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Shadow's Edge
Shadow's Edge
Shadow's Edge
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Shadow's Edge is a fantasy novel written by Brent Weeks and the second novel in the Night Angel series released in November 2008.[1]

Key Information

Plot introduction

[edit]

The story takes place in the fictional land of Midcyru. It centers upon Kylar, the Night Angel, once an apprentice of Durzo Blint, a former celebrated wetboy and his journey for retribution against those who torn his kingdom asunder in a coup months prior to the events of the novel.

Plot summary

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Kylar Stern has rejected the assassin's life. In the wake of the Godking's violent coup, both his master and his closest friend are dead. His friend was Logan Gyre, heir to Cenaria's throne, but few of the ruling class survive to mourn his loss. So Kylar is starting over: new city, new companions, and new profession. But when he learns that Logan might be alive, trapped and in hiding, Kylar faces an impossible choice: he could give up the way of shadows forever, and find peace with his young family. Or he could succumb to his flair for destruction, the years of training, to save his friend and his country - and lose all he holds precious.

Godking Garoth Ursuul has assumed power in Cenaria and is manipulating the futures and destinies of all who live there. Many nobles, led by self-proclaimed Queen Terah Graesin, have left the city in ruins to the Khalidorans. Attempting to leave behind the life of shadows that ruined his master, Kylar flees to Caernarvon and an idyllic life with Elene. But darkness finds Kylar along the road to the light as friends return for one last job and Kylar learns more about who Durzo and ultimately Kylar are. Kylar has become a titanic force with a foot in the light and in the dark, but must choose which path to follow.

References

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Shadow's Edge

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from Grokipedia
The Shadow's Edge (simplified Chinese: 捕风追影; traditional Chinese: 捕風追影) is a 2025 Chinese- action thriller film directed by Larry Yang, starring , , and , and serving as a of the film Eye in the Sky. The story centers on a retired expert who is brought out of retirement by police to lead a team in capturing a sophisticated of cryptocurrency thieves who evade capture using advanced hacking techniques against the city's "Sky Eye" AI system. Released in on August 16, 2025, and in on September 11, 2025, with limited releases in other international markets starting August 22, 2025, the film runs for 141 minutes and explores themes of human ingenuity versus modern technology in . Produced by Pictures and Hairun Pictures, it marks a collaboration between established action star —playing the protagonist Huang Dezhong—and acclaimed actor Tony Leung as the criminal mastermind Fu Longsheng, with portraying the rookie officer He Qiuguo. The production updated the original film's premise to incorporate contemporary elements like heists and AI surveillance, emphasizing practical action sequences over CGI, including Chan's signature . Upon release, The Shadow's Edge received positive reception for its thrilling set pieces and Chan's performance, earning an 80% approval rating from critics on based on 10 reviews, and a 97% audience score from over 100 verified ratings, though some noted inconsistencies. It grossed worldwide, primarily in , prompting discussions for a sequel shortly after its premiere at the .

Plot

Main storyline

In The Shadow's Edge, set in contemporary , the story centers on Tak-Chung, a retired surveillance expert portrayed by , who has transitioned to a quiet life as a dog walker after decades in . When a sophisticated cyber-criminal gang led by the notorious "Wolf King" Fu Longsheng () executes a daring heist, stealing billions in while evading the police's advanced "Sky Eye" system, the authorities are left scrambling. The thieves, however, require critical passcodes to access their loot, setting the stage for a high-stakes pursuit that highlights the tension between cutting-edge technology and traditional investigative methods. The Macau Judiciary Police reluctantly recruit Wong to reassemble and lead an elite, old-school surveillance unit known as the "Adorable Unit," drawing on his unparalleled expertise in human observation and tracking. Assisting him is rookie officer He Qiuguo (Zhang Zifeng), the daughter of Wong's late former partner, who brings youthful energy and tech-savvy skills to the team but must learn the nuances of fieldwork. As the unit delves into the gang's operations, they uncover layers of deception, including manipulated CCTV footage and AI-driven diversions employed by Fu's crew, forcing Wong to rely on instinct and interpersonal insights to close in on the criminals. The narrative unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game, blending gritty action sequences with themes of legacy, redemption, and the evolving role of surveillance in modern crime-fighting. The central conflict escalates when the thieves set a trap for the police, leading to intense confrontations that test Wong's resolve and expose vulnerabilities in the high-tech systems the authorities depend on. Fu, a mastermind, emerges as a formidable adversary whose scheme threatens global , pushing the protagonists toward a climactic showdown that pits experience against innovation. Throughout, the film emphasizes the human element in detection, contrasting Fu's reliance on digital with Wong's grounded, analog approach to unraveling the .

