Badges of Fury

Badges of Fury (2013) is a frenetic Chinese–Hong Kong action-comedy that blends slapstick humor with over-the-top martial arts action. Directed by Wong Tsz-ming, the film stars Jet Li and Wen Zhang as mismatched police partners investigating a bizarre string of murders dubbed the “Smile Murders.” Victims are found dead with strange grins on their faces, all connected to the same beautiful actress, Liu Jin Shui. What begins as a quirky mystery quickly spirals into chaotic encounters with a parade of eccentric characters, wild action set-pieces, and comedic misunderstandings.

Jet Li plays veteran cop Huang Fei Hong, a nod to the legendary martial arts figure he famously portrayed in earlier films. Here, though, his role is surprisingly subdued, with limited screen time and a more laid-back, almost mentor-like presence. The spotlight instead falls on Wen Zhang, who plays the energetic and slightly bumbling rookie detective Wang Bu Er. Much of the film’s comedy comes from his exaggerated enthusiasm and reckless behavior, especially as he pretends to court Liu Jin Shui in an effort to lure out the killer. Their odd-couple chemistry is central to the film’s tone—loud, fast-paced, and self-aware.

The film revels in absurdity, using stylized wire-fu choreography, exaggerated visual gags, and rapid-fire editing. Action scenes are frequent and flamboyant, choreographed with a cartoonish flair that pays homage to classic Hong Kong cinema while pushing the boundaries of believability. Whether it’s rooftop chases or high-flying stairwell fights, the film favors spectacle over realism. However, the reliance on CGI and slapstick can feel excessive at times, and the narrative often takes a backseat to visual spectacle.

While Badges of Fury is clearly intended as a parody of buddy-cop and martial arts tropes, its tone may not resonate with all viewers. Fans of Jet Li expecting a serious action showcase may be disappointed by his supporting role and the film’s irreverent style. On the other hand, viewers familiar with Hong Kong cinema’s comedic side—especially the 1990s heyday of genre mashups—might appreciate the nostalgic nods and self-referential humor.

Ultimately, Badges of Fury offers a chaotic but entertaining ride. It’s not a film built on plot or character development, but on fast punches, silly banter, and a light-hearted spoof of the action genre. For those in the mood for something loud, goofy, and packed with kinetic energy, it delivers exactly that.