I rented this movie because Jet Li was in it and I love his action movie fighting style. It always amazed me the sheer beauty of his movements. Ballet was ever the nearest comparison I could envision when watching him in action.
Unleashed/Danny the Dog is utterly, astoundingly different. The opening scenes of violence were just that. Hard and vicious, no beauty, pure street-level brutality. As the character evolved, grew into a person, the style changed. It was still harsh and brutal, but tempered with a hint of the flow of his other works. I haven't noticed other commenters picking up on the transition, it deserves notice. In martial arts, movement is highly attuned to the person - and Jet Li certainly understood the need for Danny to transition as a person, a fighter and more in this movie.
There wasn't a single scene that didn't make you react - shock, sympathy, empathy or sheer longing for the character's freedom and growth. I sincerely hope Jet Li receives recognition for the intensity he brought to this role. It has quickly moved to being one of my favorites.
Unleashed/Danny the Dog is utterly, astoundingly different. The opening scenes of violence were just that. Hard and vicious, no beauty, pure street-level brutality. As the character evolved, grew into a person, the style changed. It was still harsh and brutal, but tempered with a hint of the flow of his other works. I haven't noticed other commenters picking up on the transition, it deserves notice. In martial arts, movement is highly attuned to the person - and Jet Li certainly understood the need for Danny to transition as a person, a fighter and more in this movie.
There wasn't a single scene that didn't make you react - shock, sympathy, empathy or sheer longing for the character's freedom and growth. I sincerely hope Jet Li receives recognition for the intensity he brought to this role. It has quickly moved to being one of my favorites.