The Forbidden Kingdom

PG-13

Released Apr 18, 2008

1 hr. 45 min.

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

List

63%

129 Reviews

Tomatometer

60%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

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Critics Consensus

This hotly-anticipated pairing of martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li features dazzling fight scenes but is weighed down by too much filler.

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Carlos T

Filme: O Reino Proibido Assistido: 21-11-23 Elenco: @jetli @jackiechan @michaelangarano @yifei_cc @libingbing Modelo: #artemarcial #ação #fantasia #action Duração: 1h 44m Ano: 2008 Minha opinião: Para os amantes das porradas, sempre teve o desejo de ter visto Stallone com Schwarzenegger, Van Damme e Steve Segal, Mel Gibson e Bruce Willis e aqui na ásia e ver Jackie Chan e Jet Li. Pena que isso aconteceu muito tarde. Se este encontro fosse 15 anos antes seria tremendo. E com certeza um outro filme, não como este. O filme não é ruim, porem esta longe doque estes 2 poderiam ter feito. Pois aqui ele já estão tiozões, por isso comentei 15 anos antes. Ai estariam no auge de sua performance. Aqui temos sendo como rei do macacos que faz parte da mitologia asiática. Por exemplo o Deus Macaco é o mesmo da estoria do Gokun do Dragon Ball. Aqui temos o inimigo Jade que transforma em estatuo o Rei Macaco (Jet Li), mas antes ele envia seu bastão encantado que deve encontrar uma alma honrada, mas para isso se passam séculos. Até os dias de hoje, Jason que é viciado em filme de Kung-Fu e sempre aluga na loja do velho Lu-Yan (chan). Jason é forçado a assaltar a loja Lu Yan e encontra o bastão que o envia ao passado na China. E lá ele encontra Lu-Yan jovem mestre que vive bêbado e nesta jornada também cruza com Goldem (Yifei) e em um encontro tribulado com lutas. E em mundo agora dominado pelo vilão Jade. E nisso cruzam com outro mestre Jet Li. Que começam a disutar quem será o mestre de Jason. E entre o empace dos 2 e os capangas de Jade. Temos várias cenas de lutas até chegar ao confronto final. Com boas cenas de CGI e reviravoltas. Roteiro e enredo bons. Mas poderiam ter aproveitados muito mais Jackie e Jet. Vale apena assistir? Sim Nota: 8

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/24

Full Review

MURPH M

It is FUN....with just enough sentimental schmaltz to bring a grin to one's face. The story is a well considered eastern fairy tale. Chan is terrific (playing himself as always, but that is just what I was looking for) and the use of his character as the linch pin in the plot works. And, to my great, and pleasant surprise, Angarano does a fine job with a believable transformation from patsy to hero one his better efforts. I am putting it on my lift of films worth rewatching when looking a distraction.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/24

Full Review

Shaun K

It's definitely worth the watch regardless if it could've been better or not.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/31/23

Full Review

S. C

The movie looks good but the movie isn't good. There's no reason to watch this movie other than for the fighting choreography and scenery. The set pieces and costumes are fine, except the too obvious dreadlock wig which Jackie Chan wears. The acting and writing of this one is what really throws itself into the trash. The lead protagonist is the definition of boring, from character writing up to acting. What a mess! I was just hoping for it to end. Sadly this movie couldn't live up to the expectations of my childhood nostalgia and so it showed it's true face to my present adult self.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/23

Full Review

Holly H

The Forbidden Kingdom has it all : action, comedy, breathtaking cinematography, a rousing soundtrack, adept character interpretations rendered by the entire cast, beautiful special effects, phenomenal martial arts, and enlightening pearls of philosophical wisdom laced throughout.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/23

Full Review

Melody F

This is a fun romp…Jackie chan and Jet Li shine! The storyline is loosely based on a 16th century novel Journey to the West. This is the first movie to star both Jackie and Jet and their fight sequences are just superb! This is an Sunday afternoon movie with an easy to follow plot line that's quite entertaining…you have the young seeker who has to find his inner strength and learn martial arts all in readiness to find and free the monkey king! It's lotsa fun…enjoy with your kids or a couple of mates with a few beers!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/23

Full Review

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Rob Minkoff

Director

Jackie Chan

Lu Yan

Jet Li

Silent Monk

Michael Angarano

Jason

Yifei Liu

Golden Sparrow

Collin Chou

Jade Warlord

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Ty Burr

Boston Globe

Rated: 2/4

Nov 24, 2011

Full Review

Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

One of the more entertaining movies we've seen in recent months.

Apr 21, 2008

Full Review

David Fear

Time Out

Every time the focus switches to Michael Angarano channeling his inner Ralph Macchio, The Forbidden Kingdom reminds you that it's primarily an act of occidental tourism.

Rated: 3/6

Apr 18, 2008

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... has fun with the tale and Americanizes the genre without losing the pleasures of its Asian inspirations.

Sep 8, 2023

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Why would a Jet Li/Jackie Chan picture actually star a scrawny American boy instead?

Rated: 4/10

Nov 28, 2020

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

The Forbidden Kingdom spins a web of fantasy and enchantment. A gift for the ages. A timeless classic. A masterpiece. Pure Oscar gold.

Nov 8, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

Director: Rob Minkoff
Executive Producer: Ryan Kavanaugh, Woo-Ping Yuen, Raffaella De Laurentiis
Screenwriter: John Fusco
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Casey Silver Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Martial Arts Action)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.0M
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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