The Myth (Hong Kong, 2005)

Jackie Chan plays a double-role, two different characters from two different eras. Jack is an archeologist, in the present time; and General Meng-yi, a Qing Dynasty officer.

Many reviews were saying it was not a vey good Jackie Chan movie, but it is most enjoyable. The storytelling is quite what we have been used to in the recent Hong Kong movies. The script being very simple and to the point. We can feel a genuine effort to make better movies in this one. Though, a non-fan of the genre might not appreciate it. On the down side, there is the presence of computer animation, something fairly new the Hong Kong cinema. One of the reasons why movie lovers turned to Asian films, was that it was more real, with less computer animation. Still, nowadays it is part of the movie making industry all around the world, for better or worse.

Chan is over 50 now, and he proves he is still the best there is at his craft. The action is excellent and the fights are as energic as can be. And this is no sorry close-up shots and erratic editing of actors who can not make a fight scene believable : it is the real deal! One big difference from the other Chan movies, is the blood. Not usually that present, nor that splatered. It certainly gives a different feel to the movie and the fight scenes. One gets over it very quickly.

The movie is not yet available on the North American market, but can easily be found in Chinatown stores (I’m almost sure) or the YesAsia.com site. But be warned! Enter the site and you will found lots of goodies, and that might be very expensive. Believe me.

Gog