The Foreigner

I didn’t expect the final result. When I saw Jackie Chan’s name, I envisioned a high-octane action movie. Instead, what unfolded was a spy drama about the IRA, focusing more on a sophisticated plot than on action. It might sound like I’m disappointed, but quite the opposite. Pierce Brosnan and his dialogues, spiced up with some very effective explosions and one-on-one combat scenes (which were handled by Chan), were great. The plot started off brilliantly, and toward the end, it seemed like the script was running out of steam, but I was always proven wrong (plus, thumbs up for the fact that even though there were many surprising twists, I didn’t get lost... everything made sense). Martin Campbell knows how to make a solid film (Casino Royale being a prime example). The ending, and especially Chan’s fight in the apartment with the bombers, confirmed that The Foreigner was a success. I definitely recommend it, not only to fans of the two lead actors. I give it 82%. (04/12/2019)

From now on I will look at all the old guys in Chinese restaurants with greater respect. Bond vs. a Chinese Rambo in a solid political thriller about the IRA bombing campaign. Jackie Chan excels in the strong, minimalist role of the destroyed father. Brosnan has greater room and his Irish cussing is nectar for the ears. Campbell’s direction is highly skilled and he has something to say, but he talks about government intrigues instead of the vengeful Chinese man, which is a bit of a shame. Even so, this is an excellent movie. Martinez’s pulsing music works excellently. (11/08/2018)

Exactly what you expect when you look at the title of the film. Main character #1 and a revenge from the east. Action, politics and main character #2 from the west. As you can expect from the director’s name, the craftsmanship is very solid, the action is clear, but there's damn little of it. It's too far-fetched for a political thriller and not action-packed enough for a pure actioner, and they also rip-off Sicario’s score. But it still works pretty good. It's watchable, fine for fans of action entertainment, Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, and those who like the action-adventure style of Martin Campbell. (01/03/2018)

A real political (non) action thriller made in the old school way is the best policy. It is perhaps only hampered by the excessive Vandammian split between the two approaches; Chan's “(all) capable rambo-retiree having a vendetta" and Brosnan's “ambivalent intra-party IRA / Sinn Féin plotting". It seems that Chan's story line was additionally incorporated into Brosnan's. Because it plays a leading role and stands on its own (after all, Quan's actions have no effect at all it, everything would take place in exactly the same way without him). In any case, both story lines work great, but each on its own and there is no point in denying that even if they intersect in terns of plot, their style is completely different. Otherwise I think it´s great. Provided that you expect something in the style of a more chatty variation of Belmondo's Professional rather than Neeson's Taken. (01/14/2018)

The political backstory is rather far-fetched, though beautifully pulled off by a convincing Brosnan. But Jackie Chan is a badass, for real. I’m going on fifty and when I get home with my groceries and the lift is out of order, I panic at the thought of having to climb the stairs all the way to the sixth floor :o), whereas Jackie, at his blessed age, does one split jump after another and leaps across rooftops like a youngster. He’s a real fighter. I have to get his cardiologist’s number :o). (04/08/2020)