For many years we have received a mixed bag of Jackie Chan films often missing the mark when it comes to the fight action that his fans crave. In recent outings the over use of CGI and latest technology in his films hasn’t satisfied the audience’s pallet however in his latest feature “The Shadow’s Edge” Jackie has delivered on every level.
The premise of the story is keeping up with modern times where all our lives and security are beholden to technology. A group of very talented and very agile criminals give the police the run around when they steal a large sum of crypto currency right from under their noses. They have exhausted all avenues trying to catch the criminals with no luck, time to employ a new tactic sourcing the help of former detective Wong Tak Chung (Jackie Chan). Time to go old school, tracking and surveillance to hunt them down including the mastermind behind the crime “The Shadow” Fu Longsheng (Leung Ka Fai Tony).
Throughout the film we discover there is history between Jackie’s Detective Chung and rookie police officer He Qiuguo (Zhang Zifeng) which brings tension to proceedings, this is relieved later on in the film. The connection between “The Shadow” and group of criminals is also explained, what can only be described as a dysfunctional and complicated family.
When it comes to the fight sequences we are truly blessed with gritty action far away from the colourful toned down Jackie projects we have received most recently. There are two sequences that stand out and one doesn’t involve Jackie whatsoever. When his team do the double-cross on him, Fu Longsheng (Leung Ka Fai Tony) comes up against what is seems to be 50+ mercenaries out to kill him alongside one of the team leaders Simon. The choreography is exceptional, hats off to Action Director Su Hang. The whole sequence is violent without being too over the top and unrealistic. The second sequence being the final showdown between Detective Chung and The Shadow, what makes this pleasurable is the set piece of the restaurant which eventually collapses under the strain of the action unfolding.
What I like most about “The Shadows Edge” is that Detective Chung’s antagonist Fu Longsheng is of similar age and isn’t a young whipper snapper. Both are equal and it comes down to who will out smart who in the end. The acting throughout is enjoyable, the standout star is Zhang Zifeng whose character arc plays out beautifully in the end.
Overall “The Shadow’s Edge” is by far the best Jackie Chan film of late, it seems he has gone back to his roots and delivered something that ticks all the boxes. With a runtime of 2 hour 23 minutes it doesn’t slow down and is fast paced throughout. The darker tone of action hits all the right notes and the lesser use of CGI is much welcomed. What “The Shadow’s Edge” has proved is that a film starring Jackie Chan can also be with an assembled cast where he can take a step back and let the younger generation take over.
I give “The Shadow’s Edge” 5 out 5 Knifes
“The Shadow’s Edge” is available now to watch across the UK and Ireland in selected Cinemas
