Released in 2005 and directed by Stanley Tong, The Myth is a high-concept action-adventure film that combines historical fantasy with contemporary science fiction. Starring the legendary Jackie Chan in dual roles, the movie attempts to blend epic Chinese mythology, fast-paced martial arts, and time-transcending romance. While ambitious in scope and packed with breathtaking stunts, The Myth offers an uneven narrative — but one that still entertains thanks to its star power and visual flair.
Jackie Chan plays both General Meng Yi, a loyal military officer serving under China’s first emperor, and Jack, a present-day archaeologist plagued by vivid dreams of ancient battles and forbidden love. As Jack investigates a mysterious artifact and a gravity-defying tomb, the line between past and present begins to blur. He discovers a portal into a buried kingdom where his dreams — and his past life — may hold the key to an ancient secret of immortality.
The narrative weaves between the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty and a modern-day treasure hunt, bringing together themes of reincarnation, love lost to time, and the eternal quest for truth.
Jackie Chan delivers a solid performance in a more dramatic role than usual, especially as the stoic General Meng Yi. His action scenes are as energetic and inventive as ever, with clever use of props and surroundings. Chan’s ability to switch between emotional seriousness and physical comedy helps ground the film’s shifting tones.
Mallika Sherawat adds a splash of international charm as Indian princess Samantha, while Kim Hee-sun portrays Princess Ok-Soo with grace and emotional depth, particularly in the historical segments. However, the chemistry between the characters sometimes feels underdeveloped due to the film’s brisk pace and shifting narrative focus.
Action is a major highlight of The Myth. Jackie Chan's signature choreography — combining acrobatics, improvisation, and humor — is present in several impressive set pieces, including a thrilling fight on a glue-covered conveyor belt and a chase scene through an Indian palace. These sequences are engaging, creative, and unmistakably Chan.
The cinematography captures exotic locations across China and India with beauty and scale, especially in the historical flashbacks. The production design of the emperor's tomb and ancient battles is visually rich, though the CGI used in some supernatural scenes feels dated by today’s standards.
The Myth explores the idea of eternal love, destiny, and the cost of ambition. The reincarnation concept, though intriguing, isn’t fully fleshed out, and the plot often sacrifices coherence for spectacle. Still, the film’s message about remembering the past and protecting historical legacy resonates.
Director Stanley Tong, known for his previous collaborations with Chan (Rumble in the Bronx, Police Story 3), delivers a film that feels grand in ambition but somewhat scattered in execution. Nonetheless, his vision for a cross-cultural action epic deserves credit for its originality.
The Myth (2005) may not be Jackie Chan's most polished film, but it’s certainly one of his most unique. With a mix of romance, history, humor, and thrilling action, it offers a globe-trotting adventure that appeals to fans of both martial arts and mythical storytelling. Despite its uneven pacing and occasional melodrama, the movie remains an entertaining and visually engaging experience.
