Movie Review: Special ID

Special ID (Tè Shu Shen Fèn) 

Starring: Donnie Yen, Tian Jing, Andy On, Ronald Cheng, Collin Chou, Terence Yin, Zhigang Yang, Hanyu Zhang, Hee Ching Paw, Cheung-Ching Mak 

Director: Clarence Yiu-leung Fok 

Beijing Starlit Movie and TV Culture, China Film Group, China Movie Channel China, 2013. 

Chan Chi-Lung (Donnie Yen) is a righteous but reckless cop who has been infiltrating triad-gangs for years. He dreams of returning to regular police work. He tries to take care of his younger gang members although his superior (Ronald Cheng) does not accept it. He also tries to take care of his mother Amy (Hee Ching Paw). Amy has a dangerous relationship wit gang's boss Xiong (Collin Chou). In mainland China a new crime boss Sunny (Andy On), who was old friend of Chan, is ruthlessly expanding his influence and steals Xiong's property.

Chan Chi-Lung

Chan must fight often against gang members

Sunny

So Chan travels to Nanhai to negotiate with Sunny and also to gather evidence against the gang. He has to partner with a strict by-the-book female detective Fang Jing (Tian Jing). Fang Jing has also a softer side, for example she likes Hello Kitty items. Then a mysterious assassin appears to complicate the game. The rift between Chan and his police colleagues widens but also Chan's cover identity is always in danger. 

Fang Jing

Fang Jing's Hello Kitty cup

Special ID is predictable but exciting martial-arts action film. Donnie Yen's fight scenes are excellent. Donnie uses not pure kung fu but a more street-wise mixed styles with joint locks. Also Tian Jing is someone to keep an eye on, her action scenes are also great. One of the fights occurs inside a Land Rover during a car chase. 

Andy On is a bit standard bad guy, but Collin Chou is interesting as a scheming gang boss. One comical supporting character is Big Noise Fa (Hua Yan) who shouts all the time. Dialogue at some scenes is cheesy but also has some funny light-hearted stuff. Some of the drama subplots are quickly forgotten, but that's usual in martial arts films. Metal style music fits the action scenes well. Movie has also gorgeous urban vistas of Chinese cities with skyscrapers.

Big Noise Fa

Nanhai skyscrapers

Rating: Good