August 4, 1997 -- "Operation Condor" is a sort of "Indiana Chan" kung fu action movie recycled from pre-communist Hong Kong. Like most Jackie Chan films it is funny and filled with amazing stunts.

Originally released in 1990 under the title of Feiying Gaiwak, an earlier version of this film is available on video under the title "The Armor of God II." The 1997 version released by Miramax has been re-dubbed and new musical score has been added. The dubbing, by the way, is pretty bad, and they must have hired a samurai to edit the film.

This story has Jackie in search of hidden Nazi gold in the African desert. There's a mysterious key, and a map that appears out of nowhere (the explanation for that must have gotten cut out) and a whole bunch of people are after the gold. The story is more than a little like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which came out a year before this movie.

As in many Jackie Chan films, the plot is about as loose as a Marx Brothers movie and there is some pretty bad acting, but you always get your money's worth in terms of action, stunts and Chan's fine physical comedy. This film rates a C+.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 1997 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.