Post-credits scene

The post-credits scene of The Shadow's Edge reveals the existence of a third triplet brother to the antagonist's sons, Xi Wang and Xi Meng (both portrayed by Ci Sha), who was separated from his siblings at birth and adopted by foreign parents abroad. This unexpected family revelation suggests lingering threats from the criminal underworld and sets up potential conflicts for a , as the brother begins to uncover his true heritage.

Cast

Main cast

The principal role of Huang Dezhong, a retired Macanese cyber-intelligence and expert drawn out of retirement to track a high-tech criminal gang, is played by . Zhang Zifeng stars as He Qiuguo, a determined young who partners with Huang in the pursuit of the thieves evading Macau's advanced "Sky Eye" system. Tony Leung Ka-fai portrays Fu Longsheng, the mastermind behind the syndicate's billion-dollar crypto heists and a longtime adversary to Huang.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of The Shadow's Edge includes several prominent actors who portray key allies, antagonists, and secondary figures in the thriller's narrative of and pursuit in . Ci Sha plays Hei Wong, a pivotal operative in the criminal organization. Wen Junhui, known professionally as Jun from the group SEVENTEEN, portrays Hu Feng, a aiding the protagonists' efforts. Additional supporting roles are filled by Zhou Zhengjie as Lau Kam Chiu, a member of the law enforcement team, and Lang Yueting. appears as another operative, adding depth to the film's portrayal of international intrigue. Luna Fujimoto and Rongguang Yu round out the cast with performances that enhance the multicultural setting of the story. These actors bring a mix of established talent and rising stars, supporting the leads in high-stakes action sequences and plot developments.

Production

Development

The development of The Shadow's Edge began with the acquisition of remake rights to the 2007 Hong Kong action thriller Eye in the Sky, directed by Yau Nai-hoi. Producer Victoria Hon revealed that her team purchased these rights several years prior to production, embarking on an extended story development process to adapt the original narrative. The project marked the second collaboration between director Larry Yang and star , following their work on the 2023 film Ride On. Yang, who also wrote the screenplay, reimagined the story as a loose , shifting the setting from Hong Kong's urban grit to 's opulent and historic streets to heighten the contrast between old-school detective work and modern . This emphasized themes of intuition versus advanced , incorporating expanded action sequences like a heist at the Macau Tower and added centered on Chan's character's relationship with his late partner's daughter. Hon noted that updating the plot for contemporary audiences presented significant challenges, particularly in balancing the original's cat-and-mouse tension with current relevance. Pre-production commenced in 2023, with wrapping in January 2025 under iQIYI Pictures, in association with Tickets, Hairun Pictures, and China ChenXiang. The film was positioned as an international co-production between and , blending investigative thriller elements with high-stakes action.

