Fatal Contact (2006)

Action flicks have been around since the beginnings of cinema but when it comes to staging a fight there is no one who does it better than the Asian studios. Hong King has reinvented the genre to such a point that it stands apart from the rest of the pack. Actors who specialize in other types of films can move on from the dashing leading man to the wise old man with a fair amount of ease. For the stars of these intense action films the transition is not so easy. As such there is always a younger man trained in martial arts waiting for his chance at stardom. The latest flick by Dennis Law ‘Fatal Contact’ is such a vehicle for such a rising star. In this case the young man in question is Wu Jing, known here in the States as Jacky Wu. With the announced retirement of such masters of the craft as Jet Li and the brightest star in the Hong Kong action universe Jacky Chan getting older it is up to the next generation to take over the genre. This film demonstrates that Wu is posed to be that next big thing. Here is a man with all the necessary requirements for this illustrious position. He is affable, lithe and knows how to kick some serious butt.

‘Fatal Contact’ is now released by Dragon Dynasty with the help of the leaders in independent films, Genius Products and The Weinstein Company. Instead of the usually plain vanilla release most Hong Kong action flicks get here in the States this time you get a full blow two disc special edition, emphasis on the word special. It is not as if you need the added inducement to get this film but it is nice to know they care enough about the fans to provide it. When you get down to it most films of this genre have a pretty standard plot. There is usually a young man who trains in some forbidden or ancient form of martial arts. Although he is generally unbeatable circumstances arise that he most face an overwhelming force. Usually there is a beautiful young woman involved who always needs rescuing. Along the way the audience gets the required scenes. You have to have a training segment of some sort. Here is where the young actor gets to flex his muscles flying through the air as if gravity was suspended. Then you have the initial round of battles where his reputation is solidified. Then, for a change in pace, there is the love scene where the damsel soon to be in distress bonds with the hero. All of this is topped off with the climatic battle where the hero is almost killed but manages to come back from the brink of disaster.

In this particular flick the hero is Kong Ko (Wu Jing). Not only is he well trained in the martial arts on the mainland he is considered the premier opera star. Yes Ko is able to belt out an aria while doing high kicks. This kind of public exposure soon brings him to the attention of two of the leading gangsters in the area Fai (Yu Gu) and Ma Ho-Keung (Siu-Fai Cheung). Since it appears to be a rule of some sort for these flicks the mob bosses make a lucrative living running illegal fights. They figure that a man of Ko’s popularity and skill would be a great draw increasing their profits. I suppose he could not only fight in the bouts but sing the national anthem before hand. Of course Ko refuses the initial offer, all heroes say no at this point. A change in heart comes when his rather blood thirsty girlfriend Tin (Miki Yeung), urges him to agree. She has a morbidly gleeful almost turned on look on her face when ever Ko beats a man to a bloody pulp. Where is Dr. Phil when you need him? Ko is disgusted by the degree of violence but love wins out. In the ring Ko is unbeatable, wining every match as the crowds cheer him on. While this makes Ma and Fai extremely happy it also has the downside of making Ko the number one enemy of the rival gang. All of this works its way up to the ultimate battle between Ko and the rival gang’s top contender. The Rocky films did the same thing but without the benefit of subtitles or dubbing to understand Sylvester Stallone.

Let’s face it; you don’t watch a movie like this for the story so it is beyond a reasonable expectation to think one would exist here. What you do want is action, bloody, impossible action, and there the film works very well. Normally you need to suspend belief a lot for a Hong Kong action movie. Here it helps a lot to completely suspend all high cognizant thought. I mean an opera star who out of his love for a girl in the touring company risks his life every night for a little money; she must be really special if you know what I mean. Saving the day are the fights. They are simply put incredible to watch. Wait until your wives and girlfriends are out of town before you watch this. If they get into it like Tin does you might consider seeking professional help for her.

As mentioned what sets this DVD apart from others in the genre are the extras. They are more complete and informative than those sported by major blockbuster releases. On disc one there is a very comprehensive commentary track featuring an expert in Hong Kong cinema, Bey Logan and the director Dennis Law. They detail every little fact about the film and how it fits in with the genre. Wu is amazing in this role. He appears to be able to act but there is no doubt at all concerning his abilities to deliver action in massive doses.

A Dragon Rising: this featurette focuses on the leading man, Wu Jing and the amazing feats of martial arts he performs here.

The Ringmaster: an interview with the director Dennis Law

Working Girl: and interview with Theresa Fu who plays Chui Chi, the prostitute best friend of Tin.

Young and Dangerous: an interview with Miki Young who plays the main bad guy.

Life is a Contact Sport: focuses on the difficulty involved with getting the fight scenes on film.

The film is presented with an anamorphic 2.35:1 video transfer. Some of the scenes are very dark but overall the color is well balanced. The audio truly shines here. You have the choice between the original Cantonese soundtrack in either Dolby 5.1 or DTS. There is also a dubbed version in English Dolby 5.1. There are subtitles for those who prefer that method. If you are a fan of the genre this is one to get and enjoy. This is the future of Hong Kong action and well worth it.

Posted 01/11/08