Forbidden City Cop is a 1996 Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by Vincent Kok and co-written by and starring Stephen Chiau. It is set in Imperial China during the Ming Dynasty and revolves around Ling Ling Fat, an eccentric member of the Emperor's guards who is not proficient in martial arts, but makes up for it with his ingenuity and knack for inventing contraptions ahead of his time.
Ling Ling Fat's inventions include a flying machine, a handgun, and a "whistle blower" that emits a high-pitched sound that can shatter glass. He is initially ridiculed by his fellow guards for his lack of fighting skills, but when the Emperor is kidnapped by a group of rebels led by the treacherous Lord Kung, Ling Ling Fat is the only one who can save him.
Assisting him in his mission is the beautiful geisha Charmaine, played by Carman Lee, who Ling Ling Fat falls for. Together, they venture through different locales, from the bustling streets of Beijing to the snowy mountains of northern China, to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Ming Dynasty.
The film is notable for its comedic tone, with Stephen Chiau's wit and physical humor often taking center stage. It also features extravagant set pieces and visuals, such as the Emperor's ornate palace and Ling Ling Fat's hi-tech inventions.
Forbidden City Cop was a box office success in Hong Kong and went on to become a cult classic, spawning a sequel, The Forbidden City Cop: Smart Dog, and inspiring a video game adaptation.