Before I say anything, I'd like to say that I think Jet Li is great. I'm a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema, and Jet Li is a living legend in action films. It's not Jet that is the problem...
The plot is standard fare. Jet Li is an undercover cop who's on the job actions led him to be wanted by the police. His wife dies, and his kid is left to fend for himself. Anita Mui plays a tough Hong Kong cop who uncovers Li for who he is, and makes it her duty to protect the kid.
Where this film falls flat is the incredibly unbelievable action sequences and plot circumstances. I don't want to give any spoilers, but just as an example- Anita Mui and this little kid taking down five or six armed thugs. I don't care if she is the top Hong Kong cop, and I don't care if the kid is the world's greatest kung fu kid- no WAY. How about Jet Li and the kid defeating even larger groups of terrorists (in a specific way that both defies gravity and is laughably lame)? That's just two examples of many instances where this becomes nearly un-watchable. I'm not saying an action movie has to be realistic to be entertaining, but please don't insult the viewers intelligence!
To be fair, this film isn't totally lost. Li does one of his better acting jobs, and Anita Mui is excellent. The drama side of things is all right, and there were a couple instances of watchable action. But Jet Li can do way better. Jet Li HAS done way better. Just look at "Fist Of Legend", for example.
Overall, don't waste your time with this one. 4 out of 10.
The plot is standard fare. Jet Li is an undercover cop who's on the job actions led him to be wanted by the police. His wife dies, and his kid is left to fend for himself. Anita Mui plays a tough Hong Kong cop who uncovers Li for who he is, and makes it her duty to protect the kid.
Where this film falls flat is the incredibly unbelievable action sequences and plot circumstances. I don't want to give any spoilers, but just as an example- Anita Mui and this little kid taking down five or six armed thugs. I don't care if she is the top Hong Kong cop, and I don't care if the kid is the world's greatest kung fu kid- no WAY. How about Jet Li and the kid defeating even larger groups of terrorists (in a specific way that both defies gravity and is laughably lame)? That's just two examples of many instances where this becomes nearly un-watchable. I'm not saying an action movie has to be realistic to be entertaining, but please don't insult the viewers intelligence!
To be fair, this film isn't totally lost. Li does one of his better acting jobs, and Anita Mui is excellent. The drama side of things is all right, and there were a couple instances of watchable action. But Jet Li can do way better. Jet Li HAS done way better. Just look at "Fist Of Legend", for example.
Overall, don't waste your time with this one. 4 out of 10.