Long Arm of the Law (1984, HGK) C-94m. **½ D: Johnny Mak. Starring Chen Jing, Huang Jian, Jiang Lung, Ben Lam, Wong Kwong Leung. Hard-hitting action thriller (pre-BETTER TOMORROW) about four friends who team up in metropolis of Hong Kong to pull off a heist at a jeweller's, only to realize that somebody betrayed them to the police. The guy who helps them out, demands a contract murder in return… but the cops are already hot on their trails. Seriously plotted, detailing the main characters' hopes and frustrations with their situation, but film only really comes alive in the finale, which ends on a startling note. Written by Philip Chan, coproduced by Samo Hung. Original Hong Kong version runs slightly longer. Followed by three sequels. Also known as REDGUARDS FROM HONG KONG, HONG KONG VICE.