This has Made in China all over it. From the loud and annoying cheesy score, action scenes, writing and acting. The only thing decent in the film was the beautiful scenery and the adequate directing. I couldn't get past Blooms' cheeseball bleached blonde hair that made him look more like a fruit cake than a tough guy. Bad choice of casting to begin with. And who names a character Ding-Dong anyway lol? There was so much cheese in this film it made me lack toes in toll her ants. ;p A generous 5/10 from me.
32 Reviews
Generic action movie...
paul_haakonsen17 June 2019
"The Shanghai Job" (aka "Ji Zhi zhui ji" and "S.M.A.R.T. Chase" was a movie that I hadn't even heard about prior to finding it by random luck here in 2019. I had no idea what it was about, but I still did decide to sit down and watch it.
Turns out that the movie was sort of a very bland mediocre movie. It wasn't particularly bad, nor was it outstandingly good either. It was entertaining enough for what it turned out to be, for sure. But the movie was just suffering from being generic and not really offering much of any twists or surprises to the audience.
The action sequences in the movie were actually good and the car chases as well. And this level of action was definitely helping to pump adrenaline into the movie and make it watchable.
As for the character, well they were bland and fairly non-distinct. They were lacking personalities and background. It never really felt like that there were much of any character growth of any sort throughout the movie, and you never really got to know them either.
Now, Orlando Bloom was actually fairly good in the movie, though he had some good help from the likes of Simon Yam and Xing Yu.
The movie was predictable, and you knew the outcome of the movie from the very beginning. But with that in mind, the movie still does provide mediocre entertainment and is watchable once.
Turns out that the movie was sort of a very bland mediocre movie. It wasn't particularly bad, nor was it outstandingly good either. It was entertaining enough for what it turned out to be, for sure. But the movie was just suffering from being generic and not really offering much of any twists or surprises to the audience.
The action sequences in the movie were actually good and the car chases as well. And this level of action was definitely helping to pump adrenaline into the movie and make it watchable.
As for the character, well they were bland and fairly non-distinct. They were lacking personalities and background. It never really felt like that there were much of any character growth of any sort throughout the movie, and you never really got to know them either.
Now, Orlando Bloom was actually fairly good in the movie, though he had some good help from the likes of Simon Yam and Xing Yu.
The movie was predictable, and you knew the outcome of the movie from the very beginning. But with that in mind, the movie still does provide mediocre entertainment and is watchable once.
Not perfect but avoid and funny way to relax and chill
odufuyem29 June 2018
I have read all the reviews about the movie and I must say a good number of them were pretty harsh. It is obvious that the movie wasn't a Grade A movie however i didnt start it with high expectations . I would say I was a bit impressed and it isn't as bad as it is portrayed by a lot of people . It is something you can sit to watch if you are bored and swill totally enjoy. I guess people expected more from Orlando bloom but I will say the movie wasn't terrible
A short note to Olando Bloom
MovieIQTest29 January 2018
Mr. Bloom, I used to be your fan and liked some of your films, especially "Kingdom of Heaven", which gave certain impact to the depth of my emotion and the character you played also impressed me a lot. Your participations of all the films you've signed on never overlooked by me.
But this "The Shanghai Job" really forced me to call an end to pay any further attention to you, because this film only qualified for "straight to Wal-Mart B-movie DVD bin", not qualified for a generous wide release on the big screen. Please do not get involve with any film backed up by any Chinese production in the future. This film is just so pretentious and phony and so painful to watch, not just terrible.
Also, dying your hair into a blond only gave me such a pain to watch, it looked just so repellently unnatural. Your heavy South African English accent in this film also turned me off further. The story is so childishly ridiculous, the scenarios and the plots both laughable, the directing so mediocre, genetic and boring. All the supporting actors, some of them are veterans and reputed in mainland China or in Hong Kong, but they were also ridiculed and wasted by this ridiculous and childish screenplay. It's, like I've said before, so painful to watch.
This film is so bad and I really don't want to waste more words to review it, 'cause it's unworthy.
But this "The Shanghai Job" really forced me to call an end to pay any further attention to you, because this film only qualified for "straight to Wal-Mart B-movie DVD bin", not qualified for a generous wide release on the big screen. Please do not get involve with any film backed up by any Chinese production in the future. This film is just so pretentious and phony and so painful to watch, not just terrible.
Also, dying your hair into a blond only gave me such a pain to watch, it looked just so repellently unnatural. Your heavy South African English accent in this film also turned me off further. The story is so childishly ridiculous, the scenarios and the plots both laughable, the directing so mediocre, genetic and boring. All the supporting actors, some of them are veterans and reputed in mainland China or in Hong Kong, but they were also ridiculed and wasted by this ridiculous and childish screenplay. It's, like I've said before, so painful to watch.
