Alright, fellow tapeheads, gather 'round. Remember those Friday nights, scanning the glorious, slightly sticky shelves of the local video store? Past the big Hollywood blowouts, tucked away in the 'Action' or maybe even the elusive 'Martial Arts' section, you might have stumbled upon a gem with a cover promising explosions, high-kicks, and pure chaos. Sometimes, those finds were pure gold. Tonight, let's rewind to 1995 and slap in a copy of Wong Jing’s gloriously unsubtle action extravaganza, High Risk (often found under the equally blunt title Meltdown). This one wasn't just another action flick; it carried a payload of behind-the-scenes drama almost as explosive as its on-screen pyrotechnics.
### Not Just Another Day at the Office
The setup is pure, uncut 90s action fodder, heavily borrowing – let's be honest, lovingly lifting – from Die Hard. Jet Li, radiating stoic cool even amidst utter mayhem, plays Kit Li, a bomb disposal expert turned bodyguard and stunt double. He's haunted by a past tragedy (aren't they always?) involving a bomb he couldn't defuse in time, which tragically claimed his wife and child. Fast forward, and he finds himself working security detail for the wildly popular, womanizing, and hilariously cowardly action movie star, Frankie Lone, played with gusto by Canto-pop king Jacky Cheung. Wouldn't you know it, they all end up trapped in a luxury high-rise hotel taken over by ruthless terrorists led by the chillingly named 'The Doctor'. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s basically Die Hard in Hong Kong, but with significantly more wire-fu and a fascinatingly meta twist.
### The Dragon vs. The Clown?
Here’s where High Risk gets really interesting, and frankly, a bit notorious. Jacky Cheung's Frankie Lone isn't just any comedic relief action star – he's a blatant, almost savage parody of Jackie Chan. This wasn't accidental. Director/writer Wong Jing, a prolific and often controversial figure in Hong Kong cinema (the man behind everything from the God of Gamblers series to wilder Category III stuff), reportedly had a falling out with Jackie Chan around this time. The film portrays Frankie Lone as a credit-stealing fraud who relies entirely on stunt doubles (specifically, Jet Li's character!), is terrified of actual danger, and chases anything in a skirt. It’s hilariously pointed, and Jacky Cheung commits fully to the absurdity, making Frankie both insufferable and strangely pitiable. Retro Fun Fact: Rumor has it Jet Li himself wasn't thrilled with the parody aspect or his experience on the film, feeling it disrespected fellow martial arts star Jackie Chan. Despite this, Li delivers a typically professional and physically dazzling performance.
### Pure, Practical Mayhem
But let's talk about why we rented these tapes: the action. And High Risk delivers in spades, showcasing that uniquely Hong Kong blend of gunplay, explosions, and intricate fight choreography that felt so raw and dangerous on our flickering CRT screens. Wong Jing might sometimes favour excess over elegance, but he knew how to stage absolute carnage. Remember how real those bullet hits looked back then? The squibs bursting, the debris flying – it felt visceral in a way that perfectly smooth CGI often misses today.
The film is packed with standout sequences. Jet Li moves with liquid grace and brutal efficiency, whether he's disarming bombs under pressure, engaging in close-quarters combat in hotel corridors, or performing incredible wire-assisted stunts. The practical effects are front and centre. Real explosions rock the screen, stunt performers take jaw-dropping falls, and the sheer physicality is undeniable. The climactic helicopter sequence, while maybe stretching credibility thin even for the 90s, is a testament to the go-for-broke attitude of the era's action filmmaking. You can feel the danger, the heat from the pyrotechnics. It wasn't sanitised; it felt like controlled chaos captured on film.
### More Than Just the Leads
While Jet Li anchors the heroism and Jacky Cheung provides the controversial comedy, the film benefits from a solid supporting cast typical of HK cinema. The lovely Chingmy Yau, a frequent collaborator with Wong Jing, plays Helen, a plucky reporter caught in the crossfire, adding another layer to the unfolding chaos. The villains are suitably menacing, even if their motivations are standard-issue movie terrorist fare. The pacing is relentless, barely pausing for breath between set pieces, driven by a typically energetic 90s score. Retro Fun Fact: The film was a significant box office success in Hong Kong, despite the controversy, proving Wong Jing's commercial instincts were sharp, even when stirring the pot.
### The Verdict Rewound
Watching High Risk today is like unearthing a time capsule of mid-90s Hong Kong action cinema. Yes, the plot is derivative. Yes, the Jackie Chan parody feels a little mean-spirited (though undeniably funny). And yes, some of the effects and fashions scream "1995!" But beneath the surface similarities to its Hollywood inspiration, there's a unique energy here. Jet Li is magnetic, the action choreography is inventive and brutal, and the sheer audacity of the parody adds a fascinating layer. It’s a film made with a certain reckless abandon that’s hard to find now. The blend of high-octane action, broad comedy, and that specific HK flavour makes it a standout VHS-era memory.
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Why this score? It loses points for the blatant Die Hard cloning and the arguably harsh parody element. However, it gains significant points for Jet Li's stellar performance, Jacky Cheung's committed comedic turn, the sheer volume and quality of its practical action sequences, and its undeniable energy. It perfectly captures a specific moment in action filmmaking.
Final Thought: High Risk is a potent shot of 90s action adrenaline, a reminder of a time when explosions felt hotter, stunts looked genuinely perilous, and movie rivalries played out hilariously on screen. Definitely worth dusting off the VCR for... if you can still find one.