Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1989

Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects isn't one of Charles Bronson's best films, but it is an interesting action flick that tackles dark subjects such as racism and child prostitution with a certain degree of intelligence that generally doesn't exist in mindless action/revenge movies. Far from a gratuitous film, Kinjite provides the viewer a glimpse at the life of a vice cop surrounded by a world of filth.

Although Charles Bronson was not as renowned for his 80's action films as Schwarzenegger or Stallone, he released an impressive quantity of movies throughout the 80's, most of which dealt with a man on the edge that deals out violent retribution to the dregs of society. These types of films may not bring anything terribly new to the table, but watching criminals get what's coming to them never wears thin.

In Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects, Charles Bronson plays Lt. Crowe, a righteous and moral man weary of the constant encroachment of drugs and sexual crimes. As the movie opens we learn that Crowe is just chomping at the bit to take down a ruthless pimp that is running a child prostitution gang. The pimp, known as Duke (Juan Fernandez), kidnaps teenage girls and hooks them on drugs, eventually making them willing accomplices to his vile solicitations.

Crowe isn't having much luck taking Duke down, due to both the craftiness of the slick criminal as well as the fact that potential witnesses are unwilling to testify against him. Eventually Crowe becomes so disgusted as he watches Duke live an extravagant lifestyle through the abuse of innocent teens that he decides to take the law into his own hands. After firebombing the pimp's car and forcing him to eat his own $25,000 watch, he lays down an ultimatum: quit the business or else.

Of course it wouldn't be much of a movie if Duke did accept Crowe's request, so you can bet that he continues his filthy business, setting the stage for an inevitable, violent showdown.

This alone would be enough to propel the storyline, but another twist is tossed into the mix. Duke's latest victim is a Japanese businessman's daughter, and Crowe is charged with the task of tracking her down and rescuing her from the notorious pimp. Crowe objects to this task, for he cares not a whit about helping any Asian. His anger is fueled by the fact that an unknown Asian recently groped his daughter on a public bus. Crowe's request to be transferred to another case is rejected by his commander, and thus he must attempt to swallow his racism in order to do the right thing and save the kidnapped girl.

There are other twists and turns within the movie, but I won't divulge them in this review so as not to ruin the movie. You can tell those responsible for Kinjite wanted to create a film that was more intelligent than the run-of-the-mill cop story, and it succeeds in this task. It's not exactly a thought-provoking work of art, but it handles difficult topics with respect and good taste.

The casting choices were solid; each actor easily blends into his or her role. Few play the part of a world-weary cop and vigilante better than Bronson, so it's to be expected that he doesn't disappoint. Juan Fernandez was the perfect choice for Duke; he just oozes craftiness and sleaziness. Although the film centers on the conflict between these two main characters, all the supporting actors should also be commended for a job well done.

Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects deals with mature topics intended for an adult audience, but it handles the subjects gracefully rather than forcing offensive scenes in front of your face. You understand the dark reality of what is happening behind the scenes, but you are not forced to witness all of it. As such, Kinjite is perfectly suitable for any fan of action films, particularly those who appreciate Charles Bronson.

Movie rating: 7 stars

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