Original subtitles

The Temple of the Panthers.

It hadn't changed much in all the years since I had walked, where my daughter

Linda and a young man called Jason Blade now walked towards the final

initiation.

My name is William Anderson.

I was leaving after 20 years with Hong Kong Special Branch, leaving and going

home. But my daughter and this man Blade would follow in my footsteps.

Here and into the service.

The ancient and secret order of panthers.

combined the most vigorous training in the martial arts with a high sense of

correct behavior and Zen mastery of the self.

Once again, as he had for me, the Grandmaster spelt

out the ideals and obligations of the Panthers.

For Linda, I was both fearful and proud.

As for Jason Blade, even the Chinese agree that this man, with his courage,

modesty, and his supreme skill, was exceptional.

This ceremony was the final test.

One of us, a banter, and war the science.

Undercover surveillance is the most dangerous game we play.

Jason and Linda made a perfect professional team.

Then came the night that would ultimately change all our lives.

500 grand. That's it.

He said, you don't know your prices.

I know my prices.

$500 ,000. That's it.

What's more than that?

You're giving us a too low a deal.

Bullshit. Whatever he's saying, I don't care.

They've got police to pay, officers to pay.

I've got police to pay.

What are you, slow learner?

$500 ,000.

You're giving us a very hard time.

Ah, come on.

$500 ,000.

You tell him. No more.

For $600 ,000, we agree to supply you every two months for whatever good

you need.

$600 ,000, final offer.

Hey, what are you doing?

Hey, what are you doing? Hey, what are you doing?

Contact airport, quick!

Jason Blade.

It's me.

How are things?

Interesting. Those killings may spark up a whole new war.

How about you?

He's here.

Checked in with his boss.

But I lost the consignment. Till yesterday, I got a lead.

What about the local police?

Doing nothing as far as I can tell.

So I'm going to follow it up.

I'll be there tomorrow.

They may move it.

Wait for me, Linda.

I'll wait as long as I can, okay? See you soon. Bye.

Please remain seated until the acrobat.

I told you you could dress like that, son.

Playing clothes?

You look like a hairdresser.

Still don't see what that business in Hong Kong has to do with us. I mean,

you're wrong, Sarge.

Wait.

They'll send somebody.

You said you'd used one of those before.

I have, I have.

He's not Chinese.

Don't miss a trick, do you?

His name's Blade.

A killer. One of the top triad enforcers.

He means trouble.

The game is on to us.

My name's Jason Blade.

Are there any messages for me?

Anna Kingston, please contact reception.

Anna Kingston, contact reception, please.

Jason Blade.

We know he's one of the Triad boys here. A mercenary.

Mm -hmm.

That's what we know.

I've confirmed with Hong Kong police that the...

Dead girl, identified as Anna Kingston, was a special branch agent.

Yes, was.

I think we should pick up this blade, sir.

On what charge?

He's done nothing here.

No.

No, just let him run for the time being.

Sir, which blade... You may smoke if you wish, Colin.

I've given up, sir.

Look, sir, two weeks ago, one of Zucker's boys made a trip to Hong Kong.

We know why, but we can't prove it.

There's a killing up there.

No one's saying anything.

That's right.

Now we've got this Hong Kong special that we didn't even know was here, dead,

and Blade flies in. That's why we let him run, Colin.

Sir, I don't get it.

It seems that Blade is one of the top martial arts exponents in the world. He

went through the Panther School in China, which apparently only three

have ever done. So we believe.

Well, how come a guy like that goes bad?

A guy like what?

It's kung fu crap.

We're only human.

Keep an eye on him, Colin.

From a distance.

Sir.

We'll talk inside.

Thanks for coming.

William, are you all right?

Fate has a strange sense of humor sometimes.

But what's done can't be changed.

Life must go on.

Linda knew the risks in this business.

We all did.

But this time it was your daughter those bastards murdered.

Yes.

And no one can bring her back.

Gemma.

Gemma, my niece.

Gemma's been helping me out in the gym.

Gemma, Jason Blade.

Hello. Jason was Linda's partner.

Oh, right.

Did Linda tell you what she was doing?

No, not really.

I knew it was something to do with drugs when she started asking about Damien

Zucor.

The son of a bitch is the biggest dealer in Perth. Yes.

You ever read any of the newspapers, you'd think he was one of the city's top

people. He's always opening up some charity or donating money for worthy

He's the biggest patron of the arts in Perth.

He could have covered either way, including buying the police, a couple of

politicians.

Someone must have tipped him off about Linda.

How far did she get?

It's hard to say.

Where would I find this Zucor?

Well, he owns a marina here and plenty more besides.

But that's usually where he hangs out.

Why?

What are you going to do?

