Rush Hour (1998)
Detective Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) is a dedicated and highly skilled officer of the Hong Kong Police Force. Loyal to his superior, Consul Han (Tzi Ma), Lee has recently dismantled a criminal syndicate led by the notorious crime lord Juntao. However, Juntao's right-hand man, Sang (Ken Leung), manages to escape, vowing revenge. Shortly after, Consul Han is appointed as the Chinese ambassador to the United States and moves to Los Angeles with his young daughter, Soo Yung (Julia Hsu). On her first day of school in America, Soo Yung is kidnapped by Sang and his men, who demand a hefty ransom from Consul Han. Distraught and determined to find his daughter, Han insists on involving Inspector Lee, knowing his loyalty and exceptional abilities. However, the FBI, wanting to control the investigation without interference, assigns the LAPDโs most reckless and talkative detective, James Carter (Chris Tucker), to keep Lee away from the case. Carter, a fast-talking officer known for his unorthodox methods and a penchant for working alone, is misled into believing he is taking on an important assignment, unaware that his real job is to babysit Lee.
When Lee arrives in Los Angeles, Carter is shocked to find that his assignment involves playing tour guide to a foreign cop. Frustrated and humiliated, Carter tries to ditch Lee multiple times, but Leeโs resourcefulness and martial arts skills foil his every attempt. Their initial interactions are marked by cultural clashes and comedic misunderstandings, with Carterโs loud, brash demeanor contrasting sharply with Leeโs calm, disciplined approach. Despite Carterโs attempts to sideline him, Lee is determined to find Soo Yung and secretly begins his own investigation. As they reluctantly team up, the duo uncovers clues leading them to Chinatown, where they encounter Sang. A thrilling chase ensues, showcasing Leeโs incredible acrobatics and fighting skills as he navigates the urban landscape with ease. Meanwhile, Carter provides comedic relief, struggling to keep up with Leeโs agility. Their partnership gradually evolves from mutual annoyance to grudging respect as they realize they need each otherโs skills to solve the case. Their investigation reveals that Juntao is behind the kidnapping, seeking revenge against Consul Han for disrupting his criminal empire. The ransom demand is merely a ploy to humiliate Han and regain his lost fortune.
Determined to rescue Soo Yung and bring down Juntao, Lee and Carter devise a daring plan to confront the kidnappers at a high-profile Chinese art exhibition hosted by Consul Han. Disguising themselves as waiters, they infiltrate the event, only to discover that Juntao is actually Thomas Griffin (Tom Wilkinson), a respected British diplomat and Hanโs trusted friend. Griffin reveals his true identity and motives, intending to use the ransom to rebuild his criminal empire. In a tense standoff, he threatens to kill Soo Yung, who is strapped to a bomb. In a series of action-packed sequences, Lee and Carter fight off Griffinโs armed men, showcasing a blend of martial arts, gunplay, and slapstick humor. Lee confronts Griffin, battling him on scaffolding high above the ground, while Carter defuses the bomb with the help of FBI agents. In the climactic showdown, Griffin falls to his death, and Lee rescues Soo Yung, reuniting her with her father. With the case solved, Carter gains newfound respect from the FBI, and Lee prepares to return to Hong Kong. However, having formed an unexpected friendship, Carter convinces Lee to take a vacation and stay in Los Angeles a little longer. The film ends with the two boarding a plane, arguing playfully, setting the stage for more adventures to come. Rush Hour (1998) masterfully blends action, comedy, and martial arts, establishing the iconic partnership of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.