Watch Shanghai Knights
- PG-13
- 2003
- 1 hr 54 min
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6.2 (113,698)
Shanghai Knights is an action-adventure comedy film released in 2003. Directed by David Dobkin, the film stars Jackie Chan as Chon Wang and Owen Wilson as Roy OâBannon, reprising their roles from the 2000 movie Shanghai Noon. The film also features Fann Wong as the female lead, Lin, and Donnie Yen as the villain, Wu Chow.
The movie begins with Chon Wang, who is now a sheriff in Carson City, receiving a letter from his sister Lin, who lives in London. Lin informs him that their fatherâs killer, Wu Chow, is in London, and that she needs his help to avenge their fatherâs death. Chon Wang travels to London to meet Lin, and reunites with his old friend Roy, who has been working as a bouncer in a pub. Together, the trio sets out to track down Wu Chow and bring him to justice.
The film takes place in the late 19th century and the setting of London gives the film a unique and refreshing feel. The film is shot in different locations around London, giving a glimpse of the city's landmarks and different segments that illustrates the movie's time period accurately. The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the essence of early 1900s London, making it seem authentic.
The film is action-packed with many martial arts and fight sequences, as is expected in a movie starring Jackie Chan. His fight scenes are a highlight, and he brings his usual charm, athleticism, and humour to his role. Owen Wilson provides the comic relief to this already comedic scenario, and his dialogue delivery is impeccable, making use of his natural comedic abilities. He brings his usual humorous and sarcastic approach to the character of Roy, which compliments Chan's comic style, providing a perfect balance of action and comedy throughout the movie.
The relationship between Chan and Wilsonâs characters is one of the filmâs strengths. The chemistry between the two actors is evident, and their banter and comedic timing are on point. Their friendship dynamics, which are a continuation of their previous movie, is well-developed and entertaining to watch.
Fann Wong's character, Lin, is a welcome addition to the cast. She's strong, smart, and adds substance to the storyline. She's independent, and her backstory and personality are relatable, fleshing out her character and making her a compelling presence on-screen. Wong's natural charisma and acting skills fit well in the movie, making her a standout in the cast.
Donnie Yen plays Wu Chow, the villain of the movie, and matches the protagonists' skills with his martial arts moves. His skills are not a surprise, given that he's a notable action movie star. His role is a complicated character, which carries considerable weight in the storyline. Donnie Yen's performance as Wu Chow is intense and enjoyable, making him a worthy nemesis for the protagonists.
The soundtrack of the movie is well-executed and reflects the period in which the film is set. The score is composed by Randy Edelman, who also composed the score for the first film in the franchise, Shanghai Noon. The film also features classic 19th-century ballads and songs that complement the movie's London setting, giving it a distinct London feel.
In conclusion, Shanghai Knights is a great continuation of the story started in Shanghai Noon. It offers more action, comedy and adventure to audiences. The movie's performances and action sequences make it stand out, and the chemistry between its two leads is unmatched. The setting of London adds new dimensions to the film, and the music nicely complements the action on-screen. Overall, Shanghai Knights is a fun action-comedy that will leave audiences entertained.
Shanghai Knights is a 2003 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 58.