Playing fair

Not well received back in 1997, this film deserved a much kinder evaluation, and in light of present geopolitical and commercial developments, even appears to have been prophetic. Yes, I know its ten years late. But I think you may have missed a treat if you missed this movie.

Richard Gere portrays Jack Moore, a US-based business person willing to forego ideals and politics in order to enter the much vaunted mainland market, hyped up to be the best thing since instant noodles, when in fact like everything in life, it too comes at a price. When time arrives to sign a large media contract, Moore wants to pause and assess particulars by the book. He also notices China's newly-found penchant for blunt nationalism, and doesn't quite feel good about his local contacts. But as a simple mortal, Moore joins a gorgeous cat walking model (Jessey Meng) at his hotel room for a night of brief pleasures. Brief, because the next morning begins with him dragged away by Beijing cops who, having found the girl's dead body in the room and her fresh blood all over him, proceed to assume the American guilty.

This is not a racist film. It doesn't fall into obvious stereotypes, nor does it contain any racial slurs. Asians aren't made to be villains, just as the uncaring US embassy staff do not in any way represent the Western contingent. Competent actress Bai Ling (The Crow, Anna and the King) does well as Moore's honest, crusading defence attorney, Shen Yuelin, during what quickly devolves into a kangaroo court.

Moore himself speaks just a bit standard Chinese, as do many of the business people and newly-arrived in mainland China. Beyond that, for something made almost entirely in California, Red Corner passes for Beijing with very few glitches (vehicles sometimes don't look authentic), featuring ample attention to detail and an atmosphere faithful to the original. Certainly, some footage was covertly shot in Beijing itself, yet due to the government's disapproving attitude, production had to relocate back to the States.

All in all, Red Corner also plays it fair, going to show that China does have judicial systems with a potential to work as well as any others. It makes a point of addressing the mainland's criminal code, and court hearing procedures all appear in detail. Plus, eventually the truth does come out, and while it's pretty obvious who dunnit from the get go, this isn't the main point here.

Maybe Gere wanted to make the Chinese look bad, but they certainly don't need his help. Based on an incident that happened not in China but in Italy, Red Corner is viewable without ever coming close to being a great film. Its one claim to greatness is Ling Bai - she's absolutely fabulous.

Words of Wisdom – In China, we hold the welfare of the state above that of the individual. We have six times the population of your country, Mr. Moore, and one-tenth the crime rate. Tell me, who is right?

Watch it if you liked – A Time to Kill
Movie Hall of Fame – No
Tagline – Severity for those who resist.