Feb. 12, 2021|China|136 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Comedy;Mystery
Description: “Detective Chinatown 3” (2021) continues the popular Chinese franchise, featuring the comedic and mismatched detective duo solving complex crimes in exotic locations. This time, the story takes place in a vibrant and colorful Tokyo, blending Sherlock Holmes-style investigation with slapstick humor. Though filled with high-energy performances and stunning visuals, the film’s central murder mystery is overly convoluted, with numerous detours that make it feel like a long, chaotic sketch rather than a cohesive story.
The film was a massive success in China, earning $667 million in just three weeks after its release on February 12 during the Chinese New Year season. It set a record for the highest opening-day gross in a single market, raking in $163 million in China. Directed and co-written by Chen Sicheng, the third installment of the “Detective Chinatown” series was highly anticipated among the major 2021 Chinese New Year releases. Its glossy, escapist entertainment appealed to audiences, especially during challenging times.
While the film offers zany fun for viewers willing to embrace its eccentric style, it may disappoint those expecting the intricate, layered mysteries that originally defined the series. The plot lacks plausible suspects, making it easy for crime movie enthusiasts to predict the killer. The story follows the brilliant young detective Qin Feng (Liu Haoran) and his bumbling relative Tang Ren (Wang Baoqiang) as they navigate Tokyo’s visually stunning yet chaotic landscape.
“Detective Chinatown 3” delivers a mix of humor, action, and spectacle, but its over-the-top approach and lack of depth may not satisfy all fans of the franchise.
Cast director: Chen Sicheng
Cast actor: Baoqiang Wang, Liu Haoran, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Tony Jaa, Masami Nagasawa, Tomokazu Miura, Shang Yuxian, Xiao Yang, Roy Chiu, Janine Chang
Original name: 唐人街探案3