This film is so bad and I really don't want to waste more words to review it, 'cause it's unworthy.
AN OBNOXIOUS SOUNDTRACK TO DISGUISE A TRULY AWFUL FILM
lopezpatricia-0613927 July 2020
This film is so badly acted it's wooden. And the so called high octane film is stupid.
Would you really employ 2 security guards one barely 15 and the other girl circa 19 years old. Essentially to guard pieces worth millions. They spend the majority of the film loosing the two most valuable items.
The Uber annoying soundtrack only serves to annoy even further. I was lead to believe that Orlando Bloom was a good actor. Not in this. Totally stupid film that will not hold your attention.
The Uber annoying soundtrack only serves to annoy even further. I was lead to believe that Orlando Bloom was a good actor. Not in this. Totally stupid film that will not hold your attention.
Absolute Rubbish
cam21-660-80160618 July 2021
Full Disclaimer - I could only stomach the first 20 minutes then I changed channels!
Badly written, soo badly acted it was embarrassing, I mean even Orlando was shockingly poor. Stupid (and I know that's not a very descriptive adjective but it fits) storyline, so convoluted - which you would forgive if it were well acted, but it's not!
There are absolutely no positives in this movie.
Badly written, soo badly acted it was embarrassing, I mean even Orlando was shockingly poor. Stupid (and I know that's not a very descriptive adjective but it fits) storyline, so convoluted - which you would forgive if it were well acted, but it's not!
There are absolutely no positives in this movie.
Can't Recommend
larrys33 October 2018
Orlando Bloom portrays the head of a Shanghai security company specializing in protecting valuable art work being transported from country to country. After a priceless Van Gogh is stolen from his possession about a year before, he's given a second chance by a Shanghai museum to transport a most valuable and last of its kind vase. Of course, things will not go according to plan.
This film just came across to me as amateurish and non-believable with stilted dialogue as well. Numerous chases and martial arts scenes are very predictable. Also, could someone have gotten Bloom a band-aid for that bloody forehead gash he was sporting almost the entire movie?
Overall, can't recommend.
This film just came across to me as amateurish and non-believable with stilted dialogue as well. Numerous chases and martial arts scenes are very predictable. Also, could someone have gotten Bloom a band-aid for that bloody forehead gash he was sporting almost the entire movie?
Overall, can't recommend.
Orlando Balloon - Actor
gbkimberley30 January 2018
Considered amongst many film critics to be the very best at convincingly portraying a piece of very thin, soaking wet, tissue paper and possessing the emotional range of a balloon with a face drawn on it, Orlando Balloon has proven time and time again that you don't actually need to be able to act in order to be successfully mistaken for an actor.
In this latest offering he succeeds spectacularly in proving so again. The addition this time around of a mop of blonde hair and a selection of small cuts to his face and various 'hero' poses, all fail in adding any real depth to his standard facial expression or to this flop. It's dire.
Fortunately for all concerned, Orlando cannot confirm what his next role might be and it really isn't worth watching this movie to see for yourself why that is.
In this latest offering he succeeds spectacularly in proving so again. The addition this time around of a mop of blonde hair and a selection of small cuts to his face and various 'hero' poses, all fail in adding any real depth to his standard facial expression or to this flop. It's dire.
Fortunately for all concerned, Orlando cannot confirm what his next role might be and it really isn't worth watching this movie to see for yourself why that is.
There a lot going on, but too much of it is silly
wwkirk7 January 2020
The plot is both convoluted and dumb. That's it's biggest flaw. The characters regularly make ridiculous decisions. And even though a security firm is featured, its absurdly small for the assignments it takes on.
It's an action movie, but as it is set in contemporary China, no firearms are involved. This detail needn't have had a negative impact, however, if it featured decent martial arts. But while there is plenty of hand to hand combat, it's pretty generic in style. It's not particularly entertaining, and doesn't involve the kinds of martial arts maneuvers fans of martial arts themed films would expect to see.
Almost the entire cast is Chinese. Also, a large percentage of them appear to be quite young. In addition, the entire movie takes place in China. Yet the director and screenwriter are both Westerners. So it's unclear who the target audience is supposed to be. Chinese, or more specifically, Chinese youth? If so, the film might have been more effective if the screenwriter were either Chinese, or deeply familiar with the tastes of that country. Then again, Orlando Bloom is a Brit, so maybe the intended audience is British or Western?
Perhaps the best thing about the film is that many of the actors are quite good looking.
It's an action movie, but as it is set in contemporary China, no firearms are involved. This detail needn't have had a negative impact, however, if it featured decent martial arts. But while there is plenty of hand to hand combat, it's pretty generic in style. It's not particularly entertaining, and doesn't involve the kinds of martial arts maneuvers fans of martial arts themed films would expect to see.
