D-

A terrible example of when dumb kung-fu strives to be, well, not dumb.

Unfortunatly for this stinker, not only do they fail in that aspect, but they rush and screw up on all the other details on the film as well. Terrible storyline, terrible acting, no continuity to the film, no flow between the scenes, just a complete failure. There wasn't all that much fighting, and when there was it was subdued and held back to the point where it was no longer enjoyable. Also: The main idea in this film is to have all the non-fighting scenes as real and as sentimental as possible, with Freeman and Jet Li learning how to live normally and not as a dog. But then they completely turn it around to make Jet Li's action moves the dumbest and most illogical kung-fu not only of the year, but in total recent memory not counting Kung-Fu Hustle. He dodges a bullet at point-blank, he does impossible slow-motion backflip kicks, he conducts impossible dodge twists in the air, etc. When he fights one of the champions of the underground scene, the guy just stands there as Jet Li punches his 3 times consecuatively in the neck killing him instantly. What? For the most part, Unleashed was also very slow and very unengaging, just dragging on. aka, IT WAS BORING. And I'm sorry, but I did not want a film centered around the piano, if I did, theres no way I would've chosen this pile of a movie.

I think I'll stick with sci-fi The One for Jet Li movies, thank you.

#2 worst movie of 2005 thus far.

Unleashed

Woah Fantastic movie! Intense fighting scenes, great performences
Very sad, sweet and kinda of disturbing at the same time

This is the only Jet Li film I actually really like!

A-

Oh wow. I was contemplating falling asleep when I turned this on. I'm glad I didn't. Unleashed works in ways most films don't. Someone made the comparison to Man on Fire, and, upon reflection, that seems very fitting (sans the depressing ending of MOF). It builds a wonderful stark contrast between a life of a depraved, lonely, primal animal, and a loved, secure, learning child. Danny's (Li) transition through enlightenment, learning about...ice cream, and fruit, and kisses...well, I'll say it was done very well. The performances were interesting. As I said, Li handled the part almost flawlessly. Morgan Freeman was believable as the caring blind old man, although not remarkable. Hoskins was brilliant. Period. Kerry Condon gave a nice performance, almost playing as Li's awakening to life and beauty.

I will admit, though, I was able to connect with this movie on a level most people probably wouldn't. At the end, Condon said "This piece is dedicated to someone...who's life was literally saved by music." I don't want to go into details...but I cried.

A