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Plot Summary


Three years after the events of Rush Hour 2, Chinese Ambassador Solon Han (Tzi Ma) discusses the crucial fight against the Triads at the World Criminal Court in Los Angeles, with Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) acting as his bodyguard. Just as Han prepares to reveal the location of the elusive Shy Shen, a significant figure for the Chinese mob, an assassin strikes, triggering chaos in the courtroom. Lee, in pursuit of the shooter, discovers that it is none other than his childhood foster brother, Kenji ([Hiroyuki Sanada]). In an unfortunate moment of hesitation, Lee allows Kenji to slip away as Detective James Carter ([Chris Tucker]) arrives on the scene after hearing the commotion over the police radio.

While Han survives this assassination attempt, Lee and Carter make a promise to his daughter, Soo Yung ([Zhang Jingchu]), to track down those responsible. Upon her insistence, they visit a local Kung Fu studio to collect an envelope that Han had entrusted her with, meant for Lee should anything happen. However, they soon find out that the Triads have stolen Soo Yung’s possessions. Determined to protect her, Lee and Carter return to the hospital, where they intercept a group of French-speaking Chinese assassins before they can finish off Han. With the assistance of Sister Agnes ([Dana Ivey]), a French-speaking nun, they interrogate one of the captured gang members, who provides them with a name—Genevieve—and an address.

To ensure Soo Yung’s safety, they place her in the care of the French ambassador, Varden Reynard ([Max Von Sydow]), at the French Embassy. However, their efforts are thwarted when an explosive car bomb nearly takes her life, compelling Lee and Carter to head to Paris, suspecting that the address they received leads to vital information. Upon their arrival, they find themselves in a seedy underground titty bar, further complicating their mission.

Their journey takes a wild turn as they encounter Commissaire Revi ([Roman Polanski]), who brutally interrogates them about the purpose of their visit while they insist they’re simply on vacation. They also meet a disgruntled taxi driver, George ([Yvan Attal]), who begrudgingly agrees to drive them to the Triad hideout. During their escapade, Carter finds himself engaged with Geneviève ([Noémie Lenoir]) at a blackjack table while Lee faces deception from mob assassin Jasmine ([Youki Kudoh]). Just when Lee is cornered, Carter springs into action, allowing both to escape, albeit barely.

After a precarious hotel recuperation, Lee reveals the depth of his past with Kenji, explaining that they grew up in the same orphanage but ended up on drastically different paths. Lee’s resolve to confront Kenji becomes more profound when he learns from Reynard that Shy Shen is actually a list of the three Triad leaders known as dragon heads, and that Geneviève serves as Han’s informant, possessing crucial information.

Upon rescuing Geneviève from yet another assassination attempt, they are determined to get to the bottom of this conspiracy, but betrayal awaits them. Upon reaching the embassy, they discover Reynard’s true colors as he attempts to sacrifice Geneviève. Kenji calls to inform Lee that Soo Yung has been captured and demands Geneviève in exchange.

Lee and Carter meticulously plan the meeting at the Eiffel Tower, with Carter disguising himself as Geneviève. Kenji challenges Lee to a sword fight, resulting in a tragic confrontation that ends with Kenji’s demise as he falls to his death. Meanwhile, as Carter fights to save Soo Yung, he engages Jasmine, who meets her end in a dramatic fashion.

As they fend off the remnants of the Triad forces, a final confrontation with Reynard arises. Just when things seem dire, George intervenes, shooting Reynard and ensuring their victory. As the police arrive on the scene, Revi attempts to steal credit for their success, but Lee and Carter swiftly take their leave, celebrating their hard-won triumph with a victory dance.

Timeline


Ambassador's Discussion

Three years after *Rush Hour 2*, Ambassador Solon Han discusses the fight against the Triads at the World Criminal Court in Los Angeles. Chief Inspector Lee is assigned as Han's bodyguard during this crucial meeting where sensitive information is to be revealed.

World Criminal Court, Los Angeles

Assassination Attempt

As Han prepares to disclose the identity of Shy Shen, an assassin launches an attack in the courtroom. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Lee recognizes the shooter as his childhood foster brother, Kenji, leading to a heart-wrenching moment of hesitation.

World Criminal Court, Los Angeles

Promise to Soo Yung

After the assassination attempt, Lee and Carter promise to protect Han's daughter, Soo Yung. They assure her that they will track down those responsible for the attempt on her father's life.

Visit to Kung Fu Studio

Lee and Carter visit a local Kung Fu studio to retrieve an envelope that Han had designated for Lee. However, they soon learn that the Triads have stolen Soo Yung's possessions, intensifying their mission.

Kung Fu Studio

Intercepting Assassins

Returning to the hospital, Lee and Carter intercept a group of French-speaking Chinese assassins who plan to finish Han off. With Sister Agnes's help, they manage to interrogate a captive, uncovering a vital lead.

