Royal Warriors (1986) User Reviews

Star-making early role for Michelle Yeoh.

[dave13-1 · 7/10 · 1 May 2012]

This cops vs. terrorists chase flick featured a pretty familiar plot line - Yeoh stops a terrorist on board a plane, and the terrorist chief targets her and two male confederates for a rub-out.

But this is a must-see for Yeoh fans. The former (1983) Miss Malaysia first introduced her unsmiling, no-nonsense cop persona here and comes off as a kick-boxing female Charles Bronson. Yeoh's fabulous fight scenes (which, typically for any Hong Kong action star, she performed herself) and on-screen charisma made her a star in this role and it needs to be seen by her fans. It helps that the movie had a decent budget, with good looking production design and elaborate stunts to go with the martial arts. This is a first rate movie of its type.

Big, loud and brutal

[fertilecelluloid · 8/10 · 21 December 2005]

From the mid 80's to the early 90's, D & B Films produced some spectacular features. This is one of them. Everything here is big and loud and brutal. Michael Yeoh, credited as Michelle Kahn, plays a policewoman who prevents a major incident on a airliner, ably assisted by secret agent Henry Sanada. Kahn and Sanada's actions infuriate the mob and revenge comes quickly in the form of an explosion that kills the Japanese agent's wife and daughter. Michael Wong, another cop, assists the Chinese-Japanese duo in their quest for justice, but he only gets in the way, as does his bad acting.

This has car stunts, explosions, rafts of grievous bodily harm and lots of woman-to-woman, man-on-man and man-on-woman fighting. John Chung, who directed the excellent "Web of Deception" and the delightful "I Love Maria", stages his action with tremendous energy and works hard to make us feel the pain the characters are feeling.

The film has an expansive feel and, though it guns for some comedy relief now and then, never gets sidetracked by it. Kahn's character was replaced in "In the Line of Duty 3" by the aptly named Cynthia Khan, another tough cookie (but not as tough as Michelle).

Second in the wonderful series

[Leofwine_draca · 8/10 · 28 August 2014]

While its international title is ROYAL WARRIORS, originally this film was IN THE LINE OF DUTY, the second of a long-running series about hard-hitting kung-fu-fighting female cops in Hong Kong. Inevitably these are excellent action movies for their era which mix car chases and martial arts fights, along with detective stuff and a little comedy. They feel a lot like Jackie Chan's POLICE STORY films, albeit with a little less humour and a more ensemble team. The first four in the series are particularly excellent and helped inspire a decade of similar films from the region.

ROYAL WARRIORS is a must for kung fu fans thanks to the presence of not one but two genre luminaries in the title roles. First up we get a young, agile and athletic Michelle Yeoh as the heroine; while her acting isn't as assured here as later on in her career, she certainly livens up the screen in her many fight scenes. She's given excellent support by imported Japanese star Hiroyuki Sanada (ROARING FIRE) in one of his detours into Chinese cinema. It's a worthy follow-up for him to NINJA IN THE DRAGON'S DEN, and he once again plays the same honourable, hard-assed character.

A lot of people give Michael Wong (IN THE LINE OF DUTY 4) a hard time, but I don't have a problem with the actor and he does well with his annoying-but-likable character in this movie. And the action is very good indeed, as is the suspenseful plot which forever moves forward with very few slow moments; a massacre in a nightclub, inspired by a similar moment in THE TERMINATOR, is the dramatic highlight. Michael Chan Wai-Man always makes for a decent villain too. While I would have liked a few more bad guys for our heroes to go up against - that's where the later sequels have the edge - this is still above average for the genre and a thoroughly entertaining movie.

One of Michelle Yeoh's Finest!!

[jrat6200 · 10 March 2004]

This is some of Michelle Yeoh's best work, alongside Magnificent Warriors and Yes Madam (A.K.A. In The Line of Duty or Police Assassins). This movie has a mix of drama, hard-hitting action, and comedy (little less on comedy though).

In my opinion, this movie could've done without Michael Wong. He tries to create a lovable character but he just seemed to get in the way of the movie. Well, I guess the movie needed some comedy. I appreciate the casting of Henry Sanada (Hiroyuki Sanada) in the film. After Ninja in the Dragon's Den, I was hoping he would continue to pursue action flicks. His martial arts skills always seems to impress me. His character in the film is portrayed as cool and slick, but if provoked, can be aggressive. Michelle Yeoh's character is very dedicated to her work as a police officer. She will enforce the law by any means.

The action in this film was very excellent and brutal. The club scene was the best. I'm pretty sure the actors and actresses had to use some ointment to take care of the bruises after some of the scenes. Groundwork dominated this film. I really didn't notice wirework.

