The biggest problem with this film is the logic. How could a character like O'Rourke's survived on the force the way the character is portrayed and acted? Think of Gene Hackman's performance in the French Connection. Even though they are similar hard edged characters, Hackman was believable while O'Rourke was not .Hackman knew how to gauge his character from charming to obnoxious, while O'Rourke has outbursts and not much more. Also he looked too young to play the character. The horrible hair make-up just made it look silly- like a high school play. Second the affair between him and the reporter was vacuous . Why would this woman be attracted to this bore, even if she thought his cause was noble? He makes constant disparaging remarks about Asians that was off putting to me. I did not buy this contrived romance for a second. Also O'Rourke's motivation is unclear. Out of the nowhere he is championing for protection of the Asian community? Why? He clearly dislikes Asian people or does not trust them. The performances are wildly uneven from most of the cast with the exception of the Asian gangsters. That said the set design is great and there are some jaw dropping action scenes that are worth the price of admission alone. A mixed bad, but a spectacular one.
Review of Year of the Dragon
