Unleashed (2005) (AKA Danny the Dog)
"Unleashed" is the "3-Iron"
for frat boys. It's an often fast paced and violent
film that ultimately stops for long segments which
explore the beauty of life, the arts, romance, family
and friendship. It's a film that has a unique and
important message which is masked by its seemingly
simple story of a young fighter, raised as an attack
dog, who finds love and hope in the arms of a surrogate
family. This is a divine and inspired film.
Jet Li is phenomenal as a man who
has been trained since childhood, brainwashed if you
will, to be a viscous killing machine. His owner and
"uncle," played by the ever reliable Bob Hoskins,
has placed a collar on his charge and, taking a page
from Pavlov, conditioned the young man to attack whenever
the collar is removed. This cause and effect of bringing
about brutal havoc at the proverbial flip of a switch
has made the uncle a very prosperous and well- respected
(i.e. highly feared) money lender.
Li creates a living, ferocious beast,
a man who behaves as an attack animal, earning him
the nickname "Danny the Dog." But when the film slows
down, and Morgan Freeman is introduced as a blind
piano tuner who befriends Li, the entire piece switches
in mood and atmosphere. Li makes the change too, bringing
to his role a depth and passion that swallows the
viewer whole. We too are drawn into this world of
quiet and compassion. It is through Li's eyes that
we begin to be able to see what could be a path to
enlightenment and happiness.
Filmmaker Louis Leterrier is quite
remarkable at moving deftly and quickly between the
worlds of violence and solace with nary a moment to
question such a monumental shift. The beginning of
the film is so violent and action-packed that it is
easy to begin to have a testosterone driven reaction
to the piece. We get into it. Leterrier is able to
engage us with Li and Hoskins in the turbulent story
that is unfolding. The true beauty if Leterrier's
work as that he is just as equally at home with the
quiet dignity of the opposing sequences. And so, as
a viewer, we travel with Li between these two opposing
fields. And, like he, we find ourselves questioning
our own violent nature and bloodlust as viewer. This
is a very mature and important movie, one that may
lose some younger, immature audience members but will
also open up the ready and willing viewer into considering
the nature of violence not only in society but within
ourselves.
There's something kinky and titillating
about Hoskins keeping a young man as a pet, a dog,
a useful toy. There is an underlying sexual subtext,
hinted at in the film, that makes the entire idea
stimulating in a perverse way. What is amazing about
this film is that through the amazing storytelling
by the director and scripter Luc Besson, and through
the remarkable performances of Li, Freeman and Kerry
Condon, we are equally moved and drawn in by the beauty
and comfort of home and family. Li's performance as
a man purposefully socially and mentally retarded
by a demented and violent man who flowers under the
mentoring and love of another man is simply breathtaking.
It is the performance of his career.
A man is not a dog. And sometimes
movies are more than just a story. "Unleashed" is
more than just a story. It's a celebration of life,
love, spirituality, healing, family and art. It's
a celebration of the human spirit.
Note:
Also with Phyllida Law.
Besson and Li are also credited
as producers.
Score by Massive Attack and RZA.
Filmed in Scotland, England and
France.
Hoskins role was written for Albert
Finney, who did "Big Fish" instead. The role was also
offered to Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins and Brain
Cox.
The European version entitled "Danny
the Dog" is a bit different from the US release.
Viewed in Austin in June of 2005.
