Fatal Mission (or Final Gate) is a movie that is hard to watch. In
essence it is one of the so many action movies made in the eighties and
nineties that Hong Kong is famous for. And usually these movies have
something to offer. The problem with this movie is that it is trying to
be more than it actually is. For a thriller this movie lacks serious
tension or excitement. Even the drama bits are difficult to digest
because of the bad English dubbing (at least in the DVD version I got
to see). I am not saying that the movie would have improved much if the
original Cantonese language was used. Since it is obvious that the
acting is bad. Saskia van Rijswijk who was excellent in China White has a much bigger role as a corrupt cop who goes from bad to worse. At
one point in the movie it becomes apparent that she is a head case. Now
I don't know if it was the director's intention to evoke some interest
or sympathy for her character but in my opinion she has way to much
screen time. If the scenes displayed more of her skill as a kickboxer
than I wouldn't have any trouble with it. But why would I want to see
Saskia act? I think I speak for most of the fans that we want Saskia to
kick butt and beyond. This lack of action is what ultimately kills the
movie. The one decent action scene at the finale is much too short and
comes too late to save this movie.
Save the agony and avoid this movie.
Watch this German trailer for fun. Like most trailers it makes it seem like Fatal Mission is a non stop action film. But it's the exact opposite.
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