Review: Jet Li’s The Enforcer (1995)
MY FATHER IS A HERO (1995)
(aka Letter to Daddy, The Enforcer and Jet Li’s The Enforcer)
starring Jet Li, Anita Mui, Xie Miao, Yu Rongguang/ directed by Corey Yuen
Jet Li is an undercover cop who takes on a dangerous mission to infiltrate a deadly drug gang working in Hong Kong. Along the way a savvy Hong Kong CID officer (Anita Mui) and his kung fu son (Msu Tsi) get mixed up in the action.
Typical of many Corey Yuen (aka Yuen Kwei) movies, the plot rarely make much logical sense. However, if you’ve seen enough of his movies, you might realize the only reason for characters’ bizarre motivations is to set up a specific scenario for the next action scene. Do NOT ask for the characters actions and motivations to make any sense. Instead, realize they are only setting up the framework for the action to follow.
Xie Miao plays Jet Li’s son and is very much the co-star in this flick. This is one of those rarest occasions where a young child can perform impressive action while convincingly battling adults twice his size. This was the second flick he starred in with Jet Li after THE NEW LEGEND OF SHAOLIN. Also the bond between father and son feels genuine, making both characters more likable in the process.
Overall, the fights are fast and frenetic. I’m personally not a big fan of wire work, and though there are a few instances that look rather silly (I’ll just say “yo-yo” scene and leave it at that), overall it’s used sparingly. There are also some impressive stunts peppered throughout with the standard HK flare.
Should I Watch it?
The story itself isn’t anything to write home about, but that’s usually not the reason we sign up for these movies. If you’re willing to forgo the ludicrous scenarios, nonsensical plotlines, and a fairly slow middle part, you should walk away enjoying it. I don’t think it’s one of Jet Li’s best, but it is fun and worth watching nonetheless.
Story Rating: [usr 3] Kung Fu Rating: [usr 4]
Got Netflix? You can watch it here:
The Enforcer (aka My Father is a Hero)
