Cast
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Jet Li
as Liu Jian
Bridget Fonda
as Jessica
Tchéky Karyo
as Richard
Ric Young
as Mister Big
Burt Kwouk
as Uncle Taï
Laurence Ashley
as Aja
Cyril Raffaelli
as Twin
Didier Azoulay
as Twin
John Forgeham
as Max
Paul Barrett
as Pilot
Max Ryan
as Lupo
Colin Prince
as Lupo's assistant
Vincent Glo
as Pluto
Vincent Wong
as Minister Tang
Kentaro
as Chen
Crew
Director
- Chris Nahon
Producer
- Luc Besson
- Steven Chasman
- Happy Walters
- Jet Li
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Jet Li flick in Paris with Bridget Fonda**_
An expert Chinese intelligence agent (Jet Li) is sent to Paris to help the head inspector (Tchéky Karyo) in apprehending a Chinese mob boss at a ritzy hotel, unaware that it’s a set-up. Bridget Fonda plays an American prostitute that “Johnny” (Li) develops a relationship with during the misadventure.
"Kiss of the Dragon" (2001) is a big city crime thriller with the expected overdone martial arts action due to Li. It’s a modern mixing of “From Russia with Love” (1963) with the preposterous action of “The Gauntlet” (1977) and the martial arts of “Enter the Dragon” (1973). It was Bridget’s second to last theatrical movie before calling it a day (although she also did some TV work in 2001-2002, like her final piece “Snow Queen”).
I like the fact that the protagonist, Liu Jian (Li), is confident and an expert fighter, but also very human, even meek, as a stranger in a strange land (being his first visit to Paris). The action is thrilling with a sense of style counterbalanced by some quality drama with Fonda’s character and her situation.
If I were to nitpick, some eye-rolling elements bring down the film’s quality. For instance, Liu Jian storms a police building, opens a door and suddenly enters a dojo full of martial arts guys ready to take him down. Why Sure! Earlier, a British pilot grabs not one, but two Uzis to kill Liu Jian in the swank lobby, shooting up the entire place. Did he really need to cause mass devastation to kill one Chinese man? I'm sure the corrupt Inspector (Tchéky Karyo) wouldn't enjoy explaining the wholesale desolation to the mayor.
Moreover, there are too many hip-hop songs on the soundtrack. I could see one or two (at the most), but they overdid it. It smacked of trying to be too ‘hip.’
The film runs 1 hour, 38 minutes and was shot entirely in Paris & nearby Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
GRADE: B-
May 20, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Kiss of the Dragon distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Chris Nahon 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 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kiss of the Dragon took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 288 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kiss of the Dragon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Alpha Dog, which focuses more on action than character development, Kiss of the Dragon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Shooter and Knockaround Guys explore similar territory, Kiss of the Dragon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 6, 2001
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $64,437,847
