The Shadow’s Edge – Film Review

I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of Jackie Chan’s new action-packed film The Shadow’s Edge last night. Wow! If you took Infernal Affairs (or its U.S. remake The Departed), blended it with John Wick, added the breakneck parkour of District 13, sprinkled in Ong Bak and The Raid, and topped it off with classic Jackie Chan humour, you’d get The Shadow’s Edge.

Plot

Set in neon-soaked Macau, retired surveillance expert Wong Tak-chong (Jackie Chan) is pulled back into action when a daring heist crew, led by the mysterious “Shadow,” targets a high-stakes cryptocurrency vault. He is joined by He Qiuguo (Zhang Zifeng), a young officer carrying a heavy personal history, whose cautious approach makes working with Wong a challenge. As they track the crew through daring heists and high-rise chases, loyalties are tested and secrets emerge, keeping the tension high without ever slowing the pace.

Action & Style

A rooftop chase highlights the crew’s incredible parkour skills, while tense sequences showcase Wong Tak-chong’s mastery of surveillance and tactical skill. There’s also a claustrophobic lift fight reminiscent of John Wick, and a brutal showdown in an abandoned orphanage with the bone-crunching intensity of The Raid.

The blend of styles is thrilling: parkour-inspired chases, high-level martial arts, and Wong’s expert tactics keep the audience constantly engaged. It’s a perfect balance of high-stakes action and clever strategy pure Jackie Chan magic.

The build-up to the final showdown between Jackie Chan and Tony Leung Ka-fai is legendary, evoking the same intense anticipation as Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Heat. It’s one of the best fight sequences you can really feel, combining high-level martial arts, strategy, and emotional stakes that make every punch and counter hit with real impact.

Performances

Jackie Chan delivers warmth, humour, and world-weariness, proving he can still anchor an action film with heart and skill. Tony Leung Ka-fai adds gravitas and intensity, particularly shining in the climactic fight against Chan, making the showdown unforgettable. Meanwhile, Zhang Zifeng shines as He Qiuguo, bringing energy, determination, and emotional depth to complement the veterans.

Verdict

The Shadow’s Edge is more than just an action movie it’s a masterclass in blending crime thriller, martial arts spectacle, and emotional storytelling. It honours Jackie Chan’s legendary career while showing he still has the charisma and skills to thrill audiences.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)

A must-see for action fans Jackie Chan remains one of cinema’s true icons.

Thank you to the CineAsia Team for the screening.