Roaring soon|Dec. 23, 2016|China|124 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Comedy;War
Description: In December 1941, Japan expanded its occupation into neighboring Southeast Asian countries. The railway connecting Tianjin to Nanjing in East China became a crucial military transport route, heavily protected by Japanese forces. Ma Yuan, a railway worker played by Jackie Chan, led a group of freedom fighters who used their knowledge of the train network to sabotage operations. They ambushed Japanese soldiers, stole supplies to aid the starving Chinese population, and employed unconventional tools like hammers, shovels, and loose railway planks. Locals dubbed them the “Railroad Tigers.” However, their struggle intensified when Japanese reinforcements arrived in Shandong.
In a bold act of resistance, Ma Yuan initiated a perilous mission to destroy a heavily guarded railroad bridge. When the Japanese discovered the plan, which threatened their war efforts, the stakes rose even higher. Despite numerous setbacks, the determined Chinese fighters succeeded in blowing up the bridge.
Released in 2016, the film earned CN¥215 million (US$30.1 million) during its opening weekend in China, eventually grossing CN¥697.2 million domestically. It received mixed reviews, with a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 34 reviews and an average score of 5.49/10. Critics noted that while the film had moments reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s classic action-comedy style, it suffered from an unfocused narrative and inconsistent tone. Peter DeBruge of *Variety* called it “instantly forgettable” and “a tired, often incomprehensible mess.”
Well Go Entertainment secured distribution rights for English-speaking regions, including North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, releasing the film in December to align with its Chinese debut.
Cast director: Ding Sheng
Cast actor: Jackie Chan, Huang Zitao, Jaycee Chan, Kai Wang, Xu Fan, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Sang Ping, Alan Ng Wing-Lun, Darren Wang, Zhang Lanxin
Original name: 铁道飞虎