Casting

The casting for The Shadow's Edge (2025), a of the 2007 film Eye in the Sky, emphasized a blend of veteran action stars and emerging talents to update the original's cat-and-mouse thriller dynamics for a modern cyber-crime context. Director Larry Yang, who also wrote the screenplay, prioritized actors capable of delivering intense physical and emotional performances, drawing from cinema's legacy while incorporating younger performers for broader appeal. Jackie Chan was cast in the lead role of Wong Tak-chung, a retired Macanese cyber-intelligence expert pulled back into action to track a of thieves. Chan, known for his expertise and comedic timing, initially resisted the part due to his history of playing similar characters but was convinced by Yang's vision of a more grounded, technology-focused narrative. At 71 during filming, Chan's involvement marked a return to high-stakes action roles, leveraging his 64-year career to anchor the film's central investigation sequences. Tony Leung Ka-fai was selected to reprise his villainous role from the original Eye in the Sky, portraying Fu Longsheng, the cunning mastermind of the criminal syndicate. In the 2007 film, Leung played Chan Chong-shan, a shadowy thief leader, and Yang reimagined the character for The Shadow's Edge to emphasize contemporary hacking elements while retaining Leung's signature intensity and charisma. Leung's return provided narrative continuity to the , allowing for a high-profile confrontation with Chan that became a promotional highlight. Zhang Zifeng, a rising Chinese actress recognized for her roles in films like The Crossing (2014), was cast as He Qiuguo, a young police officer and the daughter of Wong's late partner, adding emotional depth to the mentor-protégé dynamic. Her selection brought a fresh perspective to the ensemble, contrasting the older leads with youthful determination in high-tech surveillance scenes. Supporting roles featured a mix of established and debut performers, including Ci Sha as the enigmatic thief Xi Wang (also known as Hei Wong or Simon), whose dual identity drives key plot twists. Wen Junhui, a member of the K-pop group Seventeen, made his major film acting debut as Hu Feng, a tech-savvy gang member, announced in January 2025 to attract international audiences. Other notable supporting cast includes Zhou Zhengjie as Liu Jin Xiao, a police team member, and Lang Yueting in a key antagonistic role, contributing to the film's layered criminal hierarchy. These choices reflected Yang's intent to balance action spectacle with character-driven tension.

Filming

Principal photography for The Shadow's Edge began in October 2024 and wrapped in January 2025, spanning 84 days of shooting primarily on location in , . The production team scouted locations in for eight months prior to filming, selecting sites that integrated organically with the script's narrative of high-tech heists and surveillance chases. Key filming locations included the Macau Branch Building in Praia Grande, which featured prominently in the opening crypto heist sequence, and the iconic Tower, where a daring jump was executed by the lead character. Director Larry Yang emphasized practical effects and on-location authenticity to highlight Macau's urban landscape, with most action sequences storyboarded in and supported by filmed demos to ensure seamless integration of stunts. The film's production marked a collaboration with local Macau authorities to facilitate shoots at sensitive sites, promoting the region's while capturing its blend of and historic elements.

Release

Theatrical release

The Shadow's Edge had its world premiere on August 3, 2025, at Emperor Cinemas in Taikoo Li Sanlitun, Beijing, where cast members including Jackie Chan attended the event. The film was released theatrically in China on August 16, 2025, marking the start of its global rollout. On the same date, it premiered in Malaysia through distributor Shanghai Pictures and in Singapore via Shaw Renters. The release in Indonesia followed on August 20, 2025, handled by Prima Cinema. The film was released in Hong Kong on September 11, 2025, distributed by Broadway Circuit. In the United States, The Shadow's Edge received a on August 22, 2025, screening at select theaters including AMC locations. The film expanded to the on October 3, 2025, distributed by Trinity CineAsia across Europe. Select screenings worldwide, including in , were presented in format to enhance the action sequences.

