Shanghai Knights

I watched yet another Jackie Chan film in rapt amazement at the continuous acrobatic fight scenes. The plot is irrelevant and the characters are trite and foolish, but the choreography is incredible. I know that Fred Astaire would blanch at this comment, however it is the Astaire-like attention to detail, to timing and to perfection in these scenes that makes them so intriguing.

Donnie Yen plays Wu Chow, the bad guy. He was selected for this role because of his martial art expertise. Yen and Chan have a final fight scene near the end of the film that is an example of the choreography I am talking about. Chan comments in the DVD interview session that there is a rhythm to these fight scenes and that is particularly true of this final fight. You can tap your foot in time to the clang of their swords.

The film begins with a dastardly deed in the Forbidden City, China, circa 1887. As the story progresses, there are occasional period connections, although I would call them historical silliness. Youll recognize them because they are emphasized as part of the comedy; for example, Chan plays Chon Wang, a name with a John Wayne ring to it. Owen Wilson plays Wangs silly partner, Roy OBannon, just as he did in Shanghai Noon (2000).

Out-takes are included at the end, a Chan signature. Theyre always funny and Chan seems to enjoy them. I have more about Chan in my July 18th review of The Tuxedo (2002).

Look for the fight scene in which Chan uses an umbrella with Singing in the Rain as background music. He even does a Gene Kelly sideways heel kick in the air.

Reviewed August 18, 2003.