The Shadow's Edge (2025)

With the recent focus on hyperrealism in film and television, it’s been a long time since I saw a crime film like this, let alone in Chinese. I’ve lost so much context to evaluate these things in kept vacillating between “yikes this is terrible” and “wait it’s kind of brilliant”, but I never stopped being entertained.

There are times when you have no idea why a fight is happening, but is the plot as non-sensical as the last Mission Impossible movie? No. There are also times when dialogue is awkward, but is it as cringe as Top Gun Maverick? Also no. I came to the conclusion that this is perfectly acceptable entertainment, with well choreographed stunts and an averagely bad storyline for a film of this genre. I will say it is a massive trip to see such positive portrayal of both the police and AI.

Very moving to see Jackie Chan and 梁家辉, both near 70 in age at the time of filming, still moving so effortlessly to do these demanding physical stunts, and pulling leagues ahead in both their acting chops themselves and their devotion to their roles. I wish I could say that the young actors are looking like they are trying because people are dunking so hard on their acting, but it's really hard to say that when you so clearly prioritize looking good for your fans over fidelity to the character. 梁家辉 looked like shit in this personally but his performance was impeccable. I hate to say this but please learn something from your elders or the next generation of actors is going to crumble so hard.