Better than expected vendetta movie with an unusual role for Jackie Chan as a humble restaurant owner with a buried past, who eventually becomes a merciless avenger . It deals with a businessman, Jackie Chan, runs a restaurant, when Quan carries to his daughter Fan : Katie Long, to a dressing store she is suddenly killed at an act of terrorism. The bombing is claimed by a terrorist organization called "Authentic IRA". Quan erupts in vendetta-fueled action and focusing on the Northern Ireland deputy Prime Minister, Henessy: Pierce Brosnan, married to Mary and with a lover, Charlie Murphy. Henessy holds a dark past and knows about identity of previous Ira terrorists, at the same time condemning the massacre perpretors . As Quan heads for Belfast to meet Henessy who allegedly has clues to the identities of the elusive murderers. While , Quan sets off a homemade bomb in his office. As he carries out threats unless he gets the bombers' names, though the government official Henessy claims to have not knowledge of the bombings . Quan blows away enemies who have killed those who were dear to him.
At the beginning the plot is plain and simple, a relentless revenge, but along the way the script becomes more and more complex and twisted, including a dangerous cat and mouse game among the main protagonists. As the tale contains noisy action, intrigue, violent fights, thrills, chills, suspense and a lot of twists and turns. Here our protagonist Quan acts Charles Bronson/Death Wish-alike, as he exacts as a vigilante, taking law on his own hands when his daughter is victimized ,
doing Judge, Jury and executioner. Very good acting all around. Jackie Chan gives the best performance of his long career as a good elderly father who seeks revenge when his only person who holds his existence is murdered in a clothing store bombing. Pierce Brosnan is fine, he plays the suspect State Official, Gerry Adams-alike whose past may hold fundamental tracks in the case. His jealous spouse is well played by Orla Brady, his intriguing lover performed by Charlie Murphy and his assistant Kavanaugh acted by Michael McElhatton of Game of thrones.
It contains an atmospheric and adequate cinematography by David Tattersall, showing efficiently London metropolis where sets the action. Thrilling and suspenseful musical score by Cliff Martinez. The motion picture was well directed by Martin Campbell. He is a good craftsman and expert on thrillers and action movies such as : No escape, Criminal law, Lovecraft, The mask of Zorro, The legend of Zorro, Three for all, GoldenEye, Casino Royale, Vertical limit, Reckless, Last resort, Edge of darkness, Green Lantern, among others. Rating 7/1o. Well worth seeing. Better than average. Essential and indispensable watching for Jackie Chan fans.
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