|
Directed
By: Chris Nahon
Written By: Jet Li (story), Luc Besson
Starring: Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, Tcheky Karyo, Max Ryan
Rated: R (Extreme Violence)
Running Time: 84 Min.
In this martial arts action thriller, Jet Li plays Liu Jian,
a Chinese law enforcement officer called to Paris to aid in
a police sting operation. Liu Jian soon finds himself framed
for murder, on the run and in possession of the only evidence
that can clear his name and expose the real killer.
What I enjoyed about this film, other than the required heavy
dose of action and violence, was that the character of Officer
Liu Jian was not the typical vengeful 'Supercop' hero most
often associated with this type of movie. In contrast to that
stereotype, Jet Li portrays Liu Jian as just an ordinary,
hard working lawman who gets into very extraordinary trouble.
However, Liu Jian does have some nifty, character-specific
tricks up his sleeve. This is a cop who enjoys the subtle
use of well placed acupuncture needles to incapacitate his
enemies as much as he enjoys beating the hell out of them.
Also, whenever the occassion warrants, he is not above simply
blowing his foes away with the nearest firearm.
Director Chris Nahon handles the action with bloodthirty abandon,
creating some very entertaining but far-fetched fight sequences
that serve as the high points of the film. Equally unbelievable
are the villians, who attempt to avoid arousing suspicion
but do not hesitate to completely destroy the occassional
hotel, boat or neighborhood to capture poor Liu Jian. The
lowest points of the film feature Liu Jian's 'damsel in distress',
played annoyingly by Bridget Fonda. Since Liu Jian is the
mostly-silent type, it falls upon Fonda to give us the more
important plot points. Unfortunately, she only manages to
bore the audience with dialogue designed more for her own
acting motivation than for advancing the story.
So, to sum up, Kiss of the Dragon has one of the most original
Jet Li characters I've seen, but provides a somewhat silly
cast of supporting characters to back him up. If you're already
a fan of Jet Li, then this film is worth a look. Hopefully
though, Officer Liu Jian will be resurrected for a future,
better martial arts adventure.
Allen Vestal
A.J.'s
Place: Movies & More!
|
