IvanF's Cut and Paste, No-Name Theatrical Review of
Jet Li's Unleashed 2005

- IvanFian written May 18th, 2005 -

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- Commentary from a friend -

"Well, I did see "Unleashed" on Saturday night at 10:05pm...and well...this was one kick ass ride from Jet Li. It was a damn entertaining martial arts films all guys should love. As well, the film proves that Morgan Freeman has earned his Oscar.

In the film, Li stars as Danny, a personal attack "dog" for Bart (Bob Hoskins) who is England's toughest thug/money collector. Everytime that Bart goes to collect money he brings Danny along, who always wears a metal collar, and when Bart removes the collar and says "get 'em"...bad things happen to those who oppose Bart. Danny becomes a killing machine. The introductory scene to this film starts off with a bang, and the fight choreography of Li and his opponents is just pure entertainment delight to watch. As well, it is one of the most graphic, intense fight films I've seen in awhile, if ever. This is not a Jackie Chan film, but a drama about a lost soul, Danny, who by a stroke of coincidence begins to find himself and who is mother really was. Danny finds this new, more relaxed side of himself when he gets befriended by a piano tuner named Sam (Morgan Freeman).

Now, while this film may not be the traditional martial arts film, it is an action film that also has a heart which makes the film a true drama. It could almost be considered an anti-tragedy, because the tragedy has already happened to the character, Danny, and it is reawakening of the spirit of life. Danny finds a new family in Sam, the piano tuner, and her niece Victoria.

This film was just a pure delight to watch from start to finish. It had plenty of action, as well as some corny comedy mixed in for good measure when Danny is trying to reshape his life with Sam & Victoria. As well, the use of Mozart as a trigger for Danny's happiness I thought was well done, even if it does seem trite or too formulaic. But overall, this film was a fun ride. And, I must give credit to Jet Li for pulling off some of the best fight sequences in a long while that has been put to film. I thought the introductory fight was astounding, but I got so much more when Danny was almost being tortured in that empty indoor swimming pool as he was literally fighting for his life. As well, the final confrontation fight scene with the master martial arts leader in white, whatever his name is that looked like Michael Rosenbaum from Smallville (but I digress), was kickass and just plain fun to watch. Nice moves there Danny (Jet Li).

Overall, I enjoyed the pace of the film, and the story was well done. Therefore, I shall give this film an 8/10 and a 3/4 stars."

Film Design - 8.0
Enjoyment Factor - 8.0
Overall (not an average) - 8.0
(3 out of 4 stars)
- Risen Phoenix -