Review of The Foreigner (2003) by Calum F — 30 Dec 2012
The + : I found at least five Aikido-moves in the movie, in three fights. I count at least three kotegaeshi, one ikkyo with a lock, and a few nages (including an irimi-nage, something I didn't expect to see in any movie ever).
The - : Aikido, profoundly non-violent martial art, used in connection with brutal killing of human beings. A plot which was rather difficult to follow, I failed to understand the connection of some characters to each other and the plot in the movie. Brutality, many people (dozen or more), including women, shot with firearms, all shown clearly to the viewer.
I don't like watching people getting shot, so of course I disliked the movie too. Let me give you an example : An Irimi-nage, created by the creator of Aikido to be a round movement which would utilize the movement of the attacker in a way that would not harm him, is done by Seagal sensei so that in the end of the movement he shoots the attacker with a pistol.. They showed this movie on tv late night, and I had recorded it to watch later - I have to say I was looking for the fast fwd button of my remote. He's done ok with his movies, and then he makes something like this.. Why doesn't Seagal make a less-brutal, more philosophical movie with actual, honorable martial arts featuring Aikido?
This review of The Foreigner (2003) was written by Calum F on 30 Dec 2012.
The Foreigner has generally received mixed reviews.
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