(rated R, 98 mins)
…or “Pretty Woman” with a China man! You can cast aside notions of Paris being romance, French croissants and the Eiffel Tower. In this movie its total chaos and war and it works! While expecting total kick-butt boring action, Kiss Of the Dragon is infused with unexpected, intelligent surprises and some comedy. Maybe not intended, but that works too! Fancy camera work by Luc (“The Fifth Element”) Besson and a creative screenplay by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen tell the story of Liu Jiuan (Jet Li), China’s top government agent, who arrives in the French capital from Shanghai to carry out a sensitive, top-secret mission. Sent to assist Inspector Richard (Tcheky Karyo) and his small army to back him up, it doesn’t quite go that way and soon our lovable hero (also an acupuncturist), falls into action. Of course Li doesn’t just throw a lot of defensive kicks. Instead he uses irons (sans boards), grenades and laundry shoots not necessarily in that order. Then there’s Li’s involvement with the old hooker scenario (Bridget Fonda) as the girl from back home forced to “only doing this to save my kidnapped daughter”. She should be applauded. The movie is bloody, it’s gruesome, it’s nasty, unnecessary and I’m ashamed to say I loved it! Move over Energizer bunny, Li takes a lickin’ and keeps on KICKIN’. Catch your breath? Fuggedaboutit. This man is sexy, strong and sensitive. Perfect combination. I say Jet Li for President! Of course Li won’t see this review. He’s probably busy. Taking a much needed nap.
