Containing one of their
early releases, a promotional feature, a set of trailers, and a
ridiculously low asking price, HKL bring you a hugely attractive
offering.
Hitman, starring Jet Lee, is bundled with the disc, giving you yet
another reason to pick it up.
In a departure from his usual stern patriarchal martial arts expert
roles, Jet spreads his acting wings in this hugely enjoyable outing.
Playing the role of a Mainland Chinese immigrant scraping his pennies
together in any way he can, Lee offers up a funny and likeable character
for the story to revolve around.
Although anyone with half a brain will realise the plot's twist
within the first twenty minutes, the remaining hour is still well
worth sticking with.
Those looking for "My Father Is a Hero"-style action may
be disappointed, as the bulk of the film follows Jet and his newly
acquired "manager" (played by Eric Tsang) as they attempt
to track down the murderer of a Japanese businessman.
A handful of gripping fight scenes are featured, which although
don't show Jet doing anything particularly taxing, do keep the story
rolling along.
The very fact we care about Jet's character make things far more
tense than if he were the Arnie-esque "all action, unbeatable
hero".
Eric Tsang also gives a superb performance, adding some pathos and
comedy to the film, without going overboard.
In fact, Lee and Tsang's scenes together are so well handled that
the moments of drama and feeling resonate more so than in other
films of their genre.
The usual payoff action sequence at the film's conclusion is an
impressively taut affair, with Jet facing off against a huge Western
henchman and a Katana-wielding villain.
Suspend your disbelief at the plotting, enjoy the performances,
and reap the rewards.
An at times grainy image
exhibits some very noticeable dust and marks midway through, but
is otherwise highly detailed.
Colour is good, and little to no artifacting is apparent.
Even a well-placed chapter-stop finds its way into the mix, making
this a very pleasing visual presentation
