Jackie Chan’s ‘The Shadow’s Edge’: A Thrilling Return to Action
The realization that Larry Yang’s 2025 action crime thriller, The Shadow’s Edge, clocks in at 142 minutes initially sparked both confusion and concern. Most action films thrive on brevity, prioritizing exhilarating bursts over prolonged engagement. However, Yang and his team largely succeed in sustaining excitement throughout this ambitious runtime.
The film presents a familiar premise – retired surveillance expert Wong (Jackie Chan) is reluctantly pulled back into service to help the police track a dangerous group of young criminals orchestrated by his former adversary, Fu Longsheng (Tony Leung Ka-fai), known as ‘the Shadow.’ But don’t let the cliché fool you; The Shadow’s Edge delivers a genuinely thrilling and enjoyable cinematic experience.
A Story Beyond the Action
Wong is tasked with rebuilding a surveillance team, a unit previously dismantled in favor of AI technology. The narrative centers on his efforts to capture the Shadow and the criminals he manipulates into stealing vast amounts of cryptocurrency. Crucially, the film delves into Wong’s relationship with his niece and protégé, He Quiguo (Guoguo). Guoguo, haunted by the loss of her father, is determined to prove herself as a capable police officer, battling prejudice as a woman in a male-dominated field. This dynamic, thoughtfully developed by writer/director Larry Yang, adds emotional depth to the high-stakes action.
A Villain with Depth
What truly sets The Shadow’s Edge apart is its surprisingly nuanced portrayal of the villain. Tony Leung Ka-fai, drawing on his background in arthouse cinema, delivers a complex and intimidating performance, imbuing the Shadow with a surprising degree of empathy. A particularly compelling sequence sees Wong and Guoguo posing as neighbors to the Shadow, allowing the audience to glimpse his humanity while maintaining a palpable sense of tension.
Action That Soars and Stumbles
The action sequences are a mixed bag. At their best, they rival the intensity of films like The Raid 2 or the iconic hallway fight from Oldboy. However, the editing by Zhang Yibo is often jarring and disorienting. While a relentless pace can be effective, Yibo’s style frequently feels abrasive, disrupting the flow and detracting from the impact of the choreography. Some sequences feel more akin to short-form social media content than scenes from a major motion picture.
Despite this flaw, The Shadow’s Edge remains a largely excellent action film, anchored by its compelling characters and performances. Larry Yang has crafted a highly entertaining blend of action, crime, drama, and even a touch of well-placed humor.
Final Thoughts
The Shadow’s Edge is a worthwhile addition to Jackie Chan’s impressive filmography. While the editing issues are noticeable, the film’s strengths – its engaging story, strong performances, and thrilling action – ultimately outweigh its weaknesses. It’s a testament to Chan’s enduring appeal and a reminder of his ability to deliver captivating action even after decades in the industry.
The Shadow’s Edge is now available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from Trinity CineAsia.