Overall, this a great film. The replay value is very high. Besides the action, drama and a little comedy gave the film a good mix. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Final Judgement: ****/****

Excellent For A Programmer

[boblipton · 6/10 · 3 May 2023]

Hong Kong detective Michelle Yeoh, Japanese Interpol agent Hiroyuki Sanada, and security guard Michael Wong are on a flight when gang members try to hijack it to free a prisoner. They beat the hijackers through a combination of kung fu and sticking the last gangster's head though a window he has broken open. They are hailed as heroes, and think they can go on with their lives. What they don't know is that one of the men they killed was one of a foursome who have pledged their lives to each other. As a result, there are several attempts to kill them, with many collateral deaths, leading to a final confrontation with an insane Ying Bai.

Although Miss Yeoh is top-billed, it's much more the three of them, and they are sketches. The point of the movie is in the bloody fight scenes, lovingly shot with very strong color components. The movie revels in its physicality, and Miss Yeoh looks great running. It's a well made movie for what it is, a programmer meant to cash in on a suddenly popular female lead, but everyone does their jobs very well indeed.

A strong exhibition for Michelle Yeoh's charisma and martial arts skills, even if her character is weighed down by a scattered plot.

[tntokmenko · 7/10 · 19 March 2013]

Within this HK genre of hard-hitting crime thrillers, "In The Line Of Duty" stands out for its gritty storytelling and brutal presentation of martial arts. A group of psychotic war veterans carry out a terrorist attempt which ends up being foiled by policewoman Michelle Yeoh. After their failed attempt the few remaining terrorists target Yeoh and her comrades in order to enact revenge for the death of their fellow war- hardened brothers. In a messy blood feud Michelle Yeoh struggles to stay alive while simultaneously trying to capture her terrorist foe. Things get out of hand quickly as the stakes are raised and the death toll manages to roll even higher. The side plot involving Yeoh begins to wander but luckily it's not long before you are quickly revived by another action sequence. One apparent detractor is that unlike the sequel cutesy moments don't fit within the story being told, and the comic relief serves as a distraction rather than an aid. The fast-paced flick that In The Line Of Duty tries to be is weighed down by just a bit too much filler. Regardless of this flaw the terrorist plans while ridiculous keep you genuinely interested, and you'll be curious to see where the plot goes. An action packed finale is the highlight of the movie, as the tension remains strong and the Kung-Fu is fierce. Personally this is my favorite out of the series. The entertainment value is very high if nothing else, and Yeoh fans will surely be pleased. -7/10

Royal Warriors

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 12 December 2022]

Michelle Yip (Michelle Yeoh) of the Hong Kong police is a mild-mannered Kung Fu expert; Michael Wong from air security is happy-go-lucky, stuck on himself, constantly talking, and smitten by her; Yamamoto (Hiroyuki Sanada)is quiet, hard-boiled, leaving the Tokyo police to spend time with his wife and daughter. They form an alliance when they foil a hijacking on a plane flying a mob prisoner from Tokyo to Hong Kong. The mobster and his would-be rescuer die; this sets off two avengers who were their blood brothers. Our three cops become the targets.

Michelle Yeoh and Hiroyuki Sanada star in this hard-hitting cop action film which has non stop action, and of the exhilarating kind. Frantic hand to hand combat, a high-speed chase, a car bomb, the destruction of a nightclub, a spectacular suicide, a fight in a plane, and a tense cliffhanger at the end, all executed with skill. The parts in between the mayhem is much lighter, which is due to Michael Wong who is smitten by Yeoh. It's pleasant, and a break from the mayhem. But ultimately it's the action set pieces and Yeoh's and Sanada's high kicking attitude that makes this a recommended watch for martial arts fans.

Brutal action and sappy melodrama

[moribana · 10/10 · 11 May 2001]

Fine follow up to Yes Madam. Not nearly as witty, but heavier on action (most of the scenes are very exciting with extremely tough baddies).

The last baddy is particularly good, with a silly mocking smile and grin. I loved the scene where he shoots the TV set.

The plot is by turns clever and cliched, and the "music" makes the whole thing feel much more cheesy than it otherwise would. Really, in some of these 80's Hong Kong films the DVD's should have an option of removable soundtracks. Alot of the films such as this would come across much stronger now without a synthesizer in the background banging away. Of course this would remove the campy bad guy forte chord which I know many viewers are endeared to.

Those who enjoy hard-edged action over wit might even prefer this to Yes Madam as the best of Michelle Yeoh's early action films.

