The Bodyguard from Beijing

An action film set in Hong Kong. A bodyguard from the mainland is sent on a job. A woman named Michelle has witnessed a murder and will testify in court; until then she must be protected. He rebuilds the house completely. Windows, doors, the alarm, the position of the bedroom and the daily routine; everything is arranged for safety. The household is unhappy about it. Michelle finds it excessive and argues with him constantly. Then the first attack comes and the seriousness of the situation becomes clear. The second half consists of a series of fights: in the house, in a shopping centre and in a warehouse at the end. A closeness begins between the two; he will not accept it and keeps his distance. The narrative openly resembles an American film, and that resemblance was a common method in Hong Kong cinema of the period; a pattern is taken and rebuilt through fight choreography. The fights are the real strength: close quarters, fast cutting and few effects. Jet Li plays the bodyguard and Christy Chung plays Michelle. Kent Cheng is in the cast. Corey Yuen directed and did the choreography. A solid choice for anyone who likes Hong Kong action cinema. For a viewer expecting an original plot, the film follows a familiar pattern.