Zhong Nan Hai bao biao (The Defender) (The Bodyguard from Beijing) (1994)

71% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(14,510 ratings)

Director and martial arts choreographer Corey Yuen Kwai adapts the 1991 American hit The Bodyguard into a kung-fu flick starring Jet Li. After spoiled debutante Michelle Yeung (Christy Chung) witnesses a powerful businessman committing homicide, she realizes that her life is in grave danger. Her… More Director and martial arts choreographer Corey Yuen Kwai adapts the 1991 American hit The Bodyguard into a kung-fu flick starring Jet Li. After spoiled debutante Michelle Yeung (Christy Chung) witnesses a powerful businessman committing homicide, she realizes that her life is in grave danger. Her boyfriend Leung (Kent Cheng Chuk-see) hires a crack bodyguard named Hui Ching-yeung (Li). Stoic, compact, and commanding authority, Hui immediately rubs Michelle the wrong way. He forbids her from leaving the house to hang out with friends to the mall, fearing that assassins might be lying in wait. Yet after a torrent of bitter complains, Hui agrees to let her go on a shopping excursion. Of course, a band of thugs immediately pounce and only Hui's quick-thinking manages to save the day. Afterwards, Michelle starts to realize the degree of danger she is in and comes to appreciate Hui's vigilance. Love soon blooms, but not before an ace killer gets hired from the Mainland. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Kazuya Konaka, Corey Yuen
Written By: Chan Koon Chung
Genres: Art House & International, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Dec 31, 1994 Wide
On DVD: Oct 6, 1998

Critic Reviews

Robert Pardi, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Li exudes enough magnetism to make the sexual banter with his fair damsel credible, and enough athletic prowess to simultaneously power this and several other vehicles.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The story is utterly predictable, but the action scenes are creative and Li exudes excitement every time the camera turns to him -- there is no wonder at all why Chung's character is willing to dump all her riches to be in his arms.
Fred Topel, About.com
Was good as Bodyguard from Beijing
James Rocchi, Netflix
All this is made up for by the sheer visceral pleasure of Jet Li's charisma.
Joey O'Bryan, Austin Chronicle
Lively, unpretentious fun.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

This film is a version of The Bodyguard, with Jet Li in the Kevin Costner role. The final 20 minutes of the film consist of nonstop martial-arts action - outstanding!
Khris N

Good movie - very jet Li'ish. - a modern story similar to the Bodyguard - but much better action wise!
Steven V

Bodyguard from Beijing is a HK remake of Hollywood's The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. But HK's version is quite different and a whole lot better. The relationship between… More
Bodyguard from Beijing is a HK remake of Hollywood's The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. But HK's version is quite different and a whole lot better. The relationship between Jet Li and Christy Chung has more tension and is more believable. And the action is incomparable. The shopping mall scene and especially the end fighting scene are simply too awesome to describe. Must see for any Jet Li fan.
Rodrigo R

Desent and entertaining, although a little annoying, but I liked the coughs that gave the bodyguard.

Zhong Nan Hai bao biao (The Defender) (The Bodyguard from Beijing) (1994)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Khris N

Steven V

Rodrigo R

Cast