If you're a die-hard fan of Jackie Chan, you know he never stops, and 'Chinese Zodiac' is another proof that even at his age, the excitement hasn't faded. The film takes you on a global hunt for the 12 bronze zodiac heads stolen from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, through thrilling action scenes and perfectly inserted comedic moments. In this article, our editorial team will delve into every aspect of this fun and meaningful film.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Hawk (Jackie Chan), the leader of a world-class treasure-hunting team, tasked with finding the 12 bronze zodiac heads scattered worldwide after being stolen from the Old Summer Palace in the 19th century. This mission is extraordinary because the door to the final treasure will open only once in a hundred years, on 12-12-12. Hawk and his team must race against time to collect all 12 heads before they fall into the hands of malicious groups. The film takes us to several countries, including France, Australia, and China, through thrilling fights and escapes.
Acting and Characters
Jackie Chan remains the main magnet of the story, with his unique fighting style and humor woven into every scene. He plays Hawk with charm, balancing ambition and hidden integrity. Co-star Kwon Sang-woo as Simon, a team member, does well and has good chemistry with Chan, while Zhang Lanxin as Bonnie, a skilled and beautiful woman, adds color to the team. However, some characters feel shallow, especially the villains who lack depth. Overall, the cast's performances make the film more enjoyable.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Jackie Chan directs himself, showcasing his signature style from intense action scenes with dangerous stunts he performs himself, such as climbing buildings and fighting in armor. The camera captures beautiful angles, especially in real locations that feel authentic. The score by Chan Kwong-wing enhances the mood well, both in exciting and touching moments. However, the pacing sometimes drags, especially in the middle section that focuses too much on travel.
Editorial Analysis
'Chinese Zodiac' is not just a typical treasure-hunting action film; it carries a message about repatriating national treasures and the importance of cultural heritage. Jackie Chan uses the film as a medium to advocate for returning stolen artifacts, a cause he is passionate about. Although the film is highly entertaining, some jokes feel outdated, especially those about computers and technology that are now obsolete. Additionally, the tone is inconsistent, shifting between seriousness and fun, which sometimes feels jarring. For those who enjoy watching live sports or free online sports streaming, sites like ดูบอลทุกคู่ might be an option for relaxation, but for Jackie Chan fans, this film is still worth watching.
Verdict
For Jackie Chan fans and lovers of classic treasure-hunting action films, 'Chinese Zodiac' is a great choice. Despite some flaws, the fun and spirit of the film will keep you smiling till the end. Recommended if you want to see Jackie Chan still in top form.
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👍 Pros
- +Jackie Chan's real stunt action scenes that are still thrilling
- +Meaningful content about repatriating national treasures
- +Main cast has good chemistry and works together enjoyably
👎 Cons
- −Shallow villain characters lacking depth
- −Pacing drags in some parts
Top Cast
FAQ
This film is the third installment in the 'Armour of God' series, following 'Armour of God' (1986) and 'Armour of God II: Operation Condor' (1991).
Yes, Jackie Chan performed many stunts himself, such as climbing buildings and fighting in armor, even at age 58.
No, it's not based on a true story, but it is inspired by real events where the 12 bronze zodiac heads were stolen from the Old Summer Palace in 1860, and some have since been returned to China.
