Word About Biehn

In many ways, Double Edge (aka American Dragons) is a typical police action flick with buddy theme. It has a good dose of violence and blue language along with a story of power and greed that succeeds in holding the viewer's interest. However, what strikes me most is its attention to character, something too often missing from films of its kind.

We first meet Tony Luca (Michael) working undercover, trying to infiltrate the Fiorino family, a powerful NY crime organization. His efforts are disastrous, leading to the deaths of a policeman and bystander, and consequently he's pulled off the case. Reassigned to a brutal homicide, Tony discovers a clue that leads him to seek help via the police Internet. Enter Inspector Kim (Joong-Hoon Park), who responds to Tony's query and journeys from Korea to assist. Kim has his own reasons for wanting to be involved in this particular case, and with his arrival, the turf wars begin. Tony does not react well to Kim's intrusion on his territory, and Kim in turn does not appreciate Tony's streetwise methods. But with little choice in the matter, the two of them form an uneasy alliance and together uncover a connection between the murder, the Fiorino family, the local Yakuza, and a plot to set those two powerful syndicates at each other's throats.

The film is fast paced; the oft-used gang plot is satisfactorily treated; and there is good chemistry between the two protagonists. With one exception, the acting is quite competent; Michael is excellent, and I thoroughly enjoy Joong-Hoon's performance, but the actress who plays the police captain is unconvincing. The climactic fight scene takes place in the dark, making it frustratingly difficult to see, but there is still plenty of action throughout to please fans of the genre. I also really like the music, which has a plaintive sound that nicely complements the film's over all mood. However, the strength of Double Edge lies primarily in its characters. Both heroes are sympathetic, likable, and believably motivated. By allowing us to follow Tony and Kim through the transformation of their relationship from its tenuous and volatile beginnings to acceptance, respect, and ultimately, friendship, the film enables us to learn about them as they learn about each other. We get to know them and to understand and care about them.

As Tony, the tough cop haunted by his late father's connection to the mob, Michael hits the mark. He gives us a complex man driven to fight crime, who lives with violence and pain and seeks solace in his deep faith in God. That he is profoundly affected by his experiences is apparent in a number of telling scenes. I was especially moved by his nuanced rendering of Tony's reactions following the killing of the two innocent people: The removal of his cap and his solemn expression as he takes a brief moment to grieve over the slain police officer. His claiming of the murdered woman's scarf as he cradles her head in mourning. The later reappearance of that same scarf as Tony prays with it in church. The defeat apparent in his bearing as he walks by himself down darkened streets. My favorite scene occurs in Tony's apartment. There, we see his anguish and isolation as he struggles to cope with his grief and guilt. Finally he turns to his punching bag. With the camera at a distance, we see his obvious isolation and watch as Tony literally fights off his pain. It is through moments like these that Michael shows us the kind of man Tony is and wins for him our strong sympathy and support. They powerfully attest to Michael's ability to impart emotion to his characters and to draw it from his audience.

The willingness of Double Edge to focus on character and Michael's gift for evoking it happily combine to set this film a step above the standard action flick and make it well worth watching!