I've seen several of Cynthia Rothrock's films - both her Hong Kong and her American ones - and one thing they have in common is that her femininity is usually largely ignored: she is there mainly as a fighter, not as a woman (though sometimes the tight outfits she puts on leave little doubt about her physical attributes). But in "Sworn To Justice" she makes probably her boldest appearances ever: 2 lingerie scenes, 2 sex scenes. And truth be told, she is very sexy. She could work as a living ad for practicing martial arts - "you do it too, and you'll have a body like that when you're 40". This focus on Cynthia's body is not the only aspect that separates "Sworn To Justice" from most of her other vehicles: there is also a slapstick comedy fight sequence, psychic powers, a lesbian love confession at a tragic moment, and a bad guy discussing with his brother's burnt corpse! The fighting highlight of the film comes when Cynthia goes up against an acrobatic Asian guy - you can see her Hong Kong days living again in that scene. Disappointingly, the climactic fight scene goes to her male co-star, Kurt McKinney. The other problem is the plot, which has a few too many scattered sub-plots. But as I already said, if you want to see Cynthia Rothrock going sexy, this is your best chance. (**1/2)
23 Reviews
Average for the genre.
torrascotia23 November 2018
Some of the reviews of this have been very harsh. Cynthia is one of the most qualified of any of the martial artists ever to act in movies. That statement includes the men and if you don't think this is true look it up. Her career has obviously changed over the years. Her best action movies were made in Hong Kong so check those out if you wish to see her at her peak. However her 1990s movies are more suited to her age with less action and more dialogue. I had to laugh when I saw one review which was critical of her figure. This is the only time I saw her strip off in a movie and she has an amazing figure. She is obviously very athletic and fit so I dont see the problem When you consider what Segal looks like these days and he is still churning out action movie it makes me wonder if these reviewers are also critical of male action movie actors?
This is a typical action crime drama with some martial arts action, I wouldn't describe this as a martial arts flick, there's not enough of that kind of action. Cyntha plays a psychologist with ESP who walks in on a gang who have broken into her house and killed her family and you can guess the rest. As all these movies are basically revenge movies so you also know the endings etc.
What is different from her usual movies is that there are a few very famous faces in the mix. There is also a love interest and likening said quite a lot of nudity which was surprising.
The action scenes are what you would expect from a US production of this calibre and they are neither too violent or gory.
It's a passable Cynthia movie and typical for her at this stage of her career and she has developed into more talking and less fighting roles.
If you are happy enough watching Segals latest movies you should have no problems with this. I'm sure her fans will be happy enough and looking at her IMDb page she seems to be working well into her 60s.
An average US low budget martial arts flick but likely above average for her dedicated fans.
she is very sexy in this but...
kostin1230 December 2007
2 days ago i've seen no retreat no surrender 2 and i was really impressed by the queen of martial arts performance so i decided to watch sworn to justice after this.what can i tell about this movie is that 'lady dragon'is very sexy in this and has 2 sex scenes and the fight scenes are decent (not spectacular)but too short unfortunately,the end is very disappointed, male co-star beat the chief villain instead our favorite female.the story of this movie is mediocre but the performance of cynthia in this is decent so i think that fans of this lady will enjoy this movie but others no.but sworn to justice is much better than outside the law for example but i expected more from this movie which is supposed to be her best American movie.***/*****
Cynthia's best
Looney Toon joe22 March 2001
I've Seen this movie recently and i must say i was really impressed with Cynthia's skills not only as a martial artist but her growing skill in acting.
Ok she might not be an A list star, but she surely deserves more credit
then people give her.The best bit about this movie is her acting which by far is her best work.I recommend this movie to all Cynthia fans and anyone who likes a good martial arts movie.
Ok she might not be an A list star, but she surely deserves more credit
then people give her.The best bit about this movie is her acting which by far is her best work.I recommend this movie to all Cynthia fans and anyone who likes a good martial arts movie.
mixed bag
DEPRESSEDcherry2 November 2019
A bit of an oddball mix of cringy corny acting, broody seriousness, goofy slapstick, violence, courtroom drama and martial art street fights.
Cynthia brings her usual badass sexual on-screen presence, which just about carries her wooden acting. The soundtrack is out of place and the psychic stuff is just lazy nonsense. Entertaining enough if you like your 90s action with a female flavour.
