Starring Jason Statham, Safe is a predictable affair. The plot centres on Mei, a young Chinese girl, who knows a code to a safe containing $30 million. The Triads, Russians and corrupt police officers frantically try and obtain the code while Statham ensures the safety of his charge.
The formulaic plot is ideal for creating great action scenes. Highlights include Jason Statham beating up seven guys on a train with his bare hands and a gunfight in a casino where I counted 41 deaths in just two and a half minutes. I’m pretty sure he could strangle you with a cordless phone if he wanted to.
The relationship between Statham and Mei, who knew the code, was meant to be the film’s heart and the ideal counterpoint to the brutal mass killings taking place elsewhere. However, not only is it not affecting but somewhat creepy. With barely a female seen elsewhere, the relationship seemed out of place and it is never revealed why Statham feels such deep affection for her.
However, Statham does well as the macho lead, proving baldness can be badass. Safe seems resigned to its place as just another Jason Statham film but it at least knows how to appeal to its target audience.