Marketing and promotion

The marketing campaign for The Shadow's Edge centered on leveraging Jackie Chan's enduring star power and his rare collaboration with , positioning the film as a high-stakes action thriller exploring human ingenuity against advanced surveillance technology. Pre-release promotion began at major international film markets, with Golden Network Asia announcing key territory sales deals during the in May 2025 to build global buzz and secure distribution in multiple regions. Further momentum was generated at the European Film Market, where sales efforts highlighted the film's action sequences and Chan's return to gritty cop roles. Trailers played a pivotal role in the campaign, with an initial teaser unveiled at the 2025 Film Fair in , showcasing intense chase scenes and the film's setting. A second trailer followed in early August 2025, emphasizing Chan's physical stunts and the antagonist's cunning heists, which was distributed via official channels ahead of the film's premiere on August 16. An international trailer was released shortly after, targeting overseas audiences with English subtitles and a focus on the star duo's chemistry. Promotional posters, featuring stark visuals of shadows and surveillance motifs, were rolled out across platforms like The Movie Database, highlighting individual cast members including Chan, Leung, and supporting actors. International expansion was supported by targeted distribution announcements, such as Trinity CineAsia's acquisition of rights in September 2025, which included a theatrical rollout on and tie-in to capitalize on Chan's legacy in European markets. Chan actively participated in promotion through interviews, where he discussed the film's production challenges and his 64-year career, underscoring the project's personal significance. The campaign also extended to physical in , with large-scale posters and ads appearing at high-traffic locations like MRT stations in to drive local attendance. Overall, these efforts contributed to the film's strong pre-release performance in , surpassing ¥100 million prior to its official debut.

Reception

Box office performance

The Shadow's Edge was released in on August 16, 2025, and performed strongly at the domestic , grossing approximately $95.6 million during its opening week. In its second weekend (August 23–25), the film rose to the number one spot, earning $26.3 million and pushing its cumulative gross to $121.9 million. It maintained the top position for a third consecutive weekend (August 30–September 1), adding $11.7 million for a running total of approximately $143.2 million. The film continued to lead the Chinese box office into its fourth weekend (September 6–8), grossing $8.5 million and reaching a cumulative $157.4 million by September 14. By the end of its theatrical run in , The Shadow's Edge had earned $157.96 million, accounting for the vast majority of its global earnings. It eventually fell to second place behind Evil Unbound starting in its fifth weekend (September 19–21), adding $4.3 million that frame. Internationally, the film received a limited release beginning in late August 2025, with modest results across select markets. In , it opened on September 11 to $222,149 and totaled $821,706. Other key territories included the ($690,580 total, opening $243,283 on September 18), ($435,436 total, opening $117,726), and ($195,466 total, opening $106,027 on September 20). The film's worldwide total reached $158.67 million, ranking it 1,272nd among all-time global earners.

Critical reception

The critical reception to The Shadow's Edge has been generally positive, with praise centered on its action sequences and Jackie Chan's performance, though some reviewers noted weaknesses in the narrative structure. On , the holds an 80% approval rating from 10 critic reviews, earning a "Fresh" designation, while the audience score stands at 97%. Critics frequently highlighted the 's thrilling choreography and intense action set pieces as major strengths. Starburst Magazine awarded it a perfect 5/5, calling it "one of the best action films of the year and it can’t be recommended highly enough – a pleasant surprise, to say the least." Similarly, the AVForums review gave it 8/10, describing the action as "brutal, bloody and bruising," akin to Donnie Yen's style, and commended Chan's dramatic acting as a retired cop. The Observer's Wendy Ide praised it as "a lip-smacking treat for fans," emphasizing Chan's fisticuff scenes that keep the engaging. However, several reviews critiqued the film's pacing and script, pointing to an overlong runtime and convoluted plot as detractors. The Guardian's Leslie Felperin rated it 2/5, noting that while Chan's action is watchable, "the connective narrative tissue is a bore." echoed this with a 2/5 score, arguing that stars and Tony Leung "deserve a tighter script than this saggy cyber-heist story." Despite these issues, outlets like the gave it 3/5, appreciating the remake's grander scale compared to the 2007 original Eye in the Sky. Overall, the consensus views The Shadow's Edge as a solid return to form for Chan, revitalizing his action-hero at age 71, though it falls short of narrative innovation in the cyber-thriller genre.

References

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  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_shadows_edge
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  5. https://mydramalist.com/771159-ji-dao-gen-zong
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  49. https://observer.co.uk/culture/film/article/wendy-ides-pick-of-other-films-the-smashing-machine-urchin-and-more
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