Some decent action, but there are some weird tone shifts in the movie.
tarbosh2200021 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Janna (Rothrock) is a psychologist who works as an expert witness in court trials. When her sister is killed by thugs, Janna wants revenge and finally realizes the only way to get real justice is to do it yourself. She also hits her head on a tree and becomes psychic. Happens all the time. Technically she develops her psychometry, which allows you a type of perception based on touching certain objects. Meanwhile, a romance develops between her and fellow Martial Arts practitioner and book publisher Nicholas (McKinney) - but evil chop shop boss Eugene (Scott) threatens everything. Is a cop named Briggs (Lo Bianco) doing everything he can on Janna's behalf? Or will Janna have to take on the baddies all by herself? Sworn to Justice is typical 90's Rothrock. But the cast assembled for this is truly impressive. Besides of course Cynthia herself, we have Kurt McKinney of No Retreat No Surrender (1986) fame in one of his only other action roles before he sank into the soap opera world. There's also Walter Koenig as a fellow headshrinker, before he sank into the Star Trek world. Brad Dourif plays one of the baddies, in a brief role, and Mako is on hand as a blind newsagent that somehow knows it all. Kenn Scott, of Showdown (1993) fame is here and he has a run-in with Ian Jacklin at his garage. Eric Lee has a cameo as a storekeeper, Art Camacho is yet another baddie, and Vince Murdocco is here too. The mighty Max Thayer is on board as an attorney, and tying it all together is Tony Lo Biano as the cop, Briggs. To assemble a cast like this is pretty mind-boggling. But Sworn to Justice isn't as epic as this might imply.
While we liked the idea of a "psychic vigilante", and the fact that this is one of Cynthia's more glamorous and feminine roles goes a long way as well, there are some weird tone shifts in the movie. One minute there's a comedic brawl with wacky sound effects like "BOIIIING!" and elephant blarings (all for no reason that we can discern), and the next minute Janna is crying over her dead sister. But the fight scenes are what we're all here to see, and there are some good ones. The fight in the garage was a movie highlight, and is even reminiscent of the one from Misson of Justice (1992), which was a standout scene in that film as well. There is another Wincott/Mission of Justice parallel in addition to that one, because Cynthia uses Arnis sticks to fight baddies, just as Wincott does in that movie.
There are some classic 90's-style tunes on the soundtrack by bands with names like Buddah Heads and Addict Sunday. It's good that they didn't blow their budget on the hot hits of the day, like The Taking of Beverly Hills (1991) foolishly did. Of course there is the time-honored sax on the soundtrack as well. While Rothrock fans will certainly want to see Sworn to Justice, it might be worth watching in general, simply for the cast they managed to assemble.
While we liked the idea of a "psychic vigilante", and the fact that this is one of Cynthia's more glamorous and feminine roles goes a long way as well, there are some weird tone shifts in the movie. One minute there's a comedic brawl with wacky sound effects like "BOIIIING!" and elephant blarings (all for no reason that we can discern), and the next minute Janna is crying over her dead sister. But the fight scenes are what we're all here to see, and there are some good ones. The fight in the garage was a movie highlight, and is even reminiscent of the one from Misson of Justice (1992), which was a standout scene in that film as well. There is another Wincott/Mission of Justice parallel in addition to that one, because Cynthia uses Arnis sticks to fight baddies, just as Wincott does in that movie.
There are some classic 90's-style tunes on the soundtrack by bands with names like Buddah Heads and Addict Sunday. It's good that they didn't blow their budget on the hot hits of the day, like The Taking of Beverly Hills (1991) foolishly did. Of course there is the time-honored sax on the soundtrack as well. While Rothrock fans will certainly want to see Sworn to Justice, it might be worth watching in general, simply for the cast they managed to assemble.
A mixed bag of a martial arts thriller
Leofwine_draca11 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
SWORN TO JUSTICE is something of a mixed-bag martial arts thriller starring the one and only Cynthia Rothrock, perhaps America's best-known female martial artist. As a huge fan of Rothrock's Hong Kong movies made in the 1980s, I can report that this film is far below quality, although it's still enjoyable for fans of 1990s-era B-movie fare.
Rothrock plays a psychologist (somewhat unbelievably) whose sister is brutally murdered in the opening sequence. She goes gunning for revenge against the goons who committed the crime, handily using her new-found psychic abilities unlocked thanks to a blow on the head. So you get an EYES OF LAURA MARS-type sub-plot in addition to the usual action thriller format.
Rothrock has never been the world's best actress but she is likable and that's what counts. Here she's in her prime, confident enough to go near-nude in a couple of lengthy sex scenes which seem inspired by the Shannon Tweed-style erotic thrillers that were all the rage in the 1990s. She doesn't get to fight as much as I'd hoped, and unforgivably the main baddie fight at the climax is given to another actor, but she's in remarkable condition and looks great on screen.
