What’s not to love about Jackie Chan? Simply a legend in cinema and Far East action who has risen to become one of the defining figures of crossover international cinema. He is also an artist who remains firmly committed to creating very real in-camera action and stunts, and has been responsible for some of the best-loved martial arts offerings. The first of his modern US-based successes, Rumble In The Bronx, blew audiences away and gave him the international acclaim that had eluded him with his first two Western offerings, Battle Creek Brawl and The Protector. His latest film, Bleeding Steel, is a high-tech thriller that taps into the realm of films like Ghost In The Shell, Terminator and Universal Solder. It will be of interest to Chan fans and has a good shot at reaching non-converts as well.
Chan plays Special Agent Lin Dong, who becomes involved with a scientist in the Witness Protection Programme whose identity has been leaked. He is not having a good day, given that his daughter is in hospital suffering with leukaemia, but that is nothing compared to the armoured militia, led by a seemingly invincible being called Andre, who ambush the police as they are moving the witness.
Thirteen years later, Lin is in Sydney keeping an eye over his daughter who has been kept alive by a mystery injection the scientist administered before his death and which Andre, who has returned to the scene, wants for his own ends. With the help of a bumbling student in love with his daughter, Lin sets out to solve the case.
Bleeding Steel has a lot more effects-based action than previous Chan offerings and a climax reminiscent of one of the key sequences in Avengers Assemble, but traditionalists who love some of Chan’s trademark as-real action will be enthralled at a key sequence on top of the Sydney Opera House. It’s a fun ride and as expected in a Jackie Chan film, the end credits showcase some of the out-takes (but it’s worth noting that this is an English dub, so the dialogue at the end is in its original language). While not the best that Chan has ever done, there is still some virtue here.
BLEEDING STEEL / CERT: 16 (GERMANY) / DIRECTOR: LEO ZHANG / SCREENPLAY: ERICA XIA-HOU / STARRING: JACKIE CHAN, SHOW LO, NA-NA OUYANG / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
