Danny is an enslaved fighter who gets a chance at peace after a stranger takes him in and shows him the compassion he’s lacked his entire life. When his former handler comes knocking, Danny has to fight his past to preserve his future.
Unleashed is a 2005 martial arts film packed full of heart. Jet Li stars as Danny, a living weapon who’s owned and treated like a dog by a low level crime boss, Bart. Portrayed by Bob Hoskins, Bart has had Danny in his life since his childhood. He keeps him under control, with a collar around his neck. The collar, once removed, signals Danny to attack anyone in his path. This is where the title of the film originates, and leads to a lot of fantastic fights. However, Unleashed is far more than a film about unchecked aggression.
Danny, when he isn’t annihilating his targets, is a soft spoken individual. A night and day difference between relentless violence and an otherwise silent existence. Jet Li’s portrayal of the character captures everything from his physical ferocity to his timid vulnerability. Life hands Danny an opportunity when he happens upon Sam, a blind pianist, played by the iconic Morgan Freeman. In a brief moment while out on a job, Danny encounters Sam and quietly accompanies him as he tunes a piano. After being wounded and seemingly left alone, Danny works his way back to Sam. He’s taken in, mended, and introduced to Sam’s adopted daughter, Victoria. His new friends quickly become his new family, as he joins them in meals and accompanies them on their day-to-day lives. Still tethered to his childhood conditioning, Danny’s only hangup is his collar. He won’t allow it to be touched, out of fear of what he may do if it’s removed. After getting settled in with his new family, Bob returns to try to reclaim Danny as his own personal weapon again. With his new life threatened, Danny has to use his talent for relentless fighting to protect them.
Unleashed has a simple premise, but it’s executed beautifully. Thanks in no small part to Pierre Morel’s role as the film’s cinematographer. The film’s fights don’t suffer from shaky camera work, and transitions between scenes are beautifully done. Morel’s cinematography pairs well with the editing work of Nicolas Trembasiewicz. One second Danny is laying waste to a punching bag, then the falling sand segues into pouring rain which immediately pulls us into the next moment. Practical transitions like these keep Unleashed feeling fresh, even as it nears its twenty year anniversary. This comes as no surprise since Morel is the man behind such films as District B13 and Taken, while Nicolas’s work includes the likes of Wasabi and The Transporter. All great action films that captivate the audience with far more than just brutality.
The story sits at home among Luc Besson’s other work. The writer of The Fifth Element, Leon the Professional, and Le Femme Nikita. Besson is amazing when it comes to weaving together a narrative that showcases the duality of man. Unleashed is yet another balance of awe inspiring action and emotionally captivating drama. Viewers will find themselves worried about Danny as often as they are taken back by his sheer brutality. While it may not be the most well known of his work, fans of Besson’s other offerings will find everything to love about Unleashed.
As for the fights themselves, Jet Li should consider Unleashed one of his best outings. Before his adopted family takes him in, his actions are cold, quick, and lethal. After he’s discovered kindness and denounces his violent ways, his fighting style becomes pure defense. All blocking, physical redirection, and disarming. The fighting style changes yet again when Danny is forced to protect the people he loves for the first time. No longer a guard dog, Danny uses his talents for his own ideals. Jet Li’s athletic prowess, and acting range, makes Danny an unforgettable protagonist.
It isn’t often I can call a movie “timeless”, but Unleashed has earned the right. A perfect blend of martial arts action, organized crime drama, and heartwarming family values, create the perfect ensemble needed to ensure that this story hits home for audiences for many more years to come. If you know anyone who’s looking for a martial arts film, and they haven’t experienced Unleashed yet, be sure to prep them for a movie night and solve that problem immediately. If you haven’t seen it yourself, now’s your sign to get on it. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.