Hospital

Placing Soo Yung in Safety

To ensure Soo Yung's safety, Lee and Carter place her under the protection of French ambassador Varden Reynard at the French Embassy. They are soon shocked when a car bomb nearly claims her life.

French Embassy

Journey to Paris

Determined to unearth vital information related to Soo Yung's near assassination, Lee and Carter travel to Paris. Their arrival leads them to an underground bar, complicating their investigation.

Paris

Confronting Komisair Revi

In a desperate encounter, Lee and Carter meet Commissaire Revi, who demands to know their intentions in Paris. They attempt to act casual about their visit while desperately trying to gather information.

Underground Bar, Paris

The Blackjack Table

While in Paris, Carter becomes embroiled with Geneviève at a blackjack table, while Lee faces off against a mob assassin named Jasmine. This chaotic encounter puts their mission at risk.

Titty Bar, Paris

Lee's Past Revealed

After a night of escapades, Lee reveals his complex past with Kenji to Carter, explaining how their lives diverged despite growing up in the same orphanage. This revelation intensifies Lee's resolve to confront his former brother.

Unveiling the Triad Leaders

Lee discovers from Reynard that Shy Shen is actually a list of the three Triad leaders, known as dragon heads. He learns Geneviève is an informant with critical information about the Triad's operations.

Betrayal at the Embassy

Upon returning to the embassy, Lee and Carter find themselves betrayed by Reynard, who attempts to sacrifice Geneviève. Kenji calls Lee with chilling news that Soo Yung has been taken hostage.

French Embassy

Showdown at the Eiffel Tower

In a dramatic meeting planned at the Eiffel Tower, Lee faces Kenji in a deadly sword fight. The confrontation ends tragically with Kenji falling to his death while Carter battles Jasmine to rescue Soo Yung.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Final Confrontation

After escaping from the remaining Triad forces, Lee and Carter confront Reynard. Just as hope wanes, George intervenes, shooting Reynard and turning the tide of the battle.

Celebration of Victory

With the police finally arriving at the scene, Lee and Carter take their leave, celebrating their hard-won victory. They showcase a triumphant victory dance, marking the end of their perilous journey.

Characters


Solon Han

Solon Han is a pivotal character, serving as the Chinese ambassador whose life is endangered due to his knowledge about the Triads. His character embodies the themes of responsibility and political tension, as he seeks to protect his people from the unfolding chaos. Han's predicament compels others to engage in the dangerous mission.

🇨🇳 Ambassador 🔐 Secrets

Chief Inspector Lee

Chief Inspector Lee is a skilled and dedicated police officer who takes his role as a protector seriously. He is driven, resourceful, and deeply affected by his past connection with Kenji. His personal struggle with loyalty and duty is a fundamental aspect of his character arc.

👮‍♂️ Hero ⚔️ Fighter

Detective James Carter

Detective James Carter adds a comedic yet courageous dynamic to the duo. His street-smart tactics and humorous approach often lighten tense situations. Despite his charm and wit, Carter demonstrates unwavering commitment to his friends, making him an essential ally in their mission.

😂 Comedian 🔍 Detective

Kenji

Kenji is Lee's childhood foster brother who has taken a dark path as a member of the Triads. His character is tragic; while he possesses skills similar to Lee's, his choices lead him into a life of crime and betrayal, challenging Lee's sense of loyalty to family and past.

👨‍💼 Traitor 🔪 Assassin

Geneviève

Geneviève is an informant who plays a crucial role in the unfolding conspiracy. Her character is depicted as resourceful yet vulnerable, as she becomes a target due to her knowledge. Throughout the film, she exemplifies strength and determination in the face of danger.

🔍 Informant 💃 Femme Fatale

Setting


Time period

The movie is set in a modern timeframe, taking place three years after the events of *Rush Hour 2*. This period reflects a contemporary landscape characterized by global crime syndicates and modern law enforcement challenges.

Location

Los Angeles, Paris

The movie unfolds in two major locations: Los Angeles and Paris. Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for the initial conflict and courtroom drama, known for its bustling environment and Hollywood glamour. Paris, with its iconic landmarks and rich culture, provides a dramatic setting for the unraveling conspiracy involving the Triads.

🏙️ City 🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 USA

Themes


💣

Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, particularly as characters reveal hidden motives and alliances. The character of Varden Reynard exemplifies this betrayal by posing as an ally while orchestrating treachery against Lee and Carter. The tragic fate of Kenji also highlights personal betrayal, intertwining familial ties and loyalty.

🥋

Martial Arts

Martial arts play a pivotal role in the film, showcasing skill and discipline through intense action sequences. The characters, especially Lee, exemplify the principles of Kung Fu, utilizing their training to combat adversaries in thrilling showdowns that highlight both physical and mental strength.

👫

Friendship

The bond of friendship between Lee and Carter is crucial as they navigate dangerous situations. Their camaraderie is tested through challenges, but it ultimately serves as a source of strength. The movie emphasizes the importance of trust and loyalty in friendships amidst chaos and danger.

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