Film Review: A Legend 傳奇 (2024) - China
I rated it 5.5/10
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
In "A Legend" (2024), directed by Stanley Tong, the ambitious use of AI to portray a young Jackie Chan introduces a novel but flawed element to the film's storytelling. While the innovative application of technology to resurrect a youthful Jackie Chan is commendable in its attempt to bridge the past with the present, the execution falls short in capturing the raw emotion and human nuances that define Chan's on-screen charisma.
The narrative, centered around Professor Fang's archaeological discovery and his journey through time and history, unfolds with a mix of traditional storytelling and modern technological spectacle. As AI takes the helm to depict a young Jackie Chan, the limitations of the technology become glaringly apparent, particularly in conveying the depth of emotion and authenticity that audiences have come to expect from the legendary actor.
Despite the valiant efforts of the ensemble cast, including Lay Zhang, Gülnezer Bextiyar, Xiao Ran Peng and Aarif Rahman, to breathe life into the narrative, the AI-driven sequences featuring Jackie Chan struggle to resonate on a visceral level. While Chan's physicality and charm manage to shine through in the film's final act, the AI-generated portrayal lacks the subtleties and emotional range that are intrinsic to his performances, ultimately detracting from the overall impact of the film.
In the grand tapestry of cinematic endeavors, "A Legend" stands as a testament to innovation and creativity, pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking with its integration of AI technology. However, the failure of the AI-generated Jackie Chan to capture the essence of the real-life icon serves as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable human touch and emotional depth that define a true cinematic legend. (Neo, 2024)
