Special ID (2013)

A lot of criticism has been raised at SPECIAL ID for its production problems, resulting in a slightly choppy, hastily put-together movie and a story that isn't entirely satisfying. To be honest, none of this stuff bothers me when I watch an action or martial arts film; all I care about is the calibre of the action. After all, who watches something like WARRIOR KING for the story? The good news is that SPECIAL ID is a film packed with the best kind of action pulled off by Hong Kong producers: wonderful car chases, hard-hitting martial arts fights, and all manner of bruising brawls and showdowns. I could care less about the story, as long as I see Donnie kicking ass in a well-choreographed way, and SPECIAL ID gives us ample opportunity to see the star at his best.Okay, this film isn't of the calibre of KILL ZONE, or FLASHPOINT. But then, I didn't expect it to be; few films are. Instead, it's a decent thriller with some cracking and spectacular action scenes destined to be enjoyed over and over again. I really enjoyed watching it, and if that makes me an undemanding viewer, then so be it.

Weak action film is far from Donnie Yen's best.The plot has Yen as a deep cover cop battling a crime lord.I interviewed Donnie Yen when this film played at the New York Chinese Film Festival in November 2013 and before I could say anything about the film, or anything t all, Yen began talking about how disappointed he was in the film. He went on to talk about how the film was put together the wrong way and was doomed never to work. He seemed to be distancing himself from the film, which was strange since no one at the festival had seen it yet. You know a film can't be really good if its star bad mouths it.Actually the film is't horrible. The plot is a mess but the action mostly works and sometimes that's enough. In the present case it's almost enough, certainly the film would be worth seeing streaming or as a loaner, anything so long as you're not paying much to see it.Donnie's done mostly better and he's done worse.

Let's just say I know Special ID by heart now! After watching Donnie for 3 straight screenings, I recommend fans take another look at this film. So some spoilers here! The storyline was simple but the action fits the storyline. When you first watch Special ID, like any movie, you may miss some details. So it was exciting to see the "why" behind a character and the action. I thought it was mad funny how ever time he went to meet with the other gangs, he always got in trouble or had to fight his way out. He could never just leave. So this confirmed his mother's statement in how he is always getting in or causing trouble. I agree with Donnie. I wish they had not edited the relationship his character had with his mother. I had a lot of favorite and funny moments I liked. But two of my favorite lines was one when his mother said, "I've always wanted to protect you", when she revealed that she knew for years he was undercover. That was very heart-warming. The second, when his superior told him what his role will be when he went to the Mainland for the case. He whispered in his ear "Special ID" and Donnie's character responds, "What the hell is that?" Mad funny! Special ID reminded me of Donnie's "In the Line of Duty", "Tiger Cage" and "Cheetah on Fire" days for someone reason but just updated, more modern. In spite of the negative reviews from the get go, which was such an injustice and may have prematurely tainted fans opinion about the film, I predict Special ID is going to find a following in spite of its limited release.

The Hong Kong film industry is a mixed bag with one side of the spectrum containing half decent films with fairly good acting and plot, and the other side containing complete and utter tosh story lines with the only redemption being the fighting. Hong Kong triad films (of which there are millions which gives you an indication of the type of people you will find in Hong Kong...) mostly fall into the 2nd tosh category. The only exception was Indecent Proposal... I mean, Internal Affairs 1 (and possibly 2...) which someone in America loved so much that they did an American version.Donnie Yen has also starred in million of Hong Kong films. As someone mentioned, his career is also the same mixed bag. In recent years he has been involved in some respectful titles (Yip Man, Return of Chen Zhen, Painted Skin and Dragon Tiger gate amongst others). The problem is, he is known for his martial arts ability and poorly underused (or recognised) for his acting.But I can't help but feel that he has been forced into being in this film. No-one in their right mind would choose to be in this pile of rubbish, much less a HK A-star.Personally, there was one good thing about this movie. Despite being utter rubbish and a waste of 90 minutes it is STILL better than the rubbish that is called Iron Man 3, and that is why I gave Special ID 2/10. God knows how that other rubbish ended up as top grosser of 2013...