Today's the first time I've seen "Who Am I?", and I have to admit I was
disappointed. This isn't really a Jackie Chan film; it's a spy thriller that
just happens to star Jackie Chan.
The story is interesting enough. After a military operation in Africa goes
disastrously wrong, Jackie survives but loses his memory. Unable to remember
even his own name, he sets out to discover who he is while being hunted by the
people who betrayed him. The plot is surprisingly similar to the Jason Bourne
films, mixing amnesia with an international conspiracy.
The problem is that Jackie rarely gets to do what he does best. The film
spends so much time on espionage, journalists and corporate villains that the
martial arts seem almost like an afterthought. Whenever a fight breaks out, it
feels as though it's been added to remind us we're watching a Jackie Chan film
rather than because the story needed it.
That's not to say the action is poor. The final rooftop fight is excellent,
and Jackie's famous slide down the side of the Rotterdam building remains one
of the greatest stunts of his career. I only wish there had been more moments
like these.
As a spy thriller, "Who Am I?" is perfectly enjoyable. As a Jackie Chan film,
I wanted more. It's worth seeing once, but I don't think it'll ever become one
of my favourites.
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