Shanghai Knights

Chon Wang, a polished swordsman with a quick temper, teams up again with his loudmouthed American partner Roy O'Bannon when a dangerous Chinese revolutionary murders Chon's estranged father and escapes across the sea to England. The two set out for London, trading their trademark banter for a sharper shared purpose as they chase a trail of clues that twist through aristocratic houses, smoky taverns, and crowded markets. Along the way they dodge double crosses and brittle hierarchies while rekindling Chon's romantic ties with Lin and navigating a culture clash that jokes as easily as it fights. Revenge drives their road trip through a city full of suspects, disguises, and spectacular action. The tone mixes bravado with heart and humor.

Directed by David Dobkin and released in 2003, Shanghai Knights follows Shanghai Noon with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson in foreground. It blends brisk quips with martial arts spectacle while keeping Miles Millar and Alfred Gough at helm, guiding chase.

Shanghai Knights grossed about 88.3 million worldwide on a 50 million budget, signaling solid if not spectacular recognition for a mid range action comedy. Its performance helped sustain the franchise's growing international presence and Jackie Chan's cross cultural appeal globally.

Culturally Shanghai Knights contributed to the ongoing popularity of Jackie Chan's brand of martial arts humor and the buddy dynamic with Owen Wilson. It reinforced cross cultural appeal by blending Western settings with Eastern fight choreography and stunts, influencing later action comedies that pair physical humor with light hearted storytelling.

Critics generally liked the energy of the duo and the film's brisk pace, while some noted a thinner plot than its predecessor. The movie explores friendship across cultures, revenge tempered by humor, and the lure of adventure in a city that fuses old world elegance with gleeful chaos and charm.