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    Kiss of the Dragon
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    Kiss of the Dragon

    United States flagUnited States

    "Kiss Fear Goodbye"

    2001 1h 38m English, French, Mandarin
    69%

    User Score

    142,500 votes

    Community

    Overview

    Elite Chinese officer Liu Jian travels to Paris in July 2001 with a specific mandate to extradite the drug lord known as Mister Big. His French liaison, Captain Richard, guides him through local bureaucracy until a violent encounter at a witness's home results in Richard's death and Jian being framed for the murder. Suddenly the hunted rather than the hunter, Jian must survive a city where corrupt officials and criminal syndicates work in tandem.

    The film follows Jian's desperate flight across the streets of Paris as he teams up with Jessica, the only surviving witness who holds evidence against the crime network. Together they navigate a labyrinth of betrayals involving double agents and professional assassins while trying to clear their names before Mister Big escapes justice again.

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    PlotSpoiler-free

    Liu Jian steps off a plane in Paris carrying nothing but his credentials and a mission to bring down the notorious drug kingpin Mister Big. The elite officer from the People's Republic of China operates under strict orders to avoid any political friction while securing the extradition. His contact within the French judicial system is Captain Richard, a man who presents himself as a helpful ally but harbors secrets that will soon unravel everything Jian believes about his mission. The atmosphere in the city feels heavy with tension as international relations regarding drug trafficking remain fragile.

    The situation deteriorates rapidly when Jian and Richard visit the apartment of Jessica, a young woman who possesses crucial testimony against Mister Big. Local gangsters hired by the drug lord ambush them during this meeting, leading to a chaotic shootout. In the confusion, Richard falls dead, and the narrative immediately shifts as authorities arrive to find Jian standing over the body with the murder weapon. The frame-up is executed with surgical precision, leaving Jian with no allies and a warrant for his arrest issued by both French police and Interpol.

    Jian realizes the corruption runs deep into the highest levels of law enforcement. A shadowy figure known as Uncle Taï orchestrates the entire conspiracy from the shadows, using the guise of official duty to eliminate anyone who stands in the way of Mister Big's escape. With his handler dead and his reputation destroyed, Jian becomes a fugitive forced to rely on his martial arts training and wits to stay alive. He locates Jessica, who has also been targeted for silence, and the two go on the run through the crowded streets of the 19th arrondissement.

    The duo moves through a series of dangerous encounters involving street thugs, corrupt detectives, and hired killers. Jian uses his superior combat skills to dismantle obstacles one by one, turning the tables on those who hunt him. The investigation reveals that the conspiracy involves high-ranking officers who have been taking bribes to protect the drug trade. As they close in on the truth, Jian discovers that the man posing as Captain Richard was actually an imposter sent to ensure his demise. The real Richard died much earlier, and the deception was designed to make Jian look like a rogue agent acting alone.

    The stakes escalate as Mister Big prepares to flee the country with the help of his inner circle. Jian and Jessica race against time to expose the corruption and prevent the drug lord from escaping again. The narrative builds toward a confrontation that requires more than just physical strength; it demands a willingness to sacrifice personal safety for the sake of justice. Every step forward brings them closer to the masterminds behind the frame-up, revealing a web of deceit that extends far beyond simple criminal activity.

    As the final pieces fall into place, Jian understands that clearing his name means dismantling the entire syndicate operating within the French police force. The journey takes him through iconic locations in Paris, including the Seine River and various neighborhoods, adding a distinct European flavor to the action sequences. The story explores themes of honor and loyalty as Jian fights not just for his life but for the integrity of the law itself. The climax approaches with the realization that the true enemy is not just the drug lord but the system that protects him.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Kiss of the Dragon (2001) Original Trailer [FHD]

    Kiss of the Dragon - Teaser Trailer

    Kiss of the Dragon - Behind the Scenes

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    While Kiss of the Dragon delivers spectacular martial arts choreography and showcases Jet Li at his peak physical form, the film is often criticized for its thin plot and clichéd dialogue. Critics generally agree that the action sequences are the highlight, offering a visceral and entertaining experience, but the narrative fails to provide enough depth to sustain interest beyond the spectacle. It remains a solid entry in the action genre for fans of Li's work, even if it lacks the sophistication of other European action films.

    Top Cast

    Jet Li

    Jet Li

    Liu Jian

    Bridget Fonda

    Bridget Fonda

    Jessica

    Tchéky Karyo

    Tchéky Karyo

    Richard

    Ric Young

    Ric Young

    Mister Big

    Burt Kwouk

    Burt Kwouk

    Uncle Taï

    Cyril Raffaelli

    Cyril Raffaelli

    Twin

    Didier Azoulay

    Didier Azoulay

    Twin

    Crew

    Director

    Chris Nahon

    Writers

    Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen, Jet Li

    Composers

    Craig Armstrong, Chino XL

    Cinematographer

    Thierry Arbogast

    Producers

    Luc Besson, Steven Chasman, Happy Walters, Jet Li

    Awards

    Saturn Awards (2002)

    Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film: Nominated

    Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (2002)

    Favorite Actor – Action/Adventure: Won

    Golden Trailer Awards (2002)

    Best Action Trailers: Nominated

    MTV Movie Awards (2002)

    Best Fight: Nominated

    Keywords

    martial artsprostituteparis, francedrug smugglinggangsterconspiracypolice corruptiondrugsframed for murderaction hero

    Sources

    Facts

    China Ban
    Despite being a global hit, the film was banned in mainland China due to its depiction of police corruption and the portrayal of Chinese characters in a negative light, which conflicted with state narratives.
    Stunt Work
    Many of the fight scenes were performed by Jet Li himself, with minimal use of stunt doubles, showcasing his real-life martial arts background.
    Luc Besson's Influence
    Although directed by Chris Nahon, the film bears strong stylistic fingerprints of Luc Besson, who wrote the story and produced it. Besson's signature blend of action and drama is evident throughout.
    Bridget Fonda's Role
    This was one of Bridget Fonda's last major film roles before her retirement from acting in 2002.
    Paris Locations
    The film features several iconic Paris landmarks, including the Pont Neuf and the Place de la Concorde, adding a distinct European flavor to the action sequences.

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