Intro"Shanghai Knights" is a 2003 American-Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by David Dobkin and written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. This movie is a follow up to "Shanghai Noon", centred around the experiences of a Chinese Imperial Guard, Chon Wang and his quick-witted partner, Roy O'Bannon.
Plot Summary"Shanghai Knights" starts with the royal seal of the Emperor of China being taken by an assistant, Wu Chow, the illegitimate brother of Empress Wu. The privately enthusiastic Wu assassinates his daddy in the Forbidden City, Chon Lin, Chon Wang's sis, witnesses this act, and prepares to avenge his daddy's death. She sends out a desperate letter to her bro, Chon Wang.
Getting the letter, Chon Wang takes a trip to New York and teams up with his old partner, Roy O'Bannon, a western criminal. They head to London, where they have some interesting encounters with English gentry, authorities, and sometimes easily puzzled locals. Thanks to O'Bannon's unsuitable flattery and mischief, they undoubtedly land in problem numerous times.
Characters and PerformancesJackie Chan as Chon Wang and Owen Wilson as Roy O'Bannon deal remarkable efficiencies carrying their distinct humor and chemistry. Their varied backgrounds and conflicting personalities in some way strengthen their bond and teamwork on their mission. A brand-new character presented in the follow up is Chon Lin, played by Fann Wong, who includes a female touch to the initially male duo. Aidan Gillen, as the antagonist, Wu Chow, successfully represents a character with ominous aspirations.
Major ThemesAs an action-comedy film, "Shanghai Knights" consists of different fight scenes, skillfully integrated with humor and periodic drama. Among the movie's significant themes is the clash of cultures; this is shown between the western and the eastern lead characters, along with in between the protagonist and British society. Friendship and the pursuit of justice are also central themes.
Conclusion and Critic OpinionThe movie concludes with an extreme fight at the Big Ben in between the lead characters and Wu Chow. With team effort and nerve, they beat Wu and recuperate the royal seal, conserving the royal family. En path, Chon Wang handles to woo an English noblewoman, whereas O'Bannon finds an unexpected link to Arthur Conan Doyle, the developer of Sherlock Holmes.
Overall, "Shanghai Knights" is a satisfying film characterized by its humor, action, and the superb chemistry in between Chan and Wilson. It successfully delivers a fresh feel to the buddy-action-comedy category with its historical ties, martial arts, and amusing misadventures in an unfamiliar land. Despite the foreseeable plotline, the movie's amusing dialogues and thrilling fight sequences provide an engaging watching experience.
Top Cast
