Police Story

Police Story

Year: 1985

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: Cantonese

ComedyCrimeActionCrime drugs and gangstersEpic heroes

Officer Chan Ka Kui single‑handedly brings a powerful Hong Kong drug lord to justice after a dramatic shoot‑out and a high‑speed chase through a crowded slum. With the case hinging on the testimony of the gangster’s secretary, Selina, Chan is assigned to keep her safe from retaliation as she prepares to testify in court.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Police Story yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Police Story (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Police Story (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Shantytown, Shopping Mall, Police Station, Hong Kong

Set in Hong Kong, the action centers on a gritty shantytown used for an undercover sting. The pursuit then moves to a crowded shopping mall, culminating in a chaotic showdown. Other key locations include a police station and an apartment where personal and professional lines blur.

🏙️ Urban 🕵️‍♂️ Undercover 🛡️ Law enforcement

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:09

Main Characters – Police Story (1985)

Meet the key characters of Police Story (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chan Ka-Kui (Jackie Chan)

An earnest, impulsive undercover police sergeant who pushes beyond standard procedures to nail Chu Tao. He relentlessly pursues the target, often clashing with superiors but refusing to back down. After a failed operation and a surrounding frame, he fights to clear his name while keeping civilians safe.

🕵️‍♂️ Hero 🥊 Action 🧭 Undercover

Salina Fong (Brigitte Lin)

Chu Tao's secretary who becomes a key witness in the case. She is pressured by Chu Tao's gang, initially resists protection, and then records a confession that becomes central to the prosecution. Her actions and eventual absence at the trial create a battle over the truth.

🧭 Witness 🗝️ Secrets 🗃️ Data

May (Maggie Cheung)

Ka-Kui's girlfriend who confronts jealousy when Salina enters the picture. She provides emotional support during the investigation and becomes involved in the unfolding events, underscoring the personal stakes behind the police work.

💖 Girlfriend 🕊️ Loyalty 🕯️ Support

Chu Tao (Fung Hak-On)

A crafty crime lord who masterminds the operation against Ka-Kui and uses his influence to manipulate others. He escapes bail, orchestrates threats to Salina, and relies on a corrupt plan to frame Ka-Kui for murder.

🗡️ Villain 🕸️ Manipulator 🗺️ Criminal Network

Inspector Man (Kam Hing-Yin)

A police inspector who is revealed to be collaborating with Chu Tao. He helps set traps to eliminate Ka-Kui and to frame him for crime, highlighting internal corruption and the fragility of trust within the force.

⚖️ Corruption 🧭 Betrayal

Chief Inspector Raymond Li (Lam Kwok-Hung)

A high-ranking police official who reprimands Ka-Kui to manage the public image of the force. He represents institutional pressure and the need to present a composed front to the media, even when the truth is more complex.

🏛️ Authority 🎭 Image

Prosecutor (Robert Siu-Leung)

The prosecuting attorney whose case against Chu Tao hinges on Salina's testimony. The trial falters due to Salina's absence and tampering with evidence, illustrating the fragile chain of evidence in high-stakes crime cases.

⚖️ Prosecution 🧪 Legal Process

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:09

Major Themes – Police Story (1985)

Explore the central themes of Police Story (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Investigation

The film follows an undercover operation known as Boar Hunt as Ka-Kui infiltrates the criminal network. He pushes beyond standard procedures to close the case, earning both praise and discipline from the brass. The tension between duty and personal risk drives the narrative as the chase unfolds across multiple settings. Investigative work and direct action collide in a high-stakes confrontation.

💥 Action

The plan collapses into chaos as the criminals spot the undercover team, triggering a deadly shootout. Ka-Kui chases Chu Tao from the shantytown into the mall, scaling floors and risking his safety to halt the threat. The sequence features stunts, destruction, and a tense standoff on a moving bus. The adrenaline-fueled pursuit highlights the film's signature Hong Kong action sensibility.

🧭 Betrayal

Inspector Man is revealed to be allied with Chu Tao, turning the operation into a trap for Ka-Kui. The scheme includes killing Ka-Kui with his own gun to frame him for murder, exposing corruption within the ranks. Salina's confession is mishandled and becomes a battleground over truth and loyalty. The arc questions who can be trusted when law and order seem compromised.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:09

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Police Story

Don't stop at just watching — explore Police Story in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Police Story is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Police Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Police Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Police Story Summary

Police Story Timeline

Track the full timeline of Police Story with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Police Story Timeline

More About Police Story

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Police Story: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Police Story