Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Martin Campbell, Roadshow Entertainment.
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, Katie Leung, Orla Brady
This thriller is about a retired hitman out to avenge his daughter’s death. Quan Ngoc Minh (Chan) is an immigrant restaurant owner who demands justice after his daughter is killed in an IRA-linked terrorist attack.
At the start, Quan picks up his teenage daughter from her London school and drives her to a local dress shop, where a bomb kills 19. She dies in what is a senseless act of politically motivated terrorism.
Quan is out to get eye-for-an-eye justice and persists in getting authorities to take action. This includes putting pressure on ex-IRA deputy minister, Liam Hennessy (Brosnan).
Campbell (Casino Royale, Golden Eye, Edge of Darkness) directs this meandering, brisk action film that allows Chan to show some theatrical ability. Brosnan displays an active, multi-faceted character, encircled by enemies with secrets of their own.
Well-made and nicely-paced to accomplish what’s expected.