The film features three cameos from famous faces: Brad Dourif has a one-scene turn as a creepy killer, Walter Koenig is a friendly superior, and Mako a blind old-timer dispensing justice (check out his luxurious head of hair). The film randomly jumps from tragedy and emoting to lame comedy, with some of the early fights accompanied by cartoon sound effects (a guy hit on the head hears birds tweeting). These are really embarrassing. The main problem with the action, though, is that most if not all of the fights are staged at night so you can't see the performers doing what they do best. The director needs lessons in martial arts choreography and staging.
Rothrock plays a psychologist (somewhat unbelievably) whose sister is brutally murdered in the opening sequence. She goes gunning for revenge against the goons who committed the crime, handily using her new-found psychic abilities unlocked thanks to a blow on the head. So you get an EYES OF LAURA MARS-type sub-plot in addition to the usual action thriller format.
Rothrock has never been the world's best actress but she is likable and that's what counts. Here she's in her prime, confident enough to go near-nude in a couple of lengthy sex scenes which seem inspired by the Shannon Tweed-style erotic thrillers that were all the rage in the 1990s. She doesn't get to fight as much as I'd hoped, and unforgivably the main baddie fight at the climax is given to another actor, but she's in remarkable condition and looks great on screen.
The film features three cameos from famous faces: Brad Dourif has a one-scene turn as a creepy killer, Walter Koenig is a friendly superior, and Mako a blind old-timer dispensing justice (check out his luxurious head of hair). The film randomly jumps from tragedy and emoting to lame comedy, with some of the early fights accompanied by cartoon sound effects (a guy hit on the head hears birds tweeting). These are really embarrassing. The main problem with the action, though, is that most if not all of the fights are staged at night so you can't see the performers doing what they do best. The director needs lessons in martial arts choreography and staging.
Great if you like to see Cynthia Rothrock in a vigilante action & sci-fi film
imdb-5284614 March 2017
Vigilante martial arts & sci-fi film. Professional woman is attacked by burglars, which causes her to somehow acquire psychic powers. She uses her new powers to become a vigilante by night while being a forensic prosecution witness by day. Not exactly plausible, but okay if you like sci-fi martial arts action with Cynthia Rothrock kicking ass. Mild (tasteful) topless Rothrock love scene thrown in, perhaps to balance chop suey with her feminine side.
Rothrock in Her Best Form
tkdlifemagazine28 August 2022
This movie probably is not as good as my review but Cynthia Rothrock is the the Queen of martial arts action women. She was ahead of her time and it is not her fault that many of her films were weak in script and cinematography. She has great screen presence and her fight choreography is terrific. This movie is from the heyday of "straight to VHS" martial arts movies that fueled a generation of martial arts movie fans. This American attempt to be more focused on plot and acting is effective. The supporting cast is good. The Direction and cinematography are solidly "B" but the fighting is great. If you are unfamiliar with Rothrock, this is a good place to start. If you are fan this is a great one to enjoy, or enjoy again.
I see you, I know where you are
sol-kay18 December 2005
**SPOILERS** Interrupting a burglary at her sisters, Shelly, high-rise apartment criminal defense psychologist and martial-arts expert Janna Dane has it out with the four robbers and then, when they open fire on her, ending up jumping from the balcony and after breaking her fall. Janna ends up slamming into a tree-branch and lands smack dab on her head knocking herself out cold.
With the police later on the scene of the crime it's found that both Janna's sister and nephew Michael were brutally murdered by the robbers. Later Janna also finds that her experience of almost cracking her head open also opened up her ability to get in touch with her psychic self.
Working in the court system as a defense expert witness on the criminal mind, and what makes it tick, Janna is now bothered by getting killers, like those who murdered her kid sister and nephew, off by day while a the same time being a vigilante avenger against those same types of hoods by night. Janna later learns by touching a murder suspects weapon, a knife that he killed a policeman with, whom she's defending was one of the thugs who were involved in her sisters and nephew's murder. This makes it very difficult for Janna to do her job, as an expert witness for criminals like Slate, in the courts anymore.
The group of thugs who killed both Shelly and Michael belong to a gang of ex-convicts run by this sadistic psycho Eugene who's being controlled and used by someone very high up in the city's justice system.
Janna goes after this "Mr. Big", or what he likes to be called "The Man", but to get to him she has to take on the entire Eugene crime organization which turns out to be a task that not only taxes her fighting an psychic abilities but takes the lives of those near and dear to her as well.