I think I'll ask him for a job.

machine.

Proof is at around 40 knots.

So you'll be sure you'll be first to all the best fishing spots.

Tell you what, it can accommodate four comfortably, so if you like to take the

ladies away for a relaxing weekend, it's ideal.

You could be sipping champagne and rot this weekend for a mere $40 ,000.

I don't like it.

Well, perhaps I could show you something else.

Something wrong, sir.

Damien Zucor, the owner.

Perhaps I can be of assistance.

I doubt it.

I don't like your taste, but I think we could do business anyway.

What did you say your name was?

I'm Jason Blade, and I'm looking for a job.

Job? Mm -hmm.

Yes, a job.

Job.

Throw him out, boys.

You said something about taking the transamphorist in. Oh, shit.

You'll pay for this!

I'm at the Melbourne Hotel if you need me, Mr. Zuko.

This is a nice surprise.

I just finished work.

I thought I'd come down and see how you are.

Fine. You coming in?

No, I don't have any bathers.

I could lend you mine.

Thanks. They'll probably be too big.

So how's the gym?

Great. You should come down sometime.

Sorry to break up the party, Blade.

I'd like you to come with us, answer a few questions.

What the hell is this?

Police, lady. None of your business.

It's all right, Jim.

I'll call you at home.

Let's go.

Blade, welcome to Perth.

Thank you, Sergeant.

Oh, sir.

Don't worry, Flinders.

Mr. Blade and I are just going to have a little informal chat.

Whatever you say, sir.

Well, according to this report, you single -handedly redesigned one of

Zucor's officers.

I had some help.

So I gather.

What was the idea?

To get close, fast.

He's an important man in this town.

Lots of friends, a lot of influence.

Not a man to cross lightly.

All I want is the man who killed my partner.

Ah, yes.

Anna Kingston.

Hong Kong special branch, I understand.

Your partner, you say?

Our information places you in rather different company.

An enforcer with the Kowloon Triads, no less.

Hardly special branch, Blaine.

The Kowloon Triads owed me a favor. They set up a cover story with special

branch. Even so, I want you out of it.

I can understand your desire to avenge Linda's death, but that's our job.

Yes, we knew her real identity.

We're also investigating Zukor. His activities have concerned us for some

But it's a delicate matter.

He's well protected in high places.

But we'll move when the time is right.

I can get you inside information.

How? I've asked him for a job.

This is getting out of hand.

I want you out of it, Blade.

Take my advice and go home.

If I don't, you'll be charged with hindering the police and deported.

Pity.

I was starting to like it here.

Lindus how was your little chat sir tailing round the clock

Thank

all for you sir, thank you Jason blade You've handled yourself

well, Blade.

Ah, Mr. Zucor.

It's not surprising, given your previous employment in Hong Kong.

You are well informed.

Things get a bit warm for you up there, did they?

I wouldn't say that.

I'm sure you remember my marina. Get over there now. I'm sending a boat for

Now?

Yes, now.

We're having a party.

Isn't it?

We lost.

What do we do now?

Swim after them.

Get a boat.

Thank you.

Mr. Ducal

Parties, Jason?

Is that what this is?

You're sharp, Blade.

I like your style.

Firstly, understand one thing. You cross me and I'll kill you.

No second chances, no appeal to my better nature.

I have no better nature.

This afternoon you'll deliver a parcel to an address in Fremantle.

You'll exchange the parcel for a briefcase and return it to my office.

And what am I carrying?

Parcel contains smack, briefcase half a million bucks.

You in or out?

I'm in.

So what does he get?

Relax, Baxter.

He's jealous because you're running his little errands.

Have a drink.

Who?

No feeling to will, sir.

God save us, Lambert.

Check it out.

Moo!

Zuko sent me.

Got the parcel?

You got the money?

It's locked.

Triple three, triple two.

Superstar!

Number two, this is Foxtrot. I need backup immediately.

103 Price Street. Over.

Not even self -raising flour.

Who are they?

Small -time rip -off merchants.

Based out of Sydney.

Must have figured Zuko for an easy hit.

How wrong can you be?

No doubt it was Blaine.

None? Give me the word and I'll pull him in.

No, not yet.

Sir, we can have him running around Perth conducting his own version of the

gunfight at the O .K. Corral.

Flinders.

Softly, softly.

Now find Blade, and this time don't lose him.

You can't park here, buddy.

my little theatrical piece.

No, I wasn't, but they nearly died laughing.

Yeah.

I'm sure they did.

Have to be done, Blade.

If you'd have run with that parcel or been wiped out by those idiots, then

either way I'd have been on the wrong horse.

Baxter still thinks I am, don't you?

Yeah, I bet he does.

A very subtle blade.

It's unusual for muscle.

