Shanghai Knights

  • 2003
  • PG-13
  • 115m
movieMx RATING
6.1/102.4K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Shanghai Knights Review

Last updated: January 26, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 26, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Shanghai Knights (2003) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shanghai Knights features a noteworthy lineup led by Jackie Chan . Supported by the likes of Owen Wilson and Fann Wong , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Shanghai Knights (2003) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Shanghai Knights stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Shanghai Knights

Quick Plot Summary: Shanghai Knights is a Action, Adventure, Comedy, Western film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. When a Chinese rebel murders Chon's estranged father and escapes to England, Chon and Roy make their way to London with revenge on their minds. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: Shanghai Knights

Ending Breakdown: Shanghai Knights concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Shanghai Knights reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Shanghai Knights?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Shanghai Knights

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $50.0M
Worldwide Gross $88.3M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Shanghai Knights Budget

The estimated production budget for Shanghai Knights is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

Advertisement

Top Cast: Shanghai Knights

All Cast & Crew →
Jackie Chan
Jackie ChanChon Wang
Owen Wilson
Owen WilsonRoy O'Bannon
Fann Wong
Fann WongChon Lin
Aidan Gillen
Aidan GillenLord Nelson Rathbone
Donnie Yen
Donnie YenWu Chow
Tom Fisher
Tom FisherArthur 'Artie' Doyle
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-JohnsonCharlie Chaplin
Alison King
Alison KingProstitute
Advertisement

Where to Watch Shanghai Knights Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

🏷️ Buy on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Shanghai Knights Parents Guide & Age Rating

2003 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Shanghai Knights age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Shanghai Knights is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Shanghai Knights is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Shanghai Knights is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Shanghai Knights. Rating: 6.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shanghai Knights worth watching?

Shanghai Knights is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Shanghai Knights parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Shanghai Knights identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Shanghai Knights?

The total duration of Shanghai Knights is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Shanghai Knights

How Shanghai Knights Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Shanghai Knights

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
Shanghai Knights
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/shanghai-knights-6038" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Shanghai Knights</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Jackie Chan

View full filmography

Part of the Shanghai Noon Collection

Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.

View Full Franchise