Shanghai Noon 2000
Directed by
Tom Dey
Made by
Buena Vista Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Shanghai Noon (2000). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Chon Wang, a Chinese imperial guard, finds himself on a dramatic quest when Princess Pei-Pei, whom he holds dear, is tragically kidnapped and taken to America. Despite his heartfelt determination, Wang is not among the three guards chosen by the Emperor of China to rescue her. However, after admitting that the princess’s abduction was partly his fault, he is sent along, largely as a burden the Emperor hopes the “foreign devils” will eliminate.
His journey leads him to Nevada, where he encounters Roy O’Bannon, an outlaw whose gang hijacks the train Wang is traveling on. When one of Roy’s gang members, Wallace, fatally harms Wang’s uncle, the imperial guard vows to pursue the outlaws. Armed with only his skills and determination, he ingeniously detaches the train cars to evade capture. Meanwhile, Wallace seizes control from Roy, leaving him helplessly buried in the desert.
While this is unfolding, Princess Pei-Pei, previously led to believe she was escaping an arranged marriage, discovers the grim reality of her abduction by an agent of the infamous Lo Fong, a traitor from the Forbidden City. Upon encountering Roy, who is still trapped in the sand, Chon Wang demands directions to Carson City, tools of survival in hand—two chopsticks—as Roy, with an air of sarcasm, echoes, “The city’s on the other side of a mountain.”
Crossing paths with a Sioux tribe, Wang heroically saves a boy from the Crow tribe, leading to a reluctant marriage proposal from the chief’s daughter, Falling Leaves. After an explosive encounter in a tavern ignites a brawl with Roy, both friends ultimately find themselves behind bars. However, Falling Leaves, driven by loyalty, orchestrates their escape, allowing Roy to teach Wang the art of cowboy life.
Upon reaching Carson City, the duo’s escapade takes a menacing turn when they realize they are both targets of Marshal Nathan Van Cleef, allied with Lo Fong. Sought after and cornered in a bordello—Roy’s so-called “hideout”—a drunken escapade leads to their capture. It soon comes to light that Lo Fong is the mastermind behind Pei-Pei’s kidnapping.
As they await their fate, Wang employs his wits to break free, with Falling Leaves shooting Roy loose just in time for them to evade a deathly hangman’s noose. Torn by betrayal after hearing Roy claim he wasn’t a friend, Wang rides off alone to find the princess, but their camaraderie soon rekindles when Roy bravely rescues him from Lo Fong.
Their final showdown occurs at the Carson City Mission church, where a ransom exchange spirals into chaos. As the three imperial guards deliver the gold for Pei-Pei’s return, loyalties are tested. Amid a fierce melee between the Chinese guards and Lo Fong, Van Cleef confronts Roy in a dramatic shootout. The situation escalates until Wang, confronting Lo Fong in the bell tower, cleverly dismantles the bell, leading to a climactic ending with Lo Fong’s demise.
Once the dust settles, the Imperial Guards, now swayed by Wang’s resolve, choose to allow Pei-Pei her freedom. Wallace’s gang soon storms the mission, calling out for Wang and Roy, but they find an unexpected alliance with the local Natives. At a Chinese cultural celebration, Roy expresses gratitude to Falling Leaves, sealing their bond with a passionate kiss as Wang joyfully grasps Pei-Pei’s hand. Finally, the duo emerges as the new sheriffs, galloping off to confront another band of train robbers, their friendship and adventures continuing to flourish.
Timeline
Track the key events of Shanghai Noon (2000) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Abduction of Princess Pei-Pei
Chon Wang, a devoted Chinese imperial guard, faces a significant turning point when Princess Pei-Pei is kidnapped and taken to America. This event fuels Wang's determination, setting him on a quest to rescue her despite not being one of the chosen guards.
Wang's Admission and Departure
Although Wang is initially overlooked, he admits that the princess's abduction stems partly from his actions. The Emperor decides to send him along on the rescue mission, hoping that the foreign devils will deal with him, portraying Wang as a burden.
Train Hijack Encounter
As Wang travels to Nevada, he encounters Roy O'Bannon, an outlaw, when Roy's gang hijacks the train he is on. This encounter leads to a pivotal moment when Wallace, a gang member, fatally harms Wang's uncle, igniting Wang's quest for vengeance.
Daring Train Escape
In a display of resourcefulness, Wang detaches the train cars to escape capture from the hijackers. This action showcases his ingenuity and determination to get closer to finding the princess.
Princess Pei-Pei's Realization
Meanwhile, Princess Pei-Pei comes to terms with her grim situation as she discovers she was abducted by an agent of Lo Fong, a traitor from the Forbidden City. She learns that her escape was merely a facade created to lure her into a perilous trap.
