“Kiss of the Dragon” (2001) is an action-thriller film directed by Chris Nahon and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, starring Jet Li in the lead role as Liu Jian, a highly skilled Chinese intelligence agent. The film combines intense martial arts choreography with a gritty revenge narrative, and it’s noted for its realistic fight scenes and minimal use of wires or CGI, which set it apart from other action films of the time.

Plot Summary

Liu Jian is sent from China to Paris on a mission to assist French authorities in capturing a corrupt drug dealer. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Liu is framed for murder by the corrupt French police officer, Jean-Pierre Richard (played by Tchéky Karyo). On the run in a foreign country, Liu teams up with Jessica (played by Bridget Fonda), an American woman forced into prostitution by Richard. Together, they seek to bring down the corrupt forces manipulating them.

Key Elements

• Jet Li’s Martial Arts: The film showcases Jet Li’s mastery of martial arts, with fast-paced and intricate fight scenes. Notably, the choreography emphasizes a more grounded and realistic approach to action, with Jet Li performing most of his own stunts. The film’s title refers to a dangerous pressure-point strike technique used by Li’s character, which causes a lethal reaction, leading to one of the film’s most memorable moments.
• Minimal CGI: One of the distinguishing features of “Kiss of the Dragon” is its reliance on practical effects and hand-to-hand combat rather than the wire-fu and computer-generated effects popular in martial arts films at the time. The fights are brutal and realistic, contributing to the film’s gritty tone.
• Themes of Corruption and Redemption: Beyond its action sequences, the film delves into themes of corruption within law enforcement and the struggle for personal redemption, as Jessica seeks to reclaim her life from the grip of her abusive captor.

Reception

“Kiss of the Dragon” received mixed reviews from critics. The film was praised for Jet Li’s fight scenes and its gritty action but criticized for its thin plot and one-dimensional characters. While the narrative is straightforward, action fans appreciated the film’s focus on intense martial arts sequences. Jet Li’s performance, in particular, was highlighted as a standout, showcasing his ability to balance calm, focused energy with explosive physicality​