Island of Fire (1990), also known as The Prisoner in some regions, is a gritty Hong Kong action-drama directed by Kevin Chu and starring a powerhouse cast including Jackie Chan, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Sammo Hung, Andy Lau, and Jimmy Wang Yu. Despite being marketed heavily as a Jackie Chan film, he actually plays more of a supporting role, and the movie leans more into prison drama than martial arts spectacle.

The story follows several prisoners who come from different backgrounds and are serving time in a brutal, corrupt prison system. Their lives intertwine when they uncover a dark conspiracy involving extrajudicial killings and manipulation by high-ranking officials. Jackie Chan’s character, an undercover cop sent to prison to investigate the murder of a fellow officer, is a central figure in this tangled plot of revenge, justice, and redemption.

Island of Fire stands out from Chan’s usual fare. It’s darker, more violent, and emotionally charged, with heavy themes of betrayal, brotherhood, and moral ambiguity. While there are some fight scenes, they’re less flashy and more grounded than typical Jackie Chan choreography, focusing more on raw emotion and survival than acrobatics.

The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, particularly Sammo Hung, who brings depth to his tragic character. The movie is not without its flaws—pacing issues and tonal shifts between action and melodrama can feel jarring—but it’s an ambitious project that attempts to combine action with serious social commentary.

For fans expecting pure Jackie Chan-style action, this might not fully satisfy. But for those interested in Hong Kong cinema with a grittier edge and a strong cast, Island of Fire is a compelling and underrated entry.