'Darkness of Man' Review: Jean-Claude Van Damme's slick action flick is pulsating
Contains spoilers for 'Darkness of Man'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Darkness of Man' is available on Video on Demand from May 21, 2024. The action neo-noir thriller is a fast-paced emotional story about a former Interpol operative Russell Hatch (Jean-Claude Van Damme) who risks it all to protect a young Jayden (Emerson Min) from the Russian mafia.
The film features a stellar cast of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Emerson Min, Kristanna Loken, Sticky Fingaz, Spencer Breslin, and Shannen Doherty among others. James Cullen Bressack directs this stylish action film.
'Darkness of Man' revolves around Russell Hatch who is a father figure to Jayden and a friend of his grandfather Mr. Kim (Ji Yong Lee). Years after the death of his informant and Jayden's mother Esther (Chika Kanamoto) Mr. Kim and Jayden are attacked by Esther's brother Dae Hyun (Peter Jae) as a turf war happens between the Korean and Russian mafia.
The film blends elements of an out-and-out action film and an L.A. noir-themed film. The movie at its core is about a relationship and it stays true to it throughout the film. Here's a detailed review of 'Darkness of Man'.
High-octane and realistic action elevates 'Darkness of Man'
Action is the highlight of 'Darkness of Man' and it works brilliantly because it seems real and at times even gruesome. When Russell kills the Russian Mafia head Lazar (Andrey Ivchenko), you can see his insides popping out.
The makers have made a concerted effort to make Russell look like a trained assassin who kills with precision and eliminates his enemies meticulously.
One thing that does look unrealistic is him getting back to full health after getting severely injured every time but then he is the hero of the film and he is allowed to do that.
Jean-Claude Van Damme oozes style in his performance
The film features Jean-Claude Van Damme in his patented style as a man who cannot be stopped. As Russell Hatch, he brings style and aura to his role.
This film also needs him to do some compassionate scenes and he aces them beautifully too. His acting prowess is underrated but in this film, he shows off a whole range of emotions.
Chika Kanamoto and Emerson Min are good in their parts. Ji Yong Lee is extremely impressive in his performance as Mr. Kim as he portrays many different shades of his character.
Suspense keeps the viewers on their toes in 'Darkness of Man'
The film has many twists and turns and the final suspense is mind-blowing. The makers of the film have made sure that the storytelling and screenplay never take a backseat in this action-dominant film.
Russell Hatch has to overcome multiple personal obstacles too while trying to win over the bad guys in this one. And the bad guys keep coming one after the other as he keeps nailing them down.
'Darkness of Man' trailer
'Darkness of Man' is available on VOD on May 21, 2024