Review of Year of the Dragon (1985) by Jonathan D — 11 Jul 2016

Michael Cimino's explosive, ultra-violent epic crime drama which would prove to be his last great film. About a jaded, single-minded, racist police captain named Stanley White, who is a real fearless bad ass, and a Vietnam war Marine veteran, brilliantly played by Mickey Rourke in a mesmerizing, powerhouse performance.

He is on a crusade to bring down corruption, extortion and murder in New York City's Chinatown by the Chinese youth gangs which run by a savvy, reptilian Triad crime lord, Joey Tai, played magnificently by the gifted Asian actor John Lone.

White must balance his intense desire to capture Tai, with his intense feelings for a beautiful Asian television news reporter, TracyTzu, well-played by Ariane, who is helping him with his crusade against this powerful suave crime lord, despite the protests of his brought-off supervisors who all hate him because he constantly points out their hypocrisies.

The adrenaline-charged violence is amazing, including a show-stopping gunmen attack on a posh Chinatown restaurant, and a frenzied white-knuckled climax which is a bravura piece of film-making. Skillful direction by the late Cimino, with a compelling screenplay by Oliver Stone.

But the centerpiece of this film is Rourke who will totally blow you away by the realism and intensity of his acting. Fantastic supporting performances from Caroline Kava, Raymond J. Barry, Victor Wong, and Dennis Dun.

Extraordinary cinematography by the late great Alex Thomson, and a superb score by David Mansfield. A unique, forgotten cinematic gem from the 80's. Highly Recommended.