Where to watch Silent Assassins
2 Stars
The evil criminal leader Kendrick has kidnapped an elderly biochemist who holds the secret to creating a biological superweapon. The only person who can possibly stop Kendrick and his gang is L. A. cop Sam Kettle and martial arts master Jun Kim (uncle of a little girl also kidnapped by Kendrick). Together, they go to war against an army of ninjas to rescue the hostages and bring their kidnappers to justice.
Best of the Best introduced the ultra-charismatic Phillip Rhee and his brother Simon to audiences worldwide. I had always thought that these Martial Arts wizards were making their debut in that film from 1989, but I was incorrect. As of late, I’ve been actively seeking out the early work from the Rhee clan that led me to 1985’s low-budget L.A. Strretfighter aka Ninja Turf, and now, Silent Assassins. It’s telling that Rhee is absent on the film’s poster; instead, it shows off the likeness of B-Movie mainstays Linda Blair and Sam J. Jones.
Silent Assassins is a so-so-action thriller with a villain that deserves more screen time. There are Ninjas, Femme Fatales, biochemical weapons, and jump-kicks from Tak Kwon Do master Phillip Rhee. Sam J. Jones, of Flash Gordon fame, does his best with the material, and he’s serviceable in the ‘hero cop’ role. Still, Silent Assassins is an opportunity to showcase the acting and athletic capabilities of its minority cast members. I would typically object to a bait-and-switch, particularly on the B-movie level, but Silent Assassins is better because of the work from Rhee and Jun Chong.
Directed by: Lee Doo-yong, Scott Thomas
Written by: Lin Ada, James Bruner, Will Gates
Starring: Sam J. Jones, Linda Blair, Jun Chong