FlashCallahan
China O'brien, city police woman and martial arts trainer, is forced to hand in her badge and head home to the small town where she grew up. The town she knew is now struggling against the clutches of organised crime. When her father, who also happens to be the town sheriff, is killed, China decides to run for his position and clean up the town. The poll results spark a series of confrontations that decides who runs the town . . .I used to love this movie when I was younger. I was thirteen when this was first released, and it was at the height of the straight to video action surge we had in the late eighties, and early nineties. So it wasn't uncommon for films called 'king Of The Kickboxers', 'Martial Law', and 'Tiger Claws' to be really popular movies.But, as I've said already, I was young, and seeing the movie over twenty years ago, hasn't done me any favours in the nostalgia department.The main problem is, is that the film just isn't any good, and seeing and reviewing thousands of films,you realise that it was just a rehash of several other films, to get a prolific martial artist a movie deal.Van Damme, Seagal, and even Billy Blanks had an air of panache of them, but Rothrock looks like the P.E teacher from school you fancied, because you know you wouldn't stand a chance with the fit one.Fight scenes are poor, and the acting is also pretty bad.Nevermind, at least I'll never make mistake of recommending this film to anyone, like I did when I was thirteen.
BrickNash
I suppose this was an early attempt to fuse Hollywood with eastern martial arts films, thoroughly flaunting the fact that Robert Clouse, the director of Enter The Dragon was at the helm.Unfortunately, Robert Clouse was no great shakes as a director and this time there is no Bruce Lee.Bad acting, cheesy story and a TV quality feel, but none of that matters because the fight scenes are fantastic!!!!!This is where the film comes into it's own with a partial eastern production behind it. The fights are superbly choreographed and really show off the different talents of the three main fighters. There is a bit too much 'acting' between the fights but not overly so.Keith Cooke really steals the show with his amazing kicking techniques while Richard Norton opts for a more wrist lock and throw style which is cool beyond belief leaving Rothrock as a good all rounder. This allows you to pick your favourite depending on what style you like, very much like a video game which is good. The real downpoint to the film, and a lot of these east/west films suffered from this, is that there was no final threat to speak of. The main antagonist is an ageing man with zero fight capability and It was just really wave after wave of goons for the heroes to dispose of, which is no bad thing but it would have been better with a really threatening figurehead and a great end fight between China and a Boss.The film was in many ways far ahead of it's time and ticks a lot of boxes with regards to the feminist movement. The China O' Brian character is the superior authority in the film with all the lawmen working beneath her, Rothrock gets top billing in both opening and Closing credits and she is not sexualised in any scene and never wears anything lewd or revealing. For 1988 that was pretty much unheard of even in Hollywood let alone a low budget martial arts film.A great one to watch with mates or even a girlfriend. The sight of a woman kicking scumbag arse is universally appealing!
culwin
I actually saw China O'Brien II before I ever saw the original China O'Brien. And I have to say that the first incarnation is actually worse. But: worse = funnier! And funnier = better. If you're a bad movie fan like I am, this is great material. If, however, you are looking for any sort of meaningful plot, acting ability, or movie-making skill, this is best avoided. The best part is how they filmed all the fighting sequences in stuttering fast-forward. Hilariously bad. See it for a laugh, see it for mindless entertainment, but whatever you do, see it for free on TV.
Antzy88
This film and its sequel remain among the best Western showcases for Cynthia Rothrock's martial ability. Lori 'China' O'Brien (Rothrock) plays a cop who also teaches martial arts. One night, in an attempt to prove to a disbelieving student that martial arts could be applied to the street, she ends up killing a kid to defend a friend. Overcome with remorse, she resigns from the force and visits her parents. Unfortunately, instead of getting away from the trouble, it found her... As martial arts fare goes, this is not bad. You really felt like Rothrock's performance when she sheds tears at a very nasty incident was quite convincing. Another thing that works in the film's favour is the chemistry between Rothrock and co-star Richard Norton (Australian Karate exponent). As you might expect, though, the fights are what this and its sequel are really about, and these are some of the best Western fights ever, I reckon. None of the slowness of later efforts, and Rothrock's blows look very powerful (Hong Kong actor/director Sammo Hung says they ARE powerful). A big hand to Keith Cooke for his lethal boot-work, though. Switch your brain off and enjoy an early slice of real girl power.
AD
