Shinjuku Incident

This is the third film in which Jackie Chan takes up serious cinema after ‘The New Police Story’ and ‘The Myth’. Of the three films his role in this film demands him to look much more serious and Jackie does just that. He smiles a few times and does not fight even in scenes where he should be. He has to put on a long face throughout.

At first it appears that the kung fu master was trying to re-invent himself taking all the blows from others. However, Jackie won’t be in a film where there are no fights, right? So, there are some brilliant stuff to look out for after the first half.

Set in the early 90s Steelhead (Jackie Chan) is an illegal Chinese immigrant in Tokyo looking for job. At the same time he is on the lookout for childhood love Xiu Xiu (Xu Jinglei).

With the help of some fellow Chinese he finds work and Xiu. In the process, he also finds himself in a tussle between two gangsters.

Director Derek Yee is known for his fine works. His understanding of the underworld life is reflected through his shots and exploitation of extreme violence. It is for this that China has banned him from screening the film there.

For Jackie Chan, he can’t be better than this. He is convincing and carries the film as the script demands of him. The only problem is that we are used to seeing him making funny action stuff. ‘Shinjuku Incident’ is different with its serious theme and some artistic value.