Kernel

Abdiel 2021-12-31 08:02:57

In terms of action design, Dragon Kiss is a step further than the 1994 Jingwu hero. In order to highlight Chen Zhen’s reform spirit of studying abroad and mastering the barbarians' skills to control barbarians, Jingwu Heroes added many elements of Western fighting and emphasized the effectiveness of martial arts. Traditional martial arts incorporate boxing, wrestling and even free fighting, which is refreshing. . In Dragon Kiss, in order to highlight Jet Li's image of a Chinese super policeman who has no family, no children and no lover, the action design is simpler and more practical, even rough. Jet Li's movements are hard to be called beautiful, but they are simple and clean, and practical. They are different from the traditional kung fu movies. In contrast, Jackie Chan's movements are fancy but boring. Jackie Chan’s Huang Feihong is juggling, Jackie Chan’s Chen Jiaju is juggling, and Jackie Chan’s Inspector Li is still juggling.
Of course, although magic-like acupuncture and acupuncture appear in this movie, these are basically Chinese cultural symbols such as chopsticks, mahjong, and shrimp crackers, and are not the core and all of the action design of this movie.
Let's talk about the core of the story of the whole movie. The protagonist is Chinese, the heroine is American, all the villains are French, and the whole story takes place in France. This is a very strange combination. The introversion of the Chinese, the innocence of the Americans, the emotionality and humor of the French, these mix together make this film more like a film about cultural exchanges than a kung fu film.
The American girl wants a French-style romantic love, but gains the promise of a Chinese man who is cold outside and hot inside. The Chinese man wanted a piece of evidence to get rid of his charge, but he gained the trust of an American girl like a silly eldest sister. The French police wanted two dead bodies, but they harvested a deadly silver needle. Everyone's hope is a little bit different from the harvest. This wonderful dislocation makes this mediocre action movie look good.
Among European and American countries, perhaps the one who knows China best is France. It is really rare that such a film directed by a French director can grasp the mentality of the Chinese in such a way. The skill, shyness, kindness, commitment, self-confidence, and pride of Chinese agents are all manifested incisively and vividly. Jet Li cannot enjoy such empathetic treatment in many Hollywood films. Lee, you are just a star. As for what your China is like, who cares?
Among Jet Li's movies I have seen, I think there are two best ones, one is the new Jingwumen, and the other is the kiss of the dragon. Because there are too many patriotic preaching and hatred of the country and the family, Xinjing Wumen is inevitably a bit clichéd and heavy. Some bitter roles like Chen Zhen are more suitable for Yen Zidan to play. On the contrary, this dragon kiss, let go of all the burdens, and be free. Jet Li's seemingly silent but innocent eyes from time to time have become the best footnote for the Chinese agent in the film.

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Extended Reading

Kiss of the Dragon quotes

  • Richard: There is a time for diplomacy and a time for action. Diplomacy is dead.

  • Jessica: How long did I sleep?

    Liu Jian: Only a minute.