The Protector
Review by Jack Sobjack
One could only imagine what would have happened
if Jackie Chan was given more control over his second attempt at trying
to make it in Hollywood. But director James Glickenhaus had his own ideas
on how to make Jackie a star. By turning him into a Chinese Dirty Harry!
Even though he's known for his comedic expressions, Chan's no stranger to
more serious acting (Heart of Dragon, Miracles and Crime Story, just to name
a few). However, it's clearly obvious he was more than slightly uncomfortable
with his character in The Protector, and one of the reasons why, after director
Glickenhaus left once his duties were done, that Chan reshot the ending as
well as adding additional scenes.
While Chan's version is much improved from the original one the overall
plot is pretty much the same:
Jackie plays a New York cop whom, after
getting into trouble with the force, is paired up with Danny Aiello (who's
great in this). They are sent to Hong Kong on a tip to rescue a kidnapped
fashion show hostess that ultimately puts them in the middle of a war between
two drug lords fighting for control.
What I really want to discuss is the differences between both films. And
since I try to find the good in even the worst of films, I'll stick to the
more positive aspects because I feel it behooves everyone to see at least
one version of this movie (I'd recommend the HK version). The American Protector
has some interesting things about it. For instance, it's the only film you'll
ever hear Jackie using foul language. Like when he tells the owner of a speedboat
to "Give me the %@$#ing keys," my jaw just about hit the floor before I burst
out laughing. It was so odd to hear that from Jackie. There's also a scene
that includes a visit to a massage parlor for info where Jackie and Danny
are treated to a strip tease and a massage from two lovely naked women, before
they turn on them and both guys are fighting for their lives.
In the HK version, Chan removes all the nudity, profanity and American slang.
He also creates a sub-plot involving Hong Kong singer-actress Sally Yeh and
reshoots the final fight with him and martial artist Bill Wallace. It's also
a hoot to hear Danny Aiello speaking perfect Chinese while he mouths English
words!
Now I'd be a remiss if I didn't mention the main reason why I implore you
to see The Protector. And that is to see two of my favorites in the same movie.
Jackie Chan and Moon Lee. Although Moon doesn't get to do any fighting (she
does lay the smack down on Jackie though) she's great in this nonetheless.
And she really gives Jackie some wicked attitude. Knowing he's a cop and that
it could bring trouble, Moon doesn't moon over Jackie (I couldn't resist),
but later they unite to take on the bad guys.
(My rating for the American version: 5.0)
My rating for the Hong Kong version: 7.0