The Foreigner

The Foreigner is a decent thriller in which Pierce Brosnan’s politician is a more interesting character than Jackie Chan’s avenger. Brosnan is a British Kevin Costner – a charismatic nice guy who, however, can also be a great fit for a dark role when he decides to take one from time to time. Do not expect to see too many of Chan’s fights, as they serve just to spice up the story of dirty political schemes with undertones of IRA terrorism, which the film presents to the audience in an attractive way with rising tension and pushing the characters into a corner. And frequent explosions. I enjoyed it, mainly because of the great Brosnan and his Irish accent, and also thanks to Cliff Martinez’s score comprising electronic music, which is seldom used in this particular movie genre. (22/01/2018)

Amazing! This movie absolutely reminded me of the reasons why I love Jackie Chan so much. Foreigner is a film that cleverly mentions still existing European terrorist organisations and their relationship with the political scene of that particular country. At the same time, it is dynamic and funny and sixty years old Jackie Chan steals all the action scenes for himself. Although during 30 percents of the fight scenes he looks like he will die of a stroke, he still manages to perform amazing somersaults and twists. I was really excited. This was exactly the kind of simple, stylish blockbuster full of European locations whose drive reminded me of Liam Neeson’s recent action movies and good old French crime films because of its thoughts and humanity. (07/01/2018)

The political backstory is rather far-fetched, though beautifully pulled off by a convincing Brosnan. But Jackie Chan is a badass, for real. I’m going on fifty and when I get home with my groceries and the lift is out of order, I panic at the thought of having to climb the stairs all the way to the sixth floor :o), whereas Jackie, at his blessed age, does one split jump after another and leaps across rooftops like a youngster. He’s a real fighter. I have to get his cardiologist’s number :o). (08/04/2020)

Exactly what you expect when you look at the title of the film. Main character #1 and a revenge from the east. Action, politics and main character #2 from the west. As you can expect from the director’s name, the craftsmanship is very solid, the action is clear, but there's damn little of it. It's too far-fetched for a political thriller and not action-packed enough for a pure actioner, and they also rip-off Sicario’s score. But it still works pretty good. It's watchable, fine for fans of action entertainment, Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, and those who like the action-adventure style of Martin Campbell. (03/01/2018)

From now on I will look at all the old guys in Chinese restaurants with greater respect. Bond vs. a Chinese Rambo in a solid political thriller about the IRA bombing campaign. Jackie Chan excels in the strong, minimalist role of the destroyed father. Brosnan has greater room and his Irish cussing is nectar for the ears. Campbell’s direction is highly skilled and he has something to say, but he talks about government intrigues instead of the vengeful Chinese man, which is a bit of a shame. Even so, this is an excellent movie. Martinez’s pulsing music works excellently. (08/11/2018)