Director: Stanley Tong
Writer: Stanley Tong, Hui-Ling Wang, Hai-shu Li (Screenplay)
Starring: Jackie Chan, Hee-seon Kim, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Mallika Sherwat
Plot: Archaeologist Jack keeps having reoccurring dreams of a past life, where he is the great General Meng Yi, who is sworn to protect a Korean Princess named Ok-Soo. Jack decides to go investigate everything with his friend William.
Tagline – An Unforgettable Journey Through Time Unearths A Hero For The Ages
Runtime: 2 Hours 2 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict: Time Travelling Chan?
Story: The Myth starts as Jack (Chan) an archaeologist is having dreams of being General Meng Yi, who was sworn to protect Korean princes Ok-Soo (Hee-Seon). Back in his normal life, Jack joins forces with his physics friend William (Ka Fai) as they investigate the myth behind a floating coffin, one in which they break.
Jack gets left in the Indian land being tracked before escaping, rescued by Samantha (Sherawat) taken back to her temple, where he can learn about his previous life as General Meng Yi, to finally unlike the secrets to his dreams.
Thoughts on The Myth
Characters – Jack is an archaeologist that reluctantly goes back into the field for a scientific mystery, he can handle himself when needed. Jack has been having dreams/visions that he is General Meng Yi part of a Chinese army that was sworn to protect Princes Ok-Soo. Jack learns about the idea that reincarnation which helps him unlock the secrets of the power being the sword they discover. Ok Soo is the princess that General Meng Yi protects, gets into a relationship with, as he is willing to give up his life to protect her from every enemy that comes her way. William is the physics friend that works with Jack, only for him to have his own desires with what they find together. Samantha is one of the ladies that finds Jack, she rescues him to help teach him about what could happen in his life, with his dreams.
Performances – Jackie Chan can handle any form of stunt and fighting sequence sent his way, this gets to let him use his skills, while also showing us that he can handle a serious side in a film when required too. The rest of the cast do play to their strengths without needing to do as much, they let Jackie do his thing and get to play along with either the laughs, the action or the romance.
Story – The story follows an archaeologist searching for answers about his dreams which saw him be a once brave warrior and protector of a princess, he must travel around Asia to learn about new mysteries which will unlock the truth. This is a very interesting story because it focuses on the idea of reincarnation and always looking to follow the same path to protect, we do get science here which plays into the idea that we could see a material which would make the laws of physics challenged, which does mix into the ideas the story gives us about following the path you were destined to. It might feel farfetched sure, but it is an ambitious story that wants to play on faith more than anything.
Action/Adventure/Romance – The action is what you would expect from Jackie Chan, the chases sequences, the hand to hand combat, let alone the final act which is hard to achieve with the fighting involved. The adventure side of the film does take Jack around Asia in search for his answers. The romance comes from the relationship between the two from battle and through the dreams.
Settings – The film uses the settings well, mostly to create the different situations that Jack finds himself in. the final act looks fantastic for what is created.
Special Effects – The effects uses in the film are great to see on show, the final act does take up most of these which will leave you happy with what they achieve.
Scene of the Movie – Sticking chopping board.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not enough time with the supporting characters in the modern time.
Final Thoughts – This is a fun Jackie Chan movie that will get everything you need for one of his films.
Overall: Jackie Chan enjoyable film.
Rating
