Review of Shinjuku Incident (2009) by Khris N — 16 Jul 2009

Im probably being a little generous with the four stars, because even though this is a really good movie, it does come amongst a host of recent Hong Kong gangster flicks, and somehow, I dont feel this has pushed the boundaries - it doesnt really stand out amongst the other modern classics like Election 1 and 2, Fatal Move and SPL. But this seriously has the opportunity to be an epic, like a HK Gangs of New York... but it didn't get there.

For those who love Jackie, like me, should appreciate the other side to his comic talents and kung fu mastery, as with movies like New Police Story. It shows that he really can act beyond comedy. Supported by a really good cast, set in Tokyo, in the famed Shinjuku District, mixing a humble love story with muderous gangters, innocence and guilt, love and betrayl, and in the underworld, nearly everyone loses.

Jackie plays a farmer/diesel mechanic, who illegal migrates to Japan to find his girlfriend who has disappeared. Working hard to earn a living, he finally realises that his girl has married a Yakuza Boss, and the Chinese immigrants were being roughed by the local gangster groups. Vowing to help the Chinese and establish order, he decides to forge a temporary alliance with a Yakuza boss and take over the enemy turf for the Chinese immigrants. But when he finally leaves the illegality behind, he finds that he is pulled into the underworld again, where he and everyone else is being betrayed by each other for power and money... and the only person who wants none of it is Jackie.

Even though it is not a unqiue concept, the ideals and characters are very unique, the storytelling is heavy drama, but watchable as we see Jackie's character evolve, and his heart split between two women, his loyalty split between his personal life and his countrymen.

Its enjoyable if you're into gangster thrillers, but dont expect a kung fu komedy fest... this is far from it. The violence is graphic, but its kinda tame compared to SPL and Fatal Move... the gangster themes are strong, but the enemity and underworld "sense" are far stronger in Election - but that was probably due to a stellar cast. Its a movie certainly in the middle... and I think why its because it needed ratings approval and tried to avoid censorship troubles. The movie wasn't released in China either.

Enjoy!