Michelle Yeoh has rarely fought better but this is an uneven vehicle for her

[gridoon2024 · 7/10 · 5 February 2009]

For those who are familiar with the action side of Michelle Yeoh only from her later blockbusters like "Tomorrow Never Dies" or "Police Story 3", prepare for an eye-opening experience. She has rarely fought (or looked) better than she does in "Royal Warriors", a film made early (1986) into her career. Several of her moves will have you going "WOW!". Unfortunately, there are some problems that keep this film from being as good as it could have been. For one thing, there is too much gratuitous violence: I'm referring especially to the nightclub scene, which has at least a dozen innocent bystanders mercilessly gunned down. The nastiness of the villains comes through clearly enough through their other acts - that scene was overkill (pun not intended). For another thing, Michelle Yeoh has surprisingly few fight scenes: after her 2 in the first 10 minutes, there are no more than 3 in the rest of the film. And then there's Michael Wong, who's a pretty poorly written character: he acts as if he's in a romantic comedy, always flirting with Michelle and making jokes, when in reality he's in a grim drama, where almost no lives are spared. In fact, Michelle tells him straight to his face what is wrong with his character, which suggests that the writers knew it as well - so why did they write him to be this way? I'm still giving "Royal Warriors" a relatively high rating because of the action scenes - I just wish the rest of the movie had lived up to them. *** out of 4.

INSANE

[BandSAboutMovies · 8/10 · 10 May 2023]

Directed by David Chung and written by Kan-Cheung Tsang, the second film in the In the Line of Duty series finds officer Michelle Yip (Michelle Yeoh) coming back to Hong Kong from a trip to Japan. Highjackers attempt to take the plane, but she stops them along with a security guard named Michael Wong (Michael Wong) and Interpol agent Peter Yamamoto (Hiroyuki Sanada). The bad news? Well, now they're being targeted by the other members of the same mob family for revenge.

This movie blows away any action movie made yesterday or today, featuring an incredible nightclub assault, so much glass being broken I was wondering if it was sponsored by PPG, Michael's family being wiped out by a car bomb, chase scenes that make you retroactively worry for the safety of everyone involved and an ending where Yip drives a futuristic tank into a trap laid by the big bad with him holding the body of her boyfriend on a crane.

In the Line of Duty 2 is filled with non-stop mayhem and violence, a downbeat tone and Yeoh embracing the opportunity to be the lead.

An OK action movie

[ebiros2 · 6/10 · 1 March 2013]

The movie was made in 1986 when Japan was ascending, and it was fashionable to have Japanese element in the movie. As such, venerable Hiroyuki Sanada (Last Samurai) plays an Interpol agent that becomes friends with Michelle Yeoh, and Michael Wong. They stop a hijack of a plane that was carrying a criminal that was to be extricated from Japan to Hong Kong. In the process, they kill three of the hijacker that includes the extricated criminal. One remaining member swears revenge on them, and starts attacking Sanada, Yeoh, and Wong.

It has a different feel from Michelle Yeoh's previous movie Royal Warriors, although she's in a similar role. She looks even younger in this movie, and looks rather cute. The movie has bit more serious feel to it, and as one reviewer put it is rather melodramatic which is unusual for a movie of this type.

Its not a typical D&B movie style story, but they were just starting off as a movie studio, and maybe experimenting with different formulas. Production quality is high as usual for their movies. I guess I need to mention the relation between D&B's owner Dixon Poon, and Michelle Yeoh that eventually leads to their marriage.

Not the great action movie like Royal Warriors, but a nice mixture of Japanese and Hong Kong actors. Movie is good, but not the stellar masterpiece like the Royal Warriors.

Early Michelle Yeoh

[dbborroughs · 7/10 · 20 August 2004]

It maybe Michelle Khan in the credits but it Michelle Yeoh.(Chinese Stars often have numerous names by which they are known.)

This is the first in a series of films about a group of police officers who end up on various action packed exploits. I have not watched them all, but I'm told that they are all pretty good with this one being the best.

This has a great deal of action and humor and if you like action films this is a good one to see whether you're a fan of Hong Kong Cinema or not since it all movies along nicely.

The films only real flaw is the fact that its dated some what. What was current back in 1986 when this was made now seems very of a period and almost annoying. Thankfully the stuff going on on screen makes you forget that and sucks you into the action.

