The film The Shadow's Edge, adapted from Yau Nai-hoi's classic Hong Kong crime movie Eye in the Sky, is directed by Larry Yang and features an all-star cast including Jackie Chan (Big Brother), Tony Leung Ka-fai, Zhang Zifeng, Ci Sha, Jun (from K-pop group SEVENTEEN), and Chaney Lin.
The film delves into the intense cat-and-mouse game between police and criminals, offering a unique perspective on crime investigation. Set for release in Hong Kong on Sept. 11, the movie marks the first on-screen showdown between Chan and Leung, with Leung admitting that wielding a real knife against Chan "left him sweating."
The Shadow's Edge will premiere in Macao on Aug. 25 before hitting Hong Kong screens, with its eye-catching posters and trailers already generating massive buzz. The film pits two formidable forces—law enforcement and criminals—against each other in a high-tech, high-IQ battle of wits, psychology, and physical combat.
This marks the first collaboration between Chan and Leung since The Myth (2005), and this time, they engage in breathtaking action sequences. Rising stars like Ci Sha, Jun, and Lin also deliver intense fight scenes, showcasing the next generation of martial arts talent.
Chan praises Leung's quick learning
Leung displays unprecedented physicality in the film, particularly in his fierce fight scenes with Chan. Chan praised his co-star, saying, "Tony has years of experience. Though he's not an action star, his ability to learn is amazing. With just a little guidance from the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, he picked it up instantly—fighting with him felt natural!"
Flattered by the compliment, Leung responded excitedly: "This could be the greatest reward of my acting career! To fight alongside an international action legend—I'm truly lucky. Who knew I could still improve under his guidance?"
In one gripping fight scene, Leung's villainous character had to stab Chan with a knife. When he saw the prop, Leung exclaimed, "No way, this is a real knife!" Chan calmly replied, "Imagine the psychological pressure of swinging a real blade at someone."
During filming, Chan kept encouraging Leung to relax, but when the director called "Cut!", even the seasoned Leung couldn't help but admit: "I was sweating!"
Jun fulfills his dream of working with idol
Beyond "transforming Leung into an action star," Chan also takes on a mentorship role in the film. The movie features several rising action stars, including Ci Sha (who gained fame as Yang Jian in Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms), Jun (nominated for Best New Performer at the Hong Kong Film Awards for The Pye-Dog), and Chaney Lin (from The Unleashed Blaze).
Jun confessed that Chan's films inspired his love for martial arts. He began training in traditional Chinese martial arts at 12 and even won multiple awards at the Hong Kong International Martial Arts Festival. Working with his lifelong idol left him in disbelief: "This is a dream come true! I never imagined I'd get to learn from the master himself—it's an honor."
While thrilled, Jun admitted to mixed emotions: "Facing my childhood idol on set was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. I'm deeply grateful to the entire crew and Big Brother for their encouragement, which helped me fully immerse myself in the role."
"Jackie Chan finally gets serious"
In recent years, Chan has continued to release theatrical films, but their quality has been inconsistent. Some audiences have quipped, "If Big Brother stops focusing on making comedies, his movies might become more compelling."
Indeed, while Chan is known for blending humor into intense action sequences, many can replicate comedy—but no one dares claim they can surpass him in pure action choreography.
According to feedback from numerous mainland influencers and bloggers, The Shadow's Edge places greater emphasis on meticulously crafted action scenes. Audiences are finally seeing a deeper, more serious, and powerfully commanding side of Jackie Chan.
(With input from Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Zu; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Renowned cultural icon and writer Chua Lam passes away at 83
Deepline | Pixels meet punchlines: HK's action classics get AI revival
Comment