La vendetta del dragone

Jackie Chan's darkest film yet is a quality piece of drama exploring life within Japan's Yakuza gangs. It's a very atypical film for the star, better known these days for his kid-friendly fare in American family films. For fans of Asian thrillers, the gangster elements will be largely familiar, but they're introduced in a novel and interesting way; it's the first film I've seen detailing the plight of Chinese refugee immigrants in Japan.

The twisty-turny plot offers up many twists that are difficult to predict, and the on-screen action is never less than interesting. Jackie gets the opportunity to focus on his acting rather than his martial arts for a change, and he shines as the conflicted farmhand-turned-gangster. Although this isn't an action film per se, there are many memorable set-pieces, not least a large-scale climax that makes for riveting entertainment.

The film's well-shot, if a little dark, and features decent turns from actors in supporting roles (Japanese actors Naoto Takenaka and Masaya Kato are both excellent). Daniel Wu's character in the film undergoes a particularly frightening and believable transformation. The scenes of violence and torture may not be for every viewer's taste, but THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT is a rewarding experience for those viewers exploring Jackie's progression as an actor.

I want to start by saying this: if you're a fan of Jackie Chan's usual slapstick acrobatics and comedy that doesn't mean you should shy away from this film. Yes, many of those movies are great but it's also nice to know he can...you know...actually act. Just think of it like Robin Williams doing One Hour Photo. Sure, you knew him as Mork, but he was absolutely perfect for his role in One Hour Photo as the insanely creepy photo lab guy. And so it goes for Jackie Chan. His bread and butter will always be goofball kung fu films but man...he can definitely act if he has to.

In terms of plot there really isn't much you haven't seen before in this film. If you've ever watched a movie about a guy crossing the Yakuza while trying to get the girl, not a whole lot will be new here. I did like the added sense of unity that most Yakuza movies lack with all of the Chinese immigrants. Also, the film touches on the often tenuous relationship that China and Japan share. That's not usually presented in a realistic manner...maybe in Jet Li's Fist Of Legend (still one of the best kung fu flicks to date in my opinion), but that's more of a period piece. And forget about all of those Men Behind The Sun films...while they may be somewhat accurate they're more like snuff films than a real historical look. This may also be (to my knowledge, anyway) Jackie's first Category III movie (for westerners who are unfamiliar, this would be the equivalent of the US's Unrated status or maybe the UK's 18 rating. And I think the Aussies have MA-18? Whatever). So it took Chan until his 50s to make a movie with enough substance to carry such a heavy rating.

I'd definitely recommend this for Jackie Chan fans...especially the ones who started to feel like they'd gotten a bit tired of seeing him doing the same "awe shucks" good guy hero thing. Don't get me wrong...Dragons Forever ranks right up there for me among kung fu films, but you can only milk that for so long, you know? Hell...even Adam Sandler moved on and, let's face it, he's not the most mature guy in the world. But Chan succeeds where Sandler failed...he proved he can be counted on in a dead serious role and deliver as good as ever.

Another inspiring and meaningful movie directed by Derek Yee, he still intends to educate his audience after the success of "Protege" The story of the movie is very very good indeed. 10years of planning in pre-pro gives Derek Yee a solid script, but he tends to inject too many incidents and characters to the movie. Which is why, he didn't actually put all his effort into every scenes. I cannot really recognize his style in this movie, but of course he is still very focusing on the message of the story. No action and stunts by Jackie Chan, which is...quite weird for me....but we all gotta try to accept him...maybe give him a chance. Another fantastic performance by Daniel Wu, always maintain his own acting style while he has already possessed to his character. "Shinjuku Incident" is a movie that is worth for a watch, if you are not looking for an excellent cinematography and editing aspects.

This is a totally different style of movie that we are so used to see from Jackie.

It is however a very touching story that i highly recommend to others to watch.

The movie is enticing all the way and the directory has done a fantastic job in his filming and story telling.

Given my background, i can very much identify with the characters in the movie.

Life is full of surprises, highs, lows, twists, irony, love, hate, joy, pride and all these are found in the movie.

Just loved it.

Jackie Chan has been known to audiences worldwide for his spectacular, comedic and stunt-filled martial arts. Well, now in this movie, Chan gets to show off acting chops as well, with a few kicks and punches thrown in as well.

The setting and story are surprisingly solid and well done. The movie paces along in a brisk pace (courtesy of director Derek Yee), and is gripping throughout. The cinematography is beautiful at times and gritty at others, showing Tokyo as a whole. And it's fun to see Japanese and Chinese spoken a lot in this film, really pulls you into the film further.

While the level of violence is the highest than any other Jackie Chan movie (there is graphic brutal violence in some action scenes), the total amount of violence is surprisingly little, with the majority of the film dealing with the characters' trials and tribulations. There are some fight sequences, but don't expect Chan to do his usual thing; at times he's down to earth and makes us genuinely feel for his character, at times he is directly brutal. This film is NOT for the easily disturbed.

The acting is above average. Chan delivers a standout performance, an illegal worker who tries to protect his kinsman by gaining respect by and protecting themselves from the Yakuza. Another great performance comes by Daniel Wu, a fellow immigrant who gets his innocence lost... the hard way. The two love interests and the detective also get props too.

For those of you expecting another Chan romp ala Rush Hour and Supercop, you may find yourself refreshed at Chan's sudden change of pace. For those who like crime dramas such as City of God, give this one a shot. This is definitely one of Chan's highest marks, and I hope to see more of the new, dramatic Chan in the future.

Overall rating: 8/10