Jackie Chan and John Cusack Team Up to Defend the Silk Road in ‘Dragon Blade’

Sandra Miska

Some of the best actors from two continents have come together to create one epic film, “Dragon Blade.”  Released earlier this year in China and already a hit in that part of the world, “Dragon Blade” will make its debut stateside Sept. 4.

Inspired by actual events, “Dragon Blade” is a historical action film set in western China in the year 48 B.C. Jackie Chan, who is also the film’s action director, plays Huo An, the leader of a group under the Chinese government known as the Silk Road Protection Squad, a group that works to stop battles and promote peace.  After successfully averting a battle between the Indians and the Huns, during which Huo An beats Cold Moon (Lin Peng), a female warrior who was previously undefeated, Huo An returns home and is reunited with his wife, Xiu Qing (Mika Wang).  Because her family is of the Han tribe, her “interracial” marriage with Hun is controversial.  However, both husband and wife work to set an example, not just through their marriage, but also through their work.  Huo An and his squad promote peace along the Silk Road, while Xiu Qing teaches poor children from all tribes at a small school.

Huo An’s tranquility is disrupted when he learns that him and the rest of the squad have been framed for smuggling gold.  As punishment, the men are sentenced to construction work at a ruined fortress, Goose Gate.  Once there, they are disrupted by the arrival of a Roman legion led by the great warrior Lucius (John Cusack).  It might sound like the stretch to have the star of “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “High Fidelity” in such a role, but he makes it work, as the character is more than a fighter machine.  Cusack shows his tender side in his relationship with Publius (Jozef Liu Waite), heir to his father’s throne.  Lucius has taken the boy on the run following the assignation of his father by Publius’s unhinged older brother Tiberius (Adrien Brody).

Huo An and Lucius initially brawl, but once Huo An realizes all the Romans need is food and other necessities, they come to a truce.  A friendship is formed, and the Romans help Huo An and his men rebuild Goose Gate.  Unfortunately, the peace and harmony doesn’t last long, as Tiberius and his army of 100,000 arrives with plans not only to take down Lucius, but also to gain control of the entire Silk Road.  Playing against type, Brody does an excellent job of showing his ruthless side.  In one memorable scene, he goes as far as to lick the blood of a man he betrays and murders.

What’s great about “Dragon Blade” is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.  The dialogue, which is in both English and Mandarin with subtitles, is at times cheesy, but that just adds to the fun factor.  Although too violent for young children, it is overall an audience-pleasing film filled with great messages about peace, loyalty, racial harmony, and following through.

Because the film was cut down from its original Chinese version, “Dragon Blade” loses a little something in translation.  The character of Cold Moon is underdeveloped.  After Huo An defeats her, she considers herself to be his wife (which makes for an awkward meeting when she meets his actual wife).  One assumes this was explained a little better in the original version.  In addition, Lucius reportedly had a more developed, interesting back-story in the original film that is missed in this version.

“Dragon Blade” opens in theaters and on VOD September 4.