Let's talk business.

I pay a couple of grand a week in cash. You'll do a bit of delivery work, some

debt collecting, and generally look after my interests.

Under Baxter's supervision.

I'll work with Baxter, not under him. Careful, Blade.

I admire your spirit, but don't you push it.

Any problems with that?

I'll say this once to both of you.

You'll cooperate for the good of this organisation.

Do we understand each other?

Sure. I understand perfectly, Mr Zuko.

Good.

If you'll excuse me, it's time I got laid.

I can't get to sleep without you anymore.

Every road I take leads me to your door.

I walk the streets alone.

That looked right. Thank you.

You're not bad yourself.

If you're not doing anything later, I could show you the town.

I'd like to, but I have to go to work.

Oh, come on, you could do better than that.

No, really, it's true. I do.

Oh, yeah.

It's Zukor.

Is he as big as he makes out? We're into the lot.

Smack, coke, crack, girls, doping horses, gambling, you name it.

We?

Yes, we.

Sure, he's got all the judges, politicians, police covered.

The bastard even makes big money on his straight operations.

But I got him where he is. He'd be nothing without me doing the real

You don't like him?

Let's just say he has his weaknesses.

Like most men.

You wait here.

Why? What is this place?

Like I said, Zukor has his weaknesses.

Now I've got business.

You wait.

I thought I told you to wait. I don't like to be told. I prefer to be asked.

Anyway, what is this place?

Zucor owns it.

These theatre turkeys think you're a sweet patron of the arts.

We hold our martial arts tournaments here.

Only the best compete.

So if I was you, pal, I'd think twice about entering.

Zucor conducts it for his own entertainment.

Fighters and spectators by invitation only.

Invited me once.

I declined.

He never asked again.

The main annual tournament happens in a couple of weeks.

What's in it for Zuko?

He invites a couple of hundred hoods, high rollers. They bet on the fights.

Illegally, of course.

It's like cockfighting.

Word has it that a million dollars changed hands last year.

Ten percent for the house.

Baxter's won the title in the last three years.

Are the fights rigged?

I doubt it.

Baxter's pretty lethal.

Only three men came up against him last year.

Must make it hard to get good odds on him. I suppose so.

What are you thinking of?

Improving the odds.

Jason, don't dig yourself a hole you can't get out of.

I hear you've been running errands for Zukor. You don't take advice very well.

Is that why you're here? To give me more? Look, Jason, don't get me wrong. I

fully understand you wanting to take matters into your own hands. Linda's

is still walking around. I've told you we're handling it.

She's moved slowly, I know. Smart lawyers, police and government

they all make it difficult, but we've got to get it right.

Look, there's an amphitheater Zuko runs. I'm sure that's where he keeps his drug

supply. I need more than that to nail him. I'll get more. We're only going to

get one chance at it. We've got to have him completely stitched up or we all go

to the wall.

That's why I can't afford to have you running around staging a one -man war.

Go home, Jason, while your cover still holds.

You know, I like it.

Fresh ideas.

That's what I want around here.

Who told you about my tournaments?

Baxter. What?

Oysters.

They are your credibility.

Word's already out about your job interview at the marina.

That'll help.

Help what?

Blade suggested we rig the main bout of the tournament.

My bout?

Yeah.

We spread the word that Blade thrashed you in a private match.

Your odds slacken five or six to one.

And then Jason throws the main fight.

He wouldn't have to throw the fight.

All right, all right. Right, let's just say that he eases off.

That'll ensure it's a bigger crowd, more noise and confusion, all the better for

our cover.

Might help us increase our turnover in other areas.

Let's face it, Baxter, all you've got to worry about is the shame you'll have to

suffer when other people think you're a loser.

For a while.

Yeah, well, they'll soon be put straight when I flatten him.

We want to give him a good fight, don't we, Jason?

You're the boss, Mr Zuko.

Yeah.

Don't be nervous.

I just want to talk.

Jason Blade.

Is he here this afternoon?

Blade? Oh, yes, he's a new member.

Look, we're closed.

Anderson. He still run this place?

Yes.

Did he know Blade in Hong Kong?

No. Look, none of us have ever seen this guy before.

It's Baxter, isn't it?

I'll have to ask you to leave.

Don't give me that bullshit about not knowing Blade.

You, um... probably give him a regular piece of that hot little arse of yours.

You... Now, you listen.

I want the truth.

You're such a man, Baxter, I'm really shaking.

You must be really tough to take a woman on all by yourself.

I'm all right. Get out!

Get out!

You want to play with someone your own size?

You've got to do better than that, Baxter.

I haven't got time for any of this shit.

Hello? Oh, hi.

You okay?

Sure, I'm okay. I'm fine.

