While Jade is the latest martial arts release from Well Go USA, there is a lot of movie homage' here for movie fans, and martial arts movie fans alike. It blends the elements of 1970's Blaxploitan films with modern martial arts action. On some levels Jade is like Foxy Brown (1973) meets Kill Bill (2003). However, I don't think you need to be a film aficionado to enjoy this as an action, martial arts movie experience.
While this is a low budget, simply scripted, and simply shot movie I think the result is greater than the sum of the parts. Jade really is a fun time.
We start the movie following the accidental death of the main character's brother. The back story, of a young girl whose parents' die, and is introduced into Gang life in an unnamed city starts to unfold and is intertwined throughout the story. We learn, almost collaterally, about Jade and her life and history. As she is coping with her brother's death she becomes entangled in the deadly quest for a hard drive of international significance. While these details are hardly believable, it really doesn't matter. Jade's appeal is not built upon the movie's story; it is built upon its characters and its martial arts action sequences.
Shaina West is the titled character, and the heart of the film. She is as deadly as she is sexy. Most of all Jade is really, really cool. She is cool, from the way she dresses, to the way she talks, to the way she throws her hands and feet. She has a strong moral compass and she is skilled in the art of kicking butt-whether with her hands and with a blade. I think if West did not have the screen presence she commands the film could have been received in a very different way. She sells the camp, but she doesn't oversell it. She is fun to watch throughout this one.
The martial arts choreography, particularly considering the basic way this film as shot is very good. It is also plentiful. There are numerous fight sequences, and gun battles packed into a 90 minute romp. They are well done.
Mickey Rourke has morphed into the quintessential cartoon villain, and that is on full display here. He is perfect for the role.
Mark Decascos is a seasoned martial arts action start and stunt man in his own right. He is good but his fighting acumen is completely underutilized in this film. Perhaps, if there are future film installments featuring West's Jade, we will get to see a little of Mark's martial arts prowess.
James Bamford does an admirable job as the Director. The film is simply shot. He does a good job making the low budget nature of the film seem like it is part of the retro-cool feel, rather than a consequence of stretching limited dollars.
I recommend Jade highly. It does contain violence and is not meant for kids. However I like Jade, both the character and the movie. I hope we get to see more of her in the future.
