video cover

Asian Connection

1995

Director: David Lam

Action director: Yuen Tak

Stars: Danny Lee, Michael Chow, Jean Wang, Ricky Yi, Chan Chung-Yung, Blacky Ko

Asian Connection is yet another in the long line of films featuring Danny Lee as a cop. There have been some (such as The Killer) which can rightly be called classics of the genre, but too many times Danny Lee's efforts in these kinds of movies often go to waste as the film turns out to be just "another Danny Lee cop movie". Fortunately, even though the story here is by-the-book with several gaping plot holes, and it ultimately falls into some of the traps of the genre, Asian Connection manages to provide some good entertainment.

The story here revolves around Danny and his partner Michael Chow. They are attempting to arrest a drug dealer, but fail miserably, as the dealer makes off with HK$5 million of the government's money. Their superior sends them to Taiwan on a fact-finding mission, but lo and behold they just happen to run into the dealer and the chase is on. Even though they blow a lot of stuff up and steal US$30 million to set up a drug sting, their boss in Taiwan (Chan Chung-Yung) is sympathetic for some reason and lets them continue, until they get to the bottom of an international drug ring.

As I said before, Asian Connection has a pretty ordinary plot going for it, and the script supervisor didn't do much of a job in checking things from scene to scene. The action, done under the direction of Yuen Tak, is competent, but nothing overwhelming. However, Asian Connection is recommended if you're into cop movies because of the performances contained in it, especially Danny Lee's. It takes a lot for an actor that has done the same kind of role literally dozens of times to be able to pull off something new with a character, but Lee succeeds here. He displays his usual hard-ass tactics, but tinges them with a bit of humor that makes his portrayal seem more human. The supporting cast (especially Chan Chung-Yung) does a good job as well. The only actor who seemed not to fit was Jean Wang, who seems to be more of a "flower vase" (pretty face) than anything else. Even so, the acting in Asian Connection definitely puts it a step above many similar films.

While nothing mind-blowing, Asian Connection shows that you can have a good cop action/drama without really heavy pyrotechnics or an overly convoluted script. It's recommended if you're a fan of the genre -- and even if you aren't, you might still get a few cheap thrills out of it.

RATING: 7

Back to Movie Review index


This DVD is available for purchase at www.hkflix.com

HKFlix