THE PROTECTOR

Cinemavixion Review

James Glickenhaus delivers a gritty, urban actioner with "The Protector." This 1985 film plunges viewers into the neon-drenched streets of Hong Kong, where NYPD officers, including a charismatic Jackie Chan in an early American crossover role, are tasked with dismantling a dangerous drug ring. Chan's signature blend of acrobatic martial arts and death-defying stunts is on full display, offering a thrilling counterpoint to the film's more conventional thriller elements. The narrative, while straightforward, provides a solid framework for the explosive set pieces and features a compelling performance from Danny Aiello. For fans of classic Hong Kong action cinema with a Western sensibility, "The Protector" remains a noteworthy entry, showcasing Chan's burgeoning star power before his global domination.