‘Darkness of Man’ Review – Jean-Claude Van Damme Toplines Gritty, Koreatown Set Thriller

Jean-Claude Van Damme is one of cinema’s most iconic action heroes, but with “Darkness of Man” he takes it down a notch with a more grounded narrative. He plays Russell Hatch, a former Interpol operative who has sworn to protect Jayden (Emerson Min), the son of a slain informant (Chika Kanamoto). Directed and co-written by James Cullen Bressack, the feature is now out on Digital and hits DVD June 4th. Check out our CinemAddicts review below!

Set in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles, “Darkness of Man” co-stars Kristanna Loken as Claire, Russell’s girlfriend. Sticky Fingaz is a DEA Agent determined to bring Russell Hatch (Jean-Claude Van Damme) in the fold, and Ji Yong Lee and Peter Jae are Jayden’s grandfather and uncle.

Jayden (Emerson Min) is recruited into his uncle’s gang, and Russell will have none of it. Interfering with family business puts Russell in the crosshairs of the Korean and Russian mob, leading him into very dangerous territory.

Filmmaker James Cullen Bressack employs a plethora of film noir flourishes (including existential narration from Van Damme). The overall “dark” tone of the movie works. It’s worth a look if you are a JCVD fan and love a bit of noir in your narratives.

Check out our “Darkness of Man” review in audio or video form below:

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“Darkness of Man” is now available on Digital and hits DVD June 4.

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