Badges of Fury (2013)ย
Badges of Fury (2013) is a Hong Kong action-comedy film that blends martial arts, humor, and crime investigation into a fast-paced and entertaining story. The movie follows two vastly different police officersโHuang Fei Hong (Jet Li), a disciplined and highly skilled veteran detective, and Wang Bu Er (Wen Zhang), an energetic and impulsive young cop. The duo is assigned to investigate a bizarre series of murders known as the "Smiling Murders," where each victim dies mysteriously with an unsettling grin on their face. Their search for the killer leads them to a famous actress, Liu Jin Shui (Liu Shishi), who shares a connection with all the deceased victimsโeach of them was her ex-boyfriend. Wang, eager to prove himself and crack the case, suggests going undercover as Liuโs new boyfriend, believing that this will bait the killer into making a move. While Wang is enthusiastic about the plan, Huang remains skeptical, using his experience and martial arts expertise to analyze the case from a more logical perspective. Their contrasting approaches create a dynamic mix of comedy and tension, with Wang often getting himself into trouble while Huang repeatedly steps in to save him.
As the investigation deepens, the detectives encounter various eccentric suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. Wang's undercover mission takes a surprising turn when he starts developing genuine feelings for Liu, making his job even more complicated. Meanwhile, Huang remains focused on unraveling the mystery, following a trail of clues that hint at a larger conspiracy. Their journey leads them through high-octane chases, ridiculous disguises, and hilarious misinterpretations, making the case even more chaotic. Along the way, they face off against skilled martial artists, underground criminals, and an enigmatic mastermind pulling the strings behind the murders. The action sequences showcase Jet Liโs legendary combat skills, seamlessly blending traditional kung fu with modern action choreography. The film maintains a balance between thrilling fight scenes and comedic moments, keeping the audience engaged with unexpected twists. As the number of victims rises, the pressure mounts for Huang and Wang to solve the case before another person falls victim to the smiling assassin.
In the explosive finale, the true culprit is revealed, leading to a climactic showdown where both detectives must combine their strengths to take down the villain. The final battle is filled with over-the-top martial arts action, comedic mishaps, and gravity-defying stunts that push the limits of reality. Huang, with his precise techniques, and Wang, with his unpredictable and reckless style, make for an unlikely yet effective team. In the end, justice prevails, and the mystery of the Smiling Murders is solved, but not without leaving a trail of hilarious and chaotic moments behind. The film concludes with Huang maintaining his cool and composed demeanor, while Wang, despite his mistakes, finally earns some respect as a detective. Badges of Fury delivers a fun and action-packed experience, combining elements of crime, comedy, and martial arts in a way that makes it an enjoyable watch for fans of Hong Kong cinema.
