The Forbidden Kingdom

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The Forbidden Kingdom

PG-13

2008

1h 45m

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

128 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

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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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

04/21/2008

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

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David Fear

Time Out

04/18/2008

3/6

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.

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Mark Rahner

Seattle Times

04/18/2008

2.5/4

It might take a Zen master to explain exactly what audience this is aimed at.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

09/08/2023

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

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/28/2020

4/10

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

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

11/08/2019

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

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Manda R.

@oatmeal 3d

Goofy and fantastical but still symbolic and mythic. I really enjoyed this actually and seeing two legends share the screen just made my heart happy.

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Owen R

@OwenRLeon Feb 13

This movie is bit misleading if you know about monkey king. but the story and the underdog tale is pretty good....great fights scenes everything with jackie chan and jet li always beautifully showing there skills on this amazing adventure through this mythical ancient China with beautiful scenery ...great humour and many styles of martial arts The story is highly focused on a american guy who loves kungfu movies and seen as a loser but the beauty of the story is he goes on this journey risks his own life and becomes somebody and has help on the way fighting the jade warlord army ... This movie deserves more credit and anyone who loves jackie chan and jet li movies

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Nigal R

@TrowserWowser Jan 30

The Forbidden Kingdom is a love letter to classic Kung Fu cinema and its greatest triumph is finally bringing two living legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li together on screen. For fans of martial arts films, that alone makes the movie a must watch, but the film also delivers charm, humour, and beautiful choreographed action that honours the genres roots. Where Chan dances through combat, Li glides and the contrast makes both performances even more compelling. A must watch for any kung fu enthusiast.

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Viper161985

@Viper161985 Jan 12

Since being a young un I have always been a huge fan of both Jackie Chan and Jet Li. So much so that I developed a love for martial arts myself and became a coach. This film is entertaining right from the word go and, although a lot of special effects are used, you can forgive this due to the immense effort put in by the actors to make this a very entertaining film for all ages. Superbly choreographed. One you can watch over and over again

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Kelsey G.

@vampwolf2528 Nov 13

Loved watching this as a kid growing up and now as an adult!!! Classic!!!

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Pedro Henrique C

@Pedro2005 Sep 23

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) is a very enjoyable film to watch, it has its flaws in the script but also delivers good acting and well-choreographed fight scenes. This is the second time I've watched it and I still have the same opinion, it's an adventure full of adrenaline and fun.

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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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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
Producer: Casey Silver
Screenwriter: John Fusco
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Casey Silver Productions, Lions Gate Films, Lionsgate Television
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
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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