Cute, as well as beautiful, and spunky Cynthia Rothrock, as Janna Dane, is in top form and is far more effective and believable in her fight sequences then her love interest in the movie, and also martial-arts expert, Kurt McKinney who plays lawyer and psychic book publisher Nicholas who comes across as a long behind second in the fight scenes that their both in. Being an five-year undefeated martial-arts woman champion in real life Cynthia doesn't need to have a double or any special effects to make her role look genuine and her kicks and punches are powerful enough to put down and knock out not only one but a couple of men, at one time, twice her size.
Going out in the streets at night to grind down the Eugene Gang in a number of sizzling fight sequence's Janna finally gets the person behind all their criminal activities non other then Santa Martin Police Detective Sgt. Briggs, Tony Lo Bionco. Sgt. Briggs has been blackmailing Eugene & Co. by threatening to put them back behind bars for life if they didn't follow his orders. Which were to shake down car shops and dealerships in the neighborhood and force them into chopping up stolen cars, that the Eugene Gang hijacks. Then have the gang pay more then 60% of the profits back to the gangsters which Briggs gets a nice chunk of change off.
With Eugene and his friends put out of action by both Janna and later her boyfriend Nick Sgt. Briggs is left all alone to not only face the music but also Janna's lethal and lighting-like "Scorpion Kick".
With the police later on the scene of the crime it's found that both Janna's sister and nephew Michael were brutally murdered by the robbers. Later Janna also finds that her experience of almost cracking her head open also opened up her ability to get in touch with her psychic self.
Working in the court system as a defense expert witness on the criminal mind, and what makes it tick, Janna is now bothered by getting killers, like those who murdered her kid sister and nephew, off by day while a the same time being a vigilante avenger against those same types of hoods by night. Janna later learns by touching a murder suspects weapon, a knife that he killed a policeman with, whom she's defending was one of the thugs who were involved in her sisters and nephew's murder. This makes it very difficult for Janna to do her job, as an expert witness for criminals like Slate, in the courts anymore.
The group of thugs who killed both Shelly and Michael belong to a gang of ex-convicts run by this sadistic psycho Eugene who's being controlled and used by someone very high up in the city's justice system.
Janna goes after this "Mr. Big", or what he likes to be called "The Man", but to get to him she has to take on the entire Eugene crime organization which turns out to be a task that not only taxes her fighting an psychic abilities but takes the lives of those near and dear to her as well.
Cute, as well as beautiful, and spunky Cynthia Rothrock, as Janna Dane, is in top form and is far more effective and believable in her fight sequences then her love interest in the movie, and also martial-arts expert, Kurt McKinney who plays lawyer and psychic book publisher Nicholas who comes across as a long behind second in the fight scenes that their both in. Being an five-year undefeated martial-arts woman champion in real life Cynthia doesn't need to have a double or any special effects to make her role look genuine and her kicks and punches are powerful enough to put down and knock out not only one but a couple of men, at one time, twice her size.
Going out in the streets at night to grind down the Eugene Gang in a number of sizzling fight sequence's Janna finally gets the person behind all their criminal activities non other then Santa Martin Police Detective Sgt. Briggs, Tony Lo Bionco. Sgt. Briggs has been blackmailing Eugene & Co. by threatening to put them back behind bars for life if they didn't follow his orders. Which were to shake down car shops and dealerships in the neighborhood and force them into chopping up stolen cars, that the Eugene Gang hijacks. Then have the gang pay more then 60% of the profits back to the gangsters which Briggs gets a nice chunk of change off.
With Eugene and his friends put out of action by both Janna and later her boyfriend Nick Sgt. Briggs is left all alone to not only face the music but also Janna's lethal and lighting-like "Scorpion Kick".
How on earth did this get a 5???
markadmoore3 July 2020
Cynthia rothrock is simply magic in this
leonardconstantin617 February 2010
i don't think i've ever seen an actress that could do this things together in the same movie:she looks gorgeous in her costumes she wears,fights very well,she's involved in 2 very erotic scenes and acts very well.i don't understand why Cynthia wasn't appreciated for her role from this movie.every rothrock's fan should watch this movie because is almost perfect : has great fight scenes(one is in hk tradition with Cynthia fighting against an Asian guy),quick comedy,2 sex scenes and a sexual short scene,a decent story but very common unfortunately(because of that i said is 'almost perfect').this movie is on the same level with other great movies that Cynthia did in China like :Police Assassins,Righting Wrongs or Blonde fury.
