China O’Brien (1990) Movie Review

In the late eighties Hong Kong film production company Golden Harvest wanted to make Cynthia Rothrock a star in America and not just overseas, so they decided to create a story that would take place in the United States, cast American actors and hire an American director (Robert Clouse) who had previously helmed a big hit called Enter The Dragon in 1973.

The result was China O’Brien, starring Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke. It was co-written by Clouse and Sandra Weintraub (La Femme Musketeer), and produced by Raymond Chow (The Inspector Wears Skirts, The Fate of Lee Khan, Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain, Lady Whirlwind).

The story follows the title character China O'Brien (Rothrock), a former police officer who decides to fight against crime in more ways than one after her father is murdered by a crime boss. Not only that, but she also begins a political career as she wants to become the new sheriff and keep things in check around town.

You can definitely feel like they were going for a more conventional market this time around, as the film unfolds in more generic ways, even if some plot points are refreshing. It's also sort of low on stunts and with not that many great peaks, but cant say it's a dull film, the choreographies are solidly done and the action never bores. 

As I said, the plotline and the acting is a bit more traditionally american or westerner than in a typical Golden Harvest production, probably because of Robert Clause's direction and touch, which is also a far more stale and clean vision than expected. Clause was never really one to do great martial arts movies, even if he directed one of the better ones. Any other movie he makes ends up feeling clunky and silly, this one has some moments like that, particularly near the beginning, but it's also on the good end of cheesy, so it works out.

The acting is pretty alright, I think this movie sold me on Richard Norton as a hero, he really could have been something. Cynthia is as good as always, her genuine natural charm always captivates and makes you enjoy her performances, her personality shines a lot in the fighting scenes, being able to neutralize an enemy and crack a smile right after for the crowd. Just sweet.

While the drama isn't truly effective some of the time, the characters and the conflicts are decently executed enough to carry the film. Visually, it's not particularly stylish or appealing outside of its admittedly entertaining stunts, which are always decent in these productions.

The infamous cover (that's clearly not Rothrock).

As a whole, I think it will be more than likable if you enjoy Rothrock's films already and it's definitely one of the more engaging stories, especially when Cynthia is present, but it's not without some flaws that keep it from being outstanding. Needless to say, if you are already a Rothrock fan then it's mandatory. 

The film was shot back-to-back with its sequel, featuring the same cast and crew, so regardless of whether or not this one was a success, Golden Harvest wanted to get the most out of it. Thankfully, it wasn't a flop and it gave rise to more Rothrock vehicles in the nineties.