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Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, Bob Hoskins, Kerry Condon, Michael Jenn ... see more see more... , Phyllida Law , Vincent Regan , Dylan Brown , Silvio Simac , Christian Gazio , Carole Ann Wilson , Tamer Hassan

Two men cut off from the world in different ways become unlikely friends and protectors in this offbeat action drama. Danny (Jet Li) is a physically powerful but emotionally stunted man; never given a... read more read more...ny sort of proper education, Danny has learned little in his lifetime but how to fight, and his minder, Bart (Bob Hoskins), treats him more like a guard dog than anything else, using him in illegal no-holds-barred brawls that earn Bart plenty of money but only reinforce Danny's violent alienation. When Bart is injured in an auto accident, Danny is left to fend for himself, and stumbles upon Sam (Morgan Freeman), an elderly piano tuner who has lost his sight. Sam is the first person to treat Danny with kindness, and the music he plays soothes the troubled soul of the fighter. However, Danny's fighting skills soon come in handy when Sam runs afoul of a pack of small-time crooks who believe he knows too much about their operations. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

76% liked it

90,094 ratings

Critics

65% liked it

129 critics

R, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Louis Leterrier

Release Date: May 13, 2005

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DVD Release Date: October 11, 2005

Stats: 4,613 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,613)

  • fb1463751009
    March 10, 2012
    fb1463751009
    "Unleashed" is definitely Jet Li's best English film. Man, are there some pretty awkward moments in this. The follow up to most of the fight scenes is very drab and very rarely does the drama actually have an impact, but the action fight sequences are incredibly satisfying. I lik... read moreed the gritty cinematography also. Only one thing: why was there nudity in this movie? It was so unnecessary.
  • sanjurosamurai
    August 13, 2011
    sanjurosamurai
    an excellent action film with solid fight sequences and a touching although bizarre story.
  • fb535316333
    May 31, 2011
    fb535316333
    Ignoring the absolutely ridiculous premise...

    Is it just me, or is it a little disturbing that Li "performs best" as a socially awkward man-child who has less lines than the entire supporting cast?

    Honestly, I'd rather be thrown into another adrenaline pumping "brainless" actio... read moren flick than watching a humble blind Freeman steal the show as Li tries so painfully to feint innocence in this contrive attempt at "emotional depth"

    But hey, the actions still there and grittier than ever. Unfortunately, it happens to explode without the consistency and balance you wish it did throughout the downtime and that? That's just bad storytelling/directing.
  • fb573414556
    May 2, 2011
    fb573414556
    I was a bit worried about watching this film as I thought it would just be another western kung fu film, it wasn't though and I found myself very pleasently surprised. Unleashed really comes through as a story of self discovery and the most enjoyable parts of the film the ones in... read more which Danny (Jet Li) comes to terms with a normal life, not just one of fighting.
  • Deano78
    April 3, 2011
    Deano78
    This is terrible, avoid it!
  • allan913
    March 2, 2011
    allan913
    It's utterly spectacular. An action movie masterpiece. A triumph for Director, Louis Leterrier and Writer/Producer, Luc Besson. A stylish and magnificent film that mixes film noir and martial arts. It's packed with extreme non-stop action and searing emotion. It's an incredible r... read moreide like you wont believe. Riveting, original, electrifying and unforgettable. Thrilling, chilling and exhilarating. It's a gripping, powerful and outstanding movie. It keeps your pulse pounding and your adrenaline pumping through every explosive action sequence and dramatic scene. One of those rare action classics you have to see to believe. A trio of powerhouse performances from it three amazing leads. Jet Li gives an knockout performance, showing a fierce intensity in the action scenes but shows surprising emotional vulnerability. This is Jet Li's best movie and best performance to date. Morgan Freeman is brilliant, he gives a subtle, effective and absorbing performance. Bob Hoskins is terrific, he gives a fearless, intense and hard-boiled performance that you have not seen him in before.
  • ythelastman89
    August 11, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Instead of being just a fighting movie, this is actually very, very emotionally gripping. While it might be hard to fathom the extreme genre clash, it is one that's completely original and touching. While Jet Li does kill about 10 people within the first two minutes of screen tim... read moree, it morphs into a story about a man finding out who he is and why his world was so terrible. This is without a doubt the most vulnerable i've seen Jet Li and it's really a great surprise. Louis Leterrier and Luc Besson have created something truly powerful.
  • SirPant
    September 22, 2009
    SirPant
    This is an odd film. I liked it, and you could tell it was a Besson production I just think it could have been better, it was a little slow in places and not terribly convincing.
  • imrealgod
    March 19, 2009
    imrealgod
    While I don't prefer action movies much, this one's the only exception besides the DIE HARD series. Though I'm allergic of dogs, this dog really amazed me. Would have been better if it hadn't slowed down after the entry of Morgan Freeman.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    February 14, 2009
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "Serve No Master"

    A man raised into behaving like a dog, escapes from his captor to start a new life, who seeks to reclaim him because of his unnatural martial arts skills that are triggered when unleashed.

    REVIEW
    This has everything you want from a fi... read morelm, and even more if your a Jet Li fan. It has balance of different genres which create a near perfect film in my opinion.

    Firstly, the fight scenes are superb, bone crunching jaw dropping martial arts from Jet Li, who plays the main role of Danny. Though some may judge this film to be a violent action film, they couldn't be more wrong. Despite its certificate rating and cast, this film is mainly a drama, and a very good one. Like in Jet Li's Fearless, we see Li's acting come into play here, acting out the role of the poor, corrupted Danny superbly. Morgan Freeman is the icing on the cake, as always, he acts out his character superbly.

    So what do we have here? A violent, powerful drama, with hints of comedy throughout. Even if you don't like Jet Li, watch this film, its deep storyline will definitely move you if the amazing choreography doesn't.

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Critic Reviews

David Germain
January 7, 2006
David Germain, Houston Chronicle

An intriguing little action thriller, a half-and-half story divided between sequences of vicious violence and quiet, wryly comic scenes of newfound domesticity. Full Review

Richard Roeper
May 16, 2005
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

It's the same stuff that as we always get where like the henchman come up to him one by one. Full Review

James Berardinelli
May 14, 2005
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The film contains enough quiet, reflective moments for us to become aware how preposterous the central conceit is, and that keeps us at arm's length. For a movie that strives to be in-your-face, that'... Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
May 13, 2005
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

A nice, violent little film about the redemptive powers of art and love. Full Review

Richard Harrington
May 13, 2005
Richard Harrington, Washington Post

A film that could use a little less conversation, a lot more action. Full Review

Stephen Hunter
May 13, 2005
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

The movie would work better with fewer elements. Full Review

Mike Clark
May 13, 2005
Mike Clark, USA Today

The movie doesn't make it, but there's enough going on to make it more arf than barf. Full Review

Peter Howell
May 13, 2005
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Unleashed is that rarest of things: a violent movie that makes you think. Full Review

David Edelstein
May 13, 2005
David Edelstein, Slate

A clever, expertly done variation on the old (but always potent), monster/mad-scientist fairy tale. Full Review

Peter Hartlaub
May 13, 2005
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle

Unleashed is the kind of martial arts movie we would see if Tom Hanks could execute a flying spin kick. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • In which film did Jet Li play Danny the Dog?  Answer »
  • Which movies stars Morgan Freeman and Jet Li as trained killer  Answer »
  • whats the name of the movie where jet li's name is danny ?  Answer »
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