The story of Unleashed starts in Glasgow, Scotland, where Bart and Danny work as criminals, using Danny’s skills as a fighter and assassin to intimidate and attack other gangs. However, everything changes when Danny accidentally befriends a blind piano tuner named Sam (Morgan Freeman), who becomes sort of a father figure for him. Under Sam’s care and kindness, Danny starts to realize that there is more to life than violence and pain, and he tries to escape from Bart’s grasp and live as a free man.
The first act of the movie is particularly violent and disturbing, showcasing Danny’s brutality and Bart’s moral bankruptcy. Danny is treated like a dog, kept on a leash, and punished if he misbehaves. His only moments of freedom come when he is sent out to fight and kill other criminals, earning money for his master. This is when we see Jet Li’s martial arts skills on full display, executing a series of brutal and breath-taking moves that defy gravity and logic. Danny is portrayed as a killing machine, devoid of emotions, until he meets Sam, who takes him under his wing and teaches him how to become human again.
The central theme of the movie is redemption, as Danny tries to find a way to escape from his past and start a new life. This is where the relationship between Danny and Sam becomes the most important aspect of the story. Sam is a wise and kind man, who is able to see through Danny’s tough exterior and recognize the good in him. Morgan Freeman delivers a great performance as a man who has suffered his own tragedies and finds solace in helping others. Sam’s blindness is also a poignant detail that adds to the film’s themes, as he is able to “see” Danny’s true potential despite his physical limitations.
The last act of the movie is where the action really ramps up, as Danny faces his former master in a final showdown. Bob Hoskins is superb as Bart, a cruel and angry man who sees Danny as his property and will do anything to get him back. The final fight scene is a tour de force of martial arts choreography, with Jet Li and Bob Hoskins delivering some of the best performances of their careers. At the same time, the emotional weight of the story is not forgotten, as Danny’s desire to protect Sam and his newfound humanity are put to the test.
Overall, Unleashed is a great movie that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. It is a film that combines thrilling action, compelling characters, and a touching story into a cohesive whole that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Jet Li’s performance as Danny is particularly impressive, as he is able to convey a wide range of emotions without ever speaking a word. Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins are also outstanding, giving depth and personality to characters that could have easily fallen into cliché. If you are a fan of martial arts movies, crime thrillers, or just great filmmaking in general, you owe it to yourself to watch Unleashed.