1994’s Jet Li martial arts movie,The Bodyguard From Beijing, remade a classic Kevin Costner film, and it actually made it better. Released in 1994,The Bodyguard from Beijingis a Hong Kongmartial arts movie that features Jet Liasa bodyguard called Allan, who is hired to protect a wealthy businessman’s girlfriend, Michelle Leung (Christy Chung), after she witnesses a murder. In the US, the movie was also calledThe Defender, with Allan’s name being changed to John Chang.The Bodyguard From Beijinggrossed HK$11.2 million at the box office - approximately $1.4 million in US dollars.
The Bodyguard From Beijingis regarded as one of the best Jet Li movies, despite being somewhat underrated, with manypraising the film for its spectacular fight scenesand choreography. However, althoughThe Bodyguard From Beijingwas predominantly focused on Jet Li’s fighting abilities, themartial arts movie does have a romance storylinetoo, as Michelle begins to fall for her protector. That said, it is hard to ignore the fact thatThe Bodyguard From Beijingessentially copies a similar movie, which was released in the US two years earlier:The Bodyguard,featuring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston.
The Bodyguard From Beijing Is An Unofficial Remake Of The Bodyguard
Both Movies Follow The Same Story With Their Own Added Flairs
1994’sThe Bodyguard From Beijingis an unofficial remake of 1992’sThe Bodyguardas both films follow a similar premise.The Bodyguardis a 1992 American romantic thriller drama movie directed by Mick Jackson (Threads,Temple Grandin) starring Kevin Costner and the famous musical artist Whitney Houston, in her film acting debut. Themovie follows Kevin Costner’s former US Secret Service agent turned bodyguard character, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect the famous actress and singer, Rachel Marron, from a dangerous unknown stalker. Despite initial tensions, ultimately, Frank and Rachel end up falling in love during the assignment.
The Bodyguard’ssoundtrack album is the best-selling soundtrack album of all time. With over 50 million copies sold, it won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
The Bodyguardgrossed $411 million at the box office on a budget of $25 million, making it a massive commercial success. With a massive star likeWhitney Houston providingThe Bodyguard’ssoundtrackin her acting debut, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Song with “I Have Nothing” and “Run to You,” as well as nominations at the People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards. Surprisingly,despite its success,The Bodyguardreceived unfavorable reviews from critics and was nominated seven times at the 13th Golden Raspberry Awards(aka the Razzies).
WhileThe Bodyguard From Beijingdid not feature a singer in its lead female role, the premise surrounding the two movies is very much the same. A bodyguard finds himself falling for the stubborn and wealthy girl he is supposed to be protecting, he ends up getting shot by the antagonist in her place, and the pair say a tearful goodbye. Therefore, some have regardedThe Bodyguard From Beijingto be an unofficial remake of the 1992 classic movie, as the Hong Kong film copies the original concept, while introducing its own flair, by making it a martial arts movie.
The Bodyguard From Beijing Is Superior To The Bodyguard
Despite Being A Classic, The Bodyguard Was Slow And Less Action-Packed
WhileThe Bodyguardwill always be regarded as a classic movie for making pop culture history, elevating Whitney Houston’s status as an iconic figure, and for its fantastic box office and further related earnings, the movie does fail in some areas thatThe Bodyguard From Beijingexcels in. As a result, you could say that Jet Li’s Hong Kong remake is superior toKevin Costner’s movie. While Costner delivers an emotionally restrained performance as a conflicted protector, Jet Li is considerably more charismatic inThe Bodyguard From Beijing, and that is mostly due to the star’s martial arts skills.
The Bodyguard From Beijingis considerably more engaging, as its well-paced structure, humor, and energetic use of martial arts keep audiences interested for much longer
The Bodyguard From Beijingis considerably more engaging, as its well-paced structure, humor, and energetic use of martial arts keep audiences interested for much longer thanThe Bodyguard, which has aslower pace and focuses on the romantic and emotional storytelling aspects. Therefore,The Bodyguard From Beijingis easier to watch, making it the more compelling choice. This is a shame asThe Bodyguardwas a very promising movie, especially with Whitney Houston’s presence providing a lot of hype for the film. However, it does make you wonder ifThe Bodyguardcould have been improved with more action.
The Bodyguard
Cast
The Bodyguard, released in 1992, is a romantic thriller directed by Mick Jackson. Kevin Costner stars as Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent, who is hired to protect Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston), a music superstar, from an unknown stalker. The film explores the evolving professional and personal relationship between the bodyguard and his client, set against the backdrop of increasing danger.