Decent low budget martial arts flick
jakegrogan-7523513 July 2021
This movie isn't for everyone, but there is some fun to be had for fans of 90s action B-movies. The story is basically a gender swapped Death Wish. Televison level acting and production value is to be expected, so no surprise there. There is some solid action in this film. Again, Rothrock fans should find something to enjoy here.
Still looking good at 40
lastliberal29 June 2007
I haven't seen a Cynthia Rockrock film in a long time, and it only cost me a buck, so what the hell. besides that she shows some skin in this movie.
I have to say that she still has some good moves at 40 and still has one hot bod. Just seeing her smash some bad guys is worth the buck. But, she has slowed down considerably, so don't expect Jet Li action, and the schoolgirl giggling at 40 is really off putting.
Don't expect anything in the way of dialog in the picture. The premise is as corny as Ghost Whisperer and the acting is terrible. She needs to get a scriptwriter that has graduated from high school and knows more that BIFF! POW! BAM! The attempt at humor several times in the pic were lame, and "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours," is bad even if it is karate they are talking about.
Hell, it was just a buck.
I have to say that she still has some good moves at 40 and still has one hot bod. Just seeing her smash some bad guys is worth the buck. But, she has slowed down considerably, so don't expect Jet Li action, and the schoolgirl giggling at 40 is really off putting.
Don't expect anything in the way of dialog in the picture. The premise is as corny as Ghost Whisperer and the acting is terrible. She needs to get a scriptwriter that has graduated from high school and knows more that BIFF! POW! BAM! The attempt at humor several times in the pic were lame, and "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours," is bad even if it is karate they are talking about.
Hell, it was just a buck.
Unattractive leading lady, poorly plotted, poorly acted, poorly paced - stay away!
aloep9 February 2005
This is the third movie with Cynthia Rothrock movie I've seen after "Guardian Angel" and "Redemption". By popular opinion this is one of her best so if that is anything to go by, I will certainly not be actively seeking out anymore of her movies. While she demonstrates her martial arts skills to good effect in this, the plot is stupid, the production values are poor and above all, it's boring.
Starting with the positives, I'll give Cynthia Rothrock credit in that she certainly knows what she's doing when it comes to the fight scenes. The choreography is pretty good and one such scene where she fights off robbers with a roll of tape is fun to watch and just about the only nice touch here. The rest of the action scenes are passable, although there's little that really stands out and they are far too few and far between. Much of the movie is mind numbingly boring and for much of the time I ended up turning towards my computer and doing other things, only glancing at it when something interesting happened rather than paying full attention to the movie. Half of the problem lies in Cynthia Rothrock herself. I'll give her credit that it does seem she's trying a bit harder than she did in "Guardian Angel", as her character is a little more upbeat and displays more than one facial expression throughout the movie. She is still not good though, but part of the problem lies in the character she is given. It's obvious they wanted the character to come off as sexy but it doesn't work. Dressing a short, muscular and dumpy looking 40 year old woman in short skirts and heels isn't fooling me. It also makes the character laughably unbelievable as a psychologist and even harder to like. Not only that, but this film has some of the least erotic sex scenes I've ever seen which I found myself skipping through.
The rest of the movie is so dull and forgettable that I can barely remember it despite only having watched it a couple of days ago. However, one part that had me roaring with laughter was towards the end when the lead villain shows Cynthia Rothrock's character the burnt corpse of his dead brother. Instead of using a dummy, they have applied makeup to the actor himself and you can even see him blink! How hard is it to cut that? Such bloopers shows that nobody really cares, and neither should you.
Overall I could never recommend this to anyone. Fans of Cynthia Rothrock (there appears to be such a thing) will watch it regardless but anyone expecting a good martial arts flick will be sorely disappointed. A poorly plotted, poorly acted, poorly paced flick with little action and no likable characters. Avoid.
Starting with the positives, I'll give Cynthia Rothrock credit in that she certainly knows what she's doing when it comes to the fight scenes. The choreography is pretty good and one such scene where she fights off robbers with a roll of tape is fun to watch and just about the only nice touch here. The rest of the action scenes are passable, although there's little that really stands out and they are far too few and far between. Much of the movie is mind numbingly boring and for much of the time I ended up turning towards my computer and doing other things, only glancing at it when something interesting happened rather than paying full attention to the movie. Half of the problem lies in Cynthia Rothrock herself. I'll give her credit that it does seem she's trying a bit harder than she did in "Guardian Angel", as her character is a little more upbeat and displays more than one facial expression throughout the movie. She is still not good though, but part of the problem lies in the character she is given. It's obvious they wanted the character to come off as sexy but it doesn't work. Dressing a short, muscular and dumpy looking 40 year old woman in short skirts and heels isn't fooling me. It also makes the character laughably unbelievable as a psychologist and even harder to like. Not only that, but this film has some of the least erotic sex scenes I've ever seen which I found myself skipping through.
