Cast
View AllGary Daniels
as Mike Ryan
Kelly Benson
as The Brunette
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
as Victor Chow
Frank Cassini
as Det. Jim Cutler
Matt Craven
as John Grogan
Lisa Langlois
as Joanne Grogan
Dana Lee
as Zhou
Julia Nickson
as Jade
George Cheung
as Detective Fong
John Cassini
as Det. Bobby Watt
Philip Granger
as Captain McGuire
Ron Yuan
as Severin
Crew
Director
- Richard Martin
Writer
- Bey Logan
- Gordon Melbourne
- Roy Sallows
- Don Woodman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, White Tiger distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Richard Martin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of White Tiger took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 244 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While White Tiger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which focuses more on action than character development, White Tiger offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Blown Away and Zatoichi explore similar territory, White Tiger stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 3, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 33m