For the uninitiated, it’s probably prudent to point out that In the Line of Duty wasn’t really a franchise in the purest sense. For the most part, they're all stand-alone films, the only tenuous connection between them being the basic concept…an ass-kicking female cop as the protagonist. So one could watch them in any order and miss nothing. That being said, this collection features the first four films, providing an interesting look at the early careers of Michelle Yeoh (when she was still billed as Michelle Khan) and her fresh-faced successor in the series, Cynthia Khan.
In Royal Warriors (retroactively re-titled In the Line of Duty), dedicated cop Michelle Yip (Yeoh), a Japanese Interpol agent and an obnoxious air marshal thwart an airline hijacking. Now they’re being targeted by a group of vicious war veterans who’ve made a pact to avenge the deaths of their friends. This wildly-plotted film features ample gunplay, explosions, fights and a shitload of broken glass. The opening close-quarters clash on-board an airliner is especially impressive. Attempts at broad comedy sit uncomfortably alongside scenes of brutal violence, but overall, the movie is a fun ride.
Yes, Madam! (retitled In the Line of Duty II) was actually released a year before Royal Warriors, featuring Yeoh as a different character (Inspector Ng). It also boasts the film debut of American martial arts champion Cynthia Rothrock (amusingly, her voice is dubbed in both versions on this disc). Together, they’re investigating the murder of their mentor, who had microfilm that could incriminate a powerful Hong Kong businessman. However, it has fallen into the possession of three bumbling petty thieves. Ridiculous but enjoyable, it has a rousing climax that showcases these ladies’ considerable skills.
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| Cynthia and Michelle do not appreciate being mistaken for Duran Duran. |
Being that all four films hail from those wacky ‘80s, it probably goes without saying that, aesthetically, they’re definitely products of their time. From the synth & drum scores to the production design to Yeoh’s mullet and shoulder pads, watching these things is kind of like time traveling. Beyond that though, In the Line of Fire I-IV has more-than-enough brutal, bloody brawls to sate action lovers, plus the added bonus of a few martial arts legends in early roles. With decent restorations and a smattering of vintage bonus features, 88 Films has put together a nicely-packaged boxed set, throwing in some physical goodies for good measure.
EXTRA KIBBLE
SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET
2 TWO-SIDED POSTERS
REVERSIBLE COVER ART
ROYAL WARRIORS (In the Line of Duty)
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Djeng
2 TRAILERS
ENGLISH TITLE SEQUENCE
YES, MADAM! (In the Line of Duty II)
ENGLISH DUBBED VERSION
INTRO BY CYNTHIA ROTHROCK
MICHELLE YEOH INTERVIEW
CYNTHIA ROTHROCK INTERVIEW
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Djeng
SCENE SPECIFIC COMMENTARIES - By Cynthia Rothrock & Frank Djeng
“LADIES FIRST - MANG HOI ON YES, MADAM!”
“BATTLING BABES”
ORIGINAL HONG KONG TRAILER
IN THE LINE OF DUTY III
INTERVIEW WITH JOHN SHAM - A very entertaining interview with Sham, who produced a lot of these things…and acted in a few.
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Djeng & Michael Worth
ENGLISH & HONG KONG TRAILERS
ENGLISH CREDITS
IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV
ENGLISH DUBBED VERSION
INTERVIEW WITH DONNIE YEN
2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By Frank Djeng & Michael Worth; 2) By Stefen Hammon & Michael Wong.
ENGLISH & HONG KONG TRAILERS
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