Culture 5 min read By Lauren Baxter
Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan's 'The Foreigner' Clip Resurfaces, Highlighting Against-Type Roles
A clip from the 2017 thriller 'The Foreigner' has resurfaced online, drawing renewed attention to the against-type performances of Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan. The film, which tackles IRA splinter groups and political pressure, remains a standout in both actors' careers.
A clip from the 2017 action thriller «The Foreigner» has resurfaced online, sparking renewed discussion about the film's unusual pairing of Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan. The scene, titled «That's me being nice,» features Brosnan's character, a former Provisional IRA member turned Deputy First Minister, under pressure after a splinter group called the Authentic IRA detonates bombs at a restaurant and on a London bus.
In the clip, Brosnan's character receives information from SO15, the UK's counter-terrorism command, indicating that his underling and fellow IRA member Hugh was behind the attacks. The moment highlights the film's tense political backdrop, as Brosnan's character navigates accusations from the British government while denying authorization of the bombings. Fans have praised Brosnan's performance, with one noting that «nobody makes folding a paper badass looking like Brosnan does.»
«The Foreigner,» released in 2017, was directed by Martin Campbell and based on the 1992 novel «The Chinaman» by Stephen Leather. The film stars Chan as Quan Ngoc Minh, a London-based Vietnamese restaurateur whose daughter is killed in one of the bombings. He embarks on a relentless quest for revenge, targeting both the terrorists and the politicians involved. Brosnan plays Liam Hennessy, a former IRA member now serving in the Northern Ireland Executive, who is forced to confront his past.
The movie was notable for casting both leads against type. Chan, known for his family-friendly action comedies, took on a darker, more dramatic role as a grieving father. Brosnan, famous for his suave portrayal of James Bond, played a morally ambiguous politician with a violent history. The clip's resurgence has reminded audiences of these career-defining performances. One fan commented, «I love this film purely for the against type characters Chan and Brosnan played. Definitely something that should be in a movie collection.»
Despite a modest box office performance, «The Foreigner» received generally positive reviews, with critics highlighting Chan's dramatic range and Brosnan's menacing turn. The film also starred Michael McElhatton and Katie Leung, both of whom appear in the clip. McElhatton, known for his role as Roose Bolton in «Game of Thrones,» plays Hennessy's brother-in-law, while Leung, famous as Cho Chang in the «Harry Potter» series, portrays Hennessy's mistress.
The film's plot revolves around the political fallout of the bombings and the personal vendetta of Chan's character. As Hennessy tries to track down the Authentic IRA members, he must also contend with British officials who suspect his involvement. The tension between Hennessy and the British government, as well as his internal conflict, drives much of the narrative. The clip captures this dynamic, with Brosnan's character asserting his authority while under scrutiny.
«The Foreigner» was released in the United States on October 13, 2017, by STXfilms. It grossed over $145 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. While it did not achieve blockbuster status, it has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of Chan and Brosnan. The film's exploration of terrorism, political intrigue, and personal revenge remains relevant, and the resurfaced clip has introduced it to a new generation of viewers.
One fan expressed a wish for the film to be more popular, stating, «I just wish it was more popular. One of Jackie Chan's absolute show stealing performances.» The clip's circulation on social media platforms like Reddit suggests that «The Foreigner» continues to find an audience, thanks to its strong performances and gripping storyline. As streaming platforms make older films more accessible, it is likely that the movie will continue to attract attention for its unique blend of action and political drama.
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