- George Chung
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24
This past Thursday night, August 21st, in Los Angeles, I attended the screening of Shadow's Edge, Jackie Chan’s latest film, which opens in theaters today. I went with a group of friends—martial artists, experts, and film and stunt veterans. To give you a hint of who they were, let’s just say they were the "Best of the Best," in other words, a tough crowd to please.
I won’t bury the lead: we loved it. Here’s why.
Shadow's Edge Movie Review for Black Belt Magazine
First, a confession. I haven’t seen many of Jackie’s recent films, including Karate Kid: Legends. That’s mostly because I prefer Jackie in his classic role as a martial artist, playing to his strengths as a fighting hero and showcasing the creative genius behind those creative, funny, and brilliantly choreographed fight scenes we have all grown to love.
Shadow's Edge made the wait worthwhile.
This isn’t your typical Jackie Chan action flick filled with slapstick and playful stunts you might casually stream at home. No...this is a film that demands your full attention. It’s the kind of movie that should get you off the couch, off your streaming device, and into a theater with a friend or a date who loves big action as much as you do.
This is a film for fans of action, martial arts, and, of course, Jackie Chan.
But Shadow's Edge adds two new layers to Jackie’s legacy: humility and generosity. At a time in his career when he can choose any project, backed by the powerhouse of Chinese cinema, he decided to produce and star in an ensemble action film that introduces a new generation of martial arts stars.
What struck me most was how generously he shared screen time—and fight scenes—with this young, talented crew of criminals, all led by their senior-citizen boss, a man so unhinged he’ll leave you genuinely afraid.
Here’s the plotline: a crew of criminal prodigies vanishes with billions, evading capture by outsmarting the formidable "Sky Eye" surveillance system. Desperate, the Macau police enlist the help of Wong Tak-Chung (Jackie Chan), a retired tracking expert. He mentors rookie officer He Qiuguo (Zhang Zifeng) and rebuilds an elite surveillance unit to hunt down the elusive "Wolf King," Fu Longsheng (Tony Leung Ka Fai), mastermind of the heist.
As the police close in, the thieves set a trap of their own. Brains clash, loyalties fracture, and an ultimate cat-and-mouse game begins.
Chan relies on instinct, experience, and old-school surveillance techniques to track this crew. His unlikely partnership with Qiuguo—a Gen Z rookie—creates some of the film’s most genuine moments. The generational clash between the boomer mentor and his young recruit feels authentic, yet Jackie breaks through, and the two evolve into true partners in a surprising twist.
The fight scenes are a revelation. Gone is the lighthearted comedy of Jackie’s past. Instead, we get younger cast members delivering high-flying acrobatics while Jackie grounds the action with a believable, gritty street-fighting style. One standout isn’t even an actor but a weapon: the villain’s old-school switchblade. Fu Longsheng’s fighting style—equal parts prison shank techniques and sheer brutality—makes every encounter unforgettable.
The choreography pays homage to one against the mob in The Raid and even hints at the intricate plotting of The Usual Suspects. Each fight feels dangerous—whether it’s veteran versus veteran, young star versus old master, or young against young. Every scene carries intensity, brutality, and genuine risk, leaving the audience gasping.
To say I enjoyed the film would be an understatement. In fact, I found myself cheering and clapping—alongside a theater packed with martial artists and stars of martial arts films who clearly felt the same.
Shadow's Edge opens August 22, 2025. You can find showtimes and tickets at major chains in both the U.S. and international markets.
