Okay, the story is not terribly hard to follow. What is interesting about it, however, is watching what is essentially a crime procedural with Jackie Chan in the lead. His dramatic performance is not great; it is still Jackie Chan on the screen playing what seems to be the only character he knows how to play, Jackie Chan. He is a performer who never really learned how to act, yet is very entertaining in nearly everything he does, and this is no different.
One thing that makes this film work is the vigor and energy with which everyone throws themselves into the film, and especially the action. It is not like watching a Hollywood actioner where there are clear stunt doubles and such (not that they aren't used here). Watch the fights and the shootouts — these guys show no fear throwing themselves around, into walls, through glass, through whatever happens to be in the way. It brings an added level of realism to the piece.
It is interesting to note that Jackie Chan was not the first choice for the role. Originally it was intended for Jet Li, then it was going to be Tony Leung, then Jet Li again, before finally settling on Chan. It is definitely an intriguing choice for a film that has a rather dark feel to it and steps away from Jackie's bread and butter.
In the end, Crime Story features an explosive climax, a story that is compelling, and shows a different side of Chan. It is not going to be at the top of Chan's filmography, nor is it near the top of my favorite Chan flicks, but it is a good movie with some great setpieces and new look at Jackie.
Audio/Video. Dragon Dynasty has delivered a nice looking disk which is probably the best presentation it has had since it's theatrical release back in 1993. The image is presented in an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen ratio, and is nice and clean with no defects. The audio is presented in English and Cantonese 5.1 tracks, as well as the original Cantonese mono track. The audio is also a good presentation. This is definitely a disk to recommend.
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