How is this movie listed as one of the worst on HKMDB? C’mon guys, this is a fun movie, and after all, how can you hate a movie with Jackie Chan, Sammo, Andy Lau, and Tony Leung? I find myself going back to watch this movie all the time. Let me explain some of the reasons I like it so much.

Island of Fire (or: Jackie Chan is the Prisoner, in a misleading alternate title) is about a group of criminals and there various adventures in prison. Everybody has there own mission or problems to deal with. Tony Leung is an undercover cop trying to solve some bizarre murders that are somehow connected to the Prison. Sammo is trying to break out of jail to spend more time with his son. Jackie kills a gang member who had injured his girlfriend. Finally, the gang member turns out to be Andy Lau’s character’s brother. Jackie gets sent to prison, and Lau gets himself arrested on purpose so he can get his revenge. Each of these characters has a goal in mind, and the movie follows each of them closely.

Surprisingly, out of the four actors, the lead role in this film is given to Tony Leung. Even more amazingly- he is able to pull it off! For once Jackie is not the lead, and he also does a great job playing a very serious role for a change. I like the way that his fights are for real this time. They come across as very violent with out any goofing around. This movie has it all, a great plot, drama, good characterizations, and excellent fight chorography and action. I admit that I love the prison film genre, and this movie has all of the key elements of one to make it successful: fights, corrupt guards, and escape plans to name a few.

Jimmy Wang Yu portrays the veteran of the prison, and he does it quite well in his small role. Forget all the rumors about Jackie and Sammo being forced to appear in the film for Triad reasons and just enjoy it for what it is. If nothing else, the action filled ending is very original to say the least. If the climax doesn’t shock you- then not much will. Check out the excellent Hong Kong Legends release of the film if you can. It has several deleted scenes that do a very good job clearing up the admittedly murky plot.

To sum it up: no, this movie isn’t Shakespeare, but it isn’t trying to be either. It’s just a very entertaining prison movie with an all star cast!