Chapter Fifty-Six: A Tale of the Police

“Since Mr. Zou has spoken, there’s absolutely no mistake—I’d like to congratulate you in advance, Brother Long.” Someone of Zou Wenhuai’s stature wouldn’t speak lightly or change his mind.

Although Yan Xu had made two blockbuster films, compared to a tycoon like Zou Wenhuai, he was still a small fry. What made Zou Wenhuai legendary was his vision: first Bruce Lee, then the Xu brothers, followed by Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and others. His management style at Satellite Company had also allowed the film industry to flourish.

“Let’s hope so,” Jackie Chan nodded thoughtfully. Zou Wenhuai was known for his resolute words, especially in front of so many people. Now, what Jackie had to do was prepare for a film, and it had to be a spectacular hit.

“What kind of film are you planning to make, Brother Long?” Yan Xu had seen most of Jackie Chan’s movies, but he couldn’t recall when each was shot—he’d never had time to keep track.

“I’m thinking of making a police action film again,” Jackie Chan looked at Yan Xu. “The plot structure of ‘Dragon Force’ had its issues, but more importantly, it lacked exciting scenes and failed to highlight my unique style. It was too proper. Audiences want to see big action and my risk-taking performances. I’ve always wanted to create a truly grand, lively police action movie.”

“Do you have a good script?” The moment Yan Xu heard “police action film,” he immediately thought of “Police Story.” That series was a milestone in Jackie Chan’s career. It was from this series that Jackie’s movies found their unique style.

“I don’t have a script yet, just some ideas for shocking big scenes.” Jackie Chan shook his head.

When Yan Xu heard that Jackie hadn’t started on the script, his heart leaped. The idea would soon emerge, but it was better to give it a push himself—deepen their friendship. “I do have a story—a police action kung fu film, which I think would suit you perfectly, Brother Long.”

“A police action kung fu film?” Jackie Chan’s curiosity was piqued immediately. “Tell me about it.”

“It’s about a police officer named Chan Ka-Kui. In a raid, the police apprehend the notorious drug lord Chu Tao…” Yan Xu eloquently described the plot of the first “Police Story.”

The film’s structure was tight and the story strong. Yan Xu’s vivid narration of the car crashing from the shantytown, the lone chase after the bus, and the final leap from several stories high inside the shopping mall—all made Jackie widen his eyes, his gaze sparkling with excitement.

“Amazing!” After Yan Xu finished, Jackie Chan slapped his thigh. “Ah Xu, do you have this script? Name your price—I want it.” Jackie had enjoyed consecutive box office hits over the years. Though he spent lavishly, his fortune was considerable.

“The script isn’t finished yet. What I just told you was only an idea I’d had. But films like this, police action kung fu, aren’t really my style.” Yan Xu smiled. He had sketched out a complete “Police Story,” knowing Jackie would be interested.

“The papers always call you a genius, and now I see it’s true. No wonder your movies rake in so much without needing you to risk your life. How do you come up with these ideas?” Jackie Chan looked at Yan Xu, marveling.

“If you want it, Brother Long, I’ll write it out as soon as possible and give it to you. As for the price, consider it a gift for our first meeting.” The script belonged to Jackie Chan anyway, and if it could draw them closer, money wasn’t important—Yan Xu cared little for it.

“That won’t do. If you give me a gift, I have nothing to offer you.” Even as a straightforward man, Jackie Chan felt a bit embarrassed.

“How about this—if the film does well at the box office, you can give me a generous red envelope.” Yan Xu said. This film was not only a blockbuster in Hong Kong, but also caused a sensation in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Especially in Japan, screenings were packed, with box office reaching over $7 million. It was a milestone in Hong Kong action cinema and one of the top ten Hong Kong films of the 1980s.

“All right, it’s settled. When the script’s ready, give me a call—here’s my mobile number.” Jackie Chan was equally straightforward; he patted Yan Xu’s shoulder and left his number. “If it hits big at the box office, I promise to surprise you with a huge red envelope.”

“By the way, what’s the title of your script?” Jackie Chan asked.

“I haven’t thought of one yet,” Yan Xu shook his head. “The script’s yours—why not name it yourself?”

“Let’s call it ‘Anti-Drug Vanguard’ or ‘Heroic Detective.’” Jackie Chan mused.

Yan Xu shivered at the names—they were far too ordinary. “If this film is done well, it can become a series. ‘Anti-Drug Vanguard’ clearly doesn’t fit. ‘Heroic Detective’ is fine, but too generic. Since the story centers on Chan Ka-Kui, why not call it ‘Police Story’?”

“Police Story! Police Story!” Jackie Chan murmured softly a few times. “Good, let’s call it ‘Police Story.’ The name is grand, it can become a series, and others can’t copy it easily. I’ll name it after the story—let’s see how they try to imitate it.” Whenever Jackie released a film, it inevitably spawned a host of imitators, many of them low-quality. This title, though, would be hard to mimic.

With the title settled, Yan Xu and Jackie Chan began discussing details, especially the cast. The male lead was naturally Jackie Chan. For the female lead, Jackie listed many options: Hu Hui-Chung, Cherie Chung, Yip Tung, Deh-Hsien Yip, Maggie Cheung, and others. Aside from his ex-girlfriend Michelle Mi, with whom he’d had a falling out, nearly all the popular actresses in the circle were considered.

“How about casting Vivian Chow as May?” Yan Xu suggested. Though Maggie Cheung had shone in the original “Police Story,” now that Yan Xu was involved, he wanted to secure some benefits for himself. Vivian Chow was a remarkable newcomer in the music scene, more prominent there than in film. But Yan Xu wanted to cultivate her into a multi-talented star. If she appeared in Jackie Chan’s movie—especially a milestone series—it would greatly help her future career.

“Vivian Chow?” Jackie Chan thought for a moment. “That’s the young singer who’s been popular lately? She’s quite pretty.”

“She’s an artist under my management, and I think she suits May’s role. She also appeared in my film ‘Taxi Judge.’” Yan Xu made no secret of his connection with Vivian Chow. As for Maggie Cheung, apologies were in order.

“Oh, the female reporter. I remember her now.” Jackie Chan nodded. As a dark horse in the film world, many in the circle had seen “Taxi Judge.” “Alright, let’s go with her.” Jackie was easygoing; for a supporting female role, even a mere beauty was acceptable.

“For Selena, what about Hu Hui-Chung? She’s beautiful, has a mature charm, and importantly, her kung fu is decent—she’s good for some action scenes.” Jackie Chan basically agreed on Maggie Cheung, though she was a newcomer, her status as runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong pageant gave her appeal, and her pay was low. However, Selena’s role was pivotal, requiring beauty, maturity, and strong acting skills.

“Hu Hui-Chung is good, but I have someone even more suitable. How about Brigitte Lin, Brother Long?” The original “Police Story” was already well-made; Yan Xu didn’t want the characters to stray too far from the classic.