ALARIS' REVIEWS

24th October 2009
The Myth (2005)

Not one of Jackie Chan's better films, but apparently not amongst the worst (The Tuxedo, 2002, take a bow).

In The Myth, modern day archaeologist Jack (Chan) is troubled by recurring dreams, in which he is a Qin Dynasty general in love with one of the emperor's concubines, Ok-Soo (Hee Seon Kim). Determined to unravel the mystery, Jack attempts to track down the places from his dreams.

Of course, there are battles with law enforcement, tomb raiders, and ancient warriors, and defiant speeches about people stealing national treasures. Chan's action scenes have slowed down a lot since his younger days, but there are still a few enjoyably original set ups.

There's a lot of obvious CG in this film where they would have had real stunts a few decades back, but I have to say I found it a relief. Chan really shouldn't be doing some of those things at his age, and he probably shouldn't have been doing them several decades ago. And I wish they wouldn't play a tragic song over the outtakes.

Partially set in India, The Myth is a bit culturally insensitive in the same way every Chan movie is culturally insensitive when it's set in a different country. But it's certainly no more outrageous than the liberties taken by action films like Tom Yum Goong (2005) - (I wish Australia really was that exotic).

The real problem for me was the concubine, Ok-Soo. While Kim does a lovely job with what she's given (and from the outtakes really cops it on the chin, literally), she can't redeem a character so infuriatingly feeble. Ok-Soo's sole purpose seems to involve standing around helplessly while people fight around her. A hugely disappointing character, considering how central her role is in the story. Where's Michelle Yeoh when you need her?

There are some interesting ideas, and some enjoyable scenes, but overall The Myth is pretty standard. The story is predictable, and the execution acceptable. A mid-range Jackie Chan film.

Verdict: A fairly run of the mill, modern day/fantasy crossover action film. Easy enough to watch if you don't have high expectations.

If you like Jackie Chan, you'll probably like this.

If you're looking for epic Chinese fantasy with cool female characters, watch Red Cliff (2008-2009).

If you're looking for classic Chan, watch Drunken Master (1978) , Project A (1983) , Dragons Forever (1988) , Mr Canton and Lady Rose (1989) , or Island of Fire (1990) .