China O'Brien

In the 1990 martial arts action flick China O'Brien, acclaimed martial-arts superstar Cynthia Rothrock takes on the title role and delivers kick-butt performance. Directed by Robert Clouse, the visionary behind classics like "Enter the Dragon," China O'Brien co-stars Richard Norton and Keith Cooke. The film, set in a small town overwhelmed with corruption, provides a platform to exhibit the martial arts skills of the primary characters, coupled with an engaging storyline, to deliver an action-packed cinematic experience.

The film opens up with China O'Brien, an accomplished city cop who is well-respected in the force for her impressive fighting skills and acute sense of justice. She upholds her duty without hesitation, never allowing criminals to get away. However, her life takes a sharp turn during a tragic incident involving her partner, for which she blames herself. This personal tragedy results in a crisis of conscience, leading her to resign from her city job and retreat to her quiet hometown in Utah.

Resolute on starting over in life, China returns to her father, who is the local sheriff in their crimeworn small town. Replete with scenes that familiarize audiences with the geographical, emotional, and cultural landscape of the town, these sequences shape the backdrop for the impending action. Unaware of what awaits her, China quickly realizes that her hometown is far from the peaceful place she remembers. The town is under the control of local gangsters and corrupt authorities making life miserable for its inhabitants. Her sense of justice, coupled with her unwillingness to accept the town's dire state, prompts her to act against the culprits.

Richard Norton stars as Matt Conroy, a former Australian Special Forces operative, turned schoolteacher, who becomes an unlikely ally to China. Matt shares China's desire for justice and morality, and his formidable fighting abilities make him a significant asset in their fight against corruption.

Keith Cooke plays Dakota, a Native American whose family had suffered under the town's rampant corruption. With a personal stake in the matter, Dakota possesses athletic agility, fighting abilities, and a deep-rooted need for justice. He joins China and Matt to help eradicating the corruption plaguing their town.

China O’Brien blends martial arts action, thought-provoking storyline, and emotional connections. It's a tale of redemption, companionship, and the fight against injustice. Rothrock's exceptional martial arts skills brilliantly underscores her persona as a strong woman capable of defending herself and others—quite progressive for the 1990s and resonates even today. Her intense action scenes, coupled with Norton's and Cooke's talent, make this film a must-watch for martial arts fans.

The film showcases Rothrock breaking barriers as a female police officer in a male-dominated profession, and indeed a strong lead in a martial arts film, setting it apart in the action genre. Each character, though defined by their fighting skills, carries an emotional depth contributing to the film's overall narrative and their shared motive—fighting for justice, making the story even more compelling.

While significantly highlighting martial arts, the film does not deter from its storyline. Instead, it cleverly uses these fighting scenes to push the narrative forward, making every high-octane sequence relevant to the unfolding events and the character's development. Complimenting the martial arts sequences are the engaging cinematography, capturing the town’s vast landscapes, and the gritty mood of the settings, enhancing the viewing experience.

Despite being an action film, China O'Brien tactfully tackles the theme of corruption and the embodiment of justice, making it worth watching for audiences beyond martial arts enthusiasts.

In conclusion, China O'Brien provides a perfect blend of thrilling martial arts sequences, led by the formidable Rothrock, and a robust and engaging storyline. If you're in the mood for a retro-action flick carried by a strong female lead with a passion for justice, then gear up for this action-entice small-town combat against crime.