If you want a textbook example of generic 1980s police film, you should probably consider watching No Mercy, 1986 action thriller directed by Richard Pearce. The plot begins in Chicago where two undercover policemen – Eddie Jillette (played by Richard Gere) and Joe Collins (played by Gary Basaraba) – arrest petty drug dealer Angles Ryan (played by Ray Sharkey) who, in exchange for leniency, informs them about someone from New Orleans asking for the services of professional killers. Posing as the would-be assassins, Jilette and Collins meet Paul Deveneuax (played by Terry Kinney), Southern gentleman who is accompanied by stunningly beautiful woman Michel Duval (played by Kim Basinger) who, as Devenaux explains, “belongs” to Losado (played by Jerroen Krabbe), Cajun gang boss who is to be the target of assassination. He is also described as “dangerous man” and this point is proven when Losado and his men strike first, which results in Michel being taken away and Devenaux and Collins killed. Jilette has barely survived, but he is determined to avenge the death of his partner. He goes to New Orleans, using physical description of Michel as his only lead and determined to get to Losado despite not knowing anything about city and local culture.
Contemporary critics claimed that No Mercy had been inspired by classics of film noir. Actually, this was more a patchwork of some 1980s hits and popular trends. The most obvious is the plot of rogue policeman going to different and almost alien city in order to avenge his partner, a concept clearly borrowed from Beverly Hills Cop. Then, there is Kim Basinger as the sex symbol of its time appearing in the role that includes steamy love scene that toys with the limits of increasingly prudish Hollywood. Finally, there is exotic setting of Louisiana where Cajuns who speak French instead of English look more alien and sinister than regular rednecks to average American filmgoer. Script by Jim Carabatsos is full of cliches which include obligatory romance between Jilette and Michel; this segment looks quite lame because Gere and Basinger somehow fail to show chemistry together, despite actual having real life torrid romance on the set. Uninspired musical score by Alan Silvestri doesn’t help film either. What makes No Mercy watchable is solid direction by Pearce who keeps quick pace and makes couple of interesting action scenes, including final showdown which is spectacular despite its predictability. Dutch actor Jerroen Krabbe makes the most out of one-dimensional role of villain, playing it with gusto and delivering one-liners that are as chilling as his black costume. The general result is solid, but mostly forgettable film that should satisfy only the less demanding fans of the genre.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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