From the filmmakers statement: A true labor of love, this no-budget indie project was shot over two intense days in December 2024, bringing together some of Australia’s top action performers from Sydney and Melbourne. The film also boasts a special appearance by legendary action star Richard Norton in a pivotal role. Director Adrian Castro, a lifelong devotee of 80s and 90s Hong Kong action cinema, continues his homage to the genre with Tiger Cop: Project A. “The Tiger Cop series has always been my tribute to that golden era,” says Castro. “With this latest installment, we wanted to push the envelope—bigger fights, bigger set pieces, and even bigger villains. Working with Richard Norton, one of Hong Kong cinema’s greatest villains, was an absolute dream.” Producer Maria Tran, a Sydney/ Las Vegas based action filmmaker and performer, shares her passion for the genre: “I grew up watching Hong Kong action films, which have played a major role in shaping diversity and representation in cinema. The moment the idea for this short came up, I knew we had to make it happen
Tiger Cop: Project A review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
In a distinct ’90s Hong Kong action style, complete with retro visuals, the film begins with two policemen, Tiger and Tang, storming a warehouse in an effort to shut down a major arms deal called Project A, a clear nod to Jackie Chan’s iconic film. The criminals, however, are not about to surrender easily, and soon, an intense battle erupts. Tiger and Tang find themselves up against waves of enemies, all of whom appear to be skilled martial artists, just like them
At its core, “Tiger Cop: Project A” is a 10-minute fight sequence that serves as a passionate tribute to Golden Harvest, exuding an intensely retro, homage-driven aesthetic. From the use of Cantonese and the delivery of lines to the choreography, sound effects, humor, and character dynamics, especially the presence of Richard Norton, every element screams Golden Harvest nostalgia, right down to the reel during the closing credits.
The presentation is impressive in all of the aforementioned aspects, with the choreographies in particular being rather imposing, and the sense of nostalgia the movie emits adding even more to the entertainment it offers. In that fashion, both Adam McPhilbin’s retro cinematography and Rack Hansen’s crisp editing are among the best traits the movie.
The same applies to the performances, with Maria Tran and David Hong embellishing the action comedy premises of the film both with their lines and their fighting. Richard Norton shows that he still has it, with his appearance definitely being among the highlights of the movie.
A true throwback to ’90s Hong Kong action films, “Tiger Cop: Project A” is an impressive short that will undoubtedly delight Golden Harvest fans
