Why is it that some of Jet Li’s best movies take the longest to be released in the States? HERO sat on the shelf at Miramax for two years and UNLEASHED picked up by newcomers Rogue Pictures, finally arrives two years after the end of production. Released as DANNY THE DOG in France, this is the second collaboration between writer-producer Luc Besson and Jet Li, and a decided improvement over their first.
UNLEASHED finally marries a competent Western-made story with Jet Li’s proven screen fighting mastery. In fact, I’d say it was more a poignant drama of a troubled man’s effort to escape a life of physical and mental torment than martial arts actioner. That is, if not for the bloody martial arts and gunplay violence brought to vivid life by master choreographer Yuen Wo-ping and director Louis Leterrier.
The story is pared down significantly from those in Li’s previous Hollywood efforts and it’s to the movie’s advantage. It’s about a man named Danny (Jet Li) who grows up treated like an animal by a petty English mobster named Bart, played with colorful flair by Bob Hoskins. Trained to attack when a collar around his neck is removed and kept locked in a cage, Danny knows no other life then that of a dog until an accident separates him from his master. He’s taken in by Sam, a blind piano tuner (Morgan Freeman) and his stepdaughter Victoria (Kerry Condon), who takes an immediate interest in this shy stranger.
From here, we get to watch as Danny explores the world outside of endless violence and abuse as he bonds with his new friends and begins to recall his turbulent past. Freeman adds an air of validity to the character interactions, despite the fact that his acting chops have been dulled by too many similar roles in suspense thrillers. Adding needed color is the relatively unknown Kerry Condon as a young piano major who teaches Danny to laugh, eat ice cream and generally enjoy life for the first time since he was a child.
It’s all well acted and Li deserves credit for stepping out a little from his usual roles to play a flawed character who is emotionally and mentally vulnerable. He also plays well off his co-stars and manages to come off as charming, despite his violent tendencies. But for the sake of keeping Li’s fans happy and for dramatic punch, this lightly comical situation cannot last and we’re soon thrust back into the action as Bart comes looking for Danny to put him back to work. This is where Hoskins works up to a knockout performance where he waffles between displaying a suedo-genuine fatherly relationship with Danny and being the despicable criminal that he really is as he attempts to manipulate Danny.
It’s almost ironic that one of Li’s most dramatic movies also happens to be one of his most violent. The movie literally kicks off with Li beating the tar out of thugs. The emphasis is on brutal and almost reckless combat as he tears into his opponents. There is none of the elegance of his ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA roles. To add more excuses for him to go nutty, Li finds himself forced into an underground fighting circuit. This tiresome concept is thankfully kept in check. It basically comes down to two matches, the second being one of the film’s action highlights. Danny, who no longer wishes to kill, is suddenly facing multiple opponents armed with axes and spears intent on killing him. Yuen Wo-ping and Li do not disappoint with this fight.
The finale also pays off as Danny takes on his former master and his thugs in an old apartment building. All of the sets play a big role the film, but they really come to the fore as Li makes use of nearly every crawlway, railing, window, and bathroom to outmaneuver gun-totting gangsters and one hired martial arts fighter with a nasty blade.
Having worked with Corey Yuen on THE TRANSPORTER and now with Yuen Wo-ping on UNLEASHED, Louis Leterrier has really shown himself to possess notable aptitude in directing stylish Hong Kong-style action sequences. There is also a very clear visual style to the film, both in the cinematography and art direction that compliments both the gritty violence and the drama.
What may be most compelling about this movie is Li’s obvious desire to show the ugly nature of violence when martial arts is subverted and used for ill. It may be one of his most graphic depictions of his philosophy yet, next to HERO. It succeeds admirably in contrast to his effort to show the need for balance in martial arts and life in THE ONE.
UNLEASHED is a winner that adds depth and memorable characters to a Western Jet Li movie for once and yet doesn’t compromise on fans’ desire to see him kick ass. While this combination should appeal to a wider audience, it is definitely an adult-oriented film and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
by Mark PollardRelated Topics:
Jet Li • Unleashed (2005)
