How is this for a change of pace - a martial arts flick from Vietnam! Johnny Nguyen (TOM YUM GOONG) stars as a Lieutenant enforcer for the French occupiers in the 1920s. He ends up sympathizing with the indigenous rebels and helping their cause when he falls for the leader's daughter (Thanh Van Ngo). This is a really entertaining film because it balances fantastic martial arts sequences (choreographed by lead Nguyen) against some good drama. The real standout here is former 21 JUMP STREET-er Dustin Nguyen as the main bad guy. He has a real Simon Yam-like presence and appears to do a lot of his own fighting. My only complaint would be the film does tend to drag during the middle section set in a work camp.

Action movies generally can't deliver much in the story department. So even a slight/slim story as shown here, that is decent enough is a pretty good deal. A good one to watch and enjoy so to speak. The main actors do their dramatic parts convincingly enough and the action scenes are pretty good too (which of course it the main selling point here too).

You might recognize the main actor here from other movies. Especially if you have watched a few Thai action movies. He's doing a great job here, being likable, even when he shouldn't be the one to cheer for. This movie delivers on it's premise, the only question that remains, does this premise suit your taste?

I am very happy with the success of Furie (2019) in its homeland and overseas because after 12 long years Vietnam finally got another proper good action movie that represents how talented the industry is if they truly care about what their audience wants and not looking for few quick bucks so today I want to shed a light on "The Rebel" a movie that paved the way for the action scene in Vietnam long before Furie ever a thing. Starring 3 undisputed champion of Viet-action off all time Johnny Nguyen, Veronica Ngo and Dustin Nguyen The Rebel tell the classic story of the bravery of a small band of people who dare to fight back against the tyranny of a wolf in sheep's clothing country with all the charms for it to be both exciting and heartfelt when it needs. Despite receiving poorly in the box office from the homeland country there already a script for the sequel but for some unknown reason still not take off and I hope Furie keep working its magic overseas for us to see The Rebel 2 one day