The rest of the movie is so dull and forgettable that I can barely remember it despite only having watched it a couple of days ago. However, one part that had me roaring with laughter was towards the end when the lead villain shows Cynthia Rothrock's character the burnt corpse of his dead brother. Instead of using a dummy, they have applied makeup to the actor himself and you can even see him blink! How hard is it to cut that? Such bloopers shows that nobody really cares, and neither should you.
Overall I could never recommend this to anyone. Fans of Cynthia Rothrock (there appears to be such a thing) will watch it regardless but anyone expecting a good martial arts flick will be sorely disappointed. A poorly plotted, poorly acted, poorly paced flick with little action and no likable characters. Avoid.
formulaic thriller with martial arts and psychometry
loza-110 July 2005
I can see the script committee meeting before this film was made. "Let's have a thriller. We'll have a female protagonist.let's make her a cop; no, a lawyer; no, a psychologist. Let's give this one psychic powers and make her an expert in wu shu. And we'll make her a blonde with long legs." The result of that little meeting is this film. You know what's coming next. You've already figured out who Mr Big is, as soon as the words "Mr Big" are first uttered.
On the plus side, the fight scenes are pretty good, and Cynthia Rothrock is an efficient actress. The film is watchable if you have nothing else to do.
On the plus side, the fight scenes are pretty good, and Cynthia Rothrock is an efficient actress. The film is watchable if you have nothing else to do.
Better than I expected!
kyla-723026 September 2022
There is a weirdly innocent quality to this violent film about vigilante justice.
I really enjoyed Cynthia Rothrock in this role. This movie has everything! It's got the fight scenes, romance, goofy villans, courtroom drama, supernatural elements, some comedy, and a lot of bad hair.
No one is winning any awards for acting, and there's a real made for TV quality to the whole thing. I enjoyed the shifts between bubbly happy psychologist and killer vigilante though I'm not sure that was an intentional choice on behalf of the film makers. It definitely indicates that our protagonist is a complete sociopath, which I found entertaining, but again, can't be sure that was their intent.
I really enjoyed Cynthia Rothrock in this role. This movie has everything! It's got the fight scenes, romance, goofy villans, courtroom drama, supernatural elements, some comedy, and a lot of bad hair.
No one is winning any awards for acting, and there's a real made for TV quality to the whole thing. I enjoyed the shifts between bubbly happy psychologist and killer vigilante though I'm not sure that was an intentional choice on behalf of the film makers. It definitely indicates that our protagonist is a complete sociopath, which I found entertaining, but again, can't be sure that was their intent.
Kung Fu Film
lavatch23 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Janna Dane is a psychologist-attorney. But she is also a psychic and is skilled in martial arts. In "Sworn to Justice," Janna turns vigilante to keep the streets safe and to avenge the death of her sister and nephew.
Cynthia Rothrock was terrific in the role of Janna. The best scenes were those in which Janna is engaged in the kicks and the clever tactics to deploy against her foes. A nefarious ringleader named Eugene was her primary object with a confrontation building for a climactic ending.
The characters were for the most part cardboard cutouts. But the cast worked effectively in developing a style of high camp.
There was also a romantic connection between Janna and another martial arts expert. But, it turns out, almost everyone is in love with Janna...except for those who cross her. That is when the kicks will begin, all in the pursuit of justice.
Cynthia Rothrock was terrific in the role of Janna. The best scenes were those in which Janna is engaged in the kicks and the clever tactics to deploy against her foes. A nefarious ringleader named Eugene was her primary object with a confrontation building for a climactic ending.
The characters were for the most part cardboard cutouts. But the cast worked effectively in developing a style of high camp.
There was also a romantic connection between Janna and another martial arts expert. But, it turns out, almost everyone is in love with Janna...except for those who cross her. That is when the kicks will begin, all in the pursuit of justice.
Sworn to arse kick
Bezenby25 November 2016
Cynthia, dear Cynthia of Godfrey Ho's masterpieces Undefeatable and Honour and Glory, returns here as a criminal psychologist who has gone all Dead Zone on us as whatever object she touches gives here glimpses into the future and past of said object! Which is handy as someone has just murdered her sister and her nephew.
