Telling the story of the founding of the Republic of China Chan co-directs with Li Zhang who has already had quite a career as a cinematographer, with John Woo’s Red Cliff films being recent standout examples.
It’s powerful stuff and there is something particularly endearing about Jackie Chan, and this is not to do his impeccable and inventive martial artistry down in any way. He has a presence and a personality which makes me root for him every time whether it be jumping through a glass roof, fighting hordes of horsebound nasties or opening a packet of crisps, I want the man to win.
Synopsis fiends should just love this one,
At the beginning of the 20th century, China is in a state of crisis. The country is split into warring factions, the citizens are starving, and recent political reforms have made matters worse, not better. The ruling Qing Dynasty?, led by a seven-year-old emperor and his ruthless mother, Empress Dowager Longyu? (Joan Chen?), is completely out of touch after 250 years of unquestioned power.
With ordinary citizens beginning to revolt openly, the Qing Dynasty has created a powerful, modern army (the “New Army”) to quash any rebellion. But weapons are expensive, and desperate for cash, the Qing leaders are trading anything they can get their hands on with foreign countries… and selling China.
Here’s your trailer, with a shout of thanks in the ear of Empire.
