Part brutal martial arts thriller, part tender fable. The film contrasts bone-crunching, animalistic fight sequences (choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping) with lyrical, quiet scenes of Danny discovering Schubert on a piano. It’s La Femme Nikita meets The Elephant Man — with Jet Li delivering a rare, largely silent, emotionally raw performance.
Danny (Jet Li) has been raised since childhood by the sadistic gangster Bart (Bob Hoskins) to be nothing more than a weapon. Locked in a cage under the floor when not in use, Danny wears a steel collar and is conditioned to attack on command, showing no mercy or emotion. His only instinct is violence — until a car accident separates him from Bart. Wounded and lost, Danny is discovered by Sam (Morgan Freeman), a blind, gentle piano tuner, and his teenage stepdaughter Victoria (Kerry Condon). For the first time in his life, Danny experiences kindness, music, and a home. But when Bart tracks him down, Danny must decide: return to the monster who made him, or fight for the humanity he’s only just learned to feel.
Here’s a write-up for Danny the Dog (internationally known as Unleashed ): Danny the Dog (aka Unleashed ) Year: 2005 Director: Louis Leterrier Producer: Luc Besson (also co-writer) Starring: Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, Bob Hoskins, Kerry Condon
Raised as a human attack dog by a vicious loan shark, a broken young man discovers the redemptive power of music, kindness, and family when he is taken in by a blind piano tuner.
“You’re not a dog, Danny. You’re a boy. And you’re gonna be fine.” Rating: ★★★★☆ (Director’s Cut: ★★★★½) Would you like a shorter version (e.g., for a streaming service description or a review blurb)?
