Action Hero Takes Stand in Rural America

Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
China O’Brien 1 & 2
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Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1990
Runtime: 1h 26m / 1h 32m
Director(s): Robert Clouse
Writer(s): Robert Clouse, Sandra Weintraub / Robert Clouse, Craig Clyde, James Hennessy, Sandra Weintraub
Cast: Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton, Keith Cooke, Doug Wright, Nijel, Arturo Rivera, Scott McMillan, Patrick Adamson, Frank Magner, Harlow Marks, Tiffany Soter, Tricia Quai
Where To Watch: available April 29, 2024; pre-order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: So, generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of Westerns or martial arts films, yet somehow, when you combine the two genres into one, it captured my attention in a way I wasn’t expecting. CHINA O'BRIEN creates a unique world with a spirited mix of old Western themes and energetic martial arts. Directed by Robert Clouse, this series presents yet another significant portion of Cynthia Rothrock’s acting journey. Transitioning from the concrete jungle of New York to the rugged landscapes of Beaver Creek, Utah, Rothrock’s Lori "China" O'Brien wages a war against corruption, rejuvenating her hometown with a fierce sense of justice and impressive martial prowess.

CHINA O'BRIEN kicks off with Rothrock's character undergoing a profound transformation. A dire altercation that leads to a police shootout compels her to resign and return to her quaint hometown, where her father, portrayed by David Blackwell, is deeply embroiled in a fight against a corrupt criminal overlord. As Rothrock transitions from city cop to town sheriff, she embodies the essence of a decisive leader dedicated to eradicating the malignancy plaguing her town.

The sequel, CHINA O'BRIEN II, ratchets up the intensity. The plot thickens with the introduction of a formidable adversary during Beaver Creek's Fourth of July festivities, setting the stage for more gripping action. This follow-up amplifies the thrill and enriches the storyline, delving into the lasting effects of former conflicts looming over the town’s newfound peace. Also, creating one of those rare instances where the sequel offers more than the original film (even if just slightly.)

Under Clouse’s direction, the narrative flows smoothly, interspersed with well-crafted action sequences that highlight the scenic, rustic backdrop—a refreshing contrast to the typical urban settings of many martial arts films. The choreography of the fight scenes stands out, striking a balance between realism and flair, showcasing Rothrock’s exceptional martial arts talents in a manner that avoids gratuitous violence.

The films occasionally venture into “cheesy” territory with exaggerated villain portrayals. These moments, however, contribute to a certain nostalgic charm, appealing to those who reminisce about the action films of the 1980s and 1990s. Thanks to Eureka Classics’ newly restored scans, newcomers and longtime enthusiasts can now appreciate this distinctive fusion with a pristine visual quality.

While CHINA O'BRIEN didn’t revolutionize the genre, it solidifies Cynthia Rothrock’s place as a formidable action heroine. Merging dynamic martial arts sequences with classic crime storytelling, the series carves a unique, albeit niche, spot in cinematic history. They invite viewers to revisit an era when action heroes were celebrated for their combat skills and moral integrity, resonating with modern audiences seeking a throwback to action-packed narratives with substantial depth.

SPECIAL FEATURES
4K UHD
Limited-edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (2000 copies)
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentations, presented in Dolby Vision HDR from brand new 4K restorations of the original film elements
Uncompressed original English mono (China O’Brien) and stereo (China O’Brien 2) audio tracks
Optional English SDH
Brand new feature-length audio commentaries on both films by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
Brand new feature-length commentary on China O’Brien 2 by Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
Select-scene commentary on both films by Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng
Made in China – Brand new interview with Cynthia Rothrock
Enter Dakota – Brand new interview with actor and martial artist Keith Cooke
A Conversation with Richard Norton – Brand new interview with actor and martial artist Richard Norton by A.J. Richardi and Gavin Kelley of The Martial Arts Mania Podcast
Leon Hunt on China O’Brien – Brand new interview with Leon Hunt, author of Kung Fu Cult Masters: From Bruce Lee to Crouching Tiger
James Mudge on China O’Brien – Brand new interview with filmmaker and critic James Mudge
Limited Edition Reversible Poster
Trailers
A limited-edition collector’s booklet featuring new essays by James Oliver and film scholar Eddie Falvey (2000 copies)

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA CLASSICS]

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