The Foreigner (2017)

About The Foreigner

The Foreigner, released in 2017, is an action thriller film directed by Martin Campbell and based on the 1992 novel "The Chinaman" by Stephen Leather. The narrative centers around a businessman, Quan Ngoc Minh, who embarks on a quest for vengeance after his daughter is killed in a terrorist attack. The plot further thickens when a cat-and-mouse game unravels between Quan and Liam Hennessy, a British government official with past links to the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Making / Production

The film was produced by STX films and shot primarily in London. The film is distinct for its brooding atmosphere, given the intense and suspenseful narrative, and stellar cinematography. The director, Martin Campbell, known for the James Bond movies "GoldenEye" and "Casino Royale", brings his distinct touch to the film.

Actors

• Jackie Chan: He played the role of Quan, a father seeking justice for his daughter's premature death. Jackie Chan delivered a nuanced and compelling performance that expansion beyond his traditional action-comedy roles.
• Pierce Brosnan: Playing Liam Hennessy, Brosnan portrays a politician with dark secrets and a past linked to terrorism. His exploration of the morally ambiguous character added depth to the narrative.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The Foreigner is based on the 1992 novel "The Chinaman" by Stephen Leather.
• This was the first time Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan worked together.
• The film marks a noticeable shift for Jackie Chan into more serious, dramatic roles as opposed to his well-known action-comedy roles.

Awards

The film didn't win any major awards, but Jackie Chan's performance was widely acclaimed and marked a highlight in his acting career.

Quotes

• "Sometimes it's too late to turn the clock back."
• "Politicians and terrorists, they are just 2 ends of the same snake. What's the difference?"
• "You have no idea who you're dealing with."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Cliff Martinez. His effective use of instrumentation helps heighten the film's suspense and emotional depth.