Today I watched : Unleashed a.k.a. Danny the Dog (2005) |

For those wondering what the a.k.a. is about, well in some countries this film is called Danny The Dog, and in others (including the UK) its known as Unleashed. I definately prefer Danny The Dog as a title. Unleashed is kinda generic but I guess thats the point. Anyways.

Released in 2005, Unleashed takes us into the UK underworld with Danny (played by Jet Li) who is a very submissive grown man with a metal colar around his neck. His ‘Owner’ ‘Uncle Bart’ (played by the late Bob Hoskins is a villain through and through, using Danny to dish out violence whenever the metal collar is removed, not unlike an attack dog.

Enslaved for years by Bart, Danny eventually comes into contact with some decent human beings who show him that he is more than what Uncle Bart makes out. He is far more than just a killer.

An excellant film with enough action scenes to keep action fans happy, and more than enough storyline and heart to show people that Jet Li is far, far more than a martial arts action star.

Whilst the film pretty much belongs to Jet Li, thats where your sympathies lie, this is who you root for and this is who you want to care for. The screen is also dominated for a large part by Bob Hoskins in a role not unlike Harold Shand from 1979’s The Long Good Friday. A scenery chewing villain who would cut your throat as soon as you look at you.

Also joining the cast is the always wonderful Morgan Freeman as Sam, Kerry Condon (Intermission, Don Hemingway) as Victoria and the hugely impressive British actors Tamar Hassan (The Business, Bonded By Blood) and Vincent Regan (Vendetta, Top Dog, St Georges Day) in significant roles.

Its worth noting that the story was written by Luc Besson (Leon, The Fifth Element) with only Jet Li in mind to take the main role although originally Albert Finney was given the role of Bart but dropped out. Allowing us to see Bob Hoskins in the role (who is fantastic of course)

One thing did puzzle me whilst watching the film though and upon reading the trivia for the film. It all slotted into place.

At one point Sam (Played by Morgan Freeman) says ‘This woman runs the best supermarket in Glasgow”. Thast stumped me as there were no Scottish dialect in the film up to this point. Everyone seemed to be London based.

Turns out the role that belonged to Bob Hoskins was previously played by Billy Connolly(before he ahd to dro out for other commitments) and some scenes had already been filmed. Hence the ‘Best Supermarket in Glasgow” line remaining in the film.

I first saw this film upon its release and loved it. Recently I picked it up on DVD and today seemed like a very good day to (re)watch this wonderful film.

Here is the trailer.