Wang's Demand for Directions
Upon finding Roy entangled in the sand, Wang boldly confronts him for directions to Carson City. Armed only with chopsticks, he humorously highlights his dire situation while Roy sarcastically suggests the city is beyond a mountain.
Heroic Rescue by Wang
Wang encounters a Sioux tribe and heroically saves a boy from being attacked by the Crow tribe. His bravery earns the admiration of the Sioux chief, leading to a reluctant marriage proposal from the chief's daughter, Falling Leaves.
Tavern Brawl and Imprisonment
After an explosive encounter in a tavern, Wang and Roy find themselves in a brawl that leads them to jail. Their situation takes a turn when Falling Leaves, loyal to Wang, conspires to break them out of prison.
Escape from Imprisonment
With Falling Leaves’ help, Wang and Roy manage to escape from jail just in time to avoid a hangman's noose. This thrilling turn of events marks a significant moment in their journey as they regain their freedom.
Confrontation with Marshal Van Cleef
Upon reaching Carson City, Wang and Roy quickly realize they are being pursued by Marshal Nathan Van Cleef, who has joined forces with Lo Fong. Their precarious situation escalates as they seek refuge in a bordello.
Discovery of Lo Fong's Plot
While hiding, it is revealed that Lo Fong masterminded Princess Pei-Pei's kidnapping, complicating Wang's mission further. As tensions rise, Wang and Roy are captured and must think quickly to escape their fate.
Final Showdown at the Mission
The climax unfolds at the Carson City Mission, where the Chinese guards attempt a ransom exchange for Pei-Pei. The situation devolves into chaos, forcing Wang to confront Lo Fong in a dramatic battle.
Wang's Clever Strategy
During the fierce melee, Wang ingeniously dismantles the church bell to thwart Lo Fong, culminating in the antagonist's ultimate demise. This clever strategy highlights Wang's resourcefulness and tenacity in the face of danger.
Newfound Freedom for Pei-Pei
As the dust settles, the Imperial Guards recognize Wang's bravery and allow Princess Pei-Pei her freedom. This moment represents a significant shift in loyalties and mark a new beginning for all involved.
Celebration and Future Adventures
In a joyful celebration, Roy thanks Falling Leaves, sealing their bond with a romantic kiss while Wang holds Pei-Pei's hand. The duo then rides off as the new sheriffs, ready to continue their adventures against the notorious bandits.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Shanghai Noon (2000) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Chon Wang (Jackie Chan)
Chon Wang is a determined and skillful imperial guard who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue Princess Pei-Pei. His blend of martial arts expertise and clever problem-solving showcases his resourcefulness in dangerous situations. Wang is driven by loyalty, courage, and a desire to prove himself.
Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson)
Roy O'Bannon is a charming outlaw whose carefree attitude often brings comic relief to the story. Initially portrayed as self-serving, he gradually reveals a more honorable side, especially in his friendship with Wang. Throughout their adventures, Roy learns the value of loyalty and bravery.
Princess Pei-Pei (Lucy Liu)
Princess Pei-Pei is depicted as a strong-willed character who finds herself in a battle for her freedom. Her journey from a captor's influence to embracing her autonomy highlights her resilience. She plays a key role in demonstrating the strength and agency of women within the narrative.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Shanghai Noon (2000), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Late 19th century
Set in the late 19th century, a time marked by exploration and the clash of cultures in America. This era saw significant migration and changes in social dynamics, especially with the influx of immigrants seeking a new life in the West. The tensions between Native tribes and settlers also frame the historical backdrop of the film's events.
Location
Nevada, Carson City, Sioux tribe territory
The movie mainly unfolds in Nevada, characterized by its vast deserts and rugged landscapes. Carson City serves as a crucial location where the climax unfolds, known for its historical significance during the Gold Rush era. The Sioux tribe territory adds a rich layer of indigenous culture, showcasing the interactions between the Chinese characters and Native American traditions.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Shanghai Noon (2000). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to the narrative, particularly between Chon Wang and Roy O'Bannon. Their relationship evolves from reluctant partners to close allies, showcasing how trust and camaraderie can be forged in the face of adversity. This bond ultimately helps them overcome challenges and defeat their enemies.
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Rescue
The journey to rescue Princess Pei-Pei serves as a driving force for the plot. Chon Wang's determination to save her despite personal obstacles highlights themes of loyalty and bravery. The dramatic rescue culminates in a climactic showdown, emphasizing the lengths to which one will go for love.
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Betrayal
Betrayal plays a critical role in the characters' development, especially as Roy initially distances himself from Wang in a moment of weakness. This theme illustrates the complexity of human relationships, where loyalty is tested under pressure, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and reconciliation.
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