American Dragons

The movie is a slightly-above average violent action flick about a mismatched pairing of a rebellious American cop and a foreign policeman. Interesting setting, involving the Italian Mafia fighting it out with the Japanese Mafia and a mysterious Asian assassin in New York City. Michael Biehn is the hot-tempered policeman who gets paired with a Korean cop from Seoul, Korea (Joong-Hoon Park), while investigating the beginnings of a gangland war between the two crime syndicates. Lots of silly fights and violent action scenes. What raises the film above the standard is the Asian motif, the Mafia vs. Yakuza, and the good performances of Biehn and Park.

True, the movie has this cheapish aura. But for some reason, the action wasn't even that crap. For example, the shooting in the bowling center had some sort of passion that is uncommon for a direct-to-video. Heck, even some of the more "cinema-worthy" movies couldn't beat this action. Rocco blasting everyone away with this jackhammer, while on the background you heard some opera. I liked it :P The dialogue's can be considered cheesy, but again, the dialogue's were crafted with some sort of passion that again, is truly uncommon for such a movie. And last but not least, I always had a soft spot for Michael Biehn... Or maybe I just played too much Tiberian sun ;) The Chinese guy was quite funny as well :D He had some sort of own style, instead of a plain Jacky Chan rip-off guy image you may get from him while you see him first. Don't get me wrong, I don't say this is a must-see or anything. But if you don't have anything better to do, and you notice in your TV-guide this movie is on at 12AM like it was in my country, you might as well go check it out!

A very well written and superbly directed film with the old standby mis-matched cop theme. Lots of action, slick camera work and nicely done fight scenes throughout with last ten minutes that always makes for good entertainment. Yes we love it when the bad guys get their just reward. Subtle twist ending left open for sequel.

New York detective Tony Luca is paired with South Korean detective Kim after a failed sting, as they navigate a deadly Mafia-Yakuza conflict while facing cultural clashes and personal demons.

Orion's American Dragons (1998), also known as Double Edge and The First to Die, inexplicably skipped a release in the U. K. until 2005. Director Ralph Hemecker blends action and drama with shades of American Yakuza (1993) and Black Rain (1989). The cinematography by Ernest Holzman enhances the noir-like atmosphere, while Joel Goldsmith's score adds tension and intensity. The action sequences are a mixed bag-some are executed with precision, while others are less well executed. With scattered fistfights and shootouts the tense opening, alley fight, bowling alley encounter are particularly notable highlights.

Michael Biehn delivers a strong performance as the hardened Luca, bringing both edge and depth to his role. Park Joong-hoon holds his own, adding humor and charm. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa makes an impression as Matsuyama, though his screen time is limited. Don Stark as mobster Rocco injects energy, making his scenes particularly engaging.

The film strikes a balance between gritty action and lighter moments, offering amusing one-liners without veering into full buddy-cop comedy. Biehn shines and carries the film effortlessly.

While Hemecker's offering may not have the scale or reach the heights of likes of Red Heat (1988), it's still wonderfully atmospheric, embracing the fish-out-of-water dynamic, creating a stylish crime shoot-em-up.

Okay, if you want a good movie with comedy between America and China, pick up the Rush Hour franchise. Don't get me wrong, I love Rush Hour, but I love the seriousness and suspense that's felt in some of the scenes, especially when the leader of the Yakuza meets his underlings in the harbor office. If you understand a bit of Japanese customs and culture, you would be able to feel that level of tension that I'm talking about.

I'm also a nut about Korean and Japanese cultures and customs and I was able to get into it easily. What Michael Biehn said at the end, "kahnsahamnida," is Korean for "Thank you very much." I train in Tae Kwon Do (a Korean Martial Art), and it's what drives my fascination about the cultures of Korea and Japan. Okay, I'm drifting off the subject, so I'll get back ON the subject.

A murder in Seoul,Korea of a detective's family...a black lotus origami-styled folding (I have no idea what they call it in Korea, so I'm using the Japanese similarity. If anyone knows what it's called, please let me know.) is the only clue that's given. Fast forward several years later to a murder in the New York alleyways; several members of the Yakuza are flat on their backs with their throats slashed out. A NY detective (Biehn) investigates the area and notices a black lotus origami floating by and scans the design to be sent to all police networks around the world. It is the same detective who's family was murdered that picks up the bulletin and when the two meet, you can tell there's some resentment until they have at it. It gets even better when the two go meet the Yakuza at the Harbor office.

I won't say anything more, but it gets better and better. I recommend this movie for anyone who wants good serious police work between two cultures.