Chinese Zodiac (Twelve Strands) is a film that takes Jackie Chan fans back to the golden age of action-adventure films he excels at. This movie is not only packed with thrilling action scenes but also infuses warmth and reflections on preserving national cultural heritage. Although not Chan's best work, it's an enjoyable watch that evokes nostalgia for his classic style.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Hawk (Jackie Chan), the leader of a global treasure-hunting team, is tasked with recovering the bronze heads of the 12 zodiac animals stolen from the Summer Palace in Beijing over a century ago. His team must travel worldwide to find the scattered pieces, with the final treasure vault opening only once every 100 years on 12-12-12. The film moves at a fast pace, taking us from Europe to Asia through exciting chases and fights. Without revealing the ending, rest assured there are surprises.
Acting and Characters
Jackie Chan remains the heart of the film with his agile fighting style and signature humor. Despite his age, he still performs action scenes impressively. As Hawk, he adds depth to a character who is not just a treasure hunter but also patriotic and responsible for cultural heritage. Supporting actors like Kwon Sang-woo as Simon, a nervous teammate, and Zhang Lanxin as Bonnie, skilled and elegant, add variety to the personalities. However, some characters are thinly written and serve merely as props.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Jackie Chan co-directed with other directors, giving the film a fast-paced, modern style. Action scenes are well-designed, especially the castle chase and the plane fight. Cinematography is beautiful in both real locations and CGI, though some CGI looks dated. The score blends Chinese and Western melodies, enhancing the mood but not particularly outstanding.
Editorial Analysis
Chinese Zodiac is a film where Jackie Chan aims to convey the importance of preserving Chinese cultural heritage through the quest for stolen zodiac heads. It reflects pride in history and efforts to reclaim valuable items to their homeland. Though the plot is straightforward and predictable, Chan's charm and the cast make it engaging. However, the film drags in parts and some scenes feel overly silly, especially unrealistic CGI that reduces believability.
Verdict
Chinese Zodiac is a film suitable for hardcore Jackie Chan fans and those who enjoy light-hearted treasure hunt adventures. Though not his best work, it's entertaining enough for a casual watch.
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👍 Pros
- +Fun action scenes in Jackie Chan's style
- +Meaningful content about cultural heritage
- +Warmth between team and family
👎 Cons
- −Some CGI looks old and unrealistic
- −Some characters are shallow
Top Cast
FAQ
It's a Jackie Chan action-adventure film about recovering the 12 bronze zodiac heads stolen from the Summer Palace.
Only one.
Yes, he stars and co-directed; most action scenes are performed by him.
If you like treasure hunt films and are a Jackie Chan fan, yes. But if you dislike CGI, you may not be impressed.
