Shinjuku Incident.
A rare Jackie Chan movie that doesn't showcase his acrobatic fighting technique. I love the various themes explored in this movie: illegal immigration and the exploitations of immigrants, how social status can change people's values and morals. The story is good, although the dialogue is mediocre. Lost in translation maybe? The lighting is awful--harsh lighting and wonky color balance.😞 Oh an the 70's Kung Fu movies orange blood.😏
Better production value and translations would greatly improve the movie. I flip-flop on like and hating the characters, especially the MC. They guy is a hypocrite, but then that's gives the movie a boost in credibility.
The Lady.
Another movie starring an action hero star, Michelle Yeoh, not doing any big action fighting. The acting is amazing from the two lead actors. Not so much from the supporting cast, but then most of them aren't actors. Beautiful cinematography and a powerful story.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrusted upon 'em. (Twelfth Night Act II, scene 5, line 149-150) The MC's father achieved greatness. He gained freedom for the Burmese people. The MC had greatness thrusted upon her. She was a housewife whom the oppressed citizenry rallied around. She carried on her father's legacy despite the numerous attempts to suppress her by the militant government. And she prevailed.
I liked both of these movies because the themes resonates with me. Others might be disappointed seeing their favorite action hero/heroine not showcasing wild stunts, but these two movies showed me they're more than a one trick pony.🤩 Not gonna lie, I half expected them to open a can of whoop ass at some of the high tension scenes.😁