Fantasy Mission Force

Fantasy Mission Force is a 1983 action-comedy film directed by Kevin Chu and starring Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Jimmy Wang Yu, Adam Cheng, and Yueh Sun. The movie is set during World War II, in a fictional universe where warlords and gangsters have taken control of China. The story follows a group of misfit soldiers who are tasked with rescuing several allied generals who have been kidnapped by the Japanese army.

The film opens with a narration that introduces the historical context of the story- the Japanese invasion of China. We see a group of soldiers struggling to escape from a deadly trap set by Japanese soldiers. The scene sets the stage for the rest of the movie- action-packed, full of absurd situations and slapstick comedy.

The story then cuts to a scene where we see a group of bandits attacking a small village. The bandits are led by the eccentric General Fang, played by Jimmy Wang Yu, who believes that he is invincible because he has a magical fan that he uses to control the elements. In the village, we meet two of the movie's main characters- Sammy (Sammo Hung), a petty criminal, and Wenlie (Brigitte Lin), a beautiful and mysterious woman who is skilled in martial arts. Wenlie is searching for her missing brother, who was last seen with the allied generals.

The two storylines converge as Sammy and his gang run afoul of General Fang and are apprehended. In prison, they meet up with four other convicts- three soldiers and a fortune teller. The group of misfits is then recruited by Colonel Feng (Adam Cheng), a representative of the Allied forces, to embark on a mission to rescue the kidnapped generals.

Thus begins the fantasy mission. The group encounters an array of absurd obstacles, including a haunted graveyard, a gang of Amazonian warriors, a tribe of cavemen, and a wicked witch who wants to marry Sammy. The missions are presented in a comic light, with each obstacle presented to the group containing its fair share of absurdity and humor.

Fantasy Mission Force is a perfect example of a cult classic. With its nonsensical plot, surreal situations, and bawdy humor, this Jackie Chan classic is a favorite among fans of campy films. The film is over-the-top in every sense of the word, with action sequences that defy logic and a storyline that doesn't make sense.

The fight choreography is typical of Jackie Chan films, with creative stunts and brutal fight scenes. The standout scene of the movie is a kidnapping scene in which Jackie Chan uses a pogo stick to evade his captors.

The movie also has its share of problematic elements, including casual racism, homophobia, and sexism. However, the film's intention is not to make a social or political statement but instead offers a rollicking journey into a fantastical landscape.

In terms of acting, the cast is excellent, with Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Jimmy Wang Yu, and Adam Cheng delivering outstanding performances. Jackie Chan, in particular, brings his signature brand of comedy to the movie, with his acrobatic stunts and hilarious expressions.

The film's soundtrack is also memorable, with catchy tunes that capture the film's campy nature. The song "Fantasy Mission Force" has become a classic among fans of the movie, and it is often played at Jackie Chan events.

In conclusion, Fantasy Mission Force is a film that defies categorization. It is a mixture of action, adventure, and comedy and represents everything that is typically associated with Jackie Chan's early films. The movie is not for everyone, with its campy humor and bizarre storyline, but if you are a fan of cult classics, you will likely enjoy this trip into a fantastical world.