Oh, good.

Come in.

Would you like some wine?

I'd love some, thanks.

Sit down.

So what's wrong? What happened?

There's been some trouble down at the gym.

Baxter came around and asked a few loaded questions.

Baxter?

Hmm, yeah.

He got a bit playful, but William sorted him out.

I'm sorry, Gemma. I didn't want you to get caught up in this.

It's okay.

It's you I'm worried about.

What are you going to do?

Keep digging till I get enough information.

Be careful, Jason. They'll kill you.

They can try.

That's why I don't want you involved.

I want to be there when you get to Zukor.

I thought... I thought I'd mastered letting my feelings interfere with

my judgment.

I hadn't.

Now I'm cold.

And I still want it.

Well, I'm going to need all your help.

Yes, you do.

What they'll throw at you in the tournament is nothing to what they'll do

if they find out who you are.

You've got to stay sharp.

Yeah. You never know who's going to be following around.

I thought Anderson was ex -Hong

Kong special branch, but there he was talking to a tried enforcer like they're

old buddies.

I figure Anderson must be on the table or something. I can assure you he's not.

Didn't Blake's file say something about him and the Anderson girl going through

that secret Chinese school for cats together?

Panthers, Colin, but you're on the right track.

I guess it's about time you got the full story.

Hannah Kingston's real name is Linda Anderson.

You get the picture?

What's more, Blade is special branch himself.

You mean he's on our side? He's the best unarmed combat instructor I've ever

had.

So, the Anderson girl killing that brought in here?

Anderson's daughter was his partner. He wants to kill her as much as Anderson

does.

They both figured Damien Zukor was involved.

Blades onto something of that amphitheatre.

Zukor's tournament place?

They were talking about a tournament.

Word's around that there's one coming up shortly.

The biggest one yet.

We've got to nail him this time.

No, just watch Blade.

I'm beginning to think he's in a better position than we are.

It's all there?

It's all there.

It's all there.

I want him crippled.

Got it?

See ya.

Thank you.

Apart from you would want to set him up.

World War III hits Perth. Unknown fighter fills casualty ward. Mr. Zirko,

Oh, spare me the innocent injured. Look, it doesn't suit you.

You downstairs, you out.

Yeah.

I see.

All 25 grand out of the number three accountant plays it as soon as possible.

Wilkie in town's heard the news.

Your odds are seven to one.

I stand to make 200 ,000 big ones if this all goes to plan.

That was my idea from the start, Mr Zuko.

So the truth comes out.

Still, having Blade around seems to have sharpened your initiative, Baxter.

Pretty good management incentivation scheme on my part, wouldn't you say?

Still don't trust him as far as I could throw him.

And it remains to be seen if you can throw him at all. I'll wipe the floor

a prick.

Until you show me something substantial on Blade, I want you to work with him as

ordered.

For now, you make sure he gets to the basketball court for the tournament

rehearsal.

I might even give you both a warm -up.

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Relaxation exercises you've been doing with Jason at the gym.

They seem to have a marvelous effect on him. Uncle William, I believe I'm

blushing. But, Jim, listen to me now.

He's a dangerous man to fall in love with.

That business with Baxter at the gym, it's always going to be like that.

Who said I'm in love with him anyway?

I'm a big girl now.

Thanks for caring anyway.

Come on, let's go.

Jim.

Told you I could beat you.

Did you leave the door open? No, I didn't.

Looks like we've got a visitor.

What the hell?

The photograph.

Jason, they must be on to him. Come on.

What's going on?

Thank you.

But now everything's been fixed.

Unfixed. What about the stuff? It's still under the stage.

Move it.

All right.

As soon as I take care of that slippery bastard.

Gemma? Stay here. You're going so much.

That's what I said to you.

Gemma.

Okay.

G'day.

I want to see Mr. Zuko.

Sorry, sir. No one allowed him at the moment.

Well, that's a bit of a problem, isn't it, Gemma?

Jason. We've got to get to the amphitheater before Zuka and Baxter move

drugs.

You know where it is?

Somewhere under the stage.

Jimma, find a phone, get the police.

How do you find a needle in a haystack?

I suppose you look for the most unlikely place.

Why not?

Come on.

Don't hurt me.

Wait a second.

Wait a second.

What kind of life is this, actually?

Now, Standerson, how does it feel to be in the pits?

I don't like gate crashes.

Well, you'll have to miss the main event.

Take him upstairs with the girl.

Laid.

Now, let's see how tough you really are.

When you're ready gentlemen.

Don't do that.

So have I.

Smack.

I have

friends.

You haven't got any friends, fella.

I must learn not to worry about you.

You too.

Maybe I should have worried more than I did.

Because evil has a way of reaching up to drag a good man down.