Almost the entire cast is Chinese. Also, a large percentage of them appear to be quite young. In addition, the entire movie takes place in China. Yet the director and screenwriter are both Westerners. So it's unclear who the target audience is supposed to be. Chinese, or more specifically, Chinese youth? If so, the film might have been more effective if the screenwriter were either Chinese, or deeply familiar with the tastes of that country. Then again, Orlando Bloom is a Brit, so maybe the intended audience is British or Western?
Perhaps the best thing about the film is that many of the actors are quite good looking.
Not entirely bad.
SpecialWeirdo1015 October 2018
As it is, this is a reasonable good attempt from director Charles Martin to enter the big screen.
He is experienced with TV series, and that shows, he struggles to keep it up for the entire movie.
He only gets saved by the Chinese actors whom does a good job, if you watch this movie because of Mr Bloom, be warned, he isn't doing his best job here.
The screenplay have some holes, not really big, but you will see them and think "why this?".
The car chase scenes are "fairly OK" , the fighting scenes are the same.
The movie are entertaining and there are not too many dull moments.
If Charles Martin had used a firmer hand on the directing, this movie could been amazing. But it ends up above average, so he cant complain :)
Ohhh and I don't want to comment on Mr Blooms gay look as a blonde...
7 stars, not a movie to forget to watch, but no reason to watch it more than two times.
The screenplay have some holes, not really big, but you will see them and think "why this?".
The car chase scenes are "fairly OK" , the fighting scenes are the same.
The movie are entertaining and there are not too many dull moments.
If Charles Martin had used a firmer hand on the directing, this movie could been amazing. But it ends up above average, so he cant complain :)
Ohhh and I don't want to comment on Mr Blooms gay look as a blonde...
7 stars, not a movie to forget to watch, but no reason to watch it more than two times.
Total crap
juvigy14 February 2018
This is a complete waste of time. Nothing is good in this film. Even Orlando's acting is mediocre. Fighting scenes are a joke. The script is total boredom. And the IT guy is so bad that it is paintful to watch. Hell , there is not even a sexy girl scene. As i have said in the title - this is a total disaster!
Entertaining and Fun
adamtgale9 October 2018
Despite what the critics say I really enjoyed this film. It's not super deep or loaded with thoughtful multi-layered dialogue but it wasn't designed to be like that. It was made to be a fresh, slick, enjoyable film where the good guys win the day. And sometimes that is OK! I've had my fill of movies that leave you empty at the end because they killed off the main character or put too many violent scenes in it. This is the sort of film you can watch, after having a bad day at the office, sit back, enjoy listen to the funky music and enjoy the good hearted characters succeed on their mission. And to be honest, I think Orlando's hair looks pretty cool dyed blond! More films like this please :)
Hmmm 🤔
antlee-848315 June 2023
Borlando Loom tries to play the role of Jude Law, playing Micheal Caine owning the role of Charlie Croker in this "star studded" movie.
This movie (from what I was awake to watch) would appear to be, a, sort of Oceans 12 - The Italian (original) hybrid movie with a Asian twang.
There's a car chase or 3. First one has a fight scene, a priceless "piece of art" (a vase) gets stolen by some crooks here. The vase get recovered and delivered to where it was intended but, there is a twist.....these people are crooked too OMG! Gun shots, name calling, kicks & punches and then revving engines and tyre screeches, I could hear.
Come the end of the film.... Creepy nerd boy - gets the girl he was spying on with his drone.
Team leader (Bloom), wing man and wing women do the typical driving off into the sunset(across one of the majestic Shanghainian bridges) - one SUV each. Bloom is set to go, off for their next adventure, but sadly when asked 'how are we doing?' into the camera which is situated around the internal re-view mirror, nerd boy is preoccupied with his new girlfriend, who's just said he can call her baby, as she brought him a glass of milk.
End credits scroll, some staged outtakes, more end credits.
It finally ended.
This movie (from what I was awake to watch) would appear to be, a, sort of Oceans 12 - The Italian (original) hybrid movie with a Asian twang.
There's a car chase or 3. First one has a fight scene, a priceless "piece of art" (a vase) gets stolen by some crooks here. The vase get recovered and delivered to where it was intended but, there is a twist.....these people are crooked too OMG! Gun shots, name calling, kicks & punches and then revving engines and tyre screeches, I could hear.
Come the end of the film.... Creepy nerd boy - gets the girl he was spying on with his drone.
Team leader (Bloom), wing man and wing women do the typical driving off into the sunset(across one of the majestic Shanghainian bridges) - one SUV each. Bloom is set to go, off for their next adventure, but sadly when asked 'how are we doing?' into the camera which is situated around the internal re-view mirror, nerd boy is preoccupied with his new girlfriend, who's just said he can call her baby, as she brought him a glass of milk.
End credits scroll, some staged outtakes, more end credits.
It finally ended.
Dumb Chase
daverpdx1 June 2021
What's the meaning of the the SMART acronym? Beats me folks, but it sure as heck isn't Stunning, Magnificent And Really Terrific. There isn't a flicker of intelligence in the entire script, yet the title isn't completely misleading. There really is a chase scene.
Let's just say Orlando doesn't exactly bloom in this seemingly made-for-Chinese-television antithesis of entertainment.
Let's just say Orlando doesn't exactly bloom in this seemingly made-for-Chinese-television antithesis of entertainment.
Orlando Bloom not even he can make a bad film good
neillegladwin8 July 2020
I think Mr Bloom will want to forget this film in a hurry. Poor attempt at making a trendy film. It is like putting a box of eggs and a bag of sugar into a bowl and expecting a meringue to appear. They had all the right ingredients but no cohesion. Very poor and contrived.
Total Crap! Total Crap! Total Crap! Total Crap!
hare-krshn19 February 2018
This is a total disaster, being this film is chinese, supposed to be highest kungfu quality, however with this Orlando presence, this kind of action (fighting scene) cannot be considered. tOtAL catastrophe...tOtAL BOREdom...kind of cat and mouse chase story!
Ridiculous Story
roopesh-chandra-bose17 November 2020
That's 90 mins my life I won't get back...
Actually they forgot that a movie needs a plot...
And oh yes, having actors really helps...
I tried to wash out my eyes with soap after watching this, I mean anything to forget the scenes burned into my brain... The scars will remain forever...
I really need to stop there and move on ...
I really need to stop there and move on ...
It is not very interesting
Gordon-116 October 2018
This film tells the story of a security expert who is ambushed during a job to protect a vase from Shanghai to London.
Even though it is a proper heist film, it lacks intensity and thrill. It somehow does not seem very believable or engaging, but I can't exactly pinpoint what is wrong with it. Perhaps it is because of its constant need to impress viewers with its fancy cars, posh real estates and high tech gadgets.
Even though it is a proper heist film, it lacks intensity and thrill. It somehow does not seem very believable or engaging, but I can't exactly pinpoint what is wrong with it. Perhaps it is because of its constant need to impress viewers with its fancy cars, posh real estates and high tech gadgets.
Saddening
antinea-9692827 July 2018
Not Too Bad!
markaportman2 August 2020
I've read all the reviews on this film, and to be honest it's not that bad. Yes it's no Die Hard, but the action scenes and chases were quite good. I had an added interest because I lived in Shanghai for a few years and enjoyed watching the scenery, plus I've had a drink or two in Bar Rouge which is what is used for the rooftop bar scenes.
I love this city
nogodnomasters11 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Danny Stratton (Orlando Bloom) runs a security firm that quickly goes down hill when they get robbed of a valuable painting. A year later they get to redeem themselves by transporting a valuable vase only to run into the same gang that robbed them the first time. Danny wants to get the stolen item back and his girlfriend.
This has your basic Chines formula with the expected Scooby-doo twist and Disney ending.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
This has your basic Chines formula with the expected Scooby-doo twist and Disney ending.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
Well worth a watch.
zoiee21 August 2019
The Shanghai Job didn't drag out and start slow. Within the first 5 minute there was an edge of your seat scene that hooks you into the story line. Yes there are subtitles but it doesn't detract from the film in the least. Anyone who enjoys a good action movie is willing to read a few lines of script. There are also a few good laughs throughout as well. Orlando did a great job and his stunt skills have only improved over the years. It's well worth a watch.
So Bad it Is Just AWFUL!
HighCountryBound2 May 2021
PLEASE! Do whatever you must...but at all costs...AVOID this dog of a film!
To say it is horrific is a VAST understatement!
It would be better for the world if S. M. A. R. T. Chase had never been made, considered, or even made it out of the brains of the screenwriters.
*If you decide to take a chance on this abysmal movie, just remember...you were warned!
To say it is horrific is a VAST understatement!
It would be better for the world if S. M. A. R. T. Chase had never been made, considered, or even made it out of the brains of the screenwriters.
*If you decide to take a chance on this abysmal movie, just remember...you were warned!
Cheesy Fluff
shenamere28 April 2020
The story line is quite predictable, the acting mediocre, the settings don't pick up on the beautiful sight views, the accessories like cars are also main stream. The tech is nothing special and there are so many holes in the logic of every scene. Huge dependence is put on the use of a drone flying above. Strange how the camera picks up the sound so convincingly, but guards and the bad guys never notice it. Basically lame. "Orli" must have been bored or broke.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