7 out of 10

The first in a great series

[iaido · 7 November 2000]

SPOILER ALERT The plot centers on cops Michelle Khan (Yeoh), Hiroyuki "Henry" Sanada, and Michael Wong being pursued by revenge minded military men. After the obligatory opening showcasing Michelle kicking some butt, it all starts on a plane when two men kill a criminal being transported and highjack the plane. Luckily, also on the plane are Hong Kong cops Michelle and Michael, and Japanese ex-cop Yamamoto (Sanada), who thwart the highjacking and kill the bad guys. They land heroes, gloryhound Michael eating up the spotlight and turning on the charm towards Michelle, while Yamamoto is more concerned with patching up his marriage, reuniting with his wife and young daughter. It ends up that the two highjackers were part of a group of four military buddies who made a pact to always stay together and avenge one another if one should fall. One of the remaining men, `Bull', plants a bomb in Yamamoto's car and blows his wife and child up right in front of him. Yamamoto then uses Michelle and Michael as bait to lure the killer out and there is a huge shoot-out, kung fu battle in a restaurant in witch not only is Bull taken out, but many innocent bystanders are killed as well. Now, the last military psycho enters the picture, taking Michael hostage, intending to call out the hiding Yamamoto and Michelle, but Michael sacrifices himself. Despite this, or because of it, the killer comes up with an especially inventive and cruel bit to get Yamamoto and Michelle out into the open for the film's finale.

The action is all top notch, with some terrific fight work by Michelle and Sanada. Michael Wong sticks to mainly serving as happy-go-lucky relief until his sacrifice, and does fine, with his coy smiles and jokey demeanor. A curious part is the use of sympathetic flashbacks to show the bond between the military men, an interesting diversion from the regular one-dimensional villains. The only faltering point is a very lame use of a cheesy tank car in the finale (I call it Herbie: The Armored Assault Bug), witch is thankfully brief and made up for by Michelle's duel with the remaining baddie. This is modern Hong Kong classic, action packed from beginning to end, with a good story, and the launching point for a great film series.

It was stereotypical, but enjoyable...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 26 June 2020]

I was given the chance in 2020 to sit down and watch the movie "In the Line of Duty" or "Royal Warriors" (aka "Wong ga jin si"). Oddly enough I hadn't heard about it before, and I do like Hong Kong cinema quite a lot.

Well, for a mid-1980s Hong Kong action movie, then you definitely know what you are getting here, and director David Chung delivers quite well on that task. If you are familiar with the mid-1980s Hong Kong action cinema, then you will definitely enjoy this movie. And yeah, it also has that particular campy atmosphere to it that the movies all had back then.

There is a good combination of action and drama in the movie, with just a dash of comedy without it being too much. And that was a recipe that worked, because the movie was rather enjoyable and entertaining.

The fighting and martial arts scenes were nicely choreographed and executed on the screen, as were the action scenes.

The movie had a good cast, which included the likes of Michelle Yeoh and Michael Wong.

Let me just say that I was genuinely entertained by this movie, and I am rating it a six out of ten stars. It is definitely worth taking the time to sit down and watch, especially if you enjoy these particular Hong Kong action movies.

Title don't do justice on how these characters fought

[dokvader · 6/10 · 7 April 2020]

After foiling an escape and hijacking, three people are targeted for vengeance. It is a very straight forward action revenge movie in where the antagonists find a way to really do wipe out budding heroes. Teaming up are the Inspector (Yeoh), the other a retiring Japanese cop (Sanada) and a chatty sky marshal (Wong).

The action scenes were great, and the back story was tight for our villains but really it was agonizing to see Wong charm his way on every scene. There were excessive glass breaking but that is normal when you watched these HK action flicks in the 80s.

It could have been a grittier flick if Wong was a levelheaded character. Villains were superbly flawed but resilient. Sanada and Yeoh were about to peak and absolutely smashed their fight scenes.

Michelle Yeoh is brilliant

[gbill-74877 · 9/10 · 26 April 2024]

Michelle Yeoh, legend. What a great showcase for her athleticism and fluidity, which just jumps off the screen. At 24 and in her second major role, she cemented herself in the Hong Kong action films of the 80's and 90's with this performance. There are so great scenes here - fighting on the street, in an airplane, during a car chase, in a crane, in a nightclub, with an armored vehicle, and against a chainsaw. Several times it looks like the actors are in real danger of being hurt, and adding to the feeling of being on the edge is the script not being afraid of killing off innocent bystander characters, young and old. It also gives us a nice little backstory for the four villains, though on the other hand it also gives us the annoyingly repetitive romantic overtures of Michael Wong's character to Yeoh's, which was the weakest part of the film. If you think you know where that may end up, however, you might be mistaken. Aside from that, there is a lot of cheese here which may bother you, including some sappy family interaction from a Japanese colleague (Hiroyuki Sanada), the synth soundtrack, and the bad guy's cliché evil laugh, but they just added to the camp appeal for me. I loved its bits of real darkness and how it was Yeoh's character doing the rescuing at the end. A lot of fun, so much so that I rounded up my review score a bit.