Kiss of the Dragon

Richard frames Liu because he is working with Mr. Big and needs to eliminate both the mob boss and the Chinese agent to protect his criminal operations. When the assassination attempt occurs, Richard seizes the opportunity to shoot Mr. Big and the prostitute, then use Liu's own police-issued gun to frame him for the crime. This allows Richard to eliminate his criminal partner while simultaneously silencing the only witness who could expose his corruption.

The 'kiss of the dragon' is a lethal acupuncture technique that Liu uses as his signature killing method. By inserting an acupuncture needle into a specific pressure point, Liu can cause fatal internal damage that results in a slow, painful death. This technique is foreshadowed earlier as Liu's elite skill as a Chinese intelligence agent, and he ultimately uses it to defeat Richard in the final confrontation at the police station.

Liu's background as a highly trained Chinese intelligence agent hints at his mastery of specialized combat techniques.

Jessica initially refuses to cooperate with Liu because her daughter Isabel has been abducted by Richard, who is forcing her into prostitution. Her maternal instinct prioritizes rescuing her child over anything else, including proving Liu's innocence. Only after Liu promises to help rescue Isabel does Jessica agree to assist him in retrieving the surveillance tape from Richard's office.

Liu's plan involves retrieving the surveillance tape from Richard's office as proof of his innocence, then using it to locate and rescue Isabel. After Jessica successfully steals the tape, they head to the orphanage where Richard is holding Isabel. However, Richard anticipated this move and set a trap, leading to Jessica being shot during their escape attempt.

Richard's anticipation of their plan suggests he has been monitoring their movements throughout the film.

Richard abducts Isabel to coerce Jessica into compliance, specifically forcing her into prostitution. By holding her daughter hostage, Richard ensures Jessica will do whatever he asks. This reveals Richard's true nature as a predator who exploits vulnerable women and children as part of his criminal enterprise.

Liu escapes by grabbing the surveillance tape that contains footage of Richard's betrayal before fleeing the hotel. This tape is the crucial evidence that proves Liu's innocence and Richard's involvement in the murders. He uses the chaos of the shooting to slip away while French police are distracted.

Jessica is shot in the chest during the escape from the orphanage and suffers a grave injury. Liu rushes her to the hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life. While she survives, her injury adds to the bittersweet nature of the film's ending, as the victory comes at a significant personal cost.

Chinese officials are skeptical because Richard's story blaming Liu for the murders doesn't align with the facts they uncover during their investigation. They recognize that Richard, as a French detective, would have had the opportunity to orchestrate the crime scene. Their skepticism allows Liu enough credibility to continue his own investigation while evading immediate capture.

Mr. Big is killed during a scheduled meeting at the hotel where two prostitutes, including Jessica, are brought to him. One of the prostitutes is actually an assassin sent to kill him, likely as part of a rival criminal operation or internal mob betrayal. When the assassination attempt fails, Richard arrives and finishes the job, using the confusion to eliminate both Mr. Big and the assassin while framing Liu.

After going underground and with few options left, Liu reluctantly partners with Inspector Jacques Ledogar, a quirky but unconventional French detective. Ledogar provides crucial assistance in the final rescue mission at the police station, helping Liu navigate the corrupt police force and reach Richard. Their partnership represents Liu's only trusted ally in a city full of enemies.