Directed by Martin Campbell
Written by David Marconi, based on the novel The Chinaman by Stephen Leather
Cast: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Katie Leung, Mark Tandy, Orla Brady, Michael McElhatton, Scott Sparrow, Dermot Crowley, Ray Fearon, Simon Lenagan, Branwell Donaghey, Charlie Bewley, Simon Kunz, Bill Buckhurst
Soundtrack: Cliff Martinez
I said this in regards to Steven Soderbergh a couple of months ago and I’ll say it again now:
It’s good to have Martin Campbell back.
I know some were charmed by his own remake of Edge of Darkness back in 2010 (and the less said about Green Lantern, the better; though somehow Ryan Reynolds recovered just fine), but, really, he hasn’t made a truly worthwhile film since Casino Royale in 2006.
Similarly, it’s been a good while since American audiences have been able to really enjoy Jackie Chan. I mean, what; Rush Hour 3, maybe? Even that’s pushing it, and that’s already ten years ago.
On the other hand, Pierce Brosnan has maintained a fairly steady presence since being retired from the role that defined his career, which, speaking of James Bond, the last time he and Martin Campbell got together resulted in something pretty special.
So, where does all this leave us with The Foreigner?
Well, it’s not the best thing Martin Campbell’s ever done, but it’s probably the most Martin Campbell thing he’s ever done.
All of the classic elements are there: a sprawling plot, a daughter slain, daddy secretly has a particular set of skills, loyalties are tested, people aren’t who they appear to be, and, naturally, lots and lots of government intrigue.
Of course, in this case, you’ve got the layer of Jackie Chan on top of it, and boy does he deliver in a way I’ve never seen before.
Make no mistake, The Foreigner is not a “Jackie Chan movie” as you and I think of it. He’s the star, yes, and there is action, yes, but he’s a part of a larger whole and the action is used very sparingly, not to mention his role is deadly serious. He’s not a clown or a ballet dancer here, he’s an actor, and his performance should be commended.
On the other side of the coin, you have Pierce Brosnan, who, in a cruel twist of irony, does such a good job at playing non-Irishmen that when it comes time for him to actually play one, it’s hard to take him seriously; not that I’m saying his performance was bad, that would be unfair, it just took some warming up to is all. It’s fine once you get used to it though.
If there’s one thing that holds The Foreigner back in any way, it’s the density of the plot (and if you’re completely unfamiliar with “The Troubles” you may want to read a primer); not that it’s convoluted or that it doesn’t pay off, there’s just a lot to keep track of (almost like it’s based on a book or something; oh, wait).
In the end though, this is a fairly mature political action-thriller, with plenty of twists and turns, and plenty of meat on the bone.
And Jackie Chan.
I’m not going to call it perfect, but I hope it goes well-appreciated, because it’s a type of quality film I wish we had more of these days.
Rating: ★★★★☆
P.S.
No stinger.