Watch Brush with Danger

Brush with Danger is a thrilling action movie from 2015 that showcases the martial art skills of its lead star, Ken Zheng. Directed by Livi Zheng, who also stars in the film, it follows the story of two young siblings, Ben (Ken Zheng) and Tisha (Livi Zheng), who are forced to sell off their art pieces on the streets of Philadelphia to make ends meet.

However, their lives take a dangerous turn when a Russian gangster, played by Nikita Breznikov, discovers that one of the paintings they have is not just any ordinary artwork, but is a valuable painting that contains a secret document. The gangster tries to retrieve it from the siblings, setting off a violent chain of events that leaves Ben and Tisha on the run and fighting for their lives.

What raises Brush with Danger above a typical action film is the use of martial arts as a storytelling tool. The film showcases different martial arts techniques, including Wing Chun, Judo, Kung Fu, and Muay Thai, and how each technique can be used in different situations. The fight scenes are fast-paced, intense, and choreographed to showcase the actors’ martial arts skills.

The movie also explores the themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice. Ben and Tisha are fiercely protective of each other, and their bond is tested throughout the movie as they navigate through dangerous situations. The siblings are also aided by a cast of interesting characters, including a street-smart con artist played by Norman Newkirk and a mysterious art dealer played by Michael Blend.

Although Brush with Danger is not a big-budget movie, the film's production design, particularly the use of the cityscape of Philadelphia, is impressive. The filmmakers use the city's alleys, buildings, and streets as a backdrop for their action sequences, creating a sense of urgency and danger.

The acting in the movie is serviceable, with Ken Zheng delivering a solid performance as the film's lead. His martial arts skills are evident in each of the movie's action scenes. He also brings an emotional depth to his character, particularly when he is called upon to make tough decisions that might affect his family's safety.

Livi Zheng is also impressive in the movie, both as an actress and as a director. She portrays Tisha as a young woman who is just as capable of defending herself as her brother, and her presence adds balance to the film's action-heavy scenes. Livi Zheng also demonstrates her directorial skills, particularly in how she choreographs the fight scenes.

Overall, Brush with Danger is a thrilling action movie that showcases martial arts as a storytelling tool. While the story might be formulaic, the action scenes and the actors' performances make this film worthwhile. The film's message of family, loyalty, and sacrifice also registers with the audience, making it a satisfying watch.

Brush with Danger is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2 and a MetaScore of 22.