Fridae

For years, Jackie Chan cultivated the screen image of the good guy who can execute perfect kicks and blows to the villains. But in Shinjuku Incident, he is not the good guy. In fact, he doesn't even fight that much. Sure, there's violence in the film. But it's brutal, sporadic and messy - not the well-choreographed fights you usually find in a Jackie Chan picture.

Indeed, Shinjuku Incident has already been banned in China for being too graphic in its depiction of violence. Even the Hong Kong censors had asked for some cuts before the film could be released. You may be surprised by this news, but when you see the bloodshed and brutality in this film, you'd understand why.

Shinjuku Incident centers on an illegal immigrant (Jackie) from China working in Japan. Jackie toils everyday, but his circumstances continue to be harsh. He is threatened by the yakuza, and is forced to become a gangster too, carrying out the dirty deeds of a yakuza chief (Masaya Kato). Getting mixed up with gangsters is never a good idea. And he soon finds himself trapped in a spiral of violence�

Directed by Derek Yee whose previous films (One Night in Mongkok, Protege) also dealt with the underworld, Shinjuku Incident will be remembered for its tortuously gory violence that had several audiences in the media screening covering their eyes in revulsion. As throats get slashed and hands severed, it's hard to believe that you are indeed watching a Jackie Chan movie.

Derek's evocation of the underworld is detailed and convincing; just as it was in his previous films. But even so, Shinjuku Incident feels a bit uneven. On the one hand, the film is dark and cynical, taking on the view that being good doesn't do anyone any good. On the other hand, the film is prone to sentimental moments that do not sit well with its dark and brooding tone. And then, there are the abrupt cuts and choppy edits that hint at scenes taken out to appease the censors.

Shinjuku Incident is certainly a good, but one wonders how much better the film would be if it was left uncut. As for Jackie, you have to applaud him for leaving his comfort zone and taking on this grimmer, grittier role - one that doesn't let him be a hero or a clown for that matter.