Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Black Cat Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 22, 2024

In 1990, Luc Besson’s “La Femme Nikita” managed to bewitch an international audience with its outstanding mix of deep feelings and furious action. The movie successfully refreshed the ways of assassin cinema, resulting in Besson’s finest picture, which launched many copycats and a few remakes (including 1993’s “Point of No Return” with Bridget Fonda). “Black Cat” is an unofficial do-over, with the Hong Kong production helping itself to the basics of Besson’s endeavor, focusing on stunt activity as star Jade Leung delivers a monumentally physical performance. Director Stephen Shin attempts emotionality, but that’s not the ultimate point of “Black Cat,” which often resembles a theme park stunt show, with the production making sure the feature is on the move for most of its run time, inflicting all kinds of damage on the lead character as she develops into a highly trained killer.

Catherine (Jade Leung) is stuck in New York, trying to make some money at a truck stop. When a violent customer wants something more from her, Catherine fights back, resulting in the monstrous man’s death, and she accidentally kills a police officer in the moment. Instead of going to prison, Catherine is collected by Brian (Simon Yam), who’s part of a secret agency using brain chip technology to turn the worst of the worst into assassins. Initially resistant to the plan, Catherine learns her new routine, becoming stronger and deadlier. After a year in isolation, the young woman is put to the test, fully unleashed as a trained killer, impressing Brian, who moves her to Hong Kong for a new future. She’s handed a plan to follow and a cover to maintain, but Catherine meets Allen (Thomas Lam), a photographer who takes a liking to her, with the pair soon commencing an affair. However, Allen is unaware of Catherine’s true identity, and when she’s called on to kill again, her love threatens her purpose, bringing Brian back into her life.

There are many differences between “Black Cat” and “La Femme Nikita,” but the primary one involves Catherine and her state of desperation. Besson turned his character into a genuine threat to society, while the Hong Kong film keeps Catherine a victim, pushed into dangerous situations with predatory people as she tries to maintain something of a peaceful life. It’s a simplification that takes the danger out of “Black Cat,” but the material seems intent on keeping the eponymous character as sympathetic as possible, entered into a system of reprogramming and surgery that’s meant to make her obedient and formidable.

Action is king in “Black Cat,” with Shin making sure the picture is packed with conflict, including introductory horror in the truck stop. There’s also a sci-fi element in the brain implant, with Brian using the device to make sure Catherine’s body reaches its “highest potential.” The feature follows “La Femme Nikita” with training sequences, watching Catherine get used to the system, taking language lessons, enduring water trials, and learning how to shoot a weapon (which includes management of ice bullets). She submits to the program, and is soon put to the test, which occurs during an outdoor wedding. There’s lots of jumping, gunfire, and stunt performers, but Shin primarily concentrates on Leung, who truly gives 100% of herself to the part. It’s her first acting job, and one can sense that during overly dramatic moments, but Leung is impressive here as she’s put through all sorts of dangers, including a mid-movie assassination plan at a construction site, requiring Catherine to jump around elevators and a crane.

Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly restored and color graded by Vinegar Syndrome from existing 2K studio masters." The viewing experience for "Black Cat" retains plenty of detail, exploring numerous skin surfaces and costume changes, which maintain interesting textures. Interiors deliver a sense of depth and decoration as the story visits training areas and living spaces. Exteriors are dimensional, preserving rural encounters and city chases. Color is appealing, with "Black Cat" favoring cooler hues with fashion choices and lighting style. More active primaries are distinct with signage, and greenery is vivid. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are Cantonese and English 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks to choose from in "Black Cat," with the latter a slightly muddier, aged, listening experience. The Cantonese option supplies a sharper understanding of dialogue exchanges, maintaining balance with a few extreme emotional outbursts. Scoring is clear, with synth support appreciable. Sound effects are snappy as violence repeatedly breaks out.

Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• Interview (14:12, HD) is a chat with actress Jade Leung, who lists herself as an "actor and an action star." The interviewee explores her love of playing varied characters, enjoying the process of changing with different roles. Leung won the part in "Black Cat" after answering an ad from the production company, which was on the prowl for a fresh action star. New to acting, Leung was offered an education in action choreography and performance nuance, leaning on her co-star, Simon Yam, for help. With such inexperience, mistakes were made, and stunt challenges are recalled, including a day spent in a freezing Canadian river. Lueng also explores her time in "Black Cat 2," learning to demand more out of her characters.

• Interview (13:28, HD) is a discussion of "Black Cat" with martial arts director Benz Kong To-Hoi. Born into a family of acrobats, the interviewee learned flexibility and daredevil instincts on the job, also making a contact in Sammo Hung. Receiving a call from director Stephen Shin for "Black Cat," the choreographer was tasked with creating "contemporary action" for the picture, working closely with star Jade Leung, who was new to acting and weapons handling, requiring some trickery to eliminate her amateur status around powerful guns. Leung's tests of stamina are highlighted, along with the production's time in Canada, which required a greater level of safety for the actors. Technical challenges are also identified, highlighting crazier offerings of danger.

• "Copycat? 'Black Cat' and its Influences" (16:42, HD) is a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Image Gallery (1:54) collects poster art and film stills for "Black Cat."

• And an English Trailer (4:34, SD) and Cantonese Trailer (3:50, HD) are included.

Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Black Cat" follows Catherine into love with Allen, who, truthfully, is a bit of a predatory guy himself (collecting photos of his object of desire without her permission), but he offers warmth to a person who's been without intimacy for a long time. This relationship doesn't retain any deep feeling for the picture, sticking with "La Femme Nikita" plotting without selling potential passion. Thankfully, Shin doesn't remain on sudsy content for too long, putting more time into stunt sequences, which really shine throughout the feature, sending Catherine into all forms of danger. "Black Cat" doesn't match the cinematic style and power of "La Femme Nikita," but as a B-movie rehash with a general interest in staging gunfights, chases, and physical brawls, it remains an entertaining diversion.