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When an industrialist
is sued by a woman who claims his factory is poisoning her fish
farm, he hires attorney Jackie Chan to get her off his back. Chan
recruits his old friends Hung and Yuen to spy on the woman: but
when the three men discover that the industrialist is manufacturing
narcotics, they switch sides and raid his factory.
This is an extremely impressive film in terms of action, characterisation
and plot. Jackie plays a role fairly dissimilar to his usual as
a womanising lawyer, Sammo his gun-dealing friend and Yuen Biao
a cat burglar. Yuen's is the best role and he really shines as the
acrobatic and crazy friend of Jackie's. Sammo as director, knows
what the audience wants and certainly delivers. There is an excellent
comedic fight between the three brothers and some good fight scenes
throughout the film. However, he seems happy to play second fiddle
to Jackie and does not quite show as much promise in front of the
camera. Yuen Wah plays the bad guy but as usual is underused - although
he does suit his wimpy bad guy role well. In the climatic battle
Jackie again fights Benny Urquidez and the fight is very good. But
it is obvious that it was filmed under considerable time pressure
and it does not quite match their earlier fight in 'Wheels on Meals'.
The comedy scenes are saved by Yuen Biao and Sammo keeps the film
alive, directing with his usual gusto. Jackie is the star though
and has a very good running battle with some thugs on a boat.
Aside from some corny love scenes this is overall the best of the
three brothers films, partly because it has dated well. It gives
the audience exactly what they want while at the same time stretching
the acting skills of everyone involved. There are no standout stunts
but this film is pure fun and shows Jackie, Sammo, and Yuen are
one of the best filmmaking trios in Hong Kong film history.
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