Review of Year of the Dragon (1985) by Grant S — 28 Jul 2015
Looks good, on paper. Directed by Michael Cimino, who directed on of the greatest movies of all time in The Deer Hunter. Written by Cimino and Oliver Stone. Stars Mickey Rourke in one of his earlier roles.
Yet, it all seems so ordinary. Not entirely boring, yet just a conventional cop drama. The only newish idea is setting it in the Chinese-American community. Ultimately, the plot lets this down.
Cimino's direction is good, though he does rely on a lot of tricks he used in The Deer Hunter. The poignent acoustic guitar soundtrack was very reminiscent of The Deer Hunter's "Cavatina".
Mickey Rourke is not ideal for the role. He comes across as too unorthodox and irrational to be a senior police officer. His delivery is rather cliched, too, reminding one of every vigilante cop ever portrayed.
Disappointing, especially considering the big names involved.
This review of Year of the Dragon (1985) was written by Grant S on 28 Jul 2015.
Year of the Dragon has generally received positive reviews.
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