop?
Police Story 4: First Strike has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Police Story 4: First Strike worth watching?
Police Story 4: First Strike is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Adventure, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Police Story 4: First Strike?
Police Story 4: First Strike is a Action, Adventure, Comedy movie that Hong Kong cop Chan Ka-Kui returns, working with Interpol to track down and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Chan later realizes that things are not a...
Is Police Story 4: First Strike family friendly?
Yes, Police Story 4: First Strike is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Action, Adventure, Comedy genre.
Where can I watch Police Story 4: First Strike?
You can find streaming options and availability for Police Story 4: First Strike on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Police Story 4: First Strike?
Police Story 4: First Strike features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Police Story 4: First Strike?
The runtime and duration of Police Story 4: First Strike are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
I loved the first two installments of Jackie Chan's 'Police Story' series, and wish I had seen the intervening adventures of Chan's character, Inspector Chan Ka Kui, ('Police Story 3: Supercop' and 'Project S'--though this is labeled Police Story 4, it's actually his very popular character's 5th appearance). Still, the story (basically a James Bond-type role, as he is forced by his boss to help the CIA prevent a Russian nuclear device from getting into the wrong hands) stands on its own, and is thrilling from start to finish, though something tends to be different and missing from his earlier Hong Kong exploits (though this was made there and dubbed--albeit horrendously--to help make him a star Stateside). If I had to put a finger on it, I think I prefer films that Chan directed himself. It's still extremely enjoyable, with set-pieces--especially when he defends himself with a stepladder--that approach awe-inspiring choreographed action perfection...