The Foreigner (2017) combines action elements with political suspense, presenting Jackie Chan in a notably serious and dramatic portrayal. It centers on a father consumed by loss as he pursues justice; however, rather than a simple tale of retribution, the narrative becomes entangled in intricate political maneuvering. This change provides added layers to the story but occasionally disrupts the flow, creating an impression of disparate films vying for prominence. Martin Campbell’s direction is competent and maintains a high level of suspense, though the blend of action and drama isn't consistently successful. The visuals are naturalistic, adopting a darker and more realistic feel that suits the subject matter, although they don't feature any particularly striking imagery. Jackie Chan provides one of his finest dramatic portrayals, displaying both emotional depth and his characteristic action abilities, while Pierce Brosnan is also effective as someone struggling with internal conflict. The fight scenes are harsh and impactful, prioritizing realism over elaborate displays, which complements the film’s atmosphere. While adequate, the screenplay suffers from underdeveloped sections, particularly when attempting to balance the personal and political aspects of the story. The musical score serves its purpose without being especially noteworthy, helping to maintain a sense of suspense. Ultimately, The Foreigner is a skillfully crafted thriller featuring strong performances and believable action, but some viewers may find themselves hoping for more narrative substance.

Source on TMDB