Action-Packed Saga Continues: Daring Heists, Ruthless Rampages, and Martial Arts Legends

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MOVIE REVIEW
In the Line of Duty III & IV double-feature
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1988/1989, 2023 88 Films Blu-ray release
Runtime: 1h 30m/1h34m
Director(s): Arthur Wong, Brandy Yuen/Woo-Ping Yuen
Writer(s): Kiu-Ying Chan/Chi-Sing Cheung, Wing-Fai Wong, Kwong-Kim Yip
Cast: Cynthia Khan (both,) Hiroshi Fujioka, Stuart Ong/Donnie Yen, Michael Wong
Where To Watch: Available August 13, 2024. Pre-order your copies here: PART III www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com and PART IV here www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In this dynamic and engaging analysis, we delve into two action-filled movies from the celebrated series that began with YES, MADAM! and continued with ROYAL WARRIORS. We will focus on the third and fourth installments, IN THE LINE OF DUTY III and IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY III stars Cynthia Khan as a fresh-faced cop tackling a menacing pair of terrorists. The film plunges us into a daring heist before unfolding into a ruthless rampage where the terrorists’ plans to barter stolen goods go awry.

While not directly connected to its predecessors, it retains its spirit through the magnetic lead actress and the familiar scenery. These films both offer a gorgeous new 2K restoration featuring several versions.

While not reaching the same pinnacle as its successor, IN THE LINE OF DUTY III is the series’ most high-octane entry. As the storyline develops, the action amplifies, leading to a heart-pounding conclusion.

Cynthia Khan’s performance as the young “rookie” police officer is a worthy follow-up to Michelle Yeoh, whose martial arts prowess demands attention. The visceral and unfiltered action sequences, expertly orchestrated, showcase the cast and crew’s incredible talent.

The fourth installment, IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV, unites action legends Donnie Yen and Cynthia Khan under the masterful direction of renowned martial arts virtuoso Woo-Ping Yuen. The story follows two determined officers as they investigate a large drug trafficking ring and protect an innocent worker from an international criminal network.

This movie is a tribute to Hong Kong’s action cinema, featuring jaw-dropping stunts, extraordinary action sequences, and some of the most impressive martial arts choreography I’ve seen.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV is another exceptional addition to the series, possibly even overshadowing everything that came before it, with Cynthia Khan reprising her role alongside Donnie Yen. The plot is packed with action, enhanced by remarkable choreography and genuinely fun action scenes (that ambulance scene!!)

The film delivers an unyielding adrenaline rush from start to finish, showcasing meticulously choreographed combat and stunt scenes. It appeals to Western audiences while retaining the series’ characteristic dynamic energy.

Woo-Ping Yuen’s direction accentuates the stars’ skills and supplies countless breathtaking set pieces. The film’s ingenious and savage action scenes make it a standout entry, with Cynthia Khan’s awe-inspiring stunts among the highlights.

PART III SPECIAL FEATURES:
2K Remaster from the Original Camera Negative
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray Presentation
2.0 Cantonese Dual Mono with English Subtitles
2.0 English Dub
Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng & Michael Worth
Interview with John Sham by Frédéric Ambroisine
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailers
English Credits
Reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong artwork

PART IV SPECIAL FEATURES:
Stunning new 2K restoration of the Hong Kong cut, featuring 2.0 Cantonese Mono with English Subtitles & 2.0 English Mono
New 2K restoration of the Export Version of the fi lm featuring the Classic English Dub
Audio Commentary with Frank Djeng and Michael Worth
Archival commentary by Hong Kong expert Stefan Hammond and lead actor Michael Wong
Archive Interview with Donnie Yen
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong artwork

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]