Whenever I think of Jackie Chan movies, the first thing that comes to mind is action. Shinjuku Incident is different though. Although it didn’t lose the usual fight scenes, they are not as flashy as compared with his popular action films.
This movie is heavy drama. The one thing I liked about this film is its compelling story. The story starts when Steelhead (Jackie Chan), a simple man from countryside, goes to Japan illegally to find for his fiancée. He then soon found out that his fiancée didn’t come back because she is already married and has a family.
And so he decided to be a legal citizen there. He got what he wanted, but only upon crimes, and provided a better life not only for himself, but also to his brother and friends who were also illegal immigrants. The story gets to show of how a man, after all his struggles in life, gets to pull himself up, only to be faced with greater challenges in life. The story provided many great lessons although it ended tragically. One great lesson that could be learned from this film is that people should learn to be contended and happy with what they have. Sometimes, upon searching for much more, people end up having a troubled and unsatisfied life.
Another thing that would stand out here is the acting and the development of characters. There are several scenes that you can’t help, but be touched. For me, the happiest moment is when Jie, Steelhead’s brother, was granted with his wish to have his own cart to sell chestnuts. The scene felt so peaceful and content.
The most dramatic scene, and I think the turning point of the story, is when Jie lost his right hand from the mob leader in their place who is very abusive with power. On his bed, still in shock and pain, Jie was crying and asking for his hand to be back. Steelhead on hearing the sobs of his brother can’t help, but also cry. This scene felt so hopeless.
Overall, the movie is good. This is one of those movies that although there are actions and crime, it never loses to provide a great story.
