Rent Year of the Dragon (1985)

Gutsy Crime Drama - Year of the Dragon review by GI

The title of this gutsy crime film caused confusion when the film was released with people thinking it was a martial arts film. It is actually a very gritty and interesting cop drama set in New York's Chinatown. Mickey Rourke, then a rising star, plays NYPD cop Stan White who is assigned to Chinatown to deal with youth gangs but because he's confrontational and, scarred by his time in Vietnam, a racist he targets the neighbourhoods crime bosses who have traditionally been allowed to operate with impunity. The new boss of Chinatown, Joey (John Lone) is trying to make a big drug deal which Stan is determined to foil. Written by Oliver Stone and directed by Michael Cimino this is more than just a straight forward cop film, it has complexity and an intriguing plot that includes scenes in Thailand. Rourke is excellent here as the determined and damaged cop who refuses to kowtow to his superiors orders, the film also deals with his collapsing marriage and there is some realistic violence although the film is not simply a blood and guts story. This is a film that may have passed you by but it's worth checking out as it's a really interesting and clever variation on the traditional cop drama. There are themes here involving the effect on individuals and society following the Vietnam War and the inherent racism in everyday American life. It also draws a beady eye on police corruption and 'arrangements' made with criminals for political gain.