The Netflix Revenge Thriller With The Greatest Action Star Ever
Jackie Chan is known for playing cheerful characters with a penchant for martial arts. But, as the 69-year-old actor continues to age out of the action genre, he’s begun to depart from the character acting he’s most well-known for. While Chan performs some martial arts in the 2017 Netflix movie, The Foreigner, the thriller diverges drastically from the cheerier movies that built the actor’s career.
The Foreigner Streaming On Netflix
Directed by Martin Campbell and based on Stephen Leather’s novel The Chinaman, the film takes viewers on a gripping journey of vengeance, political intrigue, and personal redemption. The Foreigner revolves around Ngoc Minh Quan, a London-based Chinese restaurant owner played by the legendary Jackie Chan. Quan’s life is shattered when his daughter becomes a victim of a terrorist bombing claimed by the Authentic IRA.
Fuelled by grief and a thirst for justice, The Foreigner kicks off when Quan embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s death and seek retribution against those responsible. This leads him to confront Liam Hennessy, a former IRA leader turned politician portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.
The Cast
The Foreigner features a stellar cast including Orla Brady, Michael McElhatton, and Liu Tao. Jackie Chan delivers a powerful and nuanced performance unlike any seen before. His portrayal of Quan is a departure from his usual roles, showcasing a depth of emotion and intensity. Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of Liam Hennessy blurs the lines between friend and foe.
The Setting
Filmed against the backdrop of London and Belfast, The Foreigner immerses viewers in a world of political intrigue and suspense. Director Martin Campbell’s deft hand brings Leather’s novel to life, infusing the film with tension and adrenaline-pumping action sequences. Cliff Martinez’s haunting score underscores the film’s dramatic moments, adding depth and intensity to each scene.
The Foreigner’s Reception
Released in 2017, The Foreigner garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its gripping plot, stellar performances, and taut direction. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone hailed Jackie Chan’s performance as a career-defining moment, while The Hollywood Reporter praised the film for its gravitas and intensity. Audiences echoed these sentiments, giving the film high marks for its thrilling action sequences and engaging storyline.
However, some critics expressed reservations about the film’s formulaic plot and convoluted storyline. Despite these criticisms, The Foreigner resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing its status as a modern classic in the action thriller genre. The film’s worldwide box office success solidified its place as one of the top-grossing action thrillers of the year, bringing in $145.4 million against a modest budget of $35 million.
A Sequel On The Way?
It’s not often that a film that does so well at the box office gets away without a sequel, and The Foreigner is no different. Discussions about a potential sequel began swirling immediately after its release and Jackie Chan has hinted at the possibility of a follow-up. However, as of now, nothing official is in the works, but according to STX producer, Adam Fogelson, there’s a strong possibility that will change.
In the meantime, fans who want to see Jackie Chan explore a deeper character experience can watch The Foreigner on Netflix.
