The Shanghai Job: A Dizzying Heist Adventure

So, I just walked out of the cinema after watching “The Shanghai Job.” You know when you’re on a rollercoaster and you’re not quite sure if you’re having the time of your life or if you’ve just made a terrible mistake? That was me this entire movie. 😂

Orlando Bloom, bless his heart, tries his best as Danny Stratton, a security agent trying to reclaim some sort of dignity after a job gone bad. It’s like watching Legolas in leather, without the bow and arrows. But there’s something charming about seeing him fumble around, trying to get his mojo back. Anomalies like these are what makes film interesting, I think. This isn’t directed by a huge name, Charles Martin, and honestly, it shows a bit. The pacing is wonky, kind of like a Swedish meatball that keeps rolling off the plate, but you chase it anyway because, hey, it’s a meatball.

Now, the plot. It’s your typical heist-with-a-twist narrative, set against the neon lights and chaos that is Shanghai. The visuals are spectacular, but sometimes it felt like I was watching a commercial for luxury watches. And speaking of sound, there were moments the dialogue was drowned out by the hustle of the city, which made me wish the film came with subtitles – and I’m not talking just about the Mandarin bits.

What was super interesting though, and maybe a bit relatable, was Danny’s feeling of being uprooted and out of place. I remember when I first visited Stockholm after living abroad; it felt familiar yet oddly alien, just like Danny navigating the Shanghai streets.

The film has its moments – some clever action sequences and beautiful cinematography – but it does leave you wondering if it was really worth the ride. But hey, isn’t that life sometimes? You try something different, occasionally it pays off.

Overall, it’s a mixed bag, but worth a watch if you’re in for some light-hearted fun. Just don’t expect any deep, life-changing insights. Now, off I go to grab a fika, because after all that excitement, a nice coffee and cinnamon bun are just what I need. 🍪☕️

Check the trailer below