After the success of "The Matrix", more and more films are leaning in the same direction, wire work fights, slow motion/bullet-time etc etc. Of course none of which being able to compare with the likes of "The Matrix". The only film that has managed to pull off such a good bullet-time effect that it can give "The Matrix" a run for its money is the exploding hostage at the beginning of "Swordfish", one of the most under ratted but one of the most enjoyable actioners that year. Also in 2001, we saw the release of "Kiss Of The Dragon", a film that dares to be different, going back to the grindhouse roots of martial arts movies with no wires, no digital effects, only gritty, raw hand to hand combat that is second to none. "Kiss Of The Dragon" stars a very fast and very furious Jet Li ("The One", "Romeo Must Die") in the mean streets of Paris, fighting to clear his name.

The story isn't exactly 'original' but it does make for good entertainment all the same. Jet Li reminds us that good Kung Fu can still be done without the use of wires. After the success of "The Matrix", I thought that we would never see good old fashioned Martial Arts, after fake looking wire work from films such as "Romeo Must Die" this fear became more real. But it's good to see real Martial Arts come back to the big screen, with a vengeance. Li's performance is adequate for his somewhat limited genuine acting ability, but overall he is quite good as the 'silent but deadly' type. It's such a frequent occurrence in his previous films that it seems that he is typecast to play such parts. His performances are quiet yet bizarrely affecting

Supporting cast do there jobs well, oiling the slick pace nicely. Ric Young although only in the film for the first ten-fifteen minutes is quite a cheeky chappy as horny, Mr Big (an ironic name?). Burt Kwouk (the guy who does the funny narrator voice in TV's "Banzai" apparently) provides the necessary Martial Arts philosophy as Uncle Tai, the man who accommodates Jian whilst in Paris. Richard's assistant, Max (John Forgeham - ("Mean Machine", TV's "Footballer's Wives"), the guy who looks after the prostitute racket Richard's got secretly going on along with assistant Lupo (Max Ryan - "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen") are both heavy despised and you can't wait for them to get it, Jet Li style.

Director Chris Nahon has handled the film pretty well and Jet Li can handle pretty much anything. Nahon has studied previous gritty fighting films and has tried to incorporate some of the ideas and methods into his. It's grindhouse with a modern film making twist, using the camera in more dynamic and exciting ways, using subtle effects here and there only to enhance rather than overwhelm. Nahon also uses soundtrack and other music to his advantage, conveying a street theme and a European touch.

BOTTOM LINE
"Kiss Of The Dragon" is a breath of fresh air as the genre is under preasure from CGI rendering. It is gritty, realistic, violent and great entertainment. Li's best American film to date without doubt after more effects conscious attempts like "The One" and "Romeo Must Die", it is good to see Li just doing what he does best: beat people sh*tless and also shows the depth that he is capable of. Recommended viewing and a good night in with the lads. Not really a lady's film in all honesty but try it, you might like it. The hidden depth to the film may appeal to you…