Year of the Dragon

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Year of the Dragon

R

1985

2h 14m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

55%

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20 Reviews

53%

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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.

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Philip Wuntch

Dallas Morning News

Aug 20, 2025

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

Oct 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

Jan 2, 2018

... the movie ends up looking cluttered.

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Justine Smith

Vague Visages

Nov 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

Oct 21, 2023

5/5

…a tough, rough, abrasive, fearless movie…

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 9, 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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Max M.

@Househuntermax May 18, 2026

The set pieces are good, especially the Chinese restaurant shoot out and the train stunt. But Mickey Rourke just doesn’t put together a performance that makes you want to root for him or get you invested in the story as a whole and maybe that’s what this movie is missing. Caroline Kava is the best actor in the movie. Don’t be in a rush to see it.

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William L.

@RT70826415 May 9, 2026

Michael Cimino comeback film “Year of the Dragon” is a raw, compelling, and entertaining film! Mickey Rourke portrays Stanley White.. a captain for the NYPD and is assigned to Chinatown to stop criminal activity but has to face off against Joey Tai who runs the gangs and the mafia. Very excellent performances from Mickey Rourke and John Lone who portrays Tai. The movie can feel a bit out of tune at times and seems to be messy but is so entertaining. Worth the watch!

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Joaquin U

@Joaquin1 Apr 29, 2026

Entertaining, with plenty of action, and a solid cops‑versus‑gangsters setup. Oliver Stone and Cimino put together a competent script, and Cimino’s direction keeps it steady. The cast is strong. It wasn’t well‑received at the time, and the controversies didn’t help, but taken on its own, it’s worth a watch—fun enough, with a few memorable scenes.

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Chuck S

@RoninSam Jan 23, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2025

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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Michael Cimino

Director

Mickey Rourke

Stanley White

John Lone

Joey Tai

Ariane

Tracy Tzu

Leonard Termo

Angelo Rizzo

Raymond J. Barry

Louis Bukowski

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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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