This murderer ain't kept no secret (in fact, there's about six of them), but then, they are being controlled by a higher force who we are kept secret from knowing the secret secret from. Is the higher force Brad Dourif? Or that arsehole who heats up nail clippers and sticks them under folks nails? Or Tony De Bliano of God Told Me TO fame? Or the Too Perfect Tai Chi boyfriend? Who can tell in this fast moving society.
One thing's for sure - Cynthia seems to have had a boob job but still is a great kickboxer with a nice booty who resembles Brix Smith of the Fall. Yep.
This murderer ain't kept no secret (in fact, there's about six of them), but then, they are being controlled by a higher force who we are kept secret from knowing the secret secret from. Is the higher force Brad Dourif? Or that arsehole who heats up nail clippers and sticks them under folks nails? Or Tony De Bliano of God Told Me TO fame? Or the Too Perfect Tai Chi boyfriend? Who can tell in this fast moving society.
One thing's for sure - Cynthia seems to have had a boob job but still is a great kickboxer with a nice booty who resembles Brix Smith of the Fall. Yep.
Cynthia at her sexy best!
supertom-324 January 2005
This is widely regarded as Cynthia Rothrocks best American movie, from director Paul Maslak. I can also safely say that it is. Despite a ludicrous plot which has Cynthia developing psychic powers when he sister and nephew are brutally murdered, the film is fast paced, fun and filled with neatly choreographed action. Not to mention Rothrock in her sexiest role yet. The film is wildly inconsistent with a comical action scene when Rothrock foils a store robbery, complete with sill sound effects as large men are made fools of. Also a very steamy martial arts display in a skimpy negligee from the Queen of flying fists. What helps though is a good cast helping Rothrock, who also gives her best performance, although that does not say a lot! Also starring is Kurt McKinney known primarily from No Retreat No Surrender. Then there is good support from Oscar winner Brad Dourif and Mako.
The film has plenty of nice action and never gets boring while there is a good production value to this, especially compared to many other of Rothrock's movies. Standout scenes include the sexy Cynthia taking on several large men with some masking tape and defeating a warehouse full of bad guys. Cynthia is unbelievably sexy in this and the film overall stands out as one of her best achievements. ***
The film has plenty of nice action and never gets boring while there is a good production value to this, especially compared to many other of Rothrock's movies. Standout scenes include the sexy Cynthia taking on several large men with some masking tape and defeating a warehouse full of bad guys. Cynthia is unbelievably sexy in this and the film overall stands out as one of her best achievements. ***
It can't touch her work in Hong Kong, but is still entertaining
dworldeater8 November 2023
Cynthia Rothrock is very sexy in this action/revenge flick. She plays a psychologist that is the victim of a home invasion that left her sister and nephew dead. She ended up surviving the encounter due to her superior martial arts skills. There definitely is a lot of fighting and is quite action packed. The film is cheap and on the lower budget scale of things. The fight choreography is still pretty good and is better than similar movies with male action stars. If you are an action fan Sworn To Justice should certainly be good enough. There is nothing with this movie that really blew me away, but it's nice to see Cynthia Rothrock play a role that is erotic, but she still beats everyone up.
Just for fans
marychase25 September 2003
I would recommend this movie to Cynthia Rothrock fans only... Her acting skills are almost laughable...still her fighting scenes are awesome. This movie seems as if it was written just for her, due to the martial arts scenes. But I would definitely say Cynthia has to stick to her martial arts and not her acting career.
An enjoyable if befuddling experience
I_Ailurophile1 May 2022
What else can I call this film except fundamentally bewildering? Not only is lawyer protagonist Janna practiced in the martial arts, but she also holds a doctorate in psychiatry, AND demonstrates extra-sensory perception. Regular, overly excitable editing of both film and audio oscillates between a scene in the present, in which Janna connects with an item, and a scene removed from the present, in which she witnesses a moment associated with that item. Cynthia Rothrock has demonstrated capable acting skills in her films, though compared to her prowess in various martial disciplines it's not her strongest suit - and with the more somber tone often adopted through this, that relative weakness is apparent. "More somber" does not mean "serious," however, and we get some exaggerated character moments, questionable dialogue that doesn't seem authentic, outrageous sound effects (such as, from out of nowhere during a fight, an elephant's trumpet), dubiously playful resourcefulness during fight scenes, and a couple additional small touches here and there that are plainly overdone.
Music supervisor Larry Shure infuses some tunes into the picture that are cheekily over the top, while composer John Coda's score is somewhat melodramatic to the same end. The costume design (and scene writing) uncharacteristically spotlights women's bodies, Rothrock's especially. Some witty or pointedly tough-talking quips and one-liners fill some of the dialogue - while we also get outdated ableist language, sexism, trumped-up discussion of legal matters passed off as "legalese," and more. The fight choreography is terrific and action sequences are duly exciting, while the crime drama underpinning those bursts of violence is modestly absorbing - yet the narrative is also rounded out with flourishes of personal drama, interpersonal conflict, and even romance that brings to mind Lifetime original movies. Needless to say - 'Sworn to justice,' alternatively known as 'Blond justice,' is really kind of all over the place.
Weird and wild as all this is - and I've not even truly broached every flummoxing inclusion - 'Sworn to justice' is not poorly made. Even when the skills of the cast and crew are employed to ends that necessarily raise one's eyebrow, the work is competent in the least, if not admirable. There's a fair amount of value in Robert Eastman's screenplay in any given capacity. The chief problem is that the movie really feels like it altogether doesn't know what it wants to be. There is such a ponderous quantity and variety of ideas, flavors, tones, and beats scattered throughout these 97 minutes that even as they build a cohesive, coherent, and complete story, the amalgamation seems distinctly disjointed, overblown, and imbalanced, and somehow still too short to communicate the full breadth of the plot. The result is an active, ongoing threat to our suspension of disbelief, and a measure of difficulty in engaging with the feature.
Very honestly, I don't think this is bad. Messy as the picture is, none of it is accidental, and the core concept of protagonist Janna's vigilantism is solid. There are some noteworthy names in the cast, including not just Rothrock but also Brad Dourif, Walter Koenig, and Mako. From a technical standpoint the film is well done, the acting is earnest even where it falls short - and once more, though it takes a slight backseat in this instance, the fight scenes and stunts are quite excellent. There's notable intelligence in the writing, and in most every aspect. That intelligence, and the film-making and storytelling abilities that pair with it, are just very unevenly applied, to the detriment of the whole. I think 'Sworn to justice' is entertaining, and worth watching on its own merits, but there's no mistaking that one must prepare to reckon with some mystifying choices in its construction. Recommended above all for fans of the cast, this is a fun time - it's just definitely also a bit of a head scratcher.
Music supervisor Larry Shure infuses some tunes into the picture that are cheekily over the top, while composer John Coda's score is somewhat melodramatic to the same end. The costume design (and scene writing) uncharacteristically spotlights women's bodies, Rothrock's especially. Some witty or pointedly tough-talking quips and one-liners fill some of the dialogue - while we also get outdated ableist language, sexism, trumped-up discussion of legal matters passed off as "legalese," and more. The fight choreography is terrific and action sequences are duly exciting, while the crime drama underpinning those bursts of violence is modestly absorbing - yet the narrative is also rounded out with flourishes of personal drama, interpersonal conflict, and even romance that brings to mind Lifetime original movies. Needless to say - 'Sworn to justice,' alternatively known as 'Blond justice,' is really kind of all over the place.
Weird and wild as all this is - and I've not even truly broached every flummoxing inclusion - 'Sworn to justice' is not poorly made. Even when the skills of the cast and crew are employed to ends that necessarily raise one's eyebrow, the work is competent in the least, if not admirable. There's a fair amount of value in Robert Eastman's screenplay in any given capacity. The chief problem is that the movie really feels like it altogether doesn't know what it wants to be. There is such a ponderous quantity and variety of ideas, flavors, tones, and beats scattered throughout these 97 minutes that even as they build a cohesive, coherent, and complete story, the amalgamation seems distinctly disjointed, overblown, and imbalanced, and somehow still too short to communicate the full breadth of the plot. The result is an active, ongoing threat to our suspension of disbelief, and a measure of difficulty in engaging with the feature.
Very honestly, I don't think this is bad. Messy as the picture is, none of it is accidental, and the core concept of protagonist Janna's vigilantism is solid. There are some noteworthy names in the cast, including not just Rothrock but also Brad Dourif, Walter Koenig, and Mako. From a technical standpoint the film is well done, the acting is earnest even where it falls short - and once more, though it takes a slight backseat in this instance, the fight scenes and stunts are quite excellent. There's notable intelligence in the writing, and in most every aspect. That intelligence, and the film-making and storytelling abilities that pair with it, are just very unevenly applied, to the detriment of the whole. I think 'Sworn to justice' is entertaining, and worth watching on its own merits, but there's no mistaking that one must prepare to reckon with some mystifying choices in its construction. Recommended above all for fans of the cast, this is a fun time - it's just definitely also a bit of a head scratcher.
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