What would you do if someone murdered or did a horrible act against a loved one? Would you let the legal system take its course or would you want to commit an act of personal vengeance? Do you have the right to commit acts of revenge?
“The Foreigner” is the new film directed by Martin Campbell (Green Lantern, Casino Royale). The film stars Jackie Chan (Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon), Pierce Brosnan (Goldeneye, The Matador), Katie Leung (One Child, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Rufus Jones (W1A, Camping), Mark Tandy (Dad’s Army, Howards End), Aaron Monaghan (’71, Assassin’s Creed), Lia Williams (Firelight, The Crown), Michael McElhatton (The Fall, Game of Thrones), and David Pierce (Vikings, Six Shooter). Taking place in London, it is centered around Quan (Chan), an immigrant father to a daughter (after being becoming a widower and losing another daughter) who owns a small restaurant. One day, his daughter is killed in a terrorist bombing, with a group called “The New IRA” taking responsibility. Having been a member of the Special Forces in the Vietnam War for the US Army, Quan reaches out to Liam (Brosnan), the British Liaison to Ireland who himself was a member of the IRA many years ago, just wanting the names of the people who committed the bombing. Liam denies knowing who they are, but Quan does not believe him and goes on a mission to make life tough for Liam until he gets the information on the bombers he has been asking for.
There are some beautiful nature shots in this film with some CGI, not much, but it was the right amount. I liked the use of the sun and clouds for outside shots which complimented the mood at the time as well as Ireland being shown in a good light. There was great acting done by the leads of Chan and Brosnan, even though Brosnan’s Irish accent did kind of bug me somewhat. The thing I liked about Chan’s character is that he played his age and the ability of a man in his 60s. He does do some fighting scenes with his martial arts, but it was realistic fighting, not glammed up martial arts from some of his past blockbuster films.
This film is almost two hours long, and I truly felt it. I did like the plot overall, but it did get a little complicated with times when I was trying to figure out who is on the side of the good guys and who is on the side of the terrorists, so it is important to stay focused here. I will note how this is an action-style espionage film, but it is not overloaded with high octane action and martial arts to maintain its realism. I will still recommend it as a matinee showing in the theaters.