“Skin Trade” is a 2014 action thriller film directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham and stars Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, and Ron Perlman. The film revolves around the theme of human trafficking and follows a detective’s pursuit of a ruthless crime syndicate involved in the illegal trade.
Plot Summary: After his family is brutally murdered by a Serbian mobster named Viktor Dragovic (Ron Perlman), NYPD detective Nick Cassidy (Dolph Lundgren) teams up with a Thai detective, Tony Vitayakui (Tony Jaa). Together, they embark on a global mission to bring down the human trafficking network that Dragovic leads. As the two detectives get closer to their target, they uncover a complex web of corruption and crime that extends beyond borders.
Review:
1. Action Sequences: “Skin Trade” is notable for its intense and well-choreographed action sequences, showcasing the martial arts skills of both Dolph Lundgren and Tony Jaa. The film excels in delivering gritty, hand-to-hand combat scenes and high-energy fight sequences that are likely to appeal to fans of the action genre.
2. Acting Performances: Dolph Lundgren and Tony Jaa deliver solid performances in their respective roles. Lundgren brings his characteristic toughness to the character of Nick Cassidy, while Tony Jaa impresses with his martial arts prowess and physicality. Ron Perlman is convincing as the main antagonist, adding a menacing presence to the film.
3. Plot and Themes: The film tackles a serious and relevant issue—human trafficking—but the treatment of the subject matter may come across as formulaic at times. The narrative follows a familiar trajectory of a vengeful cop seeking justice, with occasional twists to keep the audience engaged. While the film doesn’t delve deep into the complexities of the issue, it serves as a backdrop for the action-packed storyline.
4. Cinematography and Production Values: “Skin Trade” benefits from competent cinematography and production values. The film takes viewers on a globe-trotting journey, moving between New York and Thailand, and the locations are captured effectively. The visuals complement the action sequences and contribute to the overall intensity of the film.
5. Pacing and Editing: The pacing of “Skin Trade” is generally fast, with a focus on maintaining momentum through action set pieces. However, some viewers may find certain plot developments predictable, and the pacing might sacrifice character depth for the sake of maintaining a high-energy tempo.
Conclusion: “Skin Trade” is a film that caters to fans of the action genre, particularly those who enjoy martial arts sequences. While it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of storytelling, its engaging action, competent performances, and the serious theme of human trafficking make it a worthwhile watch for action enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a straightforward action movie with intense fight scenes and a revenge-driven plot, “Skin Trade” delivers on those fronts.
