It can feel that Robert Clouse must have made a faustian pact back when he helmed “Enter the Dragon”. For all of that film's iconic success, he seemed doomed to be forever searching to recapture it to slowly diminishing returns. From “Game of Death” to “The Battle Creek Brawl”, Golden Harvest would return to him frequently when co-producing stateside. So it was no surprise in 1990 that they would hire him one last time. Eureka Entertainment brings those final features to blu ray and once again Cynthia Rothrock throws down in “China O'Brien”.
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China (Cynthia Rothrock), city cop and martial arts teacher saves a student but unwittingly shoots a kid dead. Leaving the Force, she returns home to Beaver Creek where her Sheriff father John (David Blackwell) is finding law and order hard to maintain as local crime boss Sommers (Steven Kerby) owns most of the officials. Reacquainted with former flame Matt (Richard Norton) and assisted by drifter Dakota (Keith Cooke), they take revenge after John is slain in the line of duty.
American martial arts cinema was often confined to the grindhouse theatres during the 1970's and 80's. Hong Kong Style action did not really become a factor until the late 1990's when the infusion of migrating talent saw the genre transform. Until then it had proven challenging for eastern talent to break through, with even Jackie Chan failing several times. Cynthia Rothrock with her blonde haired all-American look would have been an easier sell to local audiences. She had become the first western women to headline a Hong Kong movie with “Lady Reporter” as well as making her name alongside Michelle Yeoh in “Yes Madam” and Yuen Biao in “Righting Wrongs”. It gave her audience recognition value with hardcore action fans. So Golden Harvest made an attempt once more, handing directorial duties to Robert Clouse and giving her some solid back up with frequent co-star Richard Norton.
“China O'Brien” is certainly a cut above the average B movie. Whilst no visual stylist, Robert Clouse knew how to position the camera to good effect. The action sequences, whilst inevitably slowed down in terms of speed (a frequent issue with the genre back then) offer a showcase for the three leads. Keith Cooke gets the flashy kicks, Richard Norton the power and Rothrock the finesse. She was an expert in weapons and so the fights make use of natural surroundings. The gym battle is a highlight as the equipment gets an alternative use. The stuntmen take a pounding and if they seem a little more clumsy than what may be expected then bear in mind the rarity of this style at this juncture. This is a genre that at the time was more used to Chuck Norris and his karate moves. What we get is a good ol' boy small town scrap but with added fluency and grace.
Cynthia Rothrock herself admitted she did her best action in Hong Kong and acting in America. Here we get probably the closest to it meshing together. She has little drama to do, apart from one scene but holds her end up well. Richard Norton is laid back even if his Aussie twang comes through more often than not. A special mention to his character though. Ex special forces turned teacher. Something that would later become a cliche with Van Damme and Seagal etc, as deadly warriors could be found in the most mundane professions. Keith Cooke gets an excellent showcase as the one-handed fighter. His backstory feels a little forced but at least there is an arc. It's a shame that his career never really took off following this. “Beverley Hills Ninja” is a credit no-one really wants on his cv.
The villains are a curious mix of Burt Reynolds good ol' boy small town Americana. The sort you'd see regularly in the 80's. Racist, sexist and the very definition of redneck. They make for a dislikeable bunch. The stuntmen are typical of the time and look like they are struggling to keep up with the talented trio of leads. It means you never get a sense that they are in any real danger as whilst outnumbered they are never really outmatched.
Whilst no classic in relation to her best Hong Kong work, as an introduction to western audiences it's a solid vehicle for Cynthia Rothrock. Backed with a solid supporting cast it's an entertaining B-movie that perfectly hit's the target in the era of the straight to video era.
