Born to Defence

Synopsis

Born to Defence is a 1988 Hong Kong martial arts film starring Jet Li as Captain David, a skilled Chinese martial artist and military officer living in New York. The film follows David as he confronts racism, cultural conflicts, and illegal activities that threaten his community. Through intense martial arts battles and personal determination, David fights to defend his honor and protect those around him. Known for its authentic fight choreography and gritty urban setting, Born to Defence blends action with social commentary, showcasing Jet Li’s dynamic screen presence in his early career. The film is an exploration of perseverance, justice, and cultural pride.

Cast

• 

  Jet Li

  Jet

• 

  Song Jia

  Na

• 

  Zhao Erkang

  Zhang

• Kurt Roland Petersson

  Captain Hans

• 

  Paulo Tocha

  Bailey

• Yuen Fai

  Friend of Jet

Reviews

Born to Defence holds a mixed reception among critics and audiences. On IMDb, it has a rating of 5.7 out of 10 based on user reviews, reflecting a moderate appreciation mostly for its action sequences and Jet Li’s performance. The choreography and fight scenes are often praised for their authenticity and intensity, with Jet Li's martial arts prowess being a standout element. However, some critics note that the film's plot can be somewhat predictable and clichéd, lacking depth in character development and narrative complexity. No aggregated scores are available on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic due to the film's niche status and age, but it is recognized in martial arts circles as a noteworthy early Jet Li vehicle. Fans of the genre appreciate its raw energy and classic fight scenes, while casual viewers might find it less engaging due to its dated production style and straightforward storyline. Overall, Born to Defence is seen as a solid martial arts film with memorable action moments but falls short of being a cinematic masterpiece.