Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings

Detective Dee, serving under Empress Wu Zetian, is called back to Loyang to investigate a string of bizarre disturbances. In the capital, enigmatic warriors in Chiyou ghost masks appear, talking animals surface, and the palace's pillars seem to breathe and move. Dee pieces together clues that weave myth with clever tricks and hidden agendas, forcing him to walk a fine line between court politics and natural explanation. He teams with a cast of allies who each bring their own skills as they chase a shadowy mastermind through glittering corridors and shadowed courtyards. The case tests Dee's wits and resolve as he tries to steady an increasingly unstable city before a larger threat surfaces. Danger grows as the conspiracy thickens quickly.

Directed by Tsui Hark, this installment continues the Detective Dee saga, starring Mark Chao in the title role and drawn from the franchise created by Zhang Jialu. The 2018 release blends wuxia action with fantasy and truly lush period visuals.

The film grossed 84,168,923 dollars worldwide, signaling solid reception across regions for a Chinese language fantasy action title. Its performance underscores cross regional appeal globally and affirms the Dee character and Tsui Hark's distinctive cinematic vision. A solid worldwide presence.

Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings stands out for its opulent production design, legendary action choreography, and Tsui Hark's signature over the top visual flair. The film enhanced the profile of Chinese mythic detective stories abroad and helped spur interest in wuxia fantasy cinema. Its release sparked discussions about myth.

Critics gave the film a mixed reception, praising its energy, visuals, and production design while noting a crowded plot at times. The story centers on power and loyalty in a mythic setting, blending detective work with magical elements and imperial intrigue, anchored by solid performances in diverse audience groups worldwide.