El poder del dragón

Here's a story that really sticks by it's guns, somewhat based on a true story, or not, as we learn in an afterword at it's end. It's a tight action thriller with lots and lots of action, in wonderfully staged shootout sequences, you almost feel you're in a John Woo film, and even though you aren't, this is what makes it the more impressive. The story that takes place in beautiful Amsterdam, between the warring Italian and Chinese mafia, to properly control the heroin market, you almost have flashes of Ferrara's China Girl, both these films incidentally, starring the cool Russell Wong, an underused actor, and one my favourite Asian stars. His younger and sometimes, hot headed brother, played adequately by the much lesser known Steven Vincent Leigh, (both small players in the drug game) is the less serious brother who likes to have fun, and that includes getting a little payback and bedding beautiful women that stand in window fronts, one sadly meeting her demise, an expendable victim in a shootout scene. What a waste. Two other assets are of course, the deadly, and evily faced Drago, an untouchable Italian drug lord, who steals the scenes, and his lethal right hand, a silent partner you could say, and she's feminine with hands that will paralyze you before you're shot up with heroin during the Q and A, you'll actually be checking your neck and throat, later. Wong also makes the mistake of falling in love with a beautiful woman, who's more than just a casino chick, her act of vengeance in it's finale, will catch you by surprise. CW is an underrated and very good quality film, that has almost everything, you will find when viewing it. This is one of the many examples of films, that are unjustly passed off because it didn't play theatrically. Hopefully you'll looks pass this, when choosing this one.

After a long time I have finally been able to get a copy of this and watch it again. Now I do know that there are several versions out there so there is no sure way to tell if the version I saw now is the same as it was the first time I saw it. The action is still top notch. Only those sequences aren't as long as one would expect from a movie in the genre. I have seen a lot of so called heroic bloodshed titles that tried to copy the master John Woo and never came close to it. "China White" is much better than most but also fails to come close of what John Woo has defined. There is one very big plus and that is the setting.Which is China town in Amsterdam. You get the impression it is a large district. But having lived in Amsterdam myself I know it is only a small area part of the red light district which happen to have a lot of Chinese stores and restaurants. But because of the way they shot the movie it actually looks like a big and important territory where people know not to mess with the triads. Besides the action "China White" is a somewhat compelling gangster drama with some decent acting. But could have used more intrigue if the focus was on the story. Russel Wong and Billy Drago do what they can with the material they are given. After careful consideration and comparing it to other titles in the genre this movie still is strong enough.Certainly worth watching.

What could have been just another chop chop martial arts film, instead is somewhat above the norm, mainly due to authentic and colorful Amsterdam locations, creative brutality, and a strong performance from the always menacing Billy Drago. The story of rival drug gangs competing for valuable territory is nothing new, but a rapid pace negates some of the familiarity. Drago and his female bodyguard are definitely the most memorable characters, easily rising above the generic Asian gang members. Even skeptical non fans of this type action movie should find enough entertainment value in "China White" to maintain interest. - MERK

General Sing tires of the violent skirmishes that sees his men torn apart in Khmer Rouge/Vietnam. Bobby and Danny Chow tire of the violent skirmishes of ethnic crime enterprises in Holland that sees his men starving. If Sing can supply the opium for the streets, Bobby can supply the medical drugs for the jungle. But Love goes undercover and shakes it all up. Definitely an 80's movie as far as acting goes, the drama and action of the era. Its appeal comes from the recurring cycle that every generation seems more sensitive to the last generation, so we look back with fondness at the gritty portrayal of life, not so much in a glorifying nature, but in a noir and pulp feel. It's not a great movie, but it's nostalgic to a degree.

China White is an entertaining action movie. In contrast to other movies, which are similar ( and these are a lot ) it is relatively well played and has a quickly developing storyline. Certainly it contains many extremely bloody shoot-outs and some strong language. Actionfans will love the slow-motion death-scenes, especially during the last 30 minutes. One of my favorite movies. Check it out !