Director: Derek YeeStarring: Jackie Chan, Naoto Takenaka, Daniel Wu
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Points: 100 out of 100
Rating: Adult (violence, blood & gore)
Comment: "Shinjuku achieved what New Police Story did not..."
I have yet to meet a fellow Asian who is not a fan of the great living legend Jackie Chan. Before we move on to the movie review, allow FPBM! to pay a little tribute to Jackie Chan, whose career spanned over six decades. The man have come a long way since his days of being overshadowed by the great Bruce Lee, and he is now recognised as an original entity of his own, loved by East and West alike. Action and death-defying stunts had always been his game, but now it is time for a long overdue venture into more dramatic roles; and he did it magnificently, if I may say so.
Shinjuku Incident is a fictionalised accounts of Chinese immigrants living in Japan during the 90's. A man nicknamed Steelhead is among these immigrants, whose intention of migrating to Japan is to search for his lost girlfriend. However, living in the shadow of the law has it's price, and Steelhead might just have to pay the ultimate one.
Jackie Chan had long expressed interest in exploring other genres other than his trademark action flicks. A recent example include the New Police Story, where he transformed the franchise from a light-hearted action-comedy to something more dramatic in tone. I would not say that it is a wise choice, for I grew up loving the original four Police Story movies and the sudden change might leave some feeling disgruntled.
With that being said, this particular film achieved what New Police Story attempted to deliver, and Jackie Chan proved that not only he is able to take deadly physical risks, but he can also carry the risk of being a dramatic actor.
What makes this film a compelling one is not just about Jackie Chan's performance, but there are deep implications about power, friendship, national pride and all things humane. This is one movie that you would not want to miss.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- Good performances
- "Deep" themes
- Yakuza (:P)
The Bad [-0]
- (None)
100 - 0 = 100 points
Shinjuku Incident is a fictionalised accounts of Chinese immigrants living in Japan during the 90's. A man nicknamed Steelhead is among these immigrants, whose intention of migrating to Japan is to search for his lost girlfriend. However, living in the shadow of the law has it's price, and Steelhead might just have to pay the ultimate one.
Jackie Chan had long expressed interest in exploring other genres other than his trademark action flicks. A recent example include the New Police Story, where he transformed the franchise from a light-hearted action-comedy to something more dramatic in tone. I would not say that it is a wise choice, for I grew up loving the original four Police Story movies and the sudden change might leave some feeling disgruntled.
With that being said, this particular film achieved what New Police Story attempted to deliver, and Jackie Chan proved that not only he is able to take deadly physical risks, but he can also carry the risk of being a dramatic actor.
What makes this film a compelling one is not just about Jackie Chan's performance, but there are deep implications about power, friendship, national pride and all things humane. This is one movie that you would not want to miss.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- Good performances
- "Deep" themes
- Yakuza (:P)
The Bad [-0]
- (None)
100 - 0 = 100 points
