One of the saddest things for me as a movie lover is to find
people who won’t open themselves up to watching movies that might not be in
their comfort zone. I’m talking about young people with no sense of history who
refuse to watch black and white films and others who refuse to watch anything
with subtitles. For the latter it paints that picture of the ugly American who
thinks that the world should revolve around all things U.S.A. and we shouldn’t
have to deal with other cultures. In so doing those people miss out on some
terrific movies. Not always, but on occasion.
Which leads me to this week’s release of DRAGON BLADE, the
newest movie to star Jackie Chan. Having made his mark in numerous martial arts
and comedy films, Chan turns here to a historical drama concerning the Han
dynasty in China. Chan stars as Huo An, a warrior who leads a group in
protecting the Silk Road in China. If you’re not familiar with the Silk Road it
was a network of trade routes that connected regions of Asia with other
countries to the west of China, eventually including Europe. Here Chan and his
group protect the road from the 36 nations that travel it trying to keep the
peace by preventing fighting rather than involving themselves in battle.
All of this falls apart when Chan and his group are framed
for smuggling illegal goods. They’re sentenced to work in the rebuilding of a
town for the Emperor. Once there Chan finds the struggle for people to get
along with one another a constant battle. Representatives of the 36 nations
have been sent here to work together on this project and each one fights with
another. Chan finally gets them to calm down at least when a new problem
presents itself.
A Roman legion is coming in off of the desert led by Lucius
(John Cusack), leader of the order of the Black Eagle. Transporting a child
leader of the Roman Empire and wanting for food and water, he challenges Huo An
to a fight. Huo tries to persuade him to go peacefully but the two begin to
battle. An approaching sandstorm gets their attention and a draw is called
while Huo allows Lucius and his men to enter the city. Peace works.
Word reaches the city that the ruler wants the repairs to
the city and its walls completed in 15 days, an impossible task. In return for
shelter and food Lucius and his men join forces and provide methods to
accomplish the goal in time. The Roman soldiers and Huo’s men become friends
and comrades as they set about their task.
Lucius eventually tells Huo how they came to be there. His
young charge Publius was the son of the ruler of Rome. He was blinded and an
attempt made on his life by his brother Tiberius (Adrien Brody). Now Lucius and
his men are on the run with Tiberius and his legions hot on their trail. Huo
agrees to provide them with a place to stay but eventually Tiberius is bound to
show. Couple that with some traitorous moments among the Chinese leaders and
the battle at hand is sure to be massive.
The movie takes a time in history and uses quite a bit
dramatic license. But at least the makers of the film are up front about that
during the opening credits. Yes there was a Silk Road, yes there was a Huo with
a different last name and several other items can be searched for online. But
the heart of the story is less about the events that happened and more about
the battle of good versus evil and trying to find a common ground for all to
work from, a peaceful harmony of people rather than a constant state of war. That
the Romans and the Chinese in the story can do so proves it is indeed possible.
The action sequences are exactly what one would expect from
a Jackie Chan film with tremendous two person combat as well as huge battle
sequences. As is always the case we learn in the extras that yes, Chan did
indeed injure himself at least once during the filming of the movie. Watching
the sequences between Chan and Cusack and Brody I found myself wondering how
much was done by the actors themselves and how much by stunt people. With Chan
around I’m guessing a lot was done by the actors inspired by his performance.
The film offers a great story with more tragedy than you
would expect and of course a ton of heroism that inspires. It’s a niche that
Chan has sown up nicely over the past few years. Themes of honor and a resolve
to do what is right are rarely found in most movies these days so it was nice
to witness that as well. Short of 300 that hasn’t been seen as often as one
would think. That it could be done in what would rate a film of epic
proportions like this makes it even more special.
All that being
said there is one thing which I mentioned earlier that will drive some away.
Subtitles. The film is a Chinese production. Yes, some actors speak in English
but for the most part you’ll be reading the lines of the actors. Don’t let that
deter you from enjoying this film. It is a good movie. Be daring enough to give
a foreign film with subtitles a try. In doing so you’ll experience the world
through the eyes of another country.
Click here to order. 
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