The Four 3
The reputation of the Four constables survives, but since Emotionless’s departure, there have been changes at the Divine Constabulary. The four Coldblood, Iron Hands, Life Snatcher, rescue Zhuge Zhengwo from An Yunshan’s mountain fortress, then with the Emperor and Di armies, they attack. But An Yunshan absorbs their power, which means the constables and their allies now face their most lethal opponent yet, a nearly invincible kung fu master who won’t stop until he has absolute power...
The film earned $32.0M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Four 3 (2014) showcases precise narrative design, characteristic of Gordon Chan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 47 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Department of Constables operates in apparent peace, with the Four detectives maintaining order in the capital. The status quo shows their established reputation and coordinated teamwork.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when A high-ranking government minister is assassinated despite heavy security, revealing a conspiracy that threatens the empire. The Department is ordered to investigate, pulling them into dangerous political intrigue.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The Four discover that the conspiracy involves someone they trusted within their own organization, raising the stakes dramatically. What seemed like external enemies are revealed to be internal betrayers., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, One of the Four is severely wounded or captured, and their mentor figure is killed by the conspiracy. The team is broken, branded as traitors, with their mission seemingly impossible and their bonds fractured., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The Four execute their plan, fighting through waves of enemies to reach the conspiracy's mastermind. Each uses their unique abilities in concert, protecting each other and exposing the truth to the emperor., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Four 3's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Four 3 against these established plot points, we can identify how Gordon Chan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Four 3 within the action genre.
Gordon Chan's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Gordon Chan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Four 3 exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Gordon Chan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Gordon Chan analyses, see Faces in the Crowd.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Department of Constables operates in apparent peace, with the Four detectives maintaining order in the capital. The status quo shows their established reputation and coordinated teamwork.
Theme
A senior official states that true justice requires sacrifice and that power without restraint leads to tyranny, foreshadowing the film's exploration of loyalty versus corruption.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the political landscape, the Divine Constabulary's role, relationships between the Four detectives, and the emerging threat from a mysterious assassin group targeting officials.
Disruption
A high-ranking government minister is assassinated despite heavy security, revealing a conspiracy that threatens the empire. The Department is ordered to investigate, pulling them into dangerous political intrigue.
Resistance
The Four debate how to approach the investigation, gathering intelligence and uncovering clues about a secret organization. They resist rushing in, knowing the conspiracy runs deep into the imperial court.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The Four navigate the conspiracy, using their unique abilities in spectacular action sequences. They uncover layers of corruption, face assassins, and piece together the true scope of the plot against the empire.
Midpoint
The Four discover that the conspiracy involves someone they trusted within their own organization, raising the stakes dramatically. What seemed like external enemies are revealed to be internal betrayers.
Opposition
The conspirators close in, turning the constabulary against the Four. They become hunted by their own department while still trying to expose the truth. Allies fall away and tensions within the team rise.
Collapse
One of the Four is severely wounded or captured, and their mentor figure is killed by the conspiracy. The team is broken, branded as traitors, with their mission seemingly impossible and their bonds fractured.
Crisis
The surviving members grapple with their loss and apparent defeat. They question whether loyalty to the empire is worth the cost when the empire itself has turned against them.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The Four execute their plan, fighting through waves of enemies to reach the conspiracy's mastermind. Each uses their unique abilities in concert, protecting each other and exposing the truth to the emperor.