Black Mask (1996)

There is plenty of unarmed combat in Black Mask, although there are also some shootouts and a fair number of explosions. The trailing effect of the bullets from the gun that the leader of the 701’s uses towards the end of the movie appears shockingly similar to the effects used in The Matrix three years later. Then again, most American audiences fail to understand that The Matrix borrowed heavily from past Hong Kong action movies, specifically Yuen Woo Ping’s earlier work.

The pacing of Black Mask is nearly perfect, there are no dull moments and the plot moves along swiftly during any stretches without action. Jet Li is perfect as the superhuman Black Mask, since he always exudes a calm confidence and menacing presence that is especially effective when his character is nearly unstoppable. Combining a strong plot and masterful choreography, Black Mask is another success for Jet Li.

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