A fun but flawed period piece from Jackie Chan, which sees the star indulging in some of his madcap comedy routines while at the same time the film takes more serious inroads in its look at the nature of warfare and violence in the historical age. Indeed, LITTLE BIG SOLDIER is an unusual film, unsure whether it wants to be a serious, character-based drama or the usual knockabout action film that we'd expect from the star. So at one stage we have Jackie beating off a trio of barbarian bad guys and the next we get some moralising about the pointlessness of battle and the fate of warring kingdoms.
Still, even at this late stage in his career, Jackie is difficult to dislike as the star. His stunts may be less outrageous and his fighting less impressive than it was twenty years ago, but he brings a warmth and genuine presence to his role. There's some fun to be had from the premise of two enemies being forced to travel together (bringing to mind all those old handcuffed-together comedies like MIDNIGHT RUN) and the action scenes, while unspectacular, are solid. Certainly not my favourite Jackie Chan film of recent years though, this pales in comparison to the likes of the powerful SHINJUKU INCIDENT.
Still, even at this late stage in his career, Jackie is difficult to dislike as the star. His stunts may be less outrageous and his fighting less impressive than it was twenty years ago, but he brings a warmth and genuine presence to his role. There's some fun to be had from the premise of two enemies being forced to travel together (bringing to mind all those old handcuffed-together comedies like MIDNIGHT RUN) and the action scenes, while unspectacular, are solid. Certainly not my favourite Jackie Chan film of recent years though, this pales in comparison to the likes of the powerful SHINJUKU INCIDENT.