Review of Unleashed (2005) by W.a B — 28 Mar 2011

Jet Li is infamous for his martial art movies, but Unleashed (Danny the Dog in Britain) not only kicks ass, but Jet Li teams up with an incredible cast in what is his best movie to date.

Bart (played by Bob Hoskins like no one can) is a ruthless gangster in England's criminal underground. His greatest weapon: Danny, who he trained as a child to attack on command whenever he takes off his metal collar around his neck. Danny doesn't remember anything about his childhood, and because of the way Bart raises him he acts like a child and is devoid of opening up his emotions. But in a fatefull event, Danny looses Bart and finds a new home with a blind man and his stepdaughter, who slowly teach him to open up his heart. Written by the talented Luc Besson, (The Professional, The Fifth Element) this story of trust, family, self growth and the magic of music plays your heartstrings just right, then gets back to some ass kicking for good measure.

The fight scenes are masterfully cheoreographed by Woo-ping Yuen (The Matrix, Kill Bill) being slightly more unique and brutal than other martial art movies. Another wonderful aspect about this movie is the cinematography. The lighting and camera angles are very unique, and get even better when the movie reaches it's heart felt moments. The mixed genre directing of martial arts, gangster action and dramedy is risky, but works very well, not just because of the writing, but the directing makes sure to balance the genres out. The action will make you cringe and the drama will make you smile, and the music will really put you in the moment.

Co-staring the famous Bob Hoskins and Morgan Freeman give very good performances, and the lesser known Kerry Condon gives a cute and sweet performance that's just as good. But Jet Li, who fights more than he acts, gives an unexpected incredable performance. Unleashed is no mere martial art/action movie, this is a thoughtful drama with action as a theme. It's that focus on characters and story that makes Unleashed a one of a kind movie of it's genre and a very enjoyable one to see.