Year of the Dragon
Performance & Direction: Year of the Dragon Review
Last updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Year of the Dragon (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Year of the Dragon features a noteworthy lineup led by Mickey Rourke . Supported by the likes of John Lone and Ariane , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Year of the Dragon
Quick Plot Summary: Year of the Dragon is a Action, Crime, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Year of the Dragon
Ending Breakdown: Year of the Dragon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Year of the Dragon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Year of the Dragon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Year of the Dragon incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Year of the Dragon adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Year of the Dragon?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Year of the Dragon
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $24.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Year of the Dragon Budget
The estimated production budget for Year of the Dragon is $24.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Year of the Dragon
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Year of the Dragon Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeYear of the Dragon Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Year of the Dragon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Year of the Dragon is 134 minutes (2h 14m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Year of the Dragon is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year of the Dragon worth watching?
Year of the Dragon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Year of the Dragon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Year of the Dragon identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Year of the Dragon?
The total duration of Year of the Dragon is 134 minutes, which is approximately 2h 14m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
