Year of the Dragon

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Year of the Dragon

R

1985

2h 14m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

20 Reviews

53%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In New York, racist Capt. Stanley White (Mickey Rourke) becomes obsessed with destroying a Chinese-American drug ring run by Joey Tai (John Lone), an up-and-coming young gangster as ambitious as he is ruthless. While pursuing an unauthorized investigation, White grows increasingly willing to violate police protocol, resorting to progressively violent measures -- even as his concerned wife, Connie (Caroline Kava), and his superiors beg him to consider the consequences of his actions.

Philip Wuntch

Dallas Morning News

Aug 20

Cimino has directed a very watchable movie -- which isn't the same thing as a good movie.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

10/22/2018

The bottom line: Year of the Dragon is a first-rate cops vs the mob melodrama that restores Michael Cimino's reputation as a gifted filmmaker.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

01/02/2018

... the movie ends up looking cluttered.

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Justine Smith

Vague Visages

11/21/2023

Year of the Dragon, Michael Cimino’s macho trainwreck vision of excess, is built on the shoulders of his own damaged ego.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

10/21/2023

5/5

…a tough, rough, abrasive, fearless movie…

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

03/09/2019

2.5/4

Defenders claim it's a blow against racism and sexism while detractors insist it embraces racism and sexism. One's opinion will perhaps depend on whether the viewing ends with admiration for its technical prowess or annoyance at its narrative ugliness.

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Chuck S

@RoninSam Jan 23

This movie is a truly gritty portrayal of being in law enforcement. I myself a 25 year veteran saw many scenes that it was like taking me back to my years as an officer. Phenomenal acting by Mickey by the way.

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Frans B

@FransB Jan 22

Michael Cimino did good here, amazing attention to detail, eg. "Chinatown" and various other locations. Very good directing and well written. Cast relatively convincing in character, good cinematography. Enough action, intrigue, suspense and emotion.

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William L

@RT76207187 Jul 25

Was Worth The Watch!!! Mickey Rourke truly shows some amazing acting chops for this action thriller. Many of its action scenes are great, the storyline keeps you engaged, and lots of interesting moments. Although a flop and received controversy upon its release, it has many terrific moments and action fans will enjoy Rourke as Stanley White. Definitely worth the watch!

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jul 4

Failure in 2 hours and 14 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $18,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Jun 3

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom.

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Landon J

@Minxsykitty 04/12/2025

I think what makes this stand out from contemporaries is it's character expression. Many titles are shot as beautifully and written as well enough, but lack the intensity this title brings. Outburts, violence, plot climaxes all have a sense of genuineness to them, thanks mostly to what I believe is the cast appearing to give this scrip their all, regardless of sharing the silhouette of countless others.

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Michael Cimino

Director

Mickey Rourke

Stanley White

John Lone

Joey Tai

Ariane

Tracy Tzu

Leonard Termo

Angelo Rizzo

Raymond J. Barry

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Synopsis

In New York, racist Capt. Stanley White (Mickey Rourke) becomes obsessed with destroying a Chinese-American drug ring run by Joey Tai (John Lone), an up-and-coming young gangster as ambitious as he is ruthless. While pursuing an unauthorized investigation, White grows increasingly willing to violate police protocol, resorting to progressively violent measures -- even as his concerned wife, Connie (Caroline Kava), and his superiors beg him to consider the consequences of his actions.

Director: Michael Cimino
Producer: Dino De Laurentiis
Screenwriter: Oliver Stone, Michael Cimino
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, AMLF, Dino De Laurentiis Company
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.6M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Surround

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