The film was pretty good, not great, but an enjoyable watch. It's definitely a low budget endeavor but the backdrop of Thailand along with some solid directing and camera work pick ups some of the slack. It's a well-paced bank heist story with several interesting elements, including an inside man with bad blood for Seagal, and a unique "switching out" of heist partners about 2/3 of the way through. No over-the-top, "every 15 minutes a fight scene" action but instead it's more about suspense and nuggets of conflict where it supports the story.
Seagal has a different kind of role in this film. As the drug lord from who the two protagonists are stealing (several times, in fact), Seagal has mostly a speaking role with little martial arts included from him. He's not out saving the day but instead a bad guy getting jacked by thieves while also being double-crossed by one of his own men. Michael Jai White, on the other hand, has only one scene in the movie, and while he's a powerful presence, it's hardly worth his face on the cover.
Strongest character in my opinion was Niran, the inside man played by Sahajak Boonthanakit (Nicolas Refn's "Only God Forgives"). Very understated but nefarious, and a decent actor. The lead, John Lee Edward, not so much. His girlfriend, Pim Bubear, made up for Edward though with a comfortable, genuine ease to her performance that somewhat balanced out the pair.
Asian Connection offers an interesting blend of action and suspense from a story and characters you wouldn't expect. Definitely worth a watch.
Seagal has a different kind of role in this film. As the drug lord from who the two protagonists are stealing (several times, in fact), Seagal has mostly a speaking role with little martial arts included from him. He's not out saving the day but instead a bad guy getting jacked by thieves while also being double-crossed by one of his own men. Michael Jai White, on the other hand, has only one scene in the movie, and while he's a powerful presence, it's hardly worth his face on the cover.
Strongest character in my opinion was Niran, the inside man played by Sahajak Boonthanakit (Nicolas Refn's "Only God Forgives"). Very understated but nefarious, and a decent actor. The lead, John Lee Edward, not so much. His girlfriend, Pim Bubear, made up for Edward though with a comfortable, genuine ease to her performance that somewhat balanced out the pair.
Asian Connection offers an interesting blend of action and suspense from a story and characters you wouldn't expect. Definitely worth a watch.