Xin Su shi jian (2009) Reviews

• Thoughts...

  Olahn2009-04-02

  I went to see this film out of the blue, wasn't hyped, didn't even know it came out yet. However I am a fan of Asian films, not hardcore as some but I've watched my fair share, also you can say I'm a fan of Daniel Wu and of course Jackie Chan. That said, this film you can put next to Jackie Chan's more serious films, and without a doubt IS his most serious film in all his career, in my opinion. The plot is obviously based on the Chinese people who "migrated" to Japan and their struggles and battles to establish themselves, mix in Japanese yakuza, turf war and old missing friend(s), and then to top it off depiction of human tendencies to be corrupted by power. Analyzing the plot is time consuming and I don't get paid for it, so I wont get into it too much at all. However I do want to mention that it is a gritty film, it is violent, harsh but these things were necessary to set the tone of the film. Don't expect the usual Jackie Chan flips, martial arts, fun kung-fu action scenes.. no.. its more realistic that violence is represented by people chopping each other almost Kill Bill-esquire. It is a serious film, well shot, well acted and the cast were well suited. Daniel Wu is good in it, although some questionable and real quick turn of character as the movie goes on. Jackie Chan is good too, the man can put on a serious face and act in a dramatic role when he needs to. I'm glad it was made for the Asian audiences, I can imagine it being only being mediocre if not bad if westernized. If you want a film with a scar face esquire story/plot, lots of gang members fighting, a bit of drama, heaps of blood and quiet frankly a pretty darn good film... then I recommend it. Its a 4 star movie for me...

• Jackie Goes Noir

  imayne2009-05-01

  The dark world of Film Noir, with its complex plots, shades of gray and evocations of unrelenting human evil, has long been one genre where Hong Kong cinema has lagged behind Hollywood. After "Infernal Affairs", however, things have changed, and Hong Kong cinema has finally gotten to this profoundly affecting and challenging genre. Jackie Chan stars as Iron Zhao aka Steelhead, a truck repairman from China's poor but happy Northeast who settles down as an illegal immigrant in Tokyo, and after a series of run-ins with the Yakuza, rises to power as the Don of Chinese illegal immigrants. However, things get out of control when Steelhead is foolish enough to believe in clean getaways in a world that offers none, and soon comes to seal his own fate. A superb supporting cast rounds up this tale of a man's tragic fall from Grace against an unstoppable tide of greed, corruption and evil. Derek Yee creates a grandly atmospheric, neat piece of work evoking the grime and grit of Tokyo existing under the glittery clean streets, to bring out an immortal tale that has existed as long as there were cities: a tale of hard-luck immigrants who fight their way to the top against all odds in the world of crime, and for the pursuit of money and power, damn their souls to hell.

• Great CRIME DRAMA, an atypical Jackie Chan movie.

  dvc51592009-04-03

  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

• Great movie

  lavalwong2009-07-11

  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.

• Chan grows up

  Heislegend2009-09-27

  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.