Review of Wake of Death (2004) by Radi C — 23 Mar 2009
The best Van Damme film I've seen so far. Stylish action, with cool CSI Miami style slow-motion fast-forward action sequences. The cinematography also has style. Simon Yam plays one of the best killer villains I've ever seen, it's too bad he doesn't have more screen time.
Great realistic fight scenes, decent car stunts, superb motorcycle stunts, excellent torture scene, very realistic. Danny Keogh also gives a fine performance, Van Damme himself is decent enough, his role is not an easy one to play.
But I find him somewhat cold and introverted as a hero. I find other similar martial arts actors like ; Seagal, Chan, more warm and expressive. Although Van Damme does a better than average job here. The little Chinese girl gives a decent performance also.
There's some sublime shots of the killer looming over the city. The opening credits, reminded me of a James Bond film, not just the credits themselves, but the song also. But that song, although interesting and giving the appropriate mood for the film, is far from stunning, specially compared with most James Bond title songs.
Seems there's too much sadness in this film, and it gets annoying after awhile, maybe it's the acting, the heaviness of it.... The film is a bit slow in certain parts, other than that it's a fine action film, with some style.
This review of Wake of Death (2004) was written by Radi C on 23 Mar 2009.
Wake of Death